Ride start is 9 am and the route is a cool 42 miles.
We'll ride from Ipswich through Rowley, Georgetown, Groveland (along the Merrimack) then head back through Bradford, West Boxford, Boxford, Topsfield, Hamilton to Ipswich just in time for lunch and beer at The Brewer's Table at Ipswich Ale.
Much credit for the route goes to our friend Gordon Harris. I stumbled on it in his files a few years back and made a few tweaks. After riding it with two friends on an early spring ride we concluded it was a keeper.
Hence the name "That's what Friends Are For". Written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager, it was recorded in 1985 by Dionne Warwick & Friends (Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder), was popular and reached No.1 in 1986 winning the Grammys for Song of the Year and Best Pop Performance by Duo or Group. The Stylistics sang it first back in 1975. Yes, 50 years ago.
