Mount Everett Randonee

You couldn't have asked for a better day to be on the bike, especially since I was going to be on the bike all day.  I have come close to riding an American Century (100 miles) on two occasions this year but never did it, but today my goal was to finally do it.  This ride would tell me what kind of shape I would be in for riding the 160K D2R2 course next week.

The route I chose was comprised of 15 dirt road sections, covering 30 to 40% of the ride, and 9000+ feet of climbing.  I invited a friend, Dan, to join me because he wanted to also ride the 160K route at D2R2, too, and I thought this would be a good test for him, as well.  Some of the challenges besides riding a 100 miles was Mt Riga Road, climbing to the top of Mt Everett and doing the backside of Skiff Mountain.

Surly Cross Check atop Mt Everett

The route was great.  One of the challenges or risks you take with the online routing programs is that the maps they use are not always accurate and sometimes roads are shown to go through but in reality that either do not or they are merely right-a-ways that went through a long time ago but no longer.  However, today's route was spot on and so were the roads!  Here is a link to the route that I rode on RideWithGPS.  Please use at your own risk and ride responsibly.

Unbeknownst to me but the route went through Housatonic State Forest

The next dirt section was Mt Riga Road

It's the Energizer Bunny of climbing

Mt Riga Falls

At the Mass Line

My summer camp alma mater

Dan climbing up the flat part to the top of Mt Everett

I am on top of the world

Nice pond near the top of Mt Everett

Dan got a flat coming down Mt Everett Road

Riding under the mountain

These clouds were threatening to rain

but I never felt a drop

Falls Village

Fall Village on the foot traffic only bridge

Riding along the Housatonic River

on the Western New England Greenway

I stopped here for a bottle fill, have to come back and show my appreciation!

Toll House

Covered Bridge

Looking up the Housi from the Covered Bridge

North of Sharon, CT

Spectacular weather holding

Paved section of W. Woods Road #1

I think I am ready for D2R2!

I felt awesome after the ride.  I didn't cramp up after getting off the bike which tells me I think I was properly hydrated.  At the end of the ride I drank half a warm Power Ade and took two antacids.  In fact, with the exception of a little cramp in my left foot that night I didn't have any serious cramping like I have experienced in the past.