The Plan: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5494294 NVP WW equivalent - Leader Fred Newton, Sweep Roy Westerberg, Joel Bauman, Gene Ho, others new to me Birthday Girl Julianne, Allan, David, Donald, Bill, x from Hudson for a total of 11 went off in a misty rain from Slater's in Bolton on a hilly route to/from Harvard. Long Hill wasn't so bad to start, but we got lulled into complacency with Codman Hill Rd in Harvard, only to be walloped with Sherry Rd (some dirt) in Boxborough to the joys of Woodchuck Hill Rd, which was at least paved. A brownie at the Harvard General Store restored some calories and we tried several massive climbs (Tahanto Trail Rd, Scott Rd, Bare Hill Rd) to bypass the lovely Still River downhill to Bolton Orchards. In full disclosure we did go DOWN Green Rd and Vaughan Hill Rd, with a bump UP Kettle Hole. We did have a pass at the aptly named Sand Rd in Bolton, totally ignoring the CLOSED ROAD sign. Turns out deep sand or sand covered with leaves can do things - but it's also soft, so no one got hurt. After that we had conflicting weather reports, but some folks, including the birthday girl, had to beat feet for home so 4 of us headed to the cars and the restaurant, one headed to home in Hudson and the other 6 stalwarts continued on the route. All-in-all a fun adventure. Picture at Slater's of David, Julianne and Allan. Pic 2 by Fred of Gene, Donald, Roy, Bill, Joel.