PVNEMBA Adventure Series Ride...Will you be ready?

[GW]

Just a little reminder for all out there who will be partaking in PVNEMBA's excellent Adventure Series Ride, to be held at the Notch/Skinner Range State Park. We'll have something for everyone, except for one thing...level ground (other than the parking lot). :P
This ride will offer two two distinct choices...hilly but non technical (Earl's trails), or, for the advanced/intermediate, technical and rocky with choppers galore (the famous Batchelor Street area). Both of these loops will be approximately 12-14 miles in lenght, with 90%+ singletrack.., We will also have a shorter beginner's loop on the non technical side of the Notch.
If you've never ridden this prime mountain biking paradise, here's your chance to do it without the fear of getting lost.
Our last year's Adventure Series Ride in Wendell was a huge success with a fantastic turnout. This year's ride will be equally as good, maybe be even better, weather permitting.
So come on and join the fun, set your ride schedule for May 28th, Memorial Day Weekend, for the ride of the year. And just think, many of you will have the next day to recover.
GW ;)

[off piste]

Ooooh man! I wouldn't mind getting my butt handed to me on a platter by Bachelor Street again.....

[Superb Man]

Man-This ride is a little over a week away and the weatherman says that drier days return on Monday. Those of you who know Batchelor St-know how great this Topeak-Kenda Ride will be--and those of you who have never been to The Holyoke Range (aka Batchelor St.) should really make an effort to make the trip--grab your friends, your favorite bike and prepare for some of the best singletrack (and the some of the most challenging) in Massachusetts.

Rocky madness not your thing? Remember there's another equally great side to the Holyoke Skinner Range-what we all call "Earl's Trails" named after their primary architect. Where Bachelor St is Rocky-Rooty, Earl's Trails are sinuous and smooth. Miles and Miles of bone smooth, uber-tight, undulating single track weaving up and down (ok, mostly up ;) The North West quadrant of the Holyoke Skinner Range. Best part is, George, Pete and the boys have gone to great lengths to design two separate loops of 12-14 miles each-one on the Bachelor St side and one on Earl's Trails (yeah-there is that much single Track here--actually-there's alot more!!!)--the Super-Heroes among us will ride both loops.

Oh-and just because the beer sponsor is gone (ah, Harpoon how we miss you--I'm going to ask my local brewery-Berkshire Brewing Co- to take up the slack in the future!) doesn't mean the after party is gone as well-we have a great place (with cheap beers and really cheap eats!!!) set up to gorge the tired sweaty masses.


So mark it down and make your plans-this will be the ride event of the season--may 28 Memorial Day weekend. Come see what NEMBA can do for you!

Liam
ginaliam@mac.com

[Superb Man]

Man-This ride is a little over a week away and the weatherman says that drier days return on Monday. Those of you who know Batchelor St-know how great this Topeak-Kenda Ride will be--and those of you who have never been to The Holyoke Range (aka Batchelor St.) should really make an effort to make the trip--grab your friends, your favorite bike and prepare for some of the best singletrack (and the some of the most challenging) in Massachusetts.

Rocky madness not your thing? Remember there's another equally great side to the Holyoke Skinner Range-what we all call "Earl's Trails" named after their primary architect. Where Bachelor St is Rocky-Rooty, Earl's Trails are sinuous and smooth. Miles and Miles of bone smooth, uber-tight, undulating single track weaving up and down (ok, mostly up ;) The North West quadrant of the Holyoke Skinner Range. Best part is, George, Pete and the boys have gone to great lengths to design two separate loops of 12-14 miles each-one on the Bachelor St side and one on Earl's Trails (yeah-there is that much single Track here--actually-there's alot more!!!)--the Super-Heroes among us will ride both loops.

Oh-and just because the beer sponsor is gone (ah, Harpoon how we miss you--I'm going to ask my local brewery-Berkshire Brewing Co- to take up the slack in the future!) doesn't mean the after party is gone as well-we have a great place (with cheap beers and really cheap eats!!!) set up to gorge the tired sweaty masses.


So mark it down and make your plans-this will be the ride event of the season--may 28 Memorial Day weekend. Come see what NEMBA can do for you!

Liam
ginaliam@mac.com


And...it's a chance to ride with GW! ;D

[Superb Man]

And...the weatherman is saying really swell things about the wekend weather--make your plans now girls and boys--this ios THE Adventure Series ride to hit!

Liam O'Brien
ginaliam@mac.com

[Jisch]

I'm dying to go to this ride, but my kids are both marching in the Memorial Day Parade. It starts at 1:00, so I might be able to get up there for a 9:00 start and just do the techy loop. I'd have to be in my car by 11:30 or so.

