We had 6 riders meet out @ Erwin Park in Boonville on a perfect summer day for this challenging and beautiful ride. The Black river was running low as we crossed the 1st bridge, also noting an old canal near the river. We followed along the Black river on flat and gently rolling roads until we climbed over a ridge which served up a 15% incline that was followed by a sweeping downhill to the Moose River valley.
We rode down a side dirt road to visit Ager Falls, where the attached picture was taken. We continued down to Lyons Falls, where the Moose joined the Black river and crossed over the valley to Turin, which provided one of the longest climbs of the day. Wind was almost non-existent as we continued on flat and gentle downhill grades to Constableville, locally known as C-ville. Then climbing again on the eastern side of the Tug Hill to Fish Creek Rd, initially our final significant climb to give us wonderful views of the Black River valley and quiet farm land.
We stopped at the West Lyden store for water, Gatorade and some stretching. One of the shoppers stopped to ask where we were heading and how far we'd come. after the friendly chat, he quipped about being too hot for him. The remainder of the loop was mostly downhill.
THe original plan was to do ice cream @ Stewarts, but that was trumped by some biscuit-sized oatmeal/raisin cookies, provided by Dave D's wife, as well as "lemonade" girl scout cookies from Mike L. Three of us returned back to the falls for a swim and lounging on the rocks before returning home. We all agreed that this one needs an annual visit.
Mark W.