July 8th: Bradley Palmer Hike (Henderson's for Breakfast)

The pond at Bradley Palmer State Park, July 1, 2017

We have a hike planned for this coming Saturday, July 8th, at Bradley Palmer State Park!

First, we will meet for breakfast at Henderson's Cafe in Wenham at 7:00 a.m. Please join us for breakfast even if you don't plan on hiking. It will be fun to see folks!!

After breakfast, we will reconvene at the parking lot at Bradley Palmer. (Note: There is a suggested $5 parking fee payable by credit/debit card. It's a small donation towards this lovely park. If you have a Mass Parks Pass, you're covered)

There are a few route options available, starting with a 1 mile hike on the flat Healthy Heart Trail along the Ipswich River. Folks will have a choice to either turn around at the footbridge and head back, (for a 1.8 mile round trip), or continue on for a longer (3.6 mile) hike on moderate terrain. The paths are not difficult -- just less traveled and more interesting -- with roots and a few obstacles like mud. (You need to watch your step in a few places.) It's not highly technical and there are just two notable hills. One is approximately 100 yards long, (the length of a football field), and steep; the second hill is a more gradual climb to the top of Moon Hill. Each can be taken slowly. It's a fun hike that I think you will enjoy.

The shorter hike will take 30-40 minutes; the longer hike approximately 2 hours.

We will have copies of the map for you -- you can preview it here.

Just a reminder to bring water and have footwear/sneakers you can walk in. (We don't recommend sandals.) We'll have bug repellent, (Ben's 30% DEET or Repel's Lemon Eucalyptus), but if you prefer something else, please be sure to bring it.

If the weather is questionable, breakfast is still ON!! Rain or shine!!

Hope to see you on Saturday at Henderson's!

New directions; Moving towards the future

Preston Beach, Swampscott

Hello Cyclopaths!!

After careful consideration we are making a transition OFF the bike and onto the trails -- hiking instead of biking -- for the foreseeable future. A combination of factors has lead to this decision... busy schedules and commitments that hamper a consistent core group; a declining ridership and our advancing ages; distracted drivers; and dangerous road conditions. Safety is our primary concern, but also, we want to include all Cyclopaths who are no longer riding! Meeting for breakfast, followed by a walk or easy hike, will allow us to be more inclusive.

We are planning our first breakfast and hiking excursion for July 8th. (If something can be arranged earlier, we will post it.) Suggested destinations are Bradley Palmer and Willowdale (with breakfast at Wenham Teahouse or Depot Diner); Breakheart Reservation (breakfast at Iron Town Diner, it's fabulous!); or Lynn Woods (breakfast at Andy's, it's new on Boston St.). Further out is Ravenswood Park outside Manchester, Maudsley State Park in Newburyport, Halibut Point in Rockport, and Dogtown Commons in Gloucester! So much beauty to explore by foot!

We are also planning a Cyclopath pre-PMC gathering at the Cronin's during the first week in August. (Tentative dates are August 3rd or 5th, likely the latter.)

A few of you may question why we're moving in this direction, or maybe even feel that it's not our place to decide these things. Please know that it was a difficult decision and we are trying our best to keep our Cyclopath family together. Those who wish to ride on their own are free to make plans that work best for them. We hope to see you July 8th!!

Sincerely,

Tam, Gail, and Donna

It's time to ride!

Spring is here!! And so are our Saturday morning breakfast rides! Join Donna, Gail and the Prices this Saturday, May 13th, at the Beverly Airport, 7:00 a.m., to kick off the 2017 Cyclopath season!

Breakfast will be at The Depot Diner for anyone who wishes to join them. Safe riding!

Avram Hammer, In Memory

Nickname:  Av
Year you became a Cyclopath: 1974 (before Creation)
Claim to Fame: I created the name "Steve-Bob"
Favorite ride on the North Shore: Used to be Wallis Sands Beach; now it's Beverly Airport.
Favorite Breakfast Spot: See above.
What bike do you ride?  Lotus '82; Burley '99.
Has Drew named your bike? Lotus Levi
Brief cycling background: Yes!
What was your worst day on the bike? That's easy; Labor Day 1986; Rendered unconscious by a parked 10 wheeler.
Favorite day on the bike? Also easy.  Wallis Sands round trip on the tandem.  Led the pack all the way back to Newburyport.  Wait ...  also a one way ride from M'Head to Ogunquit with a 20 mph tailwind.  75 miles in under 4 hours!
What is your favorite bike food? Fried clams.
Most likely to say: "I don't understand the question".  (That's what I'm most likely to say).
Least likely to say: "Silly question".
Hidden talent: They're all displayed.

Something we don't know about you but should:  I'm an open book.