Robin led an intrepid group of what eventually became 19 people from South Acton to Pack. At least 5 people (me included) had never done Pack. There were several non-NVP riders that came as well, including the Marino tandem uber-power couple. There was a lot of climbing to Mason and Temple to get to the entrance of Pack ($4 entry fee). The climb was brutal: 1.3 miles averaging 10-11%, lots of 13-16% pitches, with a nice 23% pitch in the last 200 m. I have now verified my maximum heart rate. Everyone made it up Pack, which was great. Thank goodness the road up is in the shade. Got to around 90F on the way back, which was brutal when we stopped. The lead group lost Ron M on the way back, which caused us to have to wait for about 20 minutes trying in vain to find him. Did some hard (for me) pulls on the way back. Great day with NVP. I am totally toasted, and praying for rain tomorrow. But I know I can do a century next week (King's Tour of the Quabbin).