By Amy Juodawlkis

Twenty-seven riders gathered on a fabulous late August day for the annual Women's/Nonbinary Program Kimball's Ice Cream ride. All experience levels were welcome on this no-drop signature Program ride. This year, we rolled out in four pace groups, including a new 17-18 mph group! 

This ride has become a perennial favorite, and really, what's not to like?

A lovely route through Carlisle, Concord, Acton, and Chelmsford ...knowledgeable and helpful ride leaders ...enthusiastic and friendly riders ...ice cream!

Thanks to everyone who came out! Thanks especially to our faithful ride leaders, and to CRW for supporting the Women's/Nonbinary Program and hosting this event!

We look forward to seeing you in September for our program's Apple Ride. Date is set for September 22. More details will be posted soon, so watch the event calendar!

Name? Jerry Skurla

Town you live in (bonus: add where you are from)? Bedford, MA since 1992, grew up in Philly suburbs.

What led to you joining CRW and what do you enjoy most about being a member?  The organized rides was the draw, enjoy most is being part of a cycling community, which is why I organize the Spring Swap Meet every first weekend of May.

What is your best advice for a new club member? The best bike is the one you already own, so lube the chain and get out there. Knowing how to fix a flat provides confidence and frees one to explore new roads.

When did you become a Ride Leader? 2019

What led to you becoming a ride leader? Wanting to give back to ride leaders who have done it for me.  And arrowing during Wednesday Wheeler rides.

What types of rides are you planning on leading?  Single day on paved roads, Bikepacking 101 overnight, Willie Hume Pneumatic classic on September 8, 2024.

How long have you been cycling, and what initially got you interested in the sport? Started in 1970s to explore places seen only on maps, rode from Philly to DC and Harpers Ferry, WV during high school using youth hostels.

What is your favorite thing about cycling?  Floating up a hill in the perfect gear for that hill OR zooming down a multi-mile descent in the White Mountains or out West

How many miles a year do you typically ride? 5k to 6k

What is your greatest cycling accomplishment? Tough question: either the supported 1,400 mile ride in 2019 from Astoria, OR to Casper, WY or winning a points race at the Trexlertown, PA velodrome in the 1970s.

What is your favorite road or trail to ride on? Riding up Oak Hill Road to the Carlson Orchards Cider House in Harvard.

What is your favorite route to ride? Too many to narrow down.

What is your favorite post-ride food or drink? A Downeast original blend hard cider and pretzel nuggets with peanut butter/potato chips.

By Barbara Jacobs, John O'Dowd and Andre Wolf

Making sure riders are prepared for the ride you are offering…

Okay, you think this is a no-brainer, but what happens when you offer a ride on the CRW calendar and a person shows up unprepared and unable to complete the ride?

In most cases CRW rides are local to the Greater Boston area, are reasonable distances (20-60 miles), and have conveniences like stores along the way. CRW offers rides for all levels of skill and fitness.

CRW is offering more and more rides that are challenging. These could be adventure rides away from the Greater Boston area (Vermont, Rhode Island, etc.), gravel rides that are local, but not near facilities, or Devo rides that are long distance rides in a limited time frame.

Rides on the calendar should be described appropriately. This includes (but is not limited to) the following:

• The ride distance.  If you are offering multiple ride distances, that should be clear in the description and include the appropriate Ride with GPS route.
• The ride pace. This should include the average pace you plan to ride. If you have other leaders helping, include what will their pace be.
• Total elevation gain. Is it 1,200 feet of elevation or 12,000 feet of elevation?
• Type of ride. Is this going to be a no-drop or led ride with a sweep?  How will your keep the group together, by paceline or human arrows?  If this is a show and go ride make sure riders know they are riding at their own pace and there might not be anyone behind them sweeping the ride.
• Specialty ride. If you are offering a long-distance ride – make that clear.  For instance, let people know the ride is 150 miles and must be completed in 10 hours.
• Drop/No-Drop ride. A “No Drop” should have an advertised pace and the time limit. Make it clear that if a rider cannot make the time cut, the rider will be dropped.
• Terrain/topography. Clearly describe the route – flat, rolling, hilly, etc. Gravel/mixed terrain might include gravel roads, rail trails, and single track with roots and rocks.
• Type of bike. If you are doing a Gravel/Mixed terrain ride you should include a recommended or required tire size and type (e.g., 32-35 mm with some tread). An Adventure ride might recommend a touring bike or gravel bike.

