I'm leading a NH-AMC ride this Sat. morning. I'll be riding the 40 mile loop of the Rose Mountain Rumble -- an annual August gravel event in southern NH. We'll be riding the complete 40 mile circuit; but starting in Greenfield NH, rather than at the Lyndeborough meeting place. If you are interested in joining us, you can get more info. here, as well as contact tel. to RSVP: http://activities.outdoors.org/search/index.cfm/action/details/id/106322 Reminder - this ride has no registration or fee, and is open to all adults 18 years or older regardless of AMC membership. This is a moderately difficult ride with over 3000 ft. of ascent, with sometimes very sketchy patches of dirt roads. Helmets are required, and there is no support, convenience stores, or facilities on the route. You must carry anything you want to eat or drink. The forecast is for hot weather. At least 2 24oz. bottles of water or sports drink is highly recommended.
I hope you keep doing these, Bob. Work and family has kept me from being able to drive up from mass for these as of yet but I will make it out one of these days.
I am planning a 50-60 mile route in that area for Monday, Memorial Day if anyone here is interested. Will probably be an early start.
bikepunksondope wrote:I hope you keep doing these, Bob. Work and family has kept me from being able to drive up from mass for these as of yet but I will make it out one of these days.
I am planning a 50-60 mile route in that area for Monday, Memorial Day if anyone here is interested. Will probably be an early start.
Thanks for your interest and encouragement. I'm retired, which gives me the time and opportunity to do as I like. But, that opportunity comes with 75 year old legs that have been riding and racing bikes since 1958. As much as my ailing back and knees allows, I'll continue to lead these rides in southern NH through the rest of the riding season this year. Hope you can join us soon, on one of these rides. You may have to wait for us however, at the top of some of the hills!
TimmyR wrote:Awsesome Bob...I’m not sure I can survive that on Saturday. Keep doing what you are doing...I hope to ride with in the near future.
Tim
Thanks Tim -- Glad you are planning to join us. Look forward to meeting you. I'll probably continue leading regular dirt road rides this season - mostly on Saturday's. Just keep looking here for my posts; or on the NH-AMC activity board.
bobknh wrote: Thanks Tim -- Glad you are planning to join us. Look forward to meeting you. I'll probably continue leading regular dirt road rides this season - mostly on Saturday's. Just keep looking here for my posts; or on the NH-AMC activity board.
Will do. I am traveling 2-weeks per month but once I am back to 30 miles riding shape I’ll make a point to join. I am in Stratham and would love to join some longer group gravel rides as I get into this kind of riding.
Don't let bobknh's description of himself make you think these are lame rides. They aren't! He says that he has 75 year old legs, but they must be like fine Scotch - they improve with age. 😊
hbs wrote:Don't let bobknh's description of himself make you think these are lame rides. They aren't! He says that he has 75 year old legs, but they must be like fine Scotch - they improve with age. 😊
Oh I did not me to imply that at all! I am sure he can and you all can ride...perhaps I'll wait until I'm back up to 40 miles before I dabble in one of these!
Recap of the recon: three words HHH -- hazy, hot, and hilly. Temp's in the mid-80's, humid, and 3000+ ft. of vertical ascent. But, our small crew of 3 hardy riders managed the course in fine fettle. I have to admit that while I'm usually a good hot weather rider, the heat was getting to me on Sat. I just haven't done much real hot weather riding this Spring in NH -- where the weather up until now has been cool and wet. With one exception the unpaved roads were in good shape -- but dusty and dry. The exception was the infamous Bible Hill road in Francestown. The town is in the process of re-paving the road. The lower 2/3 of the climb was torn up lose gravel. Fortunately, the last 1/3 of the climb, which hits 20% in places, was still paved. We were also helped by the fact that it was cloudy most of the day. The conditions in Aug. for RMR should be better. But, as we learned on Sat. be ready for surprises when you ride the unpaved roads of southern NH. Finally, if you plan to ride the RMR, the entry fee of $65 goes up to $85 after 5/31. BTW, all of the proceeds go to the Piscataqua Land Conservancy, which actively purchases private lands and advocates the preservation of our southern NH rural environment, so that you and your children will have unpaved roads and trails in the future.
