Wendell SF Kona-kenda Adventure Ride-July 1st

[Superb Man]

Whoa-I almost forgot, We're up next!

What: KONA-KENDA (Harpoon how I miss you) Adventure Ride!

Where: Wendell SF in Wendell, MA (Parking off of Montague RD)

When: Sunday July 1st! REG-between 9-11am.

We've added a few new trails since November of last year, and we're hoping to have one rather long, challenging new trail ready to roll as well (thanks in advance for helping us break it in!). All in all, should be the usually rugged loop of hilly, rocky single track with a few fire roads mixed in.

Jaime Schirer will again be serving up the same Barbecue (!) y'all got to sample at the Bear Brook Boogie (I'm pretty excited about the BBQ, myself).

We will have at least one beginer group ride option and probably a few opportunities to ride with a guided group as well.


I hope to see all the familar faces and plenty of new ones at the Wendell event.

Any questions, comments??

Send 'em my way.

Liam O'Brien
ginaliam@mac.com

[mad4mtnbike]

Never been to Wendell SF and I'm looking forward to the event! Any idea how long the Intermediate/Advance ride will be?

Mark

[hammerhead]

Mark,

The loop for intermediates will take between 1 1/2 to 2 hours depending on the speed with which one attacks the fire road climb at about the 2/3 point.

Not really certain of the mileage, or final trail selection, if that's your question - Liam and I were discussing some options last night...

The intermediate loop can of course be expanded with a more technical trip to the far north of the park for another hour plus if you are so inclined.

The advanced loop I expect will take at least 3 hours at less than race pace.

Harold

[mad4mtnbike]

Thanks Harold

I was hoping to get in about 3 hours of riding so the advanced loop sounds like a plan.

Mark

[Slappy]

Hoping to make this - ain't seen ya'll in way too long!

:rad:

[Superb Man]

You know, slappy we've come to count on you and your your high-flying cronies as one of the loyal originals. Looking forward to seeing ya!

Liam

[mad4mtnbike]

Whoa-I almost forgot, We're up next!

What: KONA-KENDA (Harpoon how I miss you) Adventure Ride!

Where: Wendell SF in Wendell, MA (Parking off of Montague RD)

When: Sunday July 1st! REG-between 9-11am.

We've added a few new trails since November of last year, and we're hoping to have one rather long, challenging new trail ready to roll as well (thanks in advance for helping us break it in!). All in all, should be the usually rugged loop of hilly, rocky single track with a few fire roads mixed in.

Jaime Schirer will again be serving up the same Barbecue (!) y'all got to sample at the Bear Brook Boogie (I'm pretty excited about the BBQ, myself).

We will have at least one beginer group ride option and probably a few opportunities to ride with a guided group as well.


I hope to see all the familar faces and plenty of new ones at the Wendell event.

Any questions, comments??

Send 'em my way.

Liam O'Brien
ginaliam@mac.com




Hi Liam:

Don't know what the plans are for the different riding levels/start times? Bear Brook Boogie was awesome but did have one flaw.......the Intermediate/Exert Riders were sent out last and by the time we returned (3+ hrs later) Jaime was all out of food. But I heard it was great! Maybe you could send the groups venturing out on the longer rides first......or maybe I just need to ride faster?!?!

Just a thought
Mark

[Superb Man]

Mark,

The loopsd will all be pre-marked and self guide-able so you'll start (advanced or otherwise whenever you register).

However, well have a few bneginner rides available (and a beginner loop demarcated as well for self guided beginners)--but those looking for a group should show up at 9am.

we're working on an expert guided group-with some trails (quite a bit actually) that are not part of the loop---but that is still not a go as I'm trying to get leaders.

Liam

[mad4mtnbike]

Mark,

The loopsd will all be pre-marked and self guide-able so you'll start (advanced or otherwise whenever you register).

However, well have a few bneginner rides available (and a beginner loop demarcated as well for self guided beginners)--but those looking for a group should show up at 9am.

we're working on an expert guided group-with some trails (quite a bit actually) that are not part of the loop---but that is still not a go as I'm trying to get leaders.

Liam


Thanks Liam:

I'll plan on being there before nine to catch a expert group ride (assuming you find some leaders), please keep me posted.

Mark

[jaime]

Mark, we did run out of BBQ at Bear Brook, & I felt really bad about that. We only missed the last 15 or 20 (hard core) riders out of the woods, but you guys looked hungry! My apologies for that. Hopefully, the planning will work out better this time & we'll have barely too much instead of barely not enough. We served over 120 lbs of smoked BBQ chicken at Bear Brook, which I'm pretty proud of. Wish we'd had 140 lbs, though.

