Yes, There Are Mountains in New England...

[Crankin]

I once looked down that section of Rt. 302 and said "NO!."
Of course, that was 4 years ago.
Excellent job. I showed your pictures to my husband and he just shook his head. I know this means he is getting old.
It was really hot Saturday. I do remember last year it was only about 65 and rainy when I was riding in Jefferson. We cancelled our trip this year. The B and B had storm damage and couldn't accomodate the group, so the club was staying at a crappy motel across the way, with no good breakfasts. If I am going to ride a 7 mile climb, I want a good breakfast.
Hope your riding on Sunday was good, too.

[traveller_62]

70 miles and 4500 of climbing in under 6 hours!? That is too much fun. Sounds like a great day and thanks for posting pics to go with it.

I'm especially interested in that 9 mile climb-fest to Pinkham Notch....will definitely need to try that one next time I'm in the area!

-traveller

[SheFly]

An epic ride: priceless.

The truly priceless part was being finished . Somehow though, these epic rides are like childbirth - you forget the pain really quick!

If I am going to ride a 7 mile climb, I want a good breakfast.

Most people just shake their heads when we tell them about our rides . What 7 mile climb are you doing?

I'm especially interested in that 9 mile climb-fest to Pinkham Notch....will definitely need to try that one next time I'm in the area!

-traveller

The climb up Pinkham is actually a little bit longer if you start at the bottom of Rte 16 (intersection of 16 and 302). From there, it is 2 miles up to Jackson, and then another 11 to the top of Pinkham. We have done this as an out and back once or twice - 22 miles each way, with loads of climbing!

Thanks, everyone, for the congrats. And, V, I don't think this is anything like what you do, but tough enough for me!

SheFly

[mimitabby]

how did you get that leg shot?

sounds like a pretty tough climb!

[telegirl]

GOOD JOB!!

Congratulations! And LOVE the pictures!

I have to say that people are surprised when I tell them some of the climbs that we do in New England. I am originally from Wyoming, so I do giggle when New Englanders call some of the hills here 'mountains', but when it comes to cycling, there are difficult grades here - And you did them!

YAY FOR YOU!!

p.s. Bikehubby and I went on our first rideon our cyclocross bikes this last Friday, so we could go on both dirt roads and tar roads and it was so much fun! The gearing was hard to get used to after having a triple on my road bike, but they are so great for multi-use!

[Veronica]

Are there no original town names in New England?

I grew up in Hollis, ME. Robyn mentioned a Hollis, NH (I think.) We did our groceries in Gorham, ME and your ride started in Gorham, NH.

We're only spending a week in Maine this summer and family visiting will suck up most of our days. I keep telling myself we need to go back for longer sometime and really ride.

What size tires do you have on your cross bike SheFly?

V.

[Crankin]

Yes, Veronica, there are so many repetitive names around here. I blame it on the unoriginal colonists.
SheFly, I don't know the names of the roads on the ride we were supposed to do. It starts in Jefferson, though. The climb isn't that steep, just long. I did it last year and I wasn't even the last one. I think I like short steep ones better, though.

[SheFly]

how did you get that leg shot?
sounds like a pretty tough climb!

DH took that shot while riding - it's his leg in the photo

Bikehubby and I went on our first rideon our cyclocross bikes this last Friday, so we could go on both dirt roads and tar roads and it was so much fun! The gearing was hard to get used to after having a triple on my road bike, but they are so great for multi-use!

Gearing wasn't my issue on the 'cross bike (although I was looking for a few lower gears...) since I have a double on my road bike also. My gearing is 42/34 x 11-28.

The real issue for me was the different geometry - caused some sore neck and shoulder muscles for sure! The other difference was in my confidence - my road bike is much more stable than my 'cross bike, so I took it a little easier on the descents than I normally would have.

Are there no original town names in New England?

I grew up in Hollis, ME. Robyn mentioned a Hollis, NH (I think.) We did our groceries in Gorham, ME and your ride started in Gorham, NH.

We're only spending a week in Maine this summer and family visiting will suck up most of our days. I keep telling myself we need to go back for longer sometime and really ride.

What size tires do you have on your cross bike SheFly?

Definitely no unique names here . Have you and Thom decided whether you are brining the tandem this summer? We are organizing a tandem adventure for July 7th in Bethel - would be great if you could join us (even if you are on your single bikes).

Tires on the 'cross bike are 700c x 30 kenda kwick cross tires, and I had about 80 psi in them (a little too much for the dirt climbs/descents, but not really enough for the road...).

Robyn - I will have to figure out where that ride you were supposed to do went - sounds interesting!

SheFly

[Veronica]

Bummer, my sister (the one with tongue cancer) is planning a gathering at her house on the 7th.

Our tandem won't be done until the end of the summer. Our current one is just too uncomfortable now. Funny how once you know what a bike is supposed to fit like, you won't tolerate being uncomfortable.

Anyway, I'm hoping to talk Thom into bringing something, maybe our mountain bikes, maybe road with some beefier tires, since I'm intrigued by this ride. I can only take so much of our families.

V.

[SheFly]

Bummer, my sister (the one with tongue cancer) is planning a gathering at her house on the 7th.

Our tandem won't be done until the end of the summer. Our current one is just too uncomfortable now. Funny how once you know what a bike is supposed to fit like, you won't tolerate being uncomfortable.

Anyway, I'm hoping to talk Thom into bringing something, maybe our mountain bikes, maybe road with some beefier tires, since I'm intrigued by this ride. I can only take so much of our families.

V.

I think we are going to be in Bethel the entire week of the 4th, so if you are looking to ride, let me know! We will also be doing a ride on the 8th with our friends, but I think that is when you are heading back out west... I'll PM you my direct contact info, and if you are interested in getting together during the week, just let me know - we'd be glad to show you some good riding!

SheFly