5) I personally thought that the smoothest off road sections where at the left or right of the road (where car tyres had compacted it more).  This isn't a hard and fast rule, but for the most part those were the lines I tried to take.  

Thanks Adam. Yeah, that big gravel section last year sucked. I was hoping not to have to deal with it this year. I think I'll sail the old Giant out there rather than the new Cannondale.

Thanks Adam for scouting (and Floris too)!  Good insights.

Peoples,

I'm in.  Any recommendations of a bar where they don't mind us plotting a race?

I'm in.

We could do Ride Brooklyn again.

I haven't spoken with Al yet.  Would rather not on such short notice.

Park Slope Ale House would probably be quiet, but they have booths so we'd need to sit at the bar.  Commonwealth on 5th ave would have seating, and The Sacket, while small, wouldn't be busy and doesn't serve food so we wouldn't be in anyone's way.  Monday, right now, the weather looks to be in the 50s, so could possibly sit outside at The Gate.

Hot Bird ? They seemed to have lots of communal space last summer  (but it was outdoors, I am not sure how much indoor space they have)

Any of the above work for me.

I live in harlem and have a very large living space where many ppl could convene. may not work for the bk crowd though.

...but would work VERY well for me. And for JP.

I could also offer up my place in Fort Greene.

I'm thinking proximity to a train in park slope or nearby would be the way to go.  I'd love Harlem, but if only three of us come, that doesn't work.  

Thanks Adam; great insights.

In terms of logistics, I'm driving to Albany on Friday night (Leaving NYC ~8pm); I'll be staying in the Albany Hilton (see booking.com; $125). This is right next to the I-787. Next morning, I'll drive to Cambridge to arrive ~9.30am-ish.

If you are a similar schedule and would like a ride, please let me know (florisbacker@gmail.com). My car can take 2 bikes on the rack + 4 people inside; or 3 people + 3 bikes. I can obviously drop you off if you are in a different hotel in Albany.

i'd love to join but I'm not sure i can get out of work in time for 7pm. Can you please let me know how long the session will be approximately? Then i'll join as soon as I can.

I have a cheeky favor to ask you Battenkill-ers (or people that live in Brooklyn). Does anyone have a Kissena gilet I could borrow (M or L)? I realized yet again this weekend that it's once piece of kit I am desperately missing (the early descents at Millbrook were cooold). Saturday's weather report looks similar. I have one on order but i am guessing the summer kit won't arrive before Friday. My core and I would be eternally grateful.

What is a fillet?
I have a large vest you can use.

Sorry, I was being too euro. Cheers Eric. I'll ping you.

Ragot word predictor: gilet => fillet.
Does Mark want to put a fish down his shorts?
PS. The UK does not qualify as Euro!

gilet is Orwellian Rapha New Speak

how about 7pm at Commonwealth?  Does that work?

That works for me.

This sounds awesome. Wish I could make it, but have class 6:30–9pm Monday

@JP Apart from tapering off. Do you have suggestions re training this week for Saturday B-kill?

Tuesday and Thursday are extremely easy.  Maybe even rollers for a half-hour.  If you wake up tired, consider whether or not to take the day off and get some more sleep.  If it's the night before and you can tell you're tired, sleep in.