Long ride Sunday 3/18

[jraguin]

As most people know, there is a big contingent of MRC riders who left for San Diego for a week of cycling training. That leaves the rest of us who ride with them salivating at their rides. I am sure at least one will be posting them on Strava every day causing me to practically vomit with envy.

I am looking for company on Sunday 3/18 with the San Diego contingent is gone. I wanted to get a decently hard long ride (3.5 - 4 hours), putting some good efforts up the hills. I even have a sick idea of doing a partial double Wachusett ride (essentially going to the Ranger station via Justice Hill, then going down and back up to Justice Hill, and then heading to the Ranger Station a second time!). I also am watching the Monsters ride board to see if they post a good Sunday ride, but a few of their fast guys are off racing.

Anyone up for it? I would like to leave at 8 AM given the length and that it is going to get warm. I have a bit of flexibility however. Start location could be flexible.

Note: There is a ride Saturday that Jerry de Zutter of 545 is organizing, but I can't make that one.

[ahamilton]

John, I am looking for a hard workout on Sunday. Would prefer a later start, but can live with 8 or 9 AM. If you go with the Wawa double route I may just wait for you while you do the second one since you'll probably kill me on the way out there.

[onegeardoug]

I'm looking for a long ride, too...but I may or may not be able to make it. Post up your plan and I'll try to join in.

[dkatz]

I'm in.

[jraguin]

OK, here is the plan with some compromises to try to get more people to go:
* Ride out from the Berlin Park N Ride at 9 AM sharp. The Berlin Park N Ride is at the intersection of Route 495 and Route 62. Extra credit for this ride is riding to/from the PNR.
* The ride is a double Wachusett so plenty of climbing. Note that we still can't go to the top, so "only" to the Ranger station so not THAT much climbing. Here is the route:
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1005066
* Suggested approach to handle two different groups: On the way out to Justice Hill, it is no drop and we will regroup at the top of the climbs. Once at the top of Justice Hill (~15.5 miles in), we can break into two groups, one who will go up to the Ranger Station twice, the other who will go up once and the other which will go up Hobbs Road only to Route 140 on the second loop. There they go left on Route 140 (S) to the Justice Hill Cutoff and wait for the 1st group to get there (~32 miles for the 2nd group, 1st group will have done ~39 miles by the time we get there). Then we ride home together no drop, with regroup at the top of the climbs again if necessary.

Note that I said RIDE OUT from the Berlin PNR at 9 AM sharp. So if you need time to get ready, be there at 8:45 please.

[mcsmith]

I'm in for part of this. I'm starting early and I'll meet you at the PnR at 9. I'll join you for an hour or so and then head home.
See you there,

Matt

[rusto]

I'm hoping you guys post tales of your derring-do on this ride today.

[jraguin]

Not surprisingly, the first time up to the Ranger Station hurt, but we were holding a bit back knowing we had a second trip up. The second time definitely hurt, especially that final climb up Pine Hill Road. Sand and ruts just add insult to injury up that thing.

We did miss a turn so we did a second loop up to the Ranger Station different than the first. It actually took us 200 feet lower so it added more to the climb but at a steadier rate as we went up Route 140. Not a great route though as there were plenty of cars on 140.

[Jacob]

I had a great nap this afternoon!