On Aug 17, 7:26 am, MichaelH <[email protected]> wrote: thanks, Michael - and everyone else who had a look!
I did the century (approx. 110mi., 16,000ft. of climbing) - but the 60 mile (still very hilly) and 35 mile (a little more genteel) rides are also quite scenic and all three routes overlap a few times, so you feel very much a part of the event regardless of what course you happen to be on. I actually ran into the rest of my crew, who were out on the 60 miler, about 4 miles from the finish - it was a real treat to roll in with them. and it's just the best watching the other finishers come in - all smiles (and dirty bikes!). I'd say it's about 70%, maybe 80% dirt roads? there's some hardpack, similar to Vermont, but it's really a mixed bag - sandy, muddy, rocky, gravelly, powdery, washout, washboard, etc. i think all the rain we've had in New England made the course a little more rocky than it was last year. some stretches were really rude - better suited for MTB (and there was quite of few MTBs out there) and some of the descents are downright dangerous if you're not concentrating, or take a questionable line. it's a true rough-stuff ride - a full body work out. my arms were as tired as my legs from working the bars all day. all the roads, however, are really, really fun! something that looks like a narrow driveway will turn into a three mile dirt road climb to what feels like the top of the world. the network of roads - whether through sheer beauty or challenge - always keeps the rider engaged. there's not a boring mile on the course! and even better than the ride are the people. total strangers become close friends for the day. I wish it was a full three day event, just to get to some folks a little better. anyway, if possible, put it on the calendar for next year. it's a true celebration of the kind of riding we love (and it's for a great cause too!) --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