Anyone else in this same predicament and like to join me for an early ride?

John

[off piste]

Still planning on doing it! ;D

[hammerhead]

I'm dying to go to this ride, but my kids are both marching in the Memorial Day Parade. It starts at 1:00, so I might be able to get up there for a 9:00 start and just do the techy loop. I'd have to be in my car by 11:30 or so.

Anyone else in this same predicament and like to join me for an early ride?

John


John,

I assure you, someone else will want to do similar. Those that want to do both sides and get through before the afternoon heat sets in will want to get going early. I suspect most everyone will want to start on the Tech side anyhow. Hope to see you there at about 9:00.

Harold

[Superb Man]

That's my plan Harold-I'm hoping to get an early start on the Bachelor st side and then-if folks are game-hit earl's side---If folks want to move along quickly and maximize time-I try to go as quickly as I can (but going quickly at Bachelor st is a relative effort!).

I'd love to have a a sizeable crew attempt both sides with--but yeah-bachelor st first is in order!

Jisch-I'm not sure where you're coming from-but we can definitely get the B--side loop done in two hours--if getting out of the woods by 11:00am works for you--see ya on sunday!

Liam

[Jisch]

Jisch-I'm not sure where you're coming from-but we can definitely get the B--side loop done in two hours--if getting out of the woods by 11:00am works for you--see ya on sunday!

Liam


Cool. I'll do my best to be there. I'll post up if I run into any problems. I hate having to watch the time while I ride, but I've been wanting to see those trails for a long time.

Its a bummer I won't get to be a hero...

John

[jakazz]

So i'm thinking of going, was looking at the skinner dcr map and couldn't really figure the routes from them. Wrong map? How Rocky? Is it rockier than foxboro? Any hints would be appreciated.

[off piste]

I've never been to Foxboro, but let's suffice it that Bachelor St. is -- interesting. It's not continuously rocky, but they made some creative use of some Biiiiiiig rock gardens in spots. I have a massive dent in one of my chainstays from my first visit from lack of finesse.

[Jisch]

I've never been, but this looks like my cup o' tea:

http://www.bikerag.com/images/MAPS/ma_holyoke_range_review.htm

John

[jakazz]

Hey that answered some of my questions thanx,

def gonna be there, I tried to get the dcr map for the holyoke range off the dcr site but having problems getting it, to much traffic or bad server? anyone got a link to another map? I got the one from bikerag but is a full topo and hard to read.

[kernel crash]

Will you be ready... to send directions to this god forsaken outback location???

[off piste]

http://www.mtbadventureseries.org/mtbadventure/Holyoke.htm

[off piste]

Hey that answered some of my questions thanx,

def gonna be there, I tried to get the dcr map for the holyoke range off the dcr site but having problems getting it, to much traffic or bad server? anyone got a link to another map? I got the one from bikerag but is a full topo and hard to read.


AFAIK the maps that have been posted are the best ones available. That's why this organized ride is a great opportunity to go out there and ride without having to go through the trouble of either finding a guide or learning the system by trial and error. I was lucky enough to have a guide to show me around a bit, it would've been difficult on my own.

[hammerhead]

The reference map for the region is the huge one - the dcr maps just don't cut it. You will not need any map this Sunday as the loops will all be marked.

As for the Rock. Think ledges, rocky spines, and large outcroppings as opposed to prototypical rock gardens, though there are some of those as well. The place is an absolute terror when wet, but the weather for the rest of the week and weekend looks like it should be perfect for riding Sunday.

[Superb Man]

The reference map for the region is the huge one - the dcr maps just don't cut it. You will not need any map this Sunday as the loops will all be marked.

As for the Rock. Think ledges, rocky spines, and large outcroppings as opposed to prototypical rock gardens, though there are some of those as well. The place is an absolute terror when wet, but the weather for the rest of the week and weekend looks like it should be perfect for riding Sunday.


I don't know about absolute terror-but let's say tyechnically enhanced when wet! ;D Nicest thing is it only takes about 10 hours for this place to dry out after even a heavy rain--and the earl's side is bone dry even during monsoons (that's not an exaggeration).

Also-let me add The two loops are not beginner vs. expert: but rather two eamples of two very different types of singletrack experience. The skinner (Earl's Side) is every bit as enjoyable as the bachelor st side-even for seasoned veterans. Riders with all different trail tastes will find a long enjoyable ride without being relegated to novice fireroads. Trust me.

OH-and THIS is the link to THE MAP-complete with trail descriptions and ratings!
http://www.hampshire.edu/cms_html/Holyoke_Range.htm

This web map is a work of art and a true treasure!

