Weather and High Level Ride Report

[Jacob Layer]

Hello All,

The pre-ride was a success and finished last night. We had two 1200k riders, two 1000k riders, and two 200k riders.  Five of those six individuals completed their rides.  You can expect a challenge but at the same time some absolutely stunning scenery if we can get sunny weather.  Please feel free to email me with any questions regarding the route or weather. 

Weather!!!

Regarding the weather.  At the moment, the temperature highs are forecasted to be in the mid 60s and the lows in the mid 40s.  The pre-riders noted that riding after 10pm was especially cold if enough layers were not packed.  Please bring appropriate gear for this kind of cold weather riding.  I recommend you bring duplicates in case you sweat through some layers and/or it rains.

Speaking of which, There is currently a 50% chance of rain on Friday night into Saturday morning.  I can't say how much rain just yet.  If it rains like it did on the pre-ride you could be soaked through.  Packing an extra set of clothes and or rain gear on the bike will be prudent in that combination of weather and temperature.

Route

We are making some minor modifications to the route. We will post the final gpx files tomorrow.  A few controls have been moved slightly for ease of access so make sure you download the latest files.  I will also include photos so you can see some of what's coming.  I recommend you start Day 2 and Day 3 at 5am and Day 4 at 7am.  You'll need the extra sleep after Day 3; we did not get back until 1:45 am.  In my opinion, it's the hardest of the loops but also the most scenic.

Each loop can be busy in some sections but you're either on them for a short time or those roads have a wide shoulder.  Please be vigilant and mindful of drivers.  

Day 1 (North loop)

Beautiful scenery on the way to the Kancamagus pass.  The leaves are beginning to turn so you should see some fall foliage.  The pass itself was very quiet, you should have an enjoyable time seeing views on the way up and down provided it's dry and partly sunny.  Please be careful of Rt. 28 heading to the lake. As you approach Lake Winnipesaukee the road will narrow. Be mindful of drivers as you approach the control.

Coming back into Manchester is urban riding but you have a bike lane and there is room for drivers to pass.  

Day 2 (South Loop)

Veterans of NER and local Boston riders will recognize roads by Harvard, MA and others near I-495 ring.  The route can be flowy in large sections.  If you know how to ride rolling hills you'll cruise along at a clip.  There will be lake views and many quiet back roads. I noted the Conjuring house on the route.  The house is private property.  Please take photos from the road if you're interested but do not enter the property.  I highly recommend you stop at Alamode in Connecticut.  The eggrolls were fantastic and they have many other options for riders that enjoy "real food" during rides.  The golden hour should be happening for the mid pack as you pass by the Wachusett Reservoir and pass through Harvard, MA again.  Both are excellent photos (foreshadowing).

Day 3 (West Loop)

In my opinion this is the hardest loop.  You'll exit Manchester via a gravel rail trail and then begin to steadily climb for about 30 miles.  You'll be rewarded with stunning views of Mt. Monadnock and get to ride alongside several lakes as you do though.  You'll also be exposed to several class IV (gravel) roads.  I rode these roads on 28mm tires and didn't run into any issues.  If the roads are wet, I don't know if I would've had a great time. The wider a tire you run, the better off you'll be if the roads are wet.  Also, please be careful descending these roads.  The last thing you or I want is for you to slide out at a clip and hurt yourself.  The CT river valley provides a break before you have to climb out of the valley to get back home.  I thought this way out of the valley was slightly easier than the morning route but you might feel otherwise.  We were out on this loop for almost 21 hrs so make sure you've saved some strength from Days 1 and 2.

Day 4 (East Loop)

This is the flattest loop but after Day 3 you're probably going to take this a bit slower.  You'll pass by a lake after exiting Manchester and be on quiet country roads for a while.  As you approach Portsmouth traffic will increase so be careful.  You'll pass into Maine in Kittery.  I highly recommend you stop at Lil's cafe and order ahead if you can. They serve wonderful breakfast food.  Riders who'd like Lobster can grab a lobster roll at Nubble Light.  Two hungry randos gave the clam chowder a 7/10 and the hot buttered lobster roll a 7/10.  Enzos bakery is a short distance away if you want a snack and Cumbys serves as the final water stop before heading back to Manchester.  A word of warning, there will be a POI and cue marked gravel about 20 km from the finish. This section of gravel is on a descent and you'll encounter it at speed so please be careful.

Photos to come later.  

Best,

Jacob