Many CRW rides have this information in the ride description, yet people unable to complete or ride at the designated speed sign up for a ride anyway. So, what do you do?

It is essential that you put as much information into your Ride Description as you can, to make it clear for a potential rider.

A Ride Description should include the above items. However, if you are leading a challenging ride you should include text similar to the following:

This ride is for experts only. You must have ridden several imperial centuries, and more than once ridden over 150 miles this year. The ride will last at least X hours and participants are expected to know how to manage their energy level, nutrition, and hydration. Also, it falls upon the riders to come up with a Plan B in case they must bail out at any point through the ride.

Planning ahead is the best strategy. Bring cash, credit card, and identification (health insurance card is also recommended).

If you are in doubt whether this ride is for you, it probably is not for you. Send a message to the ride leader if you want to be considered for the ride but question your ability.

As a final note: Please remember, on a difficult ride you can tell a rider that this is not an appropriate place for them. Ideally it is best to do this before they show up for a ride, as you do not have time to deal with this and get the ride moving.

You can also look up their stats on Strava (assuming they are on there).

By Amy Juodawlkis

Calling all CRW Ride Leaders!

Our biggest and bestest century of 2024 is coming up October 13, the Cranberry Harvest Century!

Charles River Wheelers - CRW Cranberry Harvest Century 2024

We are looking for ride leaders for a variety of pace groups, for each distance. Riders love being in a paced group. It's more social, you go faster, and everyone has more fun. Help make this century our best yet! Pick a route, a pace, and a start time, and be part of the action!

Last year we had EIGHT ride leaders leading paced groups over four routes. Can we beat that this year???

Bonus: If you haven't led a ride yet this year, opting to lead a paced group will earn you the code to register for FREE!

Ready to help out? Contact a member of our Century team:

Erik D'Entremont  erik.dentremont@crw.org

Mark Nardone  mark.nardone@crw.org

John O'Dowd  john.o'dowd@crw.org

 

By Barbara Jacobs and Amy Juodawlkis

On a group ride, there are some cycling customs and etiquette points CRW expects riders to follow, for the safety and enjoyment of all. Riding safely in groups requires a mature and positive frame of mind. This guidance applies to all CRW group rides. Riding in a pace line or drafting requires skills and rules in addition to these basic guidelines (we will cover those in future articles).

In general:

• Always ride smart, ride safe.
• Communicate with other riders around you.
• Maintain your personal space, avoid close proximity to other bikers.
• Avoid sudden sideways movements; be predictable and always hold your line. 
• Be considerate of slower and faster riders around you
• Be careful, signal, and let others know when you are slowing or stopping.
• Learn how to safely pass and be passed, both critical skills.
• Remember that we are riding for fun!

Let’s begin with some essentials:

1. Get the info in advance: Before you join a group ride for the first time, read the ride description to find out how long and difficult the ride will be, average speed, what the route is like, if there are planned refueling stops, and other important info. Contact the ride leader directly if you have any questions not covered in the ride description.
2. Come prepared: Make sure you have adequate hydration and snacks for the whole ride, as well as a spare tube and the tools needed to change a flat or deal with other roadside mechanicals. Look at the weather forecast and make sure you have the right clothing for the ride. A fully charged cell phone, credit card/cash, and medical cards are essential. Upload the ride route to your device (phone or bike computer).
3. Respect the ride leader: Most organized group rides have a designated ride leader. This person is usually one of the most experienced riders in the group. Their job includes keeping the group together, safe, and harmonious. Follow the leader’s instructions and take your cues from them, as different group rides may have slightly different practices. Bonus suggestion: Thank your ride leader! CRW cannot exist without theses volunteers’ hard work and dedication.
4. Follow the rules of the road: This includes stopping at traffic lights and stop signs, and riding single file or two abreast (when safe to do so).

