by It was destiny.
I had been planning a route around the Quabbin Reservoir a few weeks ago. I was still tired from the Pan Mass Challenge, so I shelved the idea. Then John S sent me a message. “What do you think about this route for Sunday?” It was a route around the Quabbin Reservoir. Destiny was calling.
John’s route was 58 miles and mine was 98 miles. There was some negotiation. I went to work finding ways to shorten the route, while still riding excellent roads. Seventy-six was the magic number of miles. 5300 was the scary number. That was the estimated climbing elevation.
As for the guest list, we cast a wider net. We knew many people were on vacation and we assumed not many people would want to drive 90 minutes to start a bike ride. John and I were prepared to ride alone. To our surprise, nine other adventure-seeking souls joined us.
Steven, Jim, Jarrett, Doug P., JT, CE, Mike Be., Aaron, and Mike Bu. joined me and John S. at the start at Belchertown Middle School. Rain was coming down. A light rain. Just enough to add a chill and impair my vision.
We rolled out through Belchertown. Quickly, the roads started going up and down. An early descent brought us rapidly upon a patch of rough road and gravel as we had to take a hard right turn. Sketchy enough to get everyone’s adrenaline fired up.
At mile 6 we turned on to Gulf Road and the climbing began. It was 2.7 miles with an average gradient of 4.7%. Then we had a rapid downhill. While enjoying the rapid descent, there was the knowledge that we would have to earn it all back. We took a sharp right turn and the descent was over. Another big climb was ahead. This one was 2.8 miles with an average gradient of 4.3%. Everyone’s legs were feeling the climbs.
These were two climbs that nearly cracked me when I rode the Formidable in 2016. I remember passing a guardrail and thinking that it would be a good place to sit in 2016. And I did. I wasn’t ready to quit then and got back on the bike. Today, with fewer miles in my legs I stormed right past that guardrail
Finally, the roads flatted and we came to our first stop at Lake Wyola. Unfortunately, it only offered restrooms and warm water. Fortunately, the rain had let up.
By mile 20 we already had 2000 miles feet (in only felt like miles) of climbing in our legs. The hills became more rolling than long, sustained climbs.
We came to my first navigational mistake. I had routed us to ride on a dirt road. We re-grouped and navigated by feel along paved roads to get us back on the route and north to Orange at the top end of the Quabbin.
We pulled into a gas station/convenience store/Dunkin’ Donuts to eat and drink and replenish. Yes, I had some magical donuts.
Now we turned south, around the other side of the Quabbin. We hit my second navigational mistake. Old South Road turned from pavement to dirt road. Oops.
South we went along Route 122. Mike Bu. decided to get a bit feisty as we saw the Petersham town line ahead. He pulled ahead. John S. and I followed, pulling three across the road, cranking out watts. I pulled ahead and held off the two chasers.
Onward along the rolling hills. We still had not seen a glimpse of the Quabbin. On to 32A into the town of Hardwick.
Our third stop was at the delightful Mimi’s Coffeehouse. Delightful beverages, perfect for refueling for our last leg.
Then the group encountered a few mechanical issues. One flat tire. One broken chain. We were able to get going and pull into the Quabbin Reservoir Park. Seventy miles into the ride and we finally saw the waters of the Quabbin.
We scattered a bit. Most of us climbed to the Quabbin Tower.
We were able to all get back on the route and across the impressive Winsor Dam. 2640 feet long and 170 feet high impounding the massive reservoir.
From the dam it was just a few miles back to the cars. It was tired legs all around.
We had a few refreshments and some of CE’s delicious blondies to help us recover. We needed it. The route ended up being closer to 80 miles and closer to 6000 feet of climbing.
The roads were wonderful to bike on. A bit less fun to bike up. And there was a lot of uphill biking.
Until 2021, for second, annual Tour de Quabbin.
