Six Gaps 200K

[Charles Coldwell]

Saturday July 18 we will hold the second edition of the Six Gaps 200K, starting (at 06:00) and finishing (no later than 20:10) in Bethel, Vermont.

This is not your average 200K. The usual 13.5 hour ACP time limit is extended to 14.167 hours by putting the ride under RUSA sanction. RUSA rules allow us to give you a little extra time due to the gravel. You get no extra time for the vertical, however, and there is plenty: RWGPS says 3,548 meters (11,640 feet) of it. My best time on this route is 30% longer than my best 200K overall.

Much of that aforementioned gravel is on the Lincoln and Roxbury Gap descents: respect those descents (and the paved ones, too)! If there's a serious accident on this ride, the NER board is never going to let me run it again. Don't be that guy!

We take the gaps in the canonical order: Rochester, Brandon, Middlebury, Lincoln, Appalachian and Roxbury. The first three are just a warm up for Lincoln. Don't burn all your matches before you get there.

Currently, the forecast says, "Cloudy with occasional rain showers. High 59F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%." So conditions are not ideal, but arguably more so than the first edition which was a little warm.

If you live in the vicinity (or even if you don't) and would like to help out, please reach out to me off-list. I could use some help staffing the finish.

I had hoped to pre-ride the route this weekend, but I broke my arm while hiking in the White Mountains three weeks ago, so the best I can offer is some intel from locals that the gaps are open.

--

Charles M. Coldwell, W1CMC
Belmont, Massachusetts, New England, FN42jj
"Turn on, log in, tune out"

[ken jessett]

I envy you hiking in the White Mountains, I do not envy you for the broken arm (ouch!). I also envy the riders for the projected 59F. It is 98 here in Houston.

One day!

Ken Jessett