SATURDAY UPDATE:  The weather gods are against us with a forecast for rain and significant winds.  Ride is cancelled and we will wait to spring to list again.  

UPDATE:  Last week the weather didn't cooperate.  The forecast for this Sunday is a bit better, mix of sun and clouds, breezy but not crazy winds and temps in mid to high 40s.  It is worth trying again, since after this the next chance is next Spring.  I will continue to check weather, so check back later in week.  Also, I may shorten ride somewhat given extent of daylight.  Again please be sure to meet requirements below.  

We just did this ride as a scout and overall it was a wow, a definite keeper (with a little tweak on the route back).  We are taking a chance listing the ride for mid-November, as you clearly would want nice weather for this ride, a ride that has some nice long riding stretches and lots of nice and new scenery, but if not now, we will have to wait to the spring to list.  The ride meets at the Mastic Shirley LIRR train station at 9:15 AM.  There is a train arriving at 9:11 for those wanting public transportation.  There is ample parking for those driving and car pooling.  The ride heads out from the Mastic-Shirley LIRR train station heading out East to some beautiful areas by West Hampton and Quogue with aride by the fascinating Quogue Wild Life Refuge (however we will not have time to explore on this ride) and then back to the start.

RIDE REQUIREMENTS PLEASE READ:  Unfortunately, it will be getting dark very early, so we will need to keep a strong pace - there is little wiggle room and we cannot be back late, sunsets at about 4:30.  So, in order to join this ride you must be able to maintain at least a 14mph pace (preferably 15mph) and hopefully we will mostly stay together as a group and only use a limited amount of point-drop-sweep.  Please, please register for the ride and/or email me.  Please bring the usual bike stuff as well as working lights, hydration, snacks, money for a quick lunch. a lock and an upbeat inquisitive attitude. 

The route is relatively flat, less than 1,200 feet of elevation gain.  Here is the ridewithgps link:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31297753