While on the road the following are important:

Communication: Talking and signaling to group members about your intentions and possible obstacles is important. Below are standard terms and ways hazards are communicated, but you may hear and see some variations in style or terms, depending on the group. Repeat the warning for those behind you. 

Signal and vocalize (loudly) upcoming turns, stops, or issues in the road;

• Turns: When the route turns, use hand signals appropriate for a left-hand turn or a right-hand turn. It is also a good idea to call out, “right turn” or “left turn,” as appropriate.
• “Slowing!”: There is something causing them to slow down. This could be a traffic light, slower bikes, or some road hazard.
• "Stopping!”: Planning to stop. This could be a stop light or major road hazard, so you must be prepared to stop.
• “Rolling!”: Moving again after a stop. This is your cue to check if it is safe for you to also proceed. (Do not use “Clear,” as each rider must decide when it is safe to get moving again.)
• “On your left”: Rider is passing you on your left side. You should never hear “On your right.” Riders should be riding towards the right side of the roadway unless passing, so there should no room for anyone to pass on the right. NEVER PASS ON THE RIGHT.
• “On your wheel”: If you catch up to a rider ahead, and suspect they may not be aware you are now behind them, let them know.
• “Car up”: Beware of an approaching vehicle and stay to the right/get in single file. When you hear this, repeat the call so that others know that you are aware of the approaching vehicle and to alert others.
• “Car back”: Vehicle coming up from behind. Move to the right/get in single file as safely possible to allow them to pass. Repeat the call so others ahead of you are aware.
• Obstacles to the side: Call out the specific obstacle, while tapping your hip or waving your hand in toward your body, on the side of the obstacle (e.g., mailbox, parked car, etc.). Be prepared to avoid these hazards without swerving into other riders.
• “Car right (or left)”: A car is turning onto the roadway from the group’s right (or left).
• “Runner (or walker) up”: A pedestrian is in the roadway; give as wide a berth as safely able, to avoid collisions.
• Obstacles on the ground: Point out and vocalize obstacles on the road that could cause flat tires or crashes if not avoided. For example, “Hole!,” “Bumps!,” “Glass!,” “Road kill!”, etc. Be prepared to avoid these hazards without swerving into other riders.
• “Crack”: There is a crack parallel to your direction of travel. These cracks can catch your wheel and cause a spill. Many riders will wave their left or right arm forward and back with their palm facing their body to let riders behind know which side the crack is on. Pass the warning back while signaling with one hand if you can. Spot the crack and move over if needed, as smoothly as possible to avoid it.
• “Gravel”: Gravel on the road, or on the side of the road; signaled by waving hand, palm down, over the side with the gravel. Ride around the gravel, when possible, although you may be able to ride through it safely if you hold a straight line. Gravel in a corner warrants caution when turning. Slow down and keep the bike more upright by pushing with the outside hand as you steer through the turn.

Positioning: When riding close together, it is important to position yourself and your bike properly to keep everyone safe:

• Never overlap wheels with another rider. This is dangerous and could lead to a crash.
• Hold your line – do not make any sudden movements, changes in speed, or deviations in your trajectory. Be predictable, so the riders around you feel comfortable and everyone can ride safely.     

Passing: Passing on a bicycle is a two-way process. Generally, the person passing has primary responsibility for a safe pass; however, both the “passer” and “passee” have a few simple responsibilities to make a pass safe and friendly.

