Worlds Tuesday night 3/27

[jraguin]

Jeremy and I were talking about going to the "World Championships" or "Worlds" on Tuesday night 3/27. I have never done it, but I have been warned that this is a barn-burner, drop-someone-or-be-dropped ride. Here are their words: "Attacking and sprinting are encouraged in order to keep the pace up. No one waits. Expect to suffer."

With that kid of intro, anyone else in?

You can read about it here:
http://www.bostonroadclub.com/rides

[pace21]

Is this the route? And does the loop run CW or CCW?

http://www.mapmyride.com/s/routes/view/ ... n/41199334

[jraguin]

That looks right from looking at guys who did it and posted it on Strava, except it starts from the Kendrick & Glendale intersection in Needham Heights and heads west. The total route on that MapMyRide that guy has looks like he is riding from somewhere in Boston. Pretty sure it is CCW.

Does anyone know if it starts at 5:30 or 6 PM this time of year? The web site says 6 PM, so I am assuming 6 PM.

[Jorge]

Yes guys, this is the route but there is a detour now on Charles River Street because the bridge over the CR on South Street (mile 16) is under construction http://www.needhambikes.org/node/34. Don't know exactly which route they'll take, so take a map of the route if not familiar with this area. No one will wait for you .
The route goes counter-clock wise. Most people do not start from Boston, but park at Cutler Park (between mile 10-11), and then roll and meet at the corner where Greendale Ave joins the route, just before mile 11.
From here the ride starts flat, and it quickly picks up to around 22 mph. Then in South St. the pace keeps picking up and up.
It is very tempting to get caught in the race feel, and start pulling up front, but save it. Once you start hitting some climbs, the pace will go 25+, and stay there.
Things to expect :

• Climb on Claybrook Road, mile 19, short and steep, follow by the monstah...
  Climb on Glen St (mile 21), which start climbing like a false falt, everyone on big ring and speed constant up front. It gets steeper but the pace stays up, and it's long. 3 miles of pain. I've hit 28 mph as I was getting dropped in a jumble of hurt feelings and legs .
  Watch our for the right turn at the intersection of Glen and Farm: don't just follow the fool in front of you, look left for a car. Guys fly through this stop and drivers don't expect it.
  After too short a recovery (1/2 mile on Farm), short but punchy climb right at mile 23. If you have not recovered from Glen, here is your time to die.
  Rollers for the next 2 miles: look around, regroup, maybe eat something
  Miles 26-30 are the most enjoyable of this ride: gentle uphill with some rest, no stops or lights, little traffic. I personally encourage those around me, and bury it on a paceline. Since I often blow up on Glen, this is my race time. Easy to hit 30mph here.
  On the return, at mile 31 I surmise that the route is going via Dedham Street since the on Willow St. bridge is out.
  There is commonly a sprint at mile 37 (mile 11 in the way out), even for strugglers.

The 26 mile ride from mile 11-37 (as shown on map) is often done in just over an hour, with traffic and stopping for lights!
I will join in this tomorrow at mile 11, hope to see you there. Ride safely, look for potholes, don't expect much cordiality from the group. Most newcomers are not welcomed since they just slow down the regulars.
Love to hear how your ride went.

Jorge

[JeremyC]

I'm in. I'll be riding over from Brighton as a warm up.

Nice write up Jorge. I don't remember most of the hills because usually its full gas out of the saddle. Glen St. is like a mini Oak Hill, but attacks fly, follow them your own risk. If you chase too many of them, your doomed. Also, take your pull but be prepared to sprint onto the back of the train when you pull off.

[scott_sweeney]

I'm likely out guys, as I have a commitment for my daughter's softball team at 5. Doubtful I'll be able to make it down there by 5:30. Next time...

[rusto]

Sooo... how'd it go?

[JeremyC]

Ouch. I knew Keith Kelly was a strong rider, probably a great climber, yada yada yada. Let's just say he did a number on this ride today, pretty much single handedly as he took rapid fire turns on the front. I took a couple of good pulls at close to 30mph to maintain my dignity, knowing full well the pace was higher than usual. It was all great fun until we hit Glen Road and Keith really hit the gas. From there it was paceline with the other shelled riders for me, but still put in a solid effort and took it all the way to the line while picking up (or leaving for dead) other victims along the way. Good times, see you next tuesday...

[jraguin]

Doubly agree with Jeremy. I made a mistake and didn't bolt on to the freight train after coming around to the back. Couldn't get back on at that pace. Had to solo it home because I made a wrong turn. After numerous stops to figure out the way back to my car, I made it (with my tail between my legs). Keith does look strong. The ride was also loaded with a few MetLife pro cycling team guys, let alone other studs who I didn't recognize. Regardless, I look forward to going back, hopefully next Tuesday.