I'm looking for a tough century in Northern New England...

[GLC1968]

I just found out that my big goal for next year will have to be postponed. I was planning on riding a 'Challenge Century' here in NC with over 13,000 ft of climbing. Unfortunately, I also just found out that it's the same weekend as my husband's graduation in VT. So, to VT we must go.

I haven't been able to locate anything online, but I'm hoping that my fellow TE ladies are more informed. Does anyone here know of any tough centuries in VT (or NH or Western MA) in mid-June that I could shoot for instead??

Thanks!

[Blueberry]

I just found out that my big goal for next year will have to be postponed. I was planning on riding a 'Challenge Century' here in NC with over 13,000 ft of climbing. Unfortunately, I also just found out that it's the same weekend as my husband's graduation in VT. So, to VT we must go.

I haven't been able to locate anything online, but I'm hoping that my fellow TE ladies are more informed. Does anyone here know of any tough centuries in VT (or NH or Western MA) in mid-June that I could shoot for instead??

Thanks!

No ideas about centuries in New England, but was wondering whether they have announced the date for BSG for next year yet?

(If you can't, you could always ride the BSG route solo on a day other than the ride date).

Good luck finding something!

CA

[GLC1968]

Our local shop lists BSG for June 23rd. I'm in VT until the 22nd ... so it can't happen and I'm sorely disappointed!!

I guess I could do it on my own the following weekend, but I really wanted to have an 'official' time to show my riding buddies at work!

[wavedancer]

This is a website that lists most of the centuries in New England. They don't have the 2007 season listed yet, but it should give you an idea of what might be happening when you are up this way.

CRANE

[Crankin]

Most centuries in New England are in August and September, because of weather. You might want to research some routes from previous ones and do them on your own. I know there are some charity rides in June, but of course, that involves fundraising.
Where in Vermont will you be? UVM? There are some good published routes around Lake Champlain, which are very hilly and challenging.

Robyn

[tygab]

In my opinion....

The King's Tour of the Quabbin fits this bill perfectly. It's held by Central Mass's Seven Hills Wheelmen. You don't say when you're arriving, but it's usually early to mid June (last year was June 10th).

It has a reputation of being a hilly and very tough century, and there's plus century mileage options too. I was too much of a newbie to consider it last year, but I might do the metric this year (haven't quite figured out my schedule, waiting on more of the dates to get published).

I can say that I LOVE this area. It is simply gorgeous out there. You go basically around an enormous reservoir (the Quabbin) for the city of Boston. Look at a map of Massachusetts. See the HUGE lake in the middle of the state? That's the Quabbin. That's what the ride goes around. Here's the 7H W'men's description:

This ride was selected as the best ride in Massachusetts for 1998 by Bicycling Magazine. The route goes to Barre, then around the Quabbin Reservoir in a clockwise direction. Water is available at the Quabbin dam in Ware. From there the 200K continues to North Amherst, through Leverett, Wendell, into South Orange, and Athol, then rejoins the 100M route in New Salem on Rte 122 to Petersham. Between the dam and Petersham the stores can be pretty infrequent, so you are advised to get stuff where you can. The route is on mostly quiet back roads except for the section through Ware. The route is hilly, though there is yet to be an agreement as to the amount of climbing, it is somewhere around 6000'. Notable climbs: Rte 122 into Barre (warm-up), up through the reservation to the top of Mt Quabbin (never ending). Rte 122 hills between 202 and Petersham. And we finish with a two mile climb to the start.

I have gone mostly to kayak, hike, or boat (pre biking) in the area, and you can easily feel as though you are in Maine or central NH. I've always seen cyclists around there too, and the towns feature pretty town greens and little general stores.

So, consider this if it fits your schedule.