Litchfield Rapha Continental Invite

[Peter Polack]

In preparation for my fifth D2R2, I'm riding the Litchfield Rapha Continental course on 17 July. This ride is D2R2's ugly little sister. If you don't know what this means, don't even think of reading on. I've already ridden the route this year and twice last year so I know my way around pretty well.

This is an invitation to 2-4 others (the first to commit; I'm not picking and choosing people here) to join me. I think that's a manageable group. This is one SERIOUS ride and you will hurt by the end. It takes me roughly 9 hrs door-door to complete.

Of course, mixing people of unknown levels of fitness can cause problems, so you must be tolerant of this unknown quantity and just go for the experience.

Interested? PM me.

[DarrenCT]

i did this last year and its a bitch!

its also my favorite ride other than d2r2

hopefully i can join u

[Elmer]

I have dog duty all day saturday!

I may do this ride BY MY SELF the day of D2R2 being I will not be at THAT ride :(

I'll be needing a serious ass kicking that day - self inflicted is the purest way.

[thendenjeck]

man, I really want to do this ride in the worst way, but my friend is getting married in chicago that day.... :(

[DarrenCT]

soooooooooo how was the ride?

pictures?

[Peter Polack]

How was the ride?

I didn't do it.

During the week prior, while I was receiving no concrete commitments, my buddy calls me up and says, "I'm thinking of going up to Deerfield and riding the "Lower Loop" of the 180km course, just to burn the directions in my head. Interested?"

We're 5 time veterans of the route but it's good homework for this August. 75 miles.

When I had no takers by Friday night, I took the invite and rode in Deerfield.

There were obviously some recent heavy storms up there. There's a large branch across Hawk's Road, necessitating a little ridearound. There was a washout on Reeds Bridge Road, which had the road blocked off by Jersey barriers and heavy equipment; still passable by bike. A couple of dirt sections are now paved, but it's not a significant distance. All the pain was left intact.

[Elmer]

On August 21st, I will be carrying Peter's torch so to speak and am offering up my services in the name of D2R2 non-participants to any salonistas that are willing to do this ride. Offer stands as Peter has indicated in his original post. I've done this route three times myself and have a pretty good knowledge of the course. Your D2R2 bike would be best suited here.

Ride will start at 7AM in the parking lot behind the town green.

If you missed out on the D2R2, this will more than make up for it.

Interested?

[Peter Polack]

Someone take Elmer up on his offer. You've got a stellar ride leader and host in him.

And for those that missed out on D2R2 registration, this is the PERFECT alternative. Dirt roads, long, steep climbs, blistering descents, incredible scenery, very little traffic. The price is more attractive, too!

I wish I were an amoeba, then I could engage in some cellular division and do BOTH rides!

[WayneJ]

I am riding D2R2, but I would be up to do the Litchfield ride on another weekend if someone would be kind enough to lead a small group.

[Elmer]

Wayne, we may be doing this ride again maybe late September - you know, the foliage thing.

[WayneJ]

Wayne, we may be doing this ride again maybe late September - you know, the foliage thing.

Count me in !

Do you have a date in mind? I have a business trip to Italy the week of Sept 20th, so I'd like to plan around that.

[Elmer]

Note yet but I'll keep you posted.

[Seedee-Ell]

I know no one knows me yet, but I'd like to go both times if at all possible. but def one of them.

[Elmer]

Teaser

[sjauch]

September sounds nice. This heat is killing me. I'd love to join you guys on this ride.

[DarrenCT]

Teaser

i remember that hill! thats a good 30min climb eh?

[Elmer]

It's an AWESOME Climb - 30minutes?? hmmm - I think it's like 1.5 or 2 miles so however long it takes is up to the individual. Nevertheless, this is the look when you climb it.

[Elmer]

Any other takers - I'm closing it off by Thursday 3PM

[thendenjeck]

Wayne, we may be doing this ride again maybe late September - you know, the foliage thing.

anyone still thinking of doing this?

[WayneJ]

anyone still thinking of doing this?

I am, but my schedule has been hard to nail down - and I've never ridden it, so I'll need a cue sheet or ride leader. Late September/early October is looking possible.