New Helmet Tags are in the works with the current CRW logo and they will be ready for distribution in late April. The tags will include member first name in large letter format and member last name in small letter format. Each Helmet Tag will have the member's In Case of Emergency (ICE) number on them.

These are free for CRW members!

All members who have joined the club since January 1, 2025 will automatically receive a Helmet Tag. Others may request an updated tag via the Store on the website (order information coming soon).

Please make sure your information is up-to-date in your CRW Profile as this will be used to make your Helmet Tag. Information needed is:

• First and Last Name
• Phone number of your emergency contact (ICE) 
• Your current mailing address (Helmet Tag will be mailed to you).

If you have questions or concerns, contact us at communications@crw.org.

By Nina Siegel and Harold Hatch

The CRW CLASSICS Ride Series 2025

Welcome to the first edition of The Classics! This ride series is meant to highlight some of the “best of the best” routes that have been created by CRW Route Developers/Ride Leaders over the club’s nearly 60 year history. Familiar to long-time club members, some routes have been running annually since 2010 while others haven’t been offered recently. This season we are focusing on rides that feature 3 or more routes. With beautiful roads and multiple speed and distance options including a welcoming 10-12 mph pace these routes offer something for everyone in CRW.

Be on the lookout for upcoming WheelPeople articles featuring the Route Developer and/or Ride Leader and what it is about their ride that makes it special to the club. You’ll find notifications in Chain Link and club social media channels when the rides are posted on the Events Calendar. Please join us as we celebrate what our Club has to offer in its long history of riding.

AND NOW – OUR FIRST CLASSIC FEATURE!

Meet Lindy King. Lindy is leading her “Hills Are Your Friends” Saturday, April 19, 2025 out of Groton, MA – her home turf. Lindy keeps a busy schedule. Between her road cycling, Zwift training, and her non-biking life including her practice as a Massage Therapist (for which she is still sought out by many of the bigger charitable rides for her healing powers, even after she herself has ridden all day)! We finally had a chance to meet up with Lindy on Zoom March 16, 2025.

Lindy atop Mt. Greylock, Pain in the Mass (Fundraiser)

Could you tell us a little about yourself? How long have you been riding with CRW? What kind of rides do you enjoy the most?

In 1986 I moved to Boston for Grad School; met people who liked to bike; and soon after joined CRW on some rides. My first weekend bike trip with CRW was from Mendon, MA to Mystic, CT. I’d never done that kind of distance.

It was a lovely, hilly ride, with lots of riders. At dinner I met Jamie King – he invited me to sit next to him and it really was love at first sight. Two years after meeting we were married. (CRW Magic: Lindy met her husband on her first CRW trip!!!)

We lived in W. Roxbury for 11 years and did a lot of volunteer work with CRW, including running weekend rides, developing the Wednesday evening rides program and leading weekend trips such as the Tour of New England and Hills & Hollows. I edited the print edition of WheelPeople (there was NO internet remember!) Jamie was President for a while and VP of Rides too. He ran the 325-BIKE answering machine in our basement. People would call and listen to the list of upcoming club rides that Jamie recorded every week

We then moved to Groton and started family life. Two great kids but distance biking takes a back seat to busy kids. I found the Adventurides bike club and I could fit some short rides and learn the backroads in the time I had. I rode every road in Groton and environs. I was so thankful to have found that Club! Eventually the kids started doing their own thing and I was able to return to CRW and do longer rides.

History of "Hills Are Your Friends" route: What makes it special so that you want to continue to lead it?

This ride – all the loops, even this new 4th loop added for the 10-12 mph pace, has a few good hills for everyone! I strung together all the roads I enjoyed riding. I like to have 3 loops to bring many riders together of varying abilities. It’s beautiful to bring together so many friends, and to make new ones on rides! The rest stop in Hollis is perfect for this ride with plenty of space to be social.

The name “Hills Are Your Friends” came from my friend Bill from Adventurides. He always used to say that and I love riding hills!

Pre-pandemic we’d have well over 50+ riders every weekend on a ride. It’s very different now, with smaller groups doing a variety of different rides each weekend. Back in the day I arrowed many rides and centuries and became the infamous queen of the “pink” arrows. Gone are the days of arrowing rides. “Hills Are Your Friends” is not arrowed :-(

Lindy cares about sharing her knowledge. She turned her Groton routes into the Groton Collection in the CRW library. She’ll help you understand what’s important in developing a route, leading a ride, having great road skills, being unfailingly polite, and having many bikes!

Lindy is high energy and low key with a great laugh and didn’t let on until the end of our interview that she has ridden all the big rides: Boston-Montreal-Boston, Paris-Brest-Paris, 24 hour time trials, Brevets and so many more. Her annual mileage now, without a commute, is still a very respectable 10,000 miles. And though she knows this club has many kindred souls, don’t give her any guff when she’s out riding on the road.