The passee(s) should:

• Be aware of approaching riders (look behind and listen!); consolidate to single file to allow a safe pass;
• Acknowledge calls to pass; saying “Thank You” is a GREAT way to do this!
• Maintain a steady speed and hold a consistent line - do not suddenly slow down or speed up as you are being passed, and do not swerve.

The passer(s) should:

• Check the road behind to ensure no approaching vehicles, making sure there is enough room to safely pass.
• Call “Passing on you left” after the other rider has acknowledged your presence.
• Move left to allow adequate space as you come around as you smoothly accelerate to your previous speed to make the pass.
• Allow plenty of room before pulling back in to the right to not cut off those being passed.

Be a cycling ambassador: As a club, we travel along the roadways and through the many communities along the way. Please do not hog the road; let local traffic get through safely.

The above rules of cycling etiquette have grown out of the need to keep everyone on the road safe while enjoying our wonderful sport. Thank you for adhering to these guidelines when you join a CRW club ride.

Some information for this article was taken from the Giant Website - https://www.liv-cycling.com/global/campaigns/road-cycling-etiquette/26307 and Bike MS: 2013 Cycling Etiquette http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/DocServer/Bike_MS_Cycling_Etiquette.pdf

Check out the CRW Code of Conduct for additional information.

Dear CRW Members,

As we enjoy the peak of our cycling season, we're excited to share the latest standings in our 2024 Ride Leader Incentive Program. Your enthusiasm and dedication continue to make our club vibrant and active!

Top Ride Leaders (A-CRW Member Ride Leader category):

1. Amy Juodawlkis - An incredible 55+ rides led!
2. André Wolff
3. Melissa Quirk
4. Barbara Jacobs

Top Ride Co-Leaders (B-CRW Member Ride Co-Leader category):

1. Sylvia St
2. Barb Taylor
3. Julie Stephenson

Notable Achievements:

• Amy Juodawlkis continues to set an extraordinary pace, leading by a significant margin.
• Sylvia St shows impressive versatility, ranking high in both leading and co-leading roles.
• We're seeing strong participation across the board, with many members contributing as both leaders and co-leaders.

Reminder of Contest Categories:

• Most Recurring rides led
• Most Non-recurring rides led
• Most Recurring rides co-led
• Most Non-recurring rides co-led

Top performers in each category will receive gift cards and free CRW memberships at the end of the season. Board Members are not eligible for gifts or free membership.

Get Involved!

There's still plenty of time to climb the leaderboard or start your journey as a ride leader. Every ride counts, whether it's your first or fiftieth! Check the CRW calendar for opportunities to lead or co-lead rides.

Remember:

• Rides must be listed on the CRW Ride Calendar to qualify
• Only completed rides count
• We appreciate leaders of all experience levels

Thank you to all our ride leaders for your commitment to CRW. Your efforts make every ride special for our members.

Happy cycling, and we'll see you on the roads!

Dear CRW Members,

We're thrilled to share an update on our new 2024 Ride Leader Incentive Program, designed to recognize and reward the dedication of our amazing ride leaders. As we approach the midpoint of our cycling season, the competition is heating up!

About the Program

Our Ride Leader Incentive Program tracks and rewards ride leaders in several categories:

• Most Recurring rides led
• Most Non-recurring rides led
• Most Recurring rides co-led
• Most Non-recurring rides co-led

Top performers in each category will receive gift cards and free CRW memberships. We're also recognizing new ride leaders and those receiving the most positive member feedback. Board Members are not eligible for prizes but will be displayed in the rankings.

Current Leaderboard Highlights

We're excited to share the current standings for ride leaders with 4 or more rides:

1. Overall Leader: Amy Juodawlkis is setting an incredible pace with nearly 50 rides led!
2. Top Ride Leaders:
   • Amy Juodawlkis
   • Melissa Quirk
   • André Wolff
   • Barbara Jacobs
3. Top Ride Co-Leaders:
   • Sylvia St
   • Julie Stephenson
   • Barb Taylor

Special mention to Sylvia St for showing strong performance in both leading and co-leading roles!

