Ride Noho's Autumn Adventure

A NEW ENGLAND AUTUMN is something to treasure. Sure it spells the end of summer but it brings with it some spectacular gifts: bright blue skies, chilly nights, the first fires, amazing foliage -- and of course, great road riding. You're fit, you're relaxed and all of your summer riding is about to pay off. Now is the time to have some fun and sample some of the best cycling that western Massachusetts has to offer.

Join Ride Noho on our Autumn Adventure, which includes two of our signature rides as well as a ride to Mount Greylock with a optional climb up the highest peak in Southern New England. As an added bonus, instruction on climbing techniques is also provided.

Attendees will arrive in Northampton by 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2008, and depart on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 15, 2008.

Sunday, Day 1 - A one-hour "Get to know you" spin

Meet in Northampton, the #1 small arts town in America. After checking into your hotel, we'll meet at 4pm and go for a leisurely one-hour spin to get to know one another. You can then relax and enjoy any one of the 50+ great restaurants that are just a short walk from the hotel.

Monday, Day 2 (Columbus Day) - 45-50 mile" warm up" ride

We'll breakfast at the famous Sylvester's Restaurant, located in what was the home of Sylvester Graham, remembered mainly for the cracker that bears his name. Following breakfast, we will head out for a warm-up ride on back roads to our mid-ride destination in Montague, the Book Mill (can you say warm chocolate chip cookies?). Fueled up and ready to ride, we return to Northampton on some of our favorite backcountry roads to a wonderful lunch at Sylvester's Restaurant. Come nightfall, the quaint town of Northampton invites you to spend a late afternoon of museums, shopping, and relaxing (naptime?). And of course, enjoy the restaurant of your choice.

Tuesday, Day 3 - 52 or 69 mile "Challenge" ride

After a hearty breakfast we will wind our way to the highest point in Southern New England, Mount Greylock, a place that MSN.com has named one of the "Top Ten Foliage Spots" in the country. No worries await you… ride leaders will guide you and van support will be available for snacks, to replenish water bottles and to provide on-road repair if necessary. After riding 52 miles and climbing a total of 4400 feet, you'll arrive at the Mt. Greylock Visitor's Center. Unlike in past years, the road construction on Greylock will prevent us from going to the top, but the views after the climb to the Visitor's Center are still magnificent. Instead, we'll do a circuit around the mountain that will give us great views of the beautiful giant in full autumn regalia. Triumphant, tired and satisfied, you can relax, ride back to Northampton in the Ride Noho van, and recount the experience with your fellow cyclists (that's the real fun part). After a shower, a well-deserved dinner is planned at a local favorite.

Profile of Tuesday's "Challenge" ride