We hope you enjoyed learning a little about Lindy and her “Hills Are Your Friends” Route. Come out on April 19th to ride with her and fellow club members for a great day of riding.

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Ride a Classic route or two this season and find out exactly why they are such enduring Club rides. Explore new territory, scenic views, and the best snack stops all while riding with great people the way you like to ride.

Some of the exciting routes that we’ve planned so far include:

• Hills are Your Friends – Lindy King – April 19
• Brake for Beavers – Bob Zogg (Route Developer) Harold Hatch (Ride Leader) – June 1
• Blue Moon – Barry and Linda Nelson – July 6
• Northern Lighthouses – Sandy Gray (Route Developer) Nina Siegel (Ride Leader) – September 7
• Bagels and a Witch – Melinda Lyon – October 26

Check out the CRW Ride Calendar and choose your next ride – which will become your Classic?

If you would like to have one of your routes featured as a CRW Classic please reach out to either Nina (ninasiegel7@gmail.com) or Harold (haroldhatch@yahoo.com).

Let’s Ride!

The CRW Century Committee is looking to fill the following critical position:

Century Volunteer Coordinator. Lead person in charge of recruiting and coordinating volunteer activities for the CRW century series. This involves assisting in identifying volunteer opportunities, finding individuals or groups to fulfill those roles, and communication and logistical support.

CRW's three centuries (North to New Hampshire, Climb to the Clouds, and the Cranberry Century) are our premiere events. They cannot happen without volunteers staffing water stops, providing SAG and sweep services, registering riders, etc. Although the centuries typically get a large number of repeat volunteers, we need someone to help fill the slots and coordinate with volunteers so they understand their duties and responsibilities.

It’s a big job, but it’s important. If you’re looking to contribute to the club in a meaningful way, this could be it! You’ll have plenty of support from Erik Dentremont and Mark Nardone, Century Committee Leads, who run a well-organized and professional operation.

If this position interests you, email Jim Salvie, CRW Volunteer Coordinator to get connected with the Century Committee. Thanks for stepping up to help out CRW!

***SHARE YOUR RIDE PHOTOS WITH CRW!***
Email them to: media-share@crw.org

A great turnout for the Coffee Haven ride.

Our monthly Happy Hour was at Jack's Abby in March. Watch the calendar for our next gathering!

Register early to take advantage of discounted registration for the North to New Hampshire Spring Century.

Date: Sunday, May 18, 7 AM

Start location: Wakefield High School, Wakefield, MA

Highlights:

• Fully-supported

• Flat terrain perfect for early season riding

• Three route options: 100, 62, and 50 miles

• Multiple rest stops with food and drinks

• After-party

• Support from New England Classic Charity Bike Tour Inc.

RIDE LEADERS SOUGHT for all distances/paces! Ride leaders who have led or co-led rides in the past year are eligible for a discount code for FREE registration. Email rides-vp@crw.org to get on the roster!

By Century Committee

The CRW 2025 Centuries will provide a great riding experience to CRW members again this year. We are hoping to include a gravel option and a 30-35 mile route on one or more of our century rides. Stay tuned!

We appreciate all of our volunteers who make centuries possible, and welcome more help. Contact us at century@crw.org to get involved! Thank you, CRW volunteers!

RIDE LEADERS SOUGHT for all distances/paces! Ride leaders who have led or co-led rides in the past year are eligible for a discount code for FREE Century registration. Email rides-vp@crw.org for more information!

Here's the tentative schedule for the 2025 Centuries. Finalized dates and the opening of registration for each century will be announced in ChainLink and WheelPeople.

North to New Hampshire (N2NH): May 18

Registration now open

Start location: Wakefield High School or Technical School, Wakefield MA

This flat spring century will have three routes to get you ready for all your summer century rides. Rest stops at American Legion Park (Georgetown), Shanahan Park (Groveland), and Maudslay State Park (Newbury, MA). 

Highlights:

• Fully-supported
• Flat terrain perfect for early season riding
• Three spectacular route options: 100, 62, and 50 miles
• Multiple rest stops with food and drinks
• After-party at Wakefield High School (2-5 PM)
• Support from New England Classic Charity Bike Tour Inc.

Climb to the Clouds (CTTC): July 27

Start location: Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, Sudbury, MA

Test your biking abilities with lots of climbing and an ascent up Mt. Wachusett. Come climb an iconic Massachusetts mountain with views of New England.  This Devo supported ride is a perfect training ride for big climb events of late summer. Rest stops including Berlin Orchards and at the base of Mt. Wachusett. The Berlin rest stop is donated and supported by Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality with water stop support from Stow Bike for the Woods.

