(As told by Joe Lellman via e-mail)

We had five congenial, committed, consummate cyclists for today's SMR.  I apologize for the lateness of my organizing of this event, and I'm sorry that Jaime, Frank, and Madeline (finally spelled it correctly!) weren't able to participate, for various reasons.  We met at Pulaski Park at 10, and found Mayor Sciarra and a group of volunteers there, picking up trash.  We had Tim Pitkin, Brent A., Shawn L., Wendy K., and me.  We rolled out from the Park at 10:08, and headed through town to pick up the rail trail and cross over the river.  We picked up Bay Rd and took it to Hulst Rd.  Ultimately, we made the biggest climb of the day on Gulf Rd.  Very scenic, with minimal traffic.  Then, down to Rte 202, where we headed north and paused at the Pelham overlook (see enclosed photo).  Traffic on 202 wasn't great with fast moving cars and a lot of drivers who hadn't gotten the memo about the Vulnerable Road Users Law.  From there, we continued north and turned left on Prescott Rd, which was the second hill of the day.  Gradients up to 12.5%, and quite a bit of 9 and 10 %.  Then, down to Lake Wyola and down North Leverett Rd to Cave Hill Rd, which was our third hill.  The pace was pretty steady throughout and the group worked well together.  We made a quick pit stop at Cushman Market, then came home on Pine St, Knightly, and Rte 47.  It was a really solid ride, and everyone seemed to like the route.  I had 56.5 miles and just shy of 3,000 feet of elevation, and a little less than 3 and a half hours, from my home in Florence.