Stony Brook to Wading River and Back. This is the shortest version of the traditional ride. Hills first, mostly flat on the way back. Start in the North Country and get a view of Middle Earth on the way back. The ride is really an A-, but there is no such category. We have been averaging above 18.

We ride together as a group. I do stop the ride when someone falls back and make an effort to have us all come back pretty much together. There are hills and sprints where the group can break up, followed by wait ups and soft pedaling so that we can proceed together.

I know that some people prefer to ride all out without concern for anyone who falls off. I understand and respect that point of view, which is why I am telling anyone ahead of time that if that is your preference this is not the ride for you.