Originally Posted by go4broke44
so whats the over-all summary of the NH ride? it was basically in the waterville valley ski area, right? also, how bad were the climbs? I would really like to try it, but i dont feel i'm at the level i should be , to be able to make it up through mountains, when climbing parker hill ave gives me some trouble, although it prolly is 11% though.
There was definitely a 3.5 mile climb at a 9% grade right in the beginning (about the 11 mile mark?) followed by a 4 mile descent. There was another really tough climb at mile 45 but that was short. Everything else was tough but manageable. I wasn't sore, really, until mile 65 when my knees started complaining a bit. Nothing achy and no real intense pain, though. Also, I was climbing with an 8-speed cassette that had the easiest gear locked out (due to a slightly bent derailleur). Also, I'm fat. So I'd say it's an achievable route.
rob