This time we're planning on doing pulled pork BBQ sandwiches and chips. I'm getting a little help from Imploded (who's returning from the hinterlands for the weekend), and AA has offered to help with the prep and setup before he attacks the expert loop, so we should be able to do something that's a little more complicated than we were willing to attempt at BB for our first go. I'm going tonight to pick up the pork shoulders. Should be an awesome spread!

As a reminder, all the money donated by you guys goes directly to the PMC and the Jimmy Fund: my wife & I are donating the cost of the feast. We're hoping that everybody who partakes will throw in $10 (or more!) for charity. If you'd like to make a tax deductible donation, you can bring a check in any amount made out to "Pan Mass Challenge" . Thanks!!




Hi Liam:

Don't know what the plans are for the different riding levels/start times? Bear Brook Boogie was awesome but did have one flaw.......the Intermediate/Exert Riders were sent out last and by the time we returned (3+ hrs later) Jaime was all out of food. But I heard it was great! Maybe you could send the groups venturing out on the longer rides first......or maybe I just need to ride faster?!?!

Just a thought
Mark

[mad4mtnbike]

Mark, we did run out of BBQ at Bear Brook, & I felt really bad about that. We only missed the last 15 or 20 (hard core) riders out of the woods, but you guys looked hungry! My apologies for that. Hopefully, the planning will work out better this time & we'll have barely too much instead of barely not enough. We served over 120 lbs of smoked BBQ chicken at Bear Brook, which I'm pretty proud of. Wish we'd had 140 lbs, though.

This time we're planning on doing pulled pork BBQ sandwiches and chips. I'm getting a little help from Imploded (who's returning from the hinterlands for the weekend), and AA has offered to help with the prep and setup before he attacks the expert loop, so we should be able to do something that's a little more complicated than we were willing to attempt at BB for our first go. I'm going tonight to pick up the pork shoulders. Should be an awesome spread!

As a reminder, all the money donated by you guys goes directly to the PMC and the Jimmy Fund: my wife & I are donating the cost of the feast. We're hoping that everybody who partakes will throw in $10 (or more!) for charity. If you'd like to make a tax deductible donation, you can bring a check in any amount made out to "Pan Mass Challenge" . Thanks!!

Hey Jaime:
No apologies neccessary! You had no idea what the exact turnout would be and I'm sure the last thing you wanted to do was drag home a bunch of leftovers. This time I'll be sure to get back from the ride earlier, even if I have to start at 6:00am!

Looking forward to some good BBQ
Mark

[hammerhead]

Jaime,

I just want to publicly thank you in advance for your help in feeding the anticipated masses - If you need anything from us out here let Liam or me know.

I also want to remind all the riders coming to bring some extra cash to help out the PMC and getting some BBQ in exchange. We all know someone who could have been helped in the past, or will need it in the future. MTBers aren't noted for their generousity - let's change that perception this weekend!

Harold

[Superb Man]

BEGINNERS!: Hey All, I've got a leader for one guided beginner tour of Wendell--Going out from the registration area at 10:00am.

EVERYONE ELSE: with Harold's encouragement we've laid out a new route at Wendell-most notable because
1.it'll feature some new trails (but alas, not the mother of all trails-as it just ain't ready...)

2. It'll offer some serious opportunities for extended riding beyond the forest boundaries into leverett.

3. Those who've done one of our rides before might recall the one long, helacious grunt climb up to the lookouts near the end of the ride. And I'm sure you thought-what the heck is wrong with these PV-knuckleheads--don't they realize this would be a great downhill--why are the taunting us...well, we've decided we agree-The Steep climb to the lookouts is now the challenging descent from the lookouts (of course, now you'll have climb the hannah swarton....)

We'll be out all week touching up the trails for the ride so conditions ought to be great.

See ya all on Sundfay 9-11am

Liam
ginaliam@mac.com

[hammerhead]

My son Matt and I will be leading a no-drop medium fast full loop leaving at 9:30. (I'm the medium, he's the fast!). No drop means we will stop at all intersections and recommend bailout points for mechanicals or those with problems with the terrain.

We will cover the full loop in the park and if we finish in time the hero loop across the street. Matt has to head up to Coyote Hill by 1:00 so we will be back to park HQ by then.

Bring lots of water!

H.

[bdee]

Anyone have a guestimate on travel time from RI? I'm guessing ~ 2.5 hours??

[off piste]

It's about 50 minutes from Leominster, so I'm guessing that's a fair estimate.

[hammerhead]

Anyone have a guestimate on travel time from RI? I'm guessing ~ 2.5 hours??

Brendon - depending on what route that should be pretty close 2.5 hours especially early morning. Hope you can make it out.

