Post by dgaddis1 on Jan 13, 2014 14:28:18 GMT -5
So Strava is launching a new "Grand Fondo" series of challenges this year. Go here for details: www.strava.com/challenges/gran-fondo-01 I have zero interest in buying one of the jerseys, but the challenge is fun to take on.
Yesterday some of us knocked out the 1st one, the challenge was for 130km (about 81 miles). The official ride started at the north end of the Greeneway, and we rode to Mistletoe State Park and back. Several of us rode to the ride as well, so 3 of us ended up with over 100 miles (my first century, woot!) and Mark was super to 100. The route was pretty hilly, and I think everyone was hurting except maybe Nevin and Mark who both crushed it all day. I was whooped by the time I got home!
We had 9 folks, regrouped at the major turns, made several pit stops (I'd have been better off with fewer pit stops actually), and a great time was had. Weather was absolutely PERFECT. I'd like to do the rest of the challenges this year in a similar group ride fashion. This route was all paved, but I'd like to mix in some gravel on some of them, and do some on MTB's on the trails, so long as the distances don't get too crazy. I don't know if they'll keep increasing every month or what...
Ran into a few of the guys on the greeneway on the ride to the ride.
Rollin'
There's a few of these old steel bridges in the area, they're cool.
Pit stop
We stop at the nicest places.
Rolling across the dam, crossing state lines.
Another pit stop.
The whole group at the turnaround point.
Yesterday some of us knocked out the 1st one, the challenge was for 130km (about 81 miles). The official ride started at the north end of the Greeneway, and we rode to Mistletoe State Park and back. Several of us rode to the ride as well, so 3 of us ended up with over 100 miles (my first century, woot!) and Mark was super to 100. The route was pretty hilly, and I think everyone was hurting except maybe Nevin and Mark who both crushed it all day. I was whooped by the time I got home!
We had 9 folks, regrouped at the major turns, made several pit stops (I'd have been better off with fewer pit stops actually), and a great time was had. Weather was absolutely PERFECT. I'd like to do the rest of the challenges this year in a similar group ride fashion. This route was all paved, but I'd like to mix in some gravel on some of them, and do some on MTB's on the trails, so long as the distances don't get too crazy. I don't know if they'll keep increasing every month or what...
Ran into a few of the guys on the greeneway on the ride to the ride.
Rollin'
There's a few of these old steel bridges in the area, they're cool.
Pit stop
We stop at the nicest places.
Rolling across the dam, crossing state lines.
Another pit stop.
The whole group at the turnaround point.