While the
Tour de France was wrapping up in Paris, 25 avid cyclists gathered in Needham early
on Saturday to face a personal challenge of riding 5 "stages"
totaling 200 miles in one day. In the darkness, you could hear tires
being pumped up, water bottles being filled, and light hearted banter about the
day ahead. The group was made up of cyclists from 8 different states
including Texas, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire,
and Massachusetts.
After a brief pre-ride talk, the group rolled down Greendale Ave, a mass of red
blinking lights. They stayed together until the hill up Pine Street when
riders began to hit their personal strides and find riding partners for the
day. For the next 80 miles, ten riders stayed together at the front
including Roy, Coleman, Bruce I., Bruce H., Sandiway, Walter, Dale, Dan,
myself, and a rider (in blue) who sprinted up most of the hills.
Williams Donut Shop in Uxbridge had water and Powerade ready for the riders.
We wolfed down donuts, muffins, and double-egg sandwiches. After
the long descent into Rhode Island, we crossed into Connecticut and got ready
for Buck Hill. The maximum speed of the day was 47 mph coming off Buck.
It was certainly not the longest descent of the day, but apparently it
was the steepest.
The new section of the route on Route 31 North (Leg 2) proved to be a real
challenge as it started with a several mile climb. The views from the top
were quite amazing. We regrouped at the Clam Shack as the hill had spread
riders out. Temperatures were still in the 60's as we began the descent
from Charlton. Managing the temperature meant that vests and arm warmers were
constantly off and on.
By the time we crossed Route 20 we began to see Laurie (my daughter) and the
support vehicle. The next 9 miles to Paxton were a hill-fest.
We managed to stay together until "mountain goat" Dan and
"endurance champ" Sandiway put a hurting on the group during the last
mile climb into Paxton. Coffee on the Common was a welcome sight after
this 56 mile leg of the trip!
Seven riders began the next leg to Petersham together ( sanity struck a few who
decided that slower was definitely better). After riding 90 miles, the
average speed during the next 14 miles was nearly 23 mph! This group was
so evenly matched that you would reach the top of a tough climb and not even
question whether everyone was still there....they would be over and over till
the finish. With 110 miles out of the way, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch
of sandwiches and Clam Chowder at the Petersham Country Store.
The trip back to Paxton was a combination of joy and pain. The descent
from high above Barre to the valley below was exhilarating. The mostly
uphill grind to Paxton was certainly not. Again Chris, Sandiway, Dan,
Bruce, Roy, Dale, and myself stuck together like glue.
Leg 4 to Uxbridge was mostly uneventful until the left turn onto Route 16.
At this point in the trip, the climb up to the Douglas State Forest got
the attention of our legs. Everyone was thinking "Gee, I thought the
hills were over". On the way to Uxbride we lost Roy due to a major
tire blowout. I thought he would have to ride the sag wagon for sure, but
he pulled off a miracle roadside repair and finished the ride with Walter.
At Uxbridge, most of us had gigantic greasy donuts (we had earned them).
One more hill.....the one up to Mendon was all that remained.
Surprisingly, it was ridiculously easy after what we had experienced the rest
of the day. From that point on our paceline was like a fast freight
train. The speed picked up as we all knew there were less than 30 miles
to the finish.
As we rolled into Nahanton Park, Laurie had food and drinks all ready for us on
the picnic table. We munched on snacks and talked about what had been a
great ride. For several hours the other riders pulled in and seemed
elated about their accomplishment. Everyone finished before dark. For many riders it was the first time they
had completed a Double. Although I could not ride with every group, I enjoyed
hearing the stories about their adventure. I was impressed at how experienced
this whole group was.
As for the stats:
Total
Climbing- 9202 Feet
Climbing Leg 2- 3740 Feet
Our group did the 200 miles in 10 hours, 11 minutes riding time.
Maximum Speed- 47 mph
Calories Burned (Sandiway)- 7000 (I probably burned 9000)
Three of the five legs exceeded 20 mph.
See the Route Profile. It is
quite amazing. It appears that once you leave Paxton all you have to do
is coast to Boston. I can assure you that is not the case!
Thanks to everyone who participated and made this CRW event a success.
Thanks to Laurie who did a great job with the sag and keeping the riders
hydrated.
See you next year!
--Dave
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