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 me very happy. I didn’t think I had it in me to do yet another ride in the rain.  Again, we had the option of starting the ride any time between 10am and 12pm. It was encouraged the slower riders (like me) to start closer to 10am.

The course was identical to last year’s route, however some of the roads felt new to me. Jordan was having trouble on the first big climb and ultimately decided to end his ride after about 12 miles, which was fine with me. I spend the next 3 hours basically riding solo. I’d get passed by a few small groups of faster riders every now and then, but didn’t see much of anyone for most of my ride. I didn’t mind it.  It was actually relaxing!

I tackled all the big climbs and only stopped to walk for a few minutes in the same exact spots as last year, part of the climb up Under Mountain Road  and the extremely steep initial section of the Top of Dean Hill Road, an unmaintained seasonal road at mile 35, when I was feeling zapped of most of my energy.

Overall, it was a beautiful day to ride some gravel in the Berkshires. Thanks to Berkshire Velo for organizing such a fun ride, and I’ll most definitely return next year!

B2G2

Goal was achieved. I was 0.2 MPH faster on the ride this year! And a huge thanks to Chris (?) at the finish who saw me roll in and offered me a delicious Treehouse beer. You are amazing!

Gear List
Kona Rove DL w/mullet gearing
Garmin Edge 1030
Garmin Varia radar tail light
HRM

Clothing
The Black Bibs Knickers
Ridge Merino tank
Club Ride Flannel
Smartwool socks
Pearl Izumi X-Alp Flow Pop flat MTB shoes
Fox Sidewinder MTB gloves

Bags
Revelate Designs Mag Tank top tube bag
Revelate Designs Mountain Feedbag
Ghost Cat Bags Charge Handlebar Bag
26 oz Purist waterbottles

Nutrition
Tailwind Endurance Fuel
Skratch Labs Sour Cherry Energy Chews
Gatorade mix, maple syrup shots and a Rice Krispie treat from the Aid Station