"Ponds & Forests from Smolak" is a Classic NSC Ride, formerly called "Hill & Dale from Ballardvale"…it was drawn to Haverhill, then renamed, "Ponds & Forests from Bradford" by Gordon Harris. After years of dormancy in the NSC library, Joe & I routed off 2 hills and resumed it in 2020, Wednesdays. Ray had the fabulous idea to make "Ponds & Forests from Smolak" as a Rotating ride. I then shifted the Bradford start to Smolak. We've had so much fun with it that we're changing the day to THURSDAYS, so we all can enjoy BOTH the Wednesday Rotating, and the Thursday Smolak rides! The leadership team is: Karen Ontell, Bev Tangvik, Matt Gilmartin, Barb Thomas and Hillary Benson.
All are welcome to chose your route from the 4 options: 19 mi, 24 mi, 32 mi, & 41 mi. The 2 State forests are the Boxford, and Harold Parker in the long ride. They are designed to enable gradual conditioning as the season progresses. All routes go through Bradford, Groveland, Boxford, and North Andover, the 41 crosses 125 into Andover. Everyone will ride on back roads, for the most part, and get to view the wildlife in several ponds: Chadwick, Johnsons, Sperry's, & once you see Spofford Pond you're close to the optional rest room and nutrition break at Boxford Police Station. The 4 routes are the same through the BPS rest stop, after which they split off of Herrick Road, on the way back to Smolak.
Parking is in the field, porta-potties are over closer to the farm stand, where we can purchase coffees, sandwiches, as well as ice cream, pies, and seasonal fruits.
All riders are welcome. New riders, members and non-members, should familiarize themselves with the First-time NSC Riders Q&A on the NSC website. New non-NSC first-time riders will need to sign a waiver and then join the North Shore Cyclists prior to a second ride.
