To Wachusett and Back

Mountain Road, en route to the park entrance

The summit road to the top of Mount Wachusett is still closed, the thick layers of man-made ski slope snow still lying across the tarmac at several locations. I found that out firsthand by pedaling my ass to the entrance to the state reservation and right up to the first locked gate replete with snow bank deterrent. A walker informed me there were several more wide snow swathes up the way that would require bike-schlepping. Not for Dubstoevsky, not today.

Summit Road, April 9, 2016

It didn't matter. A big day in the saddle with more than 2000 feet of climbing. A cold day, mid 40s, though the chill was tempered for more than half the ride by a bright sun in a blue sky. By the last 15 or so miles, though, the sun was overrun by a gauzy cloud cover. But there was plenty of climbing, plenty of pedal turns, plenty of long empty roads, the pre-foliaged slopes on either side pillared by hoary oaks and etched with stone walls that once, perhaps, boundary'd fields.

Dubstoevsky on the fly

When the ride was in the books, I'd knocked off 42+ miles in the weekly quest for 63, the base number deemed necessary to achieve by DS Mawgs if Dubstoevsky has any hopes of a respectable showing in the Rasputitsa. With another big day looming tomorrow with The Virginian, it seems certain I'll reach the requisite 63 and then some.

Note: I averaged 14.3 mph over the 42 miles today. I'm content with that. Especially considering the day's venture required full winter regalia. With the temperature in the mid 40s, I opted for triple layering, including the chest-protecting paper bag. booties, and tights over the 3/4 length bibs. Tomorrow promises the same costume.