By request, I am leading a modified version of last Sunday's Milk Room Brewery Ride again! The most important change is to the start location- now at the Rutland Recreation field. The roads are largely the same but reshuffled into a different order. I've also removed the section on the route 62, some of the bumpier roads and the technical class 4 road section.
Also, given the cold weather forecast, I've added a short route of 22 miles.
The Rutland area is Gravel Gold! The area northwest of Rutland was taken as part of Quabbin Reservoir project for flood control purposes, so the area hasn't been developed, and a very extensive system of dirt roads exist. There are also two excellent dirt rail trails in the area- the Mass Central, and the Ware River Valley. This makes for ideal gravel riding, with little but beautiful woods and meadows to ride through.
Some of the interesting sights on the rides include- the Barre Falls Dam, the Ware River Diversion and the Rutland Prison Camp ruins.
Distance options are 22, 30 and 42 miles, all starting at 10 am. All rides are >75% gravel with about 65 ft/mile of climbing. Also, the routes cross route 122 a few times. Use caution- the traffic is fast moving!
Please wear bright colors! While there is no hunting on Sunday in MA, it’s best to be extra cautious.
RAIN CANCELS! If the ride is cancelled, a notice will be posted by 10 pm the night before.
For food, please bring your lunch and enough water for the ride. There is no place to stop for food on the route.
New! (11/10/23 posting): Milk Room Brewery's beer pasture is closed this Sunday due to the temps, but another brewery (about 7 miles away) has indoor seating and a food truck, and, of course, fresh brewed beer! I encourage everyone to join me at the Seven Saws Brewing Company in Holden after the ride. Thee Taco Dude Food Truck is providing food. It is likely on the way home for almost everyone.
Ride Leader: Wes DeNering, 508-397-6450.
Routes:
Short: Rutland Rec 22 - A bike ride in Rutland, MA (ridewithgps.com)
Medium: Rutland Rec 30 - A bike ride in Rutland, MA (ridewithgps.com)
Long: Rutland Rec 42 - A bike ride in Rutland, MA (ridewithgps.com)
