[zpl]

This century ride starts in Hampton, NH, and I'd like to get a head start by riding some of the course if I can. Can anyone tell me what route this ride takes? I've searched a couple of the on-line ride map sites but haven't seen anything.

Thanks,

Scott

[The BikeForums Team]

This is an archived thread, you can find the full version of this thread, with images, links and more content here.

Ready to buy? Check out these two online bike stores:
- http://www.nashbar.com (you can find the latest bike nashbar coupons in this thread)
- http://www.performancebike.com (you can find the latest performance bike coupons in this thread)

Cya on the forums,
- The BikeForums Team
- http://www.bikeforums.net

[spindog]

The route begins by leaving the Hampton Beach parking lot and heads South on NH-1A, makes a brief initial loop into MA (so that it can be the "TRI" state ride) and then returns North on 1A past the start at mile 17.

You will continue North (with most likely a pleasant tail wind) parallel to the ocean through Hampton Beach, Rye Beach and so on. You will also pass over a few steel grated bridges along the route which I highly suggest you walk your bike over if it is at all wet unless you don't value the skin on your shoulders, hips and other body parts and would like to "feel" the road beneath you. You have no choice but to walk your bike across the pedestrian walkway over the large drawbridge in Portsmouth, NH to cross over towards Kttery, ME.

The century ride makes a SAG Stop at the Fort McClary picnic area at mile 40. Then it continues up to a rest stop at Cape Neddick and the Nubble Lighthouse. You will then continue along the ocean through beautiful York Beach and up to a turn around at the York Cliffs and then return to GO.

There are a couple of off-shoots that take you along some small residential roads and then back to the main route along the way. On the way back, there is @ a ten mile inland jaunt that relieves you from the monstrous headwind that you will likely be hammering into on the way back. Then you pop back out on NH-1A about 5 miles from the finish.

The route is extremely flat and is more-or-less an out-and-back route and can be shortened by turning around and heading back the way you came out.

Hope this helps. BTW: There are plenty of opportunities to stop at convenience stores/markets/beach bathouses along the way

[cyclinfool]

Is this a well attended ride? I was planing on signing up.

[spindog]

Is this a well attended ride? I was planing on signing up.

Yes it is.

Keep in mind that there is no "day-of" registration. On-line registration closes on August 26th or sooner if they reach their 1,600 rider limit. The $30 fee covers both days and you can ride one or both.

http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1436583