May Hooky Ride NH Gravel Version 1.0

[MarkMiller321]

Happy Marathon Monday!

We've been talking throughout the weekend about a May Hooky Ride. There has been interest in coming up to New Hampshire to tackle my Grinder Double Loop. The course is an oblong figure eight and doing it twice nets seventy-five miles and over 8k of climbing. My goal is to add on an additional mini loop at the end to get the total between eight-five and ninety miles and close to 10k of elevation. The first three miles hits the road but after that we are on perfect New Hampshire dirt 90% of the ride.

There are several natural bail outs along the course if the full distance is too much to ask on a mid week ride. Opt outs come at 35 miles as we pass my house the first time and where we could make a natural refueling break, and at roughly forty-five miles in as the loops cross over itself. If you make it that far you should think about going the full distance but I can advise on an as needed basis.

The most popular date thus far is May 16th. This seems perfect to me because it is the week after the KHRR and it could be a nice chance for everyone to just relax and ride. I'm sure there will be tons of stories to share from the previous weekend.

The loop itself is pretty straight forward. There are two class six roads that we would hit a total of five separate times but everything is rideable. I would recommend a cross or gravel bike but this ride is accessible on a road bike with 28s if you don't have a full quiver. The elevation is sneaky and really you will never feel like you are riding on the flats. This is a super ride and I highly recommend joining!

Regardless of the size of the group I am envisioning grilling on the back deck afterwards with some hoppy carbohydrate replacement beverages. Post up if you are interested and we can start planning the details.

Mark

Loop details

https://www.strava.com/activities/1083097335

[karenM]

Would LOVE to join, but am driving back from ashland on that date!

[pace21]

In!

[Mkidd3]

lurk lurk lurk

[pcollins]

Sounds awesome! I'm likely in!

[mfwestbe]

Lurking, gotta see how work plays out the next few weeks

[JeremyC]

In if it’s the 16th. 75/5000 feet sounds like a nice number. Based on your description that would easily be equivalent to 100 road miles.

[KTeves]

Interested.

[Briana]

Interested

Brian A.

[Thomas Coleman]

Hmmmm I might be in... I’d be on my CAAD tho

[Ertcycling]

If I get the vacation I requested I can make it. I will know Thursday. And I will also be on my CaadX.

[MarkMiller321]

Okay. We're a week out from this ride and I want to know who is 100% committed. I'd like to have a solid headcount heading into the weekend so I can know what to buy for burgers and dogs afterwards.

Mark

[PJ McQuade]

I'm in, sounds great. Let's hope the weather cooperates.

[JeremyC]

in

[Ertcycling]

If you will have me I am in. I won't take offence if you say I am in over my head.

[BikeRider]

Wish I could join -- I'll be out in Amgen ToC country starting Tuesday.

[Briana]

Unfortunately I can't make it, unexpected shit going on at work this week

Brian A.

[KTeves]

I won't be able to make it either.

[MarkMiller321]

If you will have me I am in. I won't take offence if you say I am in over my head.

Sorry that I'm bad with names on the board but who is this? All are welcome but this ride is wicked haaarrrddd!

[Ertcycling]

Ethan Terrill new guy. I can ride locally and suffer just fine all the same. All good.

[MarkMiller321]

Well today was pretty rad all the way around. El' Presidente', PJ and I started the ride with my special espresso shots before hitting the dirt. The roads were in SPECTACULAR shape today due to last nights light rain. The weather was sublime and good times were had by all despite skipping the legendary full "Death Blow" segment at the end of the ride. We rocked out on the back deck afterwards with burgers, dogs, and some of the finest craft brews that New England has to offer. Hoping to make this a yearly thing after the success of today. Hoping Cratty and PJ will post up some reviews to get the juices flowing for 2019.

[BikeRider]

Mark,

Sounds like a great event. I'll lock down the date for next year and hopefully work events won't take precedence.

-Don

[JeremyC]

2019? What happened to next Tuesday? Yes it was a killer ride, hard but not crazy (although it could be), sick roads, hero dirt, barely any cars, and the beers and BBQ were killer. Thanks for the NH hospitality Mark!!!

[MarkMiller321]

Hero conditions for sure! Basically today was like the ten days a year you can see the Boston skyline from the summit of Monadnock. Love crushing those downhills without touching the breaks and it makes me want to ride gravel every day. Cratty... Did I mention that I love your tires! Can't wait to set up those bad puppies. You had four good ideas today that could be put into effect today. Can't wait for the summer darkness party ride!