Highlights:

• Challenging elevation with Mt. Wachusett climb
• Two route options: 100 and 63 miles
• Strategic rest stops before and after major climbs
• Spectacular New England views from the mountain
• After-party celebration at the high school courtyard

Cranberry Harvest Century (CHC): October 12

Start location: Myles Standish State Park, Plymouth MA

The CHC captures some of the most charming roads in New England. All routes travel through the cranberry bogs in Rochester, Wareham, Carver, and Acushnet. Rest stops will be at Eastover, Tamarak, and on the beautiful wharf in Mattapoisett. Enjoy the after-party at College Pond. We will rock out by the pond with sandwiches, pickles and beverages while enjoying the view. Rest stops supported by Friends of the Mattapoisett Bicycle and Recreational Path Inc., National Multiple Sclerosis Society MS, and Friends of Myles Standish, with SAG support provided by Bikes Not Bombs.

Highlights:

• Fully-supported
• Scenic fall foliage and cranberry bog routes
• Four distance options: 100, 62, 53, and 35 miles
• Relatively flat terrain suitable for all abilities
• Waterfront rest stop at Mattapoisett wharf
• Lakeside after-party at College Pond with food and refreshments

Join Us for an Exciting 2025 Century Season!

The 2025 CRW Century Series offers something for every cyclist, from the flat spring routes of the North to New Hampshire Century in May, to the challenging climbs of Mt. Wachusett in July, culminating with the scenic autumn landscapes of the Cranberry Harvest Century in October. With multiple distance options at each event, fully-supported rest stops, and celebratory after-parties, these centuries showcase the best cycling New England has to offer. Our dedicated volunteers and partner organizations make these memorable experiences possible, and we encourage you to both register and volunteer. Watch our newsletters for registration announcements, and join the CRW community for what promises to be our best century season yet!

Cheers from the Century Committee

Mark Nardone & Erik D'Entremont

CRW is pleased to introduce Jim Salvie, who is our new Club Volunteer Coordinator. Members interested in volunteering with CRW are encouraged to contact Jim at:  volunteering@crw.org.

Thank you, Jim!

Jim finishing his transcontinental tour.

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?

I live in Stow, MA, not to be confused with Stowe, VT! I grew up on Long Island in New York and in New Jersey, but like a lot of people gave up cycling when I learned how to drive. However, I do remember my first "ten speed" -- a bright yellow Schwinn "LeTour" with frictionless shifters on the headset. I still like frictionless shifters...

How long have you been cycling, and what initially got you interested in the sport?

I gave up running in my early 40s due to knee problems. One day in the summer of 2007 I was on the elliptical machine, indoors, looking out the window at all the cyclists going by and thinking that they had the right idea. Maybe I should try cycling. Somehow, I convinced my wife to let me buy a decent aluminum road bike. I only rode for a few months until the weather got cold, but I was hooked! I did my first century the following year.

How long have you been a CRW member?

For a very long time. My routine for years was to do the Spring Century (now North to NH) and Climb to the Clouds every year. I'd do the occasional metro West ride too, usually the ones beginning in Sudbury.

How many miles do you typically ride per year?

When riding consistently with no health problems? I can do about 5,000 per year not including indoor riding. When I did a transcontinental ride in 2015, I hit almost 9,000.

What is your greatest cycling accomplishment?

In 2015 I did a transcontinental tour with an outfit called Pacific Atlantic Cycling. It was run by a former Race Across America champion, Lon Haldeman, and his wife, Susan. In the early 80s, I think Lon was the first person to do RAAM in less than 10 days. Fortunately, by 2015, he had slowed down a little, though he could still smoke most of us. San Diego to Savannah in 27 days, no rest days (Lon does not believe in rest).

What is your favorite route to ride?

I have several. Metro West is a perfect place to ride. I have a flat 24-mile route that dips into Sudbury and Marlborough that is fun because I feel fast! I have a couple of beautiful rides through the town of Harvard, including a 53-mile one that I call "Every Hill in Harvard." My legs get rubbery just thinking about it. And I love to climb Wachusett Mtn.

What is your favorite post-ride food or drink?

Anything that isn't healthy.

What is your best advice for a new club member?

The easiest bit of advice is: single up! We're engaging in a slightly dangerous activity and the easiest way to stay safe is to ride single file. Save chatting for before the ride and after. During the ride the only communication should be about the ride itself: "Car back," "Hole," etc.

In what capacity do you volunteer for the club, and for how long?

I just started as the club's Volunteer Lead, a coordinator between club leadership and those members who've offered to help out. There are a tremendous number of opportunities in this club, some really involve a lot of work over a long period, others are briefer. But they are all very important and much needed. This club only get things done through volunteers!

