Conference noted::bicycle

    Local bookstores carry a book called "Short Bike Rides in Eastern
    Massachusetts" (if that's not the title, it's close).  The rides
    it describes that head North from Lowell are nice.  I don't have
    a copy, or I'd lend it to you.  
    
    Be forwarned, however, that very few roads near Lowell (or in 
    Eastern Mass., for that matter) meet your criteria.  Few of them 
    written up in the book even have a center line to cross!  Within
    a couple of hours of 5 p.m., most have medium to heavy traffic.
    They can also be pretty rough by California standards.  The book
    makes an effort to point out those that are more scenic and
    less-travelled, however....
    
    
    MATT  

I have several routes from the Sheraton Tara up the road in Nashua.
The ZK site is effectively equivalent.  Distances range from 10 to 100+.
Roads include scenic vistas, breathtaking views, all the euphemisms,
some hills, some flats.  If you're interested you can have them and
either modify them or come up here and ride.

ed

I led a club ride last Sunday which started in Bedford, MA and 
included Carlisle, Westford, Littleton, Ayer and Groton (all in MA).

This area is within 10 miles (or less) of Lowell.

There were 3 rides, 14, 30 and 51 miles, the arrows should still be 
there; I can also supply a map (hard copy only).

I disagree with Matt's comment that routes are tough to find in 
Eastern Mass, suspect these routes would satisfy your criteria.

	~Mike

    re -1
    	Use *caution* when Ed says breathtaking views.  They literally
    take your breath away getting to the viewing spot on the ride. :-)
    If you care to venture a little farther north, to Merrimack, (10
    minutes from Nashua) I can share some routes with you, in fact some
    of the shorter rides that include scenic farms, forest and pastures
    in Southern New Hampshire, can be found in the MKO facility base
    note.  
    						Jerry

    	Nashoba Valley Pedalers, (Acton, MA is the center of our riding
    area, membership usually ranging from 128 to a bit W of 495, from
    I-93 south to the Mass. Pike) will have Wednesday evening rides
    (about 10 to 15 miles) and weekend rides during this period. There
    are Saturday morning show and go rides leaving from the Sheraton
    Boxborough at I-495 and Rt. 111 too.  These are more
    social/recreational than training rides, so don't expect a grueling
    pace (although the Saturday show and go can be quick if some animals
    show up).   - Chris

	I've made it to Lowell with my bike in good condition.  United
	charged me $10 to transport it and the box didn't have a mark
	on it after the flight ( Modesto - San Francisco - Boston ).

	I have taken rides above Lowell using a map Nancy had sent me.
	Without this map I would have been lost.  The area is great;
	good roads, nice hills and drivers who give more room than you
	need.

	Does anyone know of a USCF race with a Veteran event this weekend	
	25 or 26 Jun.

	Thanks, Dave

    There's a race on Saturday 6/25 with all category's including Vet's.
    I know it's the Biddeford Saco Criterium in Biddeford, Maine, but I
    don't have any more details at this time.  For more info call Alice
    Peck (617) 244-1577.
    
    On Sunday 6/26 there are training races in Newton, Hingham, and
    Westfield (Mass.) which are all qualifying races for the Bay State
    Games next week (Citizens are the only ones who have to qualify).
               
    There are races 6/26 in New Britain Connecticut, Gilford N.H., and
    Springfield Vermont too.  So, looks like you have plenty of options!
               

There's a brevet, Newton to Troy and back.  If you're interested we
can find you more information.  No categories, no license required,
lights & navigational skills required.  40 hr time limit.  The lead
rider might only need 28 hrs.  Me?  Heck, I'll be glad to finish.

ed