The 100 Mile Gravel Challenge is brought to you by the creators of Formidable Terra, the Maneha 250, Honey 100 and countless other very special innovative rides.
Details:
Ride a challenging, gorgeous route presenting remote paved, broken, and dirt roads for your cycling delight and fulfillment.
This ride is part of the Challenge Ride Series.
Time & Date: Saturday, August 15, 2020. (Rain Date: August 16).
Ride start times are detailed via email to registrants. The first rider rolls out at 7am, last rider out departs at 9am.
Starting Point: Barre, Massachusetts
Distance: 102 miles. Note we’re offering a 100km ride as well.
Elevation gain: 6,200 ft
Dirt vs pavement: Approx 70% dirt and broken roads/trails, the rest is paved
Price: $45 - Register Here
What you get
Satisfaction getting to ride a new route that is challenging, long, and you can ride as hard as you like.
You receive a well-vetted route file for your GPS computer, parking directions/instructions.
Staffed starting location with water, light food, clean portable toilets. Your pre-ride email will offer details of the locations of everything.
Staffed food stop with water, bike food, Ride Studio Cafe Iced Mochas half-way through the ride.
Peace of mind knowing there are other riders on the same route as you; you will not be the last rider on the route.
Substantial lunch at the end of the ride of delicious, hearty food prepared and packaged in advance.
Start Location
Middle of Massachusetts. Barre, MA.
Estimated drive times:
A 70-minute drive from Lexington or Sherborn
An 80-minute drive from Boston
Route Information
Miles of dirt: Many. We’ll update this once we finalize the route. The paved roads are lovely and there is very little traffic.
One staffed food stop in the middle of the route; eat all you want.
We are offering a bail-out option, so that if you need to cut your ride short, that will be an option. This bail-out option is likely to be paved and not the most beautiful route, but it’s better than having to call for a ride to get you back.
Pacing for this distance
It is important that you feel confident you can average at least 10mph over the course of the day. If you are falling off the minimal pace, we will ask you to take an alternate route back to cut the route short.
Aside from meeting the minimum speed requirement, you’re welcome to ride at your own pace, as you feel comfortable safely ticking down the miles.
A 100 mile gravel ride will take you hours longer than a 100 mile road ride. Your pace will be at least 20% slower than your road riding pace.
We are staffing the food stop assuming a 10 mph minimum pace. BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN YOU ARE UP FOR THE DISTANCE. If you can’t make it to the end, have a way of getting home via a friend or family member. We can’t drive anyone anywhere due to COVID concerns. Be aware that you might not be in cell phone range during much of the ride. There is a sweep rider who can help with many mechanicals, but this rider may be miles behind you depending on your start time.
Social Distance & Riding Rules
Everyone who chooses to participate in this ride must be comfortable with the protocols surrounding social distancing for the entire day. These are described in detail here.
All of our Riding Rules apply in addition to the social distance protocols. Read and digest them before the ride. All riders are expected to abide by these throughout the ride. All rules stated here on this page or in our social distance protocol override any conflicting rules stated in our ride rule page.
Preparation
Read and reference this page for our recommendations. Take this advice seriously, and start packing for the ride a few days in advance so you have time to get anything you’re missing.
Be sure to bring anything else you might need taking into account the weather, your personal circumstances, your health, etc.
You will want to come prepared with extra food, water, and fitness for the distance. Don’t take this lightly - you will likely need a CamelBak with water to get through this ride.
Waiver: Ride Headquarters requires a signed waiver before your first ride of every calendar year. Please fill it out online now if you haven’t done it yet in 2020.
Unregistered riders or riders who haven’t signed the waiver may not participate.
Proper Bike for this Ride
A road or gravel bike that has 28mm-35mm. 32-40mm are most appropriate for the terrain. Feel free to use bigger tires. Narrower than 28mm are strongly discouraged. There is some loose gravel on the roads, and some sandy spots. Narrower tires are more likely to pinch flat and are less stable than 28mm or bigger.
Clipless pedals and shoes. These are important elements of bike control. Mountain bike pedals/shoes are appropriate; road pedals/shoes should not be used.
A bike that’s in safe working order. Make very certain your bike comes clean, lubed, safety checked with fresh brake pads, and tires in good shape. A bike that makes any unusual noises - from a squeaky chain to any kind of other noise should not be ridden prior to being evaluated and fixed by a professional mechanic.
Weather Considerations
We will make last-minute route changes based on weather as necessary. All attendees will receive updates via email. We are playing it safe and erring on the side of caution. This ride will run on August 15 and the rain date is August 16. Weather Protocol is described here.
Contact Information and How to Get Your Questions Answered
Email connect@rideheadquarters.com with any questions. Call 413-461-7433 the day of the ride to speak with the organizer on route. Please contact us via email prior to the day of the ride for all matters otherwise.