See ya sunday.

[Ridge Wrecker]

OH-and THIS is the link to THE MAP-complete with trail descriptions and ratings!
http://www.hampshire.edu/cms_html/Holyoke_Range.htm

This web map is a work of art and a true treasure!




Are the Earl's trails shown on this map? Where's a good place to start? I've heard of these trails but never knew where they were!

[mattb]

Liam,
Love to join you guys for both loops. Are you starting right about 9:00? I just rode the Batchelor St. side Monday night. The singletrack was in GREAT condition, very little water/mud. Actually, the most water/mud is on the access roads and parts of Southside. I can't remember which access road is upper or lower, but the high end of the one to the right (as you look at the map) above Technical Trail had about a 40 yard section that was completely flooded. Other than that, the trails were in very good condition and should be even better by Sunday with this weather! See you then!
Matt B

[MTBME]

"The two loops are not beginner vs. expert: but rather two examples of two very different types of singletrack experience."

So visitors to the park on Sunday will be given the option of doing one of two loops? (Or both) What are the distances involved with the two loops? xcountry or technical? Where are these loops in relation to the map link you posted? Are there bail outs?

[Superb Man]

"The two loops are not beginner vs. expert: but rather two examples of two very different types of singletrack experience."

So visitors to the park on Sunday will be given the option of doing one of two loops? (Or both) What are the distances involved with the two loops? xcountry or technical? Where are these loops in relation to the map link you posted? Are there bail outs?


The distances: 12-14 miles each loop (and ergo 24-28 for both)

Technical or XC: Well, according to the kids today both loops are thoroughly XC-nothing on either side that qualifies as Freeride or Doublke Black Diamond (every inch of these trails-even the most technical portions can be ridden with one's tires firmly planted on the ground.) However-each side offers a different flavor of xc-Skinner/Earl's side is smooth (not much in the way of rocks, roots or ruts), fast, tight single track (with some double and fire road mixed in)-the biggest challenge on this side is climbing, there are some incedibly impressive switch back climbs (and zipping descents)-really sweet stuff-a lot of local hard-tailers and SS 'ers lovbe these trails. The Other side-Bachelor St/ Holyoke Range is challengiing xc-lots of rocky rooty singletrack that undulates and twists enticingly around the hills. It's challenging, but only in a thoroughly XC sense i.e-the spandex crowd (of which I'm part) gets as much out of these trails as the baggy short rippers.

Either loop can be ridden in two hours by a reasonably strong rider.

But to the point--those of you who know these trails need no hard sell---those of you who don't know this region--listen!-We're talking about an area with over 30 miles of challenging, fun , well-maintained, LEGAL (!) single track right in your Massachusetts backyard-ain't ya curious. Set the date and come out--May 28 Sunday registration 9-11am.

Yee Ha!

Liam O'Brien

[MTBME]

One last question. Are both of these loops accessable from the same registration area / parking lot?

[Superb Man]

One last question. Are both of these loops accessable from the same registration area / parking lot?


Yes, Of course! Seriously-GW, PETe, Rich, and the whole Hampshire county gang have put in countless hours to set this up-they've run plenty of Adventure series rides in the past-they'e really on top of it. See ya on Sunday, Everybody.

[BigMac]

Liam....why are you not in sales????
Mark,

[Superb Man]

Liam....why are you not in sales????
Mark,


Well, so far, Mark-I seem to have been unable to sell you on riding this weekend--your my toughest customer!

Oh-we had a tremendous ride at Wendell last night--it's riding great! Oh wait! What's the sound, mark?? It's your brand new trance, lonely, cold, abandonned in your garage " ride me. Ride Me, Ride me! :" It's getting louder--oh, if only there was some sort of epic NEMBA event this Sunday in the Pioneer Valley where you could give that steed the work out it deserves, some place with an abundance of challenging single track, and possibly some sort of post ride party with Beer and cheap food--but Where? Where?!?

See ya Sunday!

Liam

[hammerhead]

What a beautiful area to ride.

I looked out from my back yard at the Holyoke Range this morning as the dawn was just beginning to break - reflecting on the fact that the Range is the destination for scores (dare we hope hundreds) of mountain bikers just 4 short days away.

With thoughts of sharing our bounty I headed north to work, detouring in Deerfield for an assault on the infamous 'Hills o' Terror' as a warmup for Sunday. It doesn't get any better!

H.

[jaime]

It has been suggested to me that my plan to bring a SS might be unwise due to the climbing involved; can someone local chime in on bike choice? I'm a XC weenie with no hucking skills, and like to climb, but will I need gears? Got a fair amount of road miles in, so fitness is coming around.

