Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - First Century (GRR)

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WestMass
10-10-11, 08:26 AM
Hey folks,

I did my first century yesterday. Despite getting lost in the woods on a dirt road and riding an extra 13 miles, and getting a slow leak in my rear tire in the last 5 miles, things went really well! I averaged 15mph over 125 miles. Ride time 8:16, total time 9:44.

The Great River Ride was definitely the hardest physical challenge I've ever completed, and I'm pretty stoked on the prospect of completing some of the Berkshire Brevets in the spring.

Anyone else ride this yesterday??

http://newhorizonsbikes.com/articles/great-river-ride-2011-pg161.htm

http://www.mapmyride.com/s/routes/view/road-cycling-map/massachusetts/westfield/41708004

spokenword
10-10-11, 03:39 PM
I hope to do the GRR 'one of these days'. Just hasn't quite fallen in line with my calendar since (I think) it's always on Columbus Day weekend and I usually have standing plans on that day. All the same, I heartily encourage folks to check out the Berkshire series. Not as much dirt as what you'd see on GRR or D2R2, but still some gorgeous terrain. The 400k to Saratoga Springs is one of my favorite rides in the area.
Andrey
10-11-11, 09:52 AM
Congratulations!
I also rode the GRR. I was in relatively good shape for the ride after PBP this year, but all that climbing caused severe lower back pain. I did enjoy the route with no cars and beautiful views. I also liked the way the route was marked . I did not use the cue sheet and almost did not use the GPS. I did miss the first info. control though.

I did ride the 400k in Saratoga Spring this year, but, I think, John S. changed the usual route for the PBP. It just went on route 9 all the way to Canada and back, very flat.
A year ago I did the Saratoga 300k around the Sacandaga lake and it was way too many controls(11 or 12) and all(!) of them were "Stewart's" shops.

spokenword
10-11-11, 10:57 AM
oh sorry, for clarification, the Saratoga Springs 400k that I was referring to was the one that Don runs out of New Horizons, which goes from Westfield to Saratoga Springs by way of Lee, Stephenstown and Mechanicsville.
Andrey
10-11-11, 02:57 PM
Have not done that one, maybe next year. I did the 600k though, it was beautiful !
redliner
11-08-11, 05:31 AM
I did the GRR this year, too. Probably the 5th time I've done it.The weather this year was the best ever, by far. This is one of the best new england centuries. The scenery, the food, the challenge...it's tops. Next year, if you're looking for another tough century, try the Mt. Greylock Century. About the same total elevation, hotter weather. Close to the GRR area, it even shares the same road for a few miles in one place.