Looking for group rides in Western Mass

[ellspell]

I'm going to spend some time this summer at my parent's place in Plainfield, Mass. That's a teensy weensy town about halfway between Greenfield and Pittsfield. Anybody from around there? What are the good places to ride? Are there any group rides?

[Ridge Wrecker]

Check out Dubuque Memorial SF in nearby Hawley. There's tons of really great singletrack. Unfortunately there isn't an official map of the trail system there. You can get a map of the fireroads at www.massparks.org (ignore the trails shown on the map, they'll only confuse you) That will at least help you navigate a little. People usually park on the East side of the park as most of the trails seem to be on that side.

I don't know of any group rides that go there. However, if you show up on a Saturday or Sunday you'll probably find people in the parking lot that might be nice enough to show you around.

[woodsguy]

If you are around during bicyclefest (http://www.bicyclefest.com/Home.aspx) you can register for a day and ride with one of the many groups heading out.

[knwyman]

Get in touch with Superbman: http://www.nemba.org/forums/member.php?u=5297

He's kind of in that area and will know where to steer you.

[Superbman]

From Plainfield-two best areas are Dubuque, and the DAR-the berkshire guys are also handy.

As far as group rides-the only true/ open group ride in the region right now is Bicycles Unlimited in Greenfield (www.bikes-unlimited.com) 772-2700 on Wednesday evenings at 6:00. Most of their rides are in and around greenfield (Wendell, Greenfield Ridge, Toby and Deerfield Ridge all good to great rides). All in all, it's A Pretty inviting crew-Bob takes the beginner/ intermediates, and there is usually a faster crew and sometimes a blistering crew as well.

Drop me a line-I'm going to ride somewhere this weekend in your neck of the woods...

Liam
ginaliam@mac.com

[ellspell]

A belated thanks for your help, guys. I'm not sure right now when I will be in Plainfield, but it will most likely be for a few weeks in August.

Dubuque Memorial SF sounds great, Ridge Wrecker, I will have to check that out. Unfortunatley I don't think Bicyclefest is gonna fit into the family plans this year, Woodsguy.

Superbman - I'll check out that Wednesday ride, and I'll get in touch with Brad in the Berkshire chapter. I'll get in touch again before I head out there. Let me know if you find yourself in the Central MA area . . .