TIA for the advice....

j.

[hammerhead]

Jaime,

My 16yr old son has done most of these areas on his SS. I think it is his intention to ride the SS on Sunday. There are some hills that will be walked unless you climb like Ullrich.

He runs about 1.8 - 150 gear inches - if I remember correctly.

H.

[off piste]

Jaime,

My 16yr old son has done most of these areas on his SS. I think it is his intention to ride the SS on Sunday. There are some hills that will be walked unless you climb like Ullrich.

He runs about 1.8 - 150 gear inches - if I remember correctly.

H.


Your 16yo son was also riding at the front of the pack in last year's Petersham ride. ;D

[Superb Man]

Single Speed at Batchelor st?? Tough call-I know a guy who can ride it on a rigid fixed gear mountain bike (really!)-he's very fit and has real-deal trials skills.

Plenty of the comp edge boys crack out their ss's to ride these trails too

But-I can't say it's "Ideal" single speed territory--depends on the rider-. it would by no means be easy on a ss-but then again-isn't that the point of single speeds?

Liam

[hammerhead]

Your 16yo son was also riding at the front of the pack in last year's Petersham ride. ;D


And he's a heck of a lot stronger this summer than he was last...

H

[jakazz]

So i'm def there, ..But... I'm not sure which side i want to do, there is no way i'm doing 28 mi in a day, fitness not there yet, but is anybody gonna ride mon.? maybe i'll grab an extra day. I was thinking coming sat. but looks like rain in the morn.

[jaime]

I'm pretty sure I'll be concentrating on the non-rocky/smooth trails side of the park. Eh, I'll probly bring gears, tho the ss is a zippier bike...

Besides, der kaiser isn't climbing all that well right now, evidenced by Basso's 45 min lead....

[AA]

I'm pretty sure I'll be concentrating on the non-rocky/smooth trails side of the park. Eh, I'll probly bring gears, tho the ss is a zippier bike...

Besides, der kaiser isn't climbing all that well right now, evidenced by Basso's 45 min lead....


I thought we were riding both sides.... bring the geared bike and some snacks ;D

[bdee]

I'm going to attempt to make it for around 9:00 (should take about 2:30 hours to get out there from Prov.). I'll be on the geared bike (1x8), hope I won't need a granny gear.

[GandALF2]

Superbman, Hammerhead, BigMac (not the burger), GW, et al

The Petersham boys will sending over a contingent for the early start (9:00). Hope to see you guys there. ;D

Alf


"Fly you fools"
Gandalf - at the bridge of Kazad Dum

[rigidhack]

I was desperately hoping the new bike would be in for this weekend, but alas it isn't. (I've been assured it will be here next week. ;D) I'm aiming to be there on Sunday with my beat old rigid. I'm thinking I'll try the Bachelor St. side -but I'll probably walk a lot.

Not sure if I will be fighting a hangover or not - grad ceremony is on Saturday! (I am now officially Dr. rigidhack, PhD)

[Superb Man]

Glad to hear the hills of Petersham will be represented--see ya then alf.

And the rest of you--see ya sunday--single speeders and all.

[GW]

Hey kids,
Just preroad the Batchelor Street side. Other than one brand new blow down on Jacob's Ladder trail (the first real singletrack on the loop), everything is in fantastic shape.
There will also be a couple of extra loops on that side if you're so inclined.
On Earl's side, there will be 3 loops...A,B, and C.
You can pick and choose how much of this sssmooth. tight, contour flowing single track you'd like to do. Just have your climbing legs with you. ;)
See you tomorrow.
GW :)

[racerphil]

Hey, quick question. Is everyone meeting up at the Visitors Center first?

[hammerhead]

Yes!

The registration and gatherings are/should be at the Notch. Two reasons
First this is a benefit ride to help the park and the rescue squad. Freeloading on the ride is just in bad taste!
Second the Batchelor St lot is much too small for the expected crowd.

See you tomorrow!

Harold

[racerphil]

Cool, thanks.

[edge]

Sick ride. Best trails I've ever seen. Great markings. (I was on the tech side) Thanks to all that work on those trails. The rock work is amazing!

[MTBME]

I also did the "tech" side. As advertised it was all up and down but all ridable. Of course that doesn't mean I wasn't off the bike now and then. The high heat didn't help. My 12 miles felt like 20. I liked the smooth rolling singletrack about 2 miles into the ride. Allowed some recovery from the rocky sections. After that it was a nice ever changing mix. Just technical enough for my taste without the scary life and death element.

