GamecockTaco

I am planning on coming up from SC to do the ride, but am unsure of the terrain on it. And which bike I should bring.

If anyone has done it or rides near Portsmouth, NH, can you please respond with some info about hills, i.e. rough % and lengths of them?

I have one bike with standard crank and one with a compact. Either are comfortable enough for 60 mile rides that that isn't an issue. First day says it is flat, but second says it is "hilly" as the route goes more inland from Ogunquit, ME back to Portsmouth.

Thanks in advance.

Felipe the Ant

I live in Portsmouth and I ride around fine on a fixed gear. There are a few biggish hills but most of them are on the side of Portsmouth that you're probably not going through. I'm not sure of the route but you'll probably end up downtown and follow the coast which is relatively flat. I haven't ridden in Maine.

When is this? I might want to do it

GamecockTaco

here are the cue sheets for the ride. It is May 14 and 15.

https://www.breathenh.org/Page.aspx?pid=818

breathenh.org is the main website and the bike tour is under events for more details.

thanks for your help. Like I said, trying to determine if I'd need the compact or if a standard 53/39 would be fine. I regularly have about 1500 feet of climbing over a 45 mile route here, mostly 3-5% stuff, and was just unsure of the terrain up there.

Felipe the Ant

That 42 mile route is looking very appealing. Except for the part where it's 42 miles haha. All the routes appear to go around all the big hills, they go through Newcastle too which is very nice on a clear day. The bridge to Newcastle is closing for repair though I hear so I don't know how that's going to work out. If the bridge is closed they would have to have a detour which skips Newcastle completely and takes you over a narrow bridge and up a HUGE hill. The 53mi the second day looks nice too, you get all the sights. If it's not a timed event you should grab a burger at Gilley's on fleet street, they're pretty famous in the area.

There are ups and downs but nothing too tall really. If you can do 1500 feet while riding 45 miles this should be cake.

GamecockTaco

thanks, felipe. I am looking forward to it.