[pk]

Brendon - depending on what route that should be pretty close 2.5 hours especially early morning. Hope you can make it out.

OK. Executive Decison: All Registrants with CT, RI, VT, NH or ME Drivers Licences get a free Kenda Tire, same if you live on the Cape since that's another planet! Just show your DL during registration.

Don't worry, if you're from MA, we'll be giving away a bunch of Kenda tires.

pk

[BigMac]

Can't wait to see everyone as the event should be great just as all the rest.
If anyone has any questions about any of the trails/ routes etc. be sure to stop by the info tent as Liam, Harold or Myself will be certian to answer any questions you want to throw our way.
Mark Courtemanche,

[peterdbikes]

My wife and I are heading down for the weekend. I plan on riding the beginner loop with her on Sunday. Anyone doing a longer ride on Saturday? Will the loops be marked by Saturday morning? I would like to get a long, hard ride in before the event on Sunday.

[Superb Man]

OK. Executive Decison: All Registrants with CT, RI, VT, NH or ME Drivers Licences get a free Kenda Tire, same if you live on the Cape since that's another planet! Just show your DL during registration.

Don't worry, if you're from MA, we'll be giving away a bunch of Kenda tires.

pk

WOW! I don't know if you all saw this or if it was lost in the forum shuffle--but that's a great offer, PK.

Liam

[Superb Man]

Well, harold, Myself and The Kid put in a long day in the heat yesterday but I think the trails are groomed (for wendell that is!) and prepped for the Sunday ride--weather looks good so see y'all there!

Liam
ginaliam@mac.com

[bdee]

I think I may be out for this - bummed, but 5 + hours of driving = one really sore butt!! Seriously, I'm thinking of just going hiking with Stacy more locally. I will make it to some of these events they're always a great time!

[hammerhead]

Come on Bdee - you drive nearly that far for a 1:20 race - coming out here you get to ride three times that - and not just three loops of the same course...

We'd love to have you come out!

H.

[bdee]

I know, I know, but I already committed to a Sunday with the S.O. Originally we had a rare chance to be on the water during the Tall Ships Parade in Newport but that fell through, so then I thought I'd go to Wendell. But then Stacy wanted to do something. She's been working as a lot doing grant writing etc.. with weekends included. So, since she's not working we're going to do some fun outdoor stuff. Hoping to hit Pedro's for at least a day to get out to W. MA.

[Superb Man]

And now-thanks to Harold and Matt-several new bog bridges! I tell you these events get's us motivated for some meaningful, high speed trail work!

The trails are in stellar shape--and it never rained out here yesterday and sunday's weather forecast is looking prime-so come on out the Wendellfest-ought to be great!


Liam

[YakFish]

I am going to head west on Sunday morning! Shooting for the group ride at 9:30. Can't wait to explore some new terrain. Thanks for the good info posted here.

[mad4mtnbike]

My son Matt and I will be leading a no-drop medium fast full loop leaving at 9:30. (I'm the medium, he's the fast!). No drop means we will stop at all intersections and recommend bailout points for mechanicals or those with problems with the terrain.

We will cover the full loop in the park and if we finish in time the hero loop across the street. Matt has to head up to Coyote Hill by 1:00 so we will be back to park HQ by then.

Bring lots of water!

H.


Hey Harold:

Definitely plan on joining you and your son for the 9:30 ride. I'll look you up when I get there.

Thanks,
Mark

[jaime]

So we got up at 6 am (hung over, btw) and got the butts on the smokers: here's some pics to get your mouths watering.....it'll take about 14 hours to get them finished, but by all appearances, we're gonna have some great 'Que for you guys when you get off the trail tomorrow!

[errollthin]

Nothing makes me happier than the sight of big black butts! Hey jamie where do you get the royal oak charcoal.

[hammerhead]

Looks really good Jaime,

And I must say, the trails do too!

See you in the morning.

Folks bring plenty of cash for the Q - remember it is a fund raiser!

H.

[hammerhead]

Hey Harold:

Definitely plan on joining you and your son for the 9:30 ride. I'll look you up when I get there.

Thanks,
Mark


We should be easy to find - sporting the new matching NEMBA wool jerseys. Matt's photo on the Wool Jersey Thread...

See you in the Morning,

H.

[off piste]

:D

Great time today at the ride! Harold, Liam, Marc, and everyone else involved in setting this up, thanks!! The new loop with the M&M descent and climb on Hannah Swarton really worked well. It was really good to see you all again, it's been too long since I rode there. Those trails are really breaking in nicely!

Mark

[Slappy]

What he said!

Thanks guys. My ass is kicked; time to hit the couch.

:)

[strangeland2]

What he said!

Thanks guys. My ass is kicked; time to hit the couch.

