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

[GLC1968]

Thanks all!

The Quabbin looks like the best option, but I'll have to wait and see when it gets scheduled for 2007. It looks like it might be too early for us. I also really like that CRANE site! It lists a couple of cool looking rides that are later in the season that I might just have to grab cue sheets for.

My other option would be to go for the full on Assault on Mt. Mitchell down here before we go. I was planning on doing Marion this year, but perhaps I'll pay extra to do Mitchell. We'll see...I'm not sure I'm quite ready for THAT much of a challenge!

[Blueberry]

How about Hilly Hellacious in August? Have you done that one?

http://www.blueridgebicycleclub.org/hilly/

I've not done it, but I've heard it's brutal!

[Blueberry]

http://www.ashecivic.com/BRB06infopage.htm

It's Aug. 18 next year. 12k of climbing without the assault on Mt. Jefferson for the century.

Enjoy!

[GLC1968]

CA - I'll probably plan on one of those two...for sure!

I think I've picked my starting point though. I wanted something early in the season to shoot for and I've found it in Chattanooga! 3-State, 3-Mountain...here I come! (It's May 5th) If I can do that, Mt Marion should be no problem in early June. Then I can plan to do some more relaxed riding in VT when I'm up there (while DH is in meetings).

Then the BRB or the HH...and who knows what else after that!

[Blueberry]

Then the BRB or the HH...and who knows what else after that!

Getting addicted to Brevets?? That sounds like a fun goal

CA

[SheFly]

If you're looking for a really good century + with lots of climbing (12,000 ft or so), do I have a route for you! We did this on our own last year, and it was tough, but the sense of accomplishment was terrific.

The ride starts in Gorham, NH and climbs up over Pinkham Notch (past Mt. Washington). Down into N. Conway, out West Side Rd (and another right hand I can't think of the name of..) to the Kancamangus Pass. Take this up to Bear Notch road, and it's up and over your second notch. This will put you in Bartlett, NH, and from here you head UP 302 on a gradual 12 or 13 mile climb that ends in a VERY STEEP climb up Crawford Notch. This will bring you alongside the Mt. Washington Hotel. From here, continue on Rte 302 to Rte 3 and take that up to Rte 115. This is a very "rolly" section with some good elevation gain still. Take this to Rte 2, and climb your way back up into Gorham. Total mileage is somewhere around 108.

This took us about 7 hours with minimal stops. There are logical stops for food/beverage along the route, which helps. Let me know if you are interested, and I can send along more details on the actual loop!

BTW - we nicknamed this the Dirty Dozen ride .

SheFly

[Crankin]

I am very familiar with that area; Rt. 302 is a killer! It's beautiful, though.

[GLC1968]

If you're looking for a really good century + with lots of climbing (12,000 ft or so), do I have a route for you! We did this on our own last year, and it was tough, but the sense of accomplishment was terrific.

The ride starts in Gorham, NH and climbs up over Pinkham Notch (past Mt. Washington). Down into N. Conway, out West Side Rd (and another right hand I can't think of the name of..) to the Kancamangus Pass. Take this up to Bear Notch road, and it's up and over your second notch. This will put you in Bartlett, NH, and from here you head UP 302 on a gradual 12 or 13 mile climb that ends in a VERY STEEP climb up Crawford Notch. This will bring you alongside the Mt. Washington Hotel. From here, continue on Rte 302 to Rte 3 and take that up to Rte 115. This is a very "rolly" section with some good elevation gain still. Take this to Rte 2, and climb your way back up into Gorham. Total mileage is somewhere around 108.

This took us about 7 hours with minimal stops. There are logical stops for food/beverage along the route, which helps. Let me know if you are interested, and I can send along more details on the actual loop!

BTW - we nicknamed this the Dirty Dozen ride .

SheFly

Oooh, that sounds really cool! I'm familar with that area (we spent a lot of time up that way when I was in HS) and it sounds like a beautiful ride. I would love more detailed info! That would be a wonderful way to 'celebrate' my husband's graduation...with a tough, self-supported century!