I'm taking John O'Dowd's Ride Leader training over the next few weeks and I'm hoping to share some of the routes that I've discovered out here in the Stow-Harvard-Bolton area! Lots of hills, great scenery, a lot of quiet roads.

Folks, spring is coming! That means we’ve entered the final month of our winter ride challenge!

There’s still time to jump in! The challenge runs through March 31, and every mile, hour, and elevation gain counts—whether indoors or outside.

Want to join the challenge or update your ride data? Find detailed instructions for signing up and entering your miles by visiting this guide. It’s easy to track your progress and be part of the action!

Most importantly, we will celebrate our winter training with a get together where we’ll hand out prizes to the winners, which includes a drink on CRW. Appetizers will be provided for all. This bash is for anyone who entered the challenge.

Location: The Mighty Squirrel

Date: Saturday, April 5

Time: 1:00 PM

PRIZES!!

• Highest Elevation - Polka dot CRW sox
• Farthest Distance – regular CRW sox
• Longest Time - CRW short finger gloves

There will be two additional winners for each category chosen at random (raffle winners).

Special winner! The rider with the combined highest elevation, farthest distance, AND longest time will win a bike light!

All winners will be notified by email prior to April 5. A rider may only win one prize (Board members are not eligible, sorry).

So, keep riding! ‍We’re almost to spring!

Save the Dates: Preliminary 2025 CRW Event Schedule

We've listened to your feedback and are excited to share a preliminary list of CRW events for the upcoming year! Please note, these dates are tentative until officially posted on the club calendar.

• Happy Hour: Third Thursday of each month

• March 27: Ride Leader Training

• April 5: Winter Ride Challenge Party

• April 6: Ride Leader Kickoff

• May 1: Bike Thursday Season Begins

• May 4: Swap Meet

• May 17: Eli Post Ride

• May 18: North to NH Century

• July 26 or July 27: Climb to the Clouds Century

• September 18: Annual Meeting

• October 12: Cranberry Century

• October 16: Volunteer Party & Ride Leader Appreciation

• October 30: Bike Thursday Party

• December 18: Member Holiday Party

Additionally, we're aiming to open the club clothing store twice this year. Keep an eye out for updates and get ready to show your CRW pride!

CRW Member Survey Results: Your Feedback Drives Our Future!

A huge thank-you to everyone who took the time to participate in our recent membership surveys! Your insights directly shape our rides, events, and the future direction of CRW. Here’s a quick summary of the highlights and trends from 2024 and 2025.

Participation & Motivation
We’re thrilled to report increased participation, with over 150 members contributing valuable feedback across both years. Top reasons members join CRW continue to be Cycling Activities, Health & Fitness, and Community. We've also seen a rising interest in training, cycling advocacy, and e-bike–friendly rides.

What You Value Most
Members consistently rated our Ride With GPS Route Resources as “Extremely Valuable,” especially praising the Route Library and turn-by-turn navigation features. WheelPeople, our monthly newsletter, and the Website Calendar remain popular, reliable sources for club updates. Preferences split between members enjoying quick Slack updates and those who favor traditional email communications.

Areas for Improvement

• Weekend Rides: Many of you miss the classic CRW weekend rides, seeking more varied routes, pace options, and additional ride leaders.

• Skills & Education: Demand is high for events like Fix-a-Flat workshops, paceline training, beginner-friendly rides, and guidance for e-bike users.

• Social Connections: Members expressed interest in more post-ride social gatherings or coffee stops to strengthen community bonds and easier ways to connect with rides matching their pace or availability.

• Inclusivity: Members indicated a need for clearer guidelines regarding ride paces, e-bike participation, and better labeling of “advanced” or “specialty” rides, making participation more welcoming to all cyclists.

• Advocacy: There's a growing call for CRW to engage more actively in local cycling advocacy efforts, partnering with organizations working to improve bike safety and infrastructure.

Plans for 2025

• Volunteer Opportunities: We’re creating clearer volunteer roles and a dedicated mailing list for opportunities. Join by emailing Jim Salvie at volunteer-lead@crw.org or use our contact-us form.

• Enhanced Weekend Rides: Offering more routes, varied pace groups, and frequent rides—dependent on volunteer involvement.

• Social Engagement: Hosting regular post-ride gatherings and inclusive events welcoming all members.

• Educational Opportunities: Scheduling workshops on cycling skills, bike maintenance, and group riding etiquette.

Your feedback is crucial for making CRW a vibrant, welcoming community. Didn’t get a chance to respond to the survey? No problem—reach out anytime through our contact-us form with your thoughts or suggestions. Remember, CRW is your club, and together, we’ll keep improving our cycling community.

Ride on!