:)

What he said.... Thanks for the tour H. Im going to need a week at work to recover.

[off piste]

Oooops! Forgot!! Jaime, thanks for that amazing grub at the end -- it was my personal carrot on the stick for the whole ride -- just ask everyone who was riding with me!

[Superb Man]

I forgot I had a prize for folks-a certificate for two free passes to PEDROFEST!!

Tell you what-the first person--who went to the event (and I have the registration so no cheating!!) to PM me will win-that's two free passes for the whole weekend at pedrosfest!

I'll need mailing address-etc so I can get it to you in a speedy fashion!

the raffle begins right....NOW!

Liam
ginaliam@mac.com

[hammerhead]

Sorry I had to split before everyone was out of the woods, but the Kid needed to get to camp - as it was we were an hour late!

Those that rode with us, I hope you 'enjoyed' the ride. Great sharing the day with you all - and we'll certainly do it again sometime.

Liam, Jan, Jason, Shea, Matt - thanks for the hard work with the last minute trail prep. Jaime - the Q was great - hope you raised plenty for the PMC. Bob - the Demo Bikes was a great add to the day. And PK - you finally got to ride at an MBAS Event - What about that??!

Spoke with Bryant briefly tonight - he is really stoked by the attendance figures he can report for the park!

Night all,

Harold

[YakFish]

Harold and Matt - thanks for leading a great ride today! Definitely got in a solid workout. The trails were excellent and challenging and some nice scenery. Thanks to everyone who helped organize and do trail work for this event. Jaime and crew - BBQ was awesome and a much needed energy boost!

[mad4mtnbike]

Had a great time today. Harold and Matt thanks for the guided tour of the park and everyone else who helped build the trails! Jaime the food was awesome! Definitely worth the 1 1/2 hr drive to get there.

Mark

[errollthin]

Oooops! Forgot!! Jaime, thanks for that amazing grub at the end -- it was my personal carrot on the stick for the whole ride -- just ask everyone who was riding with me!

Let me tell u he ain't lyin!

[jaime]

I'm glad that everyone enjoyed the pulled pork, and happy to report we didn't run out: we're getting better at this!

Best of all, we raised over $1000 for the PMC: thanks so much to all of you who pitched in (some of you more than once)!! My family & I really appreciate the support.

Mark, Liam, Harry, & crew: that was a great event, thanks very much for including me & the fam. We had a terrific time, and all the riders I spoke to had good tales to tell (most of which involved getting their butts kicked in the rock gardens to some extent). The last 2 riders I met before packing up for the day were a couple, fairly new transplants from the midwest who commented that they don't have rocks like that in MO. I wanted to tell them we don't have rocks like that here either, except in the Pioneer Valley...;)

A huge thanks to my helpers for this event: Imploded, who took a day away from family to help serve 'Que, and AA, who helped prepare the pork on Sat, then met me early Sunday to help set up before riding the Expert loop, twice. He's a glutton for punishment....

[Superb Man]

Final Few thoughts:

1. Jaime-did you say AA rode the advanced loop twice???-Right on!

2. Sorry Folks-Strangeland2 nabbed the two free passes to Pedrosfest!

3. You know-these events, in th end are always so weather dependent.....What a Friggin' perfect day!!-low 70's, bright sun, no humidity-dry trails-ah, got to love that.

Just wanted to thank the 130 or so riders who came out, kicked in, and spun tires around the hilly, rocky glory of Wendell SF. I hope everyone had fun, enjoyed the barb-bQ and the good vibes. As most of you know-over the last 15 year Massachusetts (and Ct, RI, NH, ME, and VT) has seen a boom in trail creation and land access, a rise in responsible trail maintainance and a general elevation in the esteem in which mountain biking and mountain bikers are held-and this is due squarely to the vibrancy of the regional bikers themselves. To that end, I'm grateful to all those that come out and visibly and vocally support the work we do in our state parks-and enjoy the fruits of our labor to the fullest.

Anyway-I've got to go out and spend a day taking down all those Pink arrows!

Oh-New England riding rules-don't let any of those west coast bullies tell you otherwise!

Liam

[AA]

Jamie, great job on the pulled pork and even better job raising the $$ for PMC. Liam, what can I say, I liked the loop so much I had to ride it again.

[BigMac]

Jamie, great job on the pulled pork and even better job raising the $$ for PMC. Liam, what can I say, I liked the loop so much I had to ride it again.

NIce! Legs of steele man.

[Slappy]

Jamie, great job on the pulled pork and even better job raising the $$ for PMC. Liam, what can I say, I liked the loop so much I had to ride it again.

Nice! It was all I could do to get back up the hill to the parking lot after doing it once. :o