After this splendid spring weekend up in the Berkshires, I was reminded of how I've always thought it would be gorgeous in the fall with all the wonderful deciduous trees in the area. We already have many routes suited for C's, B's and A's, and it's only 33.5 relatively easy miles from the Metro-North train station. The town of Great Barrington is charming with many restaurants, shops, and amusements. The Days Inn is right in town. With fewer people than the large Memorial day weekend, we might even be able to have a gathering in a restaurant.

I mentioned this on the train coming back from the Berkshires and there was some interest. So I checked with the Days Inn and though the Columbus weekend is prime for autumn leaf-peepers as well as weddings, they will hold their last 20 rooms for us for October 8-11 at least until July 1 (maybe Aug if they don't get a call for another wedding). The rooms will be $130 per night including tax; I expect they will require at least 2 nights. If we do end up doing this, they will want deposits in August.

Is anyone interested? If you are, please email me privately (as well as posting here), and indicate the number of people in your party, what ride level you are, if you would lead a ride, and how many days so I can keep a tally. (I'd lead C13 or so, of course)

Maggie Clarke - [email protected]