Get Involved!

There's still plenty of time to climb the leaderboard. Whether you're a seasoned leader or thinking about leading your first ride, every ride counts. Check the CRW calendar for opportunities to lead or co-lead rides.

Remember, to qualify:

• Rides must be listed on the CRW Ride Calendar
• Only completed rides count
• Virtual rides and non-riding events are excluded

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue through the season. Thank you to all our ride leaders for making CRW such a vibrant community!

Happy cycling, everyone!

By Amy Juodawlkis

The Cranberry Harvest Century (CHC) is a fall classic in Plymouth MA with beautiful routes passing cranberry bogs to Mattapoisett and back. Come join us for another fully-supported event with 4 beautiful routes: 100, 62 , 53, and 35 miles. The CHC captures some of the most charming roads in New England. It is also relatively flat and very manageable for riders of all abilities. All rides start at Myles Standish State Park in Plymouth and travel through the cranberry bogs in Rochester, Wareham, Carver, and Acushnet. Rides include rest stops at Eastover, Tamarak and on the beautiful wharf in Mattapoisett. You will enjoy food and drink at rest stops along the route and after party at College Pond at the finish.

Register now!

• Approval of June Meeting Minutes and several administrative items.

• Fiscal Update - The club is currently on budget.

• The club Privacy Policy is still being finalized and a final vote will be brought to the Board at the next meeting.

Updates from committees:

• Internal Operations Committee discussed the grants program.  There is a total of $5,000 allocated to grants.  There will be $3,000 for general charity funds and $2,000 for Century support by local non-profits. 

• The Rides and Safety Committee presented a Century Update.  Currently CTTC is active for registration.  The Cranberry Century details are being finalized and registration should become active soon.

There will not be an August meeting, the next meeting will be on September 8th. 

By Jerry Skurla

On Saturday, July 13th at 10 AM in St. Johnsbury, Vermont seven enthusiastic riders joined leader Jerry Skurla for an unforgettable bikepacking adventure. Among them were three returning Bikepacking 101 riders and four first timers at 19, 26, 71 and 80 years young!

Day 1: St. Johnsbury to Ricker Pond State Park

The first day’s ride covered 37 miles and 3,000 vertical feet, featuring challenging dirt road climbs, breathtaking hilltop views, and a picturesque long covered bridge built in 1927.

The adventurous route was both fun and challenging, especially navigating numerous large puddles on the Cross Vermont Trail formed by two heavy downpours that narrowly missed the crew. As the day progressed, the team arrived at Ricker Pond State Park in Groton, VT, where they set up camp.

The serene environment provided an opportunity for several riders to enjoy refreshing swims in the “water temp is perfect” mountain pond.

Dinner was a delightful affair, with everyone swapping stories of past adventures while preparing meals on a variety of stoves, from old-school white gas to the latest tech propane canisters and ultralight alcohol-fueled backpacking stoves.

Day 2: Ricker Pond to St. Johnsbury

After breaking camp, the group pedaled 9 miles up the Cross Vermont Trail to the Marshfield General Store for a hearty breakfast.

Energized and ready for the day, they headed towards Cabot, VT, home of the famous Cabot Cheese Company. The main challenge of the day was the climb out of Cabot to the historic Bayley-Hazen Road, which rewarded them with wide-open views of Camel’s Hump and the Green Mountains.

The ride continued with several miles of sweeping gravel roads leading towards Joe’s Pond, where the group took a break to refresh their water bottles and regroup in Danville. The adventure concluded with a cool, wooded 15-mile glide down the Lamoine rail trail, bringing them back to St. Johnsbury.

Overall the weekend was a resounding success, filled with camaraderie, breathtaking scenery, and memorable experiences. For the first timers, it marked the beginning of what promises to be many more bikepacking adventures!

If you are interested in bikepacking with CRW feel free to email Jerry Skurla at jskurla@comcast.net.