We have a fun one in store this week, ladies, seeking out cool climbs to combat the warmer temps.
Starting in Huntley Meadows, we'll get a nice, flat warmup in by spinning down Christian St and north on Rt 14 along the river. Then, we'll hang a right-hand turn and start a nice, shady and cool climb on Tigertown (dirt road). Before we reach the end of the Tigertown climb, the ride will split into one of two options:
(1) Longer route (27 mi/2700 ft): Those ladies who would enjoy a longer ride with a bit more climbing will hang a left on the delightful Quimby-Mountain Rd to Carpenter, popping out on the Rt 132 end of Beaver Meadow. There is a climb back up to the height of land and some descending on dirt before it switches over to smooth pavement for an awesome descent.
(2) Shorter route (20 mi/1700 ft): Those ladies who are looking for a bit less distance, less dirt, and/or less climbing can keep straight on Tigertown and come out towards the top of the paved descent on Beaver Meadow.
Road bike would be perfectly fine on shorter route (the only dirt is Tigertown climb; all fast sections & descents are paved). Gravel bike or road bike with wider tires may be more comfortable on the longer route (dirt on Tigertown, Quimby-Mtn, Carpenter, and first half of Beaver Meadow). That said, this Norwich dirt is usually very packed, smooth, and delightful but there is always a chance for looser, sandy spots or drainage damage.
Regroup points:
For the longer route, we will regroup twice. First at the intersection of Tigertown and Quimby Mtn (mid-climb), then again after the short punchy Chapel Hill climb and before beginning the descent down the paved section of Beaver Meadow (mile 23 on route).
For the shorter route, we will regroup after the short punchy Chapel Hill climb, before beginning the descent down Beaver Meadow (mile 16 on route).
Check your email before coming. There is a chance of storms Tuesday evening, but we will make the call no later than 3 pm when we have a better sense of where the storms will hit and when.