Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Westfield, MA 200k

200k out of Westfield, MA this weekend. A Flechemate and I drove down from BTV on Friday night, crashed at the Elm Motel and did the 200 on Saturday. A bit of rain on the road in the morning, cool temps, and a great group. Off to the VT border by way of Shelburne Falls, then a bit of a loop in the hills back to Shelburne Falls and on to the finish. Temps peaked in the 90's and water was an issue, especially on a desolate middle stretch in the middle of the day. I finished a bit slower than I had hoped - but felt great on the last 20 miles, riding as strong or stronger than on the first 20. Heat got to me on some tough climbing mid ride... just had to sit back and work it out.

Eventually I'll get a blog post up, and looking forward to the Fleche in 18 days...

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0jkA5M3PGcY/SfSTLTGihSI/AAAAAAAAKgs/tpgPcww9UOU/s800/IMG_7974.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0jkA5M3PGcY/SfSTOB2lfEI/AAAAAAAAKg8/cpZyLACCbT0/s800/IMG_7987.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0jkA5M3PGcY/SfSTUVEa1AI/AAAAAAAAKiI/tryqNlubh6w/s800/IMG_7969.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0jkA5M3PGcY/SfSTSOsD7BI/AAAAAAAAKhk/FRZefBAgt4c/s800/IMG_8033.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0jkA5M3PGcY/SfUHVCm55cI/AAAAAAAAKlU/rOJRiiNJsmY/s800/IMG_7961.JPG

Computer claimed 128 miles with 6800 or so in climbing. It captured the ripping descent down 8A at 40 mph... but on that narrow road with all the twisties it felt much much faster.


Was total temperature shock for me. 3 weeks ago I started a ride in snow / rain.

wow, looks like a great area to ride.. thx for the pics & report.

what kind of handlebars are those?

wow, looks like a great area to ride.. thx for the pics & report.

what kind of handlebars are those?

nitto noodle, 46cm wide.
i had some hand pain, recently switched stems and re-cabled with the new bars. where the cable exits the ergo caused some numbness and bruising. i think i've got it sorted... we'll see this weekend - 75 miles on the dirt and lots of climbing with a few ripping descents. should be fun, with the local boys.

wow, looks like a great area to ride.. thx for the pics & report.

Oh yes, the greater Westfield area has many great cycling roads. They use many of the same roads on the 200k on their Great River Ride 170k populaire ride in October, with the added incentive of the foliage of the season.

Looks like a fantastic ride, I would have done it but have focused on road racing this spring.

If motel costs are keeping anyone from attending a Berkshire Brevet event, I can host cyclists who give a week or more of notice and some quality brews. Just PM me and we can set something up.

I live ~20 minutes away from the start in Westfield, have two large pull out couches and a few flat spots in the backyard for tents.

Looks like a fantastic ride, I would have done it but have focused on road racing this spring.

If motel costs are keeping anyone from attending a Berkshire Brevet event, I can host cyclists who give a week or more of notice and some quality brews. Just PM me and we can set something up.

I live ~20 minutes away from the start in Westfield, have two large pull out couches and a few flat spots in the backyard for tents.

way cool. we'll be down that way for the fleche - but won't be needing a sleep stop. not sure if i'll be doing another westfield brevet this year.

we ate at osaka on the way home... sushi seemed to hit the spot after a hot day on the bike.

Looks like a fantastic ride, I would have done it but have focused on road racing this spring.

If motel costs are keeping anyone from attending a Berkshire Brevet event, I can host cyclists who give a week or more of notice and some quality brews. Just PM me and we can set something up.

I live ~20 minutes away from the start in Westfield, have two large pull out couches and a few flat spots in the backyard for tents.

Hocam -- I'm planning on heading in to do the BashBish 300 this weekend, and was just going to get up early to drive in from Boston, but knowing that there's a lodging option besides the Elm is great to have for future logistics. I might take you up on that offer as well!

No problemo, consider the backyard a 1 day notice type of stay and the pull out couches the 7 day notice.