The parking lot was full but I kept running into the same 3 or 4 riders in there. It was weird. I'd pass somebody on the trail and a few miles later they were coming right at me. I had no problems with the arrows. Excellent job by the PV guys. I'd like to go back but I don't know how I'd make out without the arrows. I didn't get the names but the guy on the right had a few flats on the way. (Get a rim strip for those wheels) Several of us stopped to help him out.

[MTBME]

I also made the right choice in bikes for the trails out there. The Specialized was light and handled all the short tough climbs. I'd still be out there if I had a heavier bike.

[bdee]

Thanks to all involved in the event - it was a great time! The tech side was awesome, thx to Liam for showing us the non marked trail. Amazing trailwork out there, next time I'll have to get over to the other side as well.

[GW]

Hello from PVNEMBA,
First, I'd like to say THANK YOU to all of the volunteers that helped make this ride happen....
Terry Avery, Brian Towles, Darren Gainer, who arrowed loops on the Batchelor Street side .
Earl Alderson, Kylin Lee, and Keith Rehbein, who marked out Earl's side.
These riders, through their long hours,hard work and dedication, made this ride as fantastic as it was.
Mary Jo Maffei, for helping with registration.
Lee "Doc" Kane and Ranger Pete for parking patrol.
John Crescitelli for previous map design.
Rich LaBombard, for dragging out the chain saw early Sunday morning and taking out that new blowdown on Jacob's Ladder.
Liam O'Brien and Harold Green, for their verbal banter on this forum.
Philip Keyes, NEMBA E.D. and quite the master of ceremonies
Mike Smyth, Park Supervisor, for allowing us the priviledge to hold our event there.
And last, but certainly not least, the main creator's of these marvelous trails, Peter Vangel, Earl Alderson, and Eric Barnes. Our hats go off to all of the rest of you who have helped along the way.
This entire group made for a very successful day in the woods. (I apologize if I've forgotten anyone,)
I hope that all of you who came here to experience our little piece of heaven, got what you came for :P :).
Thanks again for the support. See you in the woods.
Ride Safe,
GW

[bigrubbers]

Headed out to the scene of the crime today and collected up signage from Bstreet to the notch and back, but due to an unfortunate event on the jumps on the new rollercoaster ext. mangled a foot. Back to the truck with a lot of signs but there is a whole loop still posted. It is the one from the Bstreet to the trail on the left with the old car roof at the entrance...over to south side and back out. If anyone can pull signs from that loop, much appreciated. I will continue to assume the position on the couch with the vicadin and beers.
Darren

[Jisch]

I did the tech side as well. I started off riding with Edge and someone else (Sorry I'm terrible with names) on a Kona HT (I'm good with bikes). I had to boogie to make it back in time so I headed off solo after making those guys suffer through two broken chains - yes two! My big cog is bent and I thought I fixed it on Sat night, apparently I made it bad enough to break chains, instead of just the occassional skip.

In any event after leaving Edge and the Kona HT rider, I caught up to some riders from Millers Falls, Jason, Heather and a guy on a Sette HT (Dave?). We cranked (for me) through the rest of the tech side. I had a blast, it was nice to see such well maintained trails. We gotta get our act together here in CT.

I got back to the truck at 11:40 and flew back to CT (going 80 mph most of thhe way), making it to the parade my kids were marching in by minutes. I thought I'd have time to go home first to grab a shower and some food, nope. I neglected to grab any food when I left in the morning, I went through the whole ride and the drive back on one Powergel. I got to the parade and my wife had a fully loaded backpack with water and a ton of food. My wife rocks.

Thanks to all who maintain those trails and who set up an excellent event. I'm sorry I didn't get to hang out after the ride.

John

[pilotdave64]

Thanks and kudos to those who made this event possible. I live close to the Mechanic St. access and am only familiar with the Batchelor St. side. I had never even heard of Earl's trails. What a blast; definitely going out there again! My buddies from NY had a great time as well and were impressed by what we have out here. When we got back to my house I hooked up the cam-corder to the TV and we watched the helmet cam video. Good stuff.

[jakazz]

So, speaking of the trail markings, I remember a map on the table of the nemba tent, is there any other copies of this map? Would love to get a copy for when I go back especially since the arrows wont be there. :P

[TA]

Glad to here all the feedback about the ride. For those of you who would like to ride the area again I would be glad to host a ride some Sunday (for $10 each for members)Just kidding.There are a few great trails that we didn't use that I could show you.
We are in the process of making some permanantly blazed loops and the adventure ride loop might be one of them. Hopefully we can get Earl to do the same on his side, I still get confused on that side.
As far as that map goes that was the only one and I don't know what happened to it. It would be hard to follow anyway because it only showed the trails used and no intersections.

Terry