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The Berkshire Backroad Gravel Grinder (B2G2) ’22 – 4.23.22
In 2021, one of my favorite gravel events was the Berkshire Backroad Gravel Grinder, a challenging 39 mile route in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. My only goal for 2022 was to ride the route faster than last year. The biggest difference this year was that I actually spent the winter following a training program (and training for the Great North 50 which I didn’t end up completing). The other difference was that I’d be riding my new bike! Lighter wheels! Lighter components! I hoped that would also play a role. The weather for the B2G2 was a lot nicer than for the Great North and Toad Strangler, which made…
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Gravel Riding in Poultney, Vermont
Earlier in the month, Jordan and I rode the Analog Cycles Gorey Hollows Gravel Ramble in Poultney, Vermont. The bike shop Analog Cycles organized the event (where I got my bike fitting done back in April), so it was a very low-key event. There were two other events going on that day, an 80 mile race (with like 13K ft of climbing, eek), and a challenging 40 mile “scramble” race, which still had like 10K ft of climbing, and the Ramble. We opted for the Ramble, a 32-ish mile ride with about 3k ft of climbing, which is still nothing to scoff at. This ride had everything. Fall foliage, sweet…
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The BikeADK Handlebarley Gravel Tour – 9.25.21
The Handlebarley, a 42 mile ride throughout the Adirondacks is a new event organized by Bike Adirondacks. With 42 miles of scenic Adirondack roads, two fully stocked aid stations, followed by good local beer, pizza and a live band, the Handlebarley was a great way to spend a Saturday. * Note: I was offered an entry to the event in exchange for social media coverage and a blog post! On Saturday morning my parents and I drove out to Paradox Brewery, the starting and ending point of the ride. Since I was attending solo, I thought it would be a good chance for my parents to hang out and do…
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Farmer’s Daughter Gravel Grinder – 8.15.21
After almost 2 years, the Farmer’s Daughter Gravel Grinder, the premier gravel event for Upstate, NY was finally happening! Jordan was supposed to ride with me but decided he wasn’t ready (he had knee surgery in March) so my friend Aubrey took his place. The two of us set a goal to finish the entire 65 miles. Each of the previous times I’ve ridden this I’ve bailed after 40 miles. But not this time, we were committed! Canceled in 2020 for obvious reasons, the 2021 event was postponed from May to August. This would give me ample time to prepare for the long distance and intimidating elevation. It also helped…
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A Professional Bike Fitting Experience
A few weekends ago, Jordan and I drove up to Poultney, Vermont so I could get a professional bike fitting. A bike fitting is when a professional take a measurement of your body, observe you riding your bike, and then makes adjustments to ensure you have the bike set up properly for comfort (and in a racer’s case, maximum speed and power output). Ever since I got my gravel bike in May of 2018, my hands have gone numb on longer rides. I had tried everything to prevent this from happening, including trying all different types of gloves—pads, no pads, fingerless, and full-fingered— to no avail. I have always loved…