TJ's Wachusett Fondo Pre-ride Thursday June 7th 11am

[JeremyC]

I'd call this 90% locked in. Who wants to take a day off and pre-ride the Fondo course. This will be the social media event of the year, as we will be taking pics and tweeting etc etc. We will also "pre-ride" the brewery after for food and beer.

Post up if interested. This will be a no-drop ride but still hard so if you are not in good shape then I'd suggest meeting us for beer after. Although I guess there could be a "B-ride" on the shorter course as well.

@Mingori can you post up the latest course files?

[Mkidd3]

In

[djming]

You called?

Long course: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27111755
Short course: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27648914

Notes:
The short course is 100% paved and is the same as the long course thru mile 14.5 in Hubbardston center.

The long course has 6 different sections of gravel. All are easily navigable on road 25's. The North Rd dirt ascent of Wachusett is doable on 25's but expect some slipping depending on the line. I made it with just a couple tricky spots on 25's at 90psi running a 36-28. Bigger/beefier tires while more suitable for that .65 mile stretch are overkill for the rest of the route. The one unknown is mile 18'sh the dirt stretch along Mt. Jefferson Rd. It was in very rough condition when I rode it a couple weeks ago, but when Tim Johnson rode it on the 24th they appeared to be filling and grading. We will need to use caution there and be prepared for some soft conditions if work still in progress. This is a recon ride after all!

Oh yeah, and IN!

[KTeves]

Thinking yes, but I'll be watching the weather . . .

[djming]

Thinking yes, but I'll be watching the weather . . .

What you meant to say was "In"
(I'm sure we'll all be watching the weather..)

[strat]

I actually have the Friday off work...I'll see if I can switch it to make this instead.

Ian

[strat]

Adjustments made to vacation request...I'm now in!

Did we say Conti 23's are ok for the route? This is what I used for the unofficial Fondo ride last year (when the Hilltowns race was canceled) without drama.

Ian

[djming]

Adjustments made to vacation request...I'm now in!

Did we say Conti 23's are ok for the route?

Nice Ian!
23's on the North Rd climb will be interesting (especially if you also have a narrow profile rim) but with a careful line and proper gearing you'll make it.
I rode the Rutland dirt sections today on a Conti 23 rear/25 front and it was totally fine. A bit bouncy but fine. The other sections (minus North Rd) will be similar to what I was on today. Wider rims do help.

[strat]

Adjustments made to vacation request...I'm now in!

Did we say Conti 23's are ok for the route?

Nice Ian!
23's on the North Rd climb will be interesting (especially if you also have a narrow profile rim) but with a careful line and proper gearing you'll make it.
I rode the Rutland dirt sections today on a Conti 23 rear/25 front and it was totally fine. A bit bouncy but fine. The other sections (minus North Rd) will be similar to what I was on today. Wider rims do help.

Thanks Dave. I can't go any larger than 23's on my Dogma without risk of rubbing on the chain stays so I'll roll the dice!

[BTurner]

I’m in for this. Some of our current signs will work but we probably need some more to make it safe and enjoyable for all.

[JeremyC]

Weather looks good. Any other takers??? This will be non-event pre-ride of the year.

[KTeves]

I just requested a vacation day so I can play hooky to ride my bike with all the cool kids


So clip-in at 11 AM at Wachusett Brewery?

[JeremyC]

Nice. Yes lets meet in the parking lot with departure shortly after 11

[strat]

Outside chance that Jerome Guerard and Jeff Tufts (Sterling-ites) join us for some or all of the ride - I'll know by the club meeting tonight - they had some work logistics to resolve (i.e. "I'll be working from home today")!

Ian

[djming]

11 it is at the Brewery.
Once again, here are the routes:

Long: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27111755
Short: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27648914

[karenM]

I am lurking this thread... Which route is being done tomorrow? The one with dirt sections? What kind of pace? When do you expect to be done with the ride?
-Karen

[JeremyC]

Long Route
Dirt Sections
Steady and solid 18+mph pace
Regroup at the tops of climbs
With a stop we should be done by 3:30

[karenM]

OK thanks, Im gonna pass, need to build up my road endurance a bit before I tackle that.

[JeremyC]

Park in the lower lot just past the brewery on the right

[BTurner]

Awsome ride today. 18 mph was about my limit. A big thanks to Dave for setting up this route. Remember to share, post and re-post. This is going to be a great event.