THE ITINERARY: We will meet at about 9:15 to 9:45 AM at the Hobo Hills Miniature Golf parking lot in Lincoln, just east of Interstate Route 93, to discuss logistics and get to know each other. The ride will start at about 10:30 AM, depending on your pace, and will end back at Hobo Hills at about 2:00 PM. What each of us try to do is estimate how long it will take to reach the top and start so that we all reach the summit at about 12 AM. We start the ride at Elevation 800' in Lincoln and steadily climb for a little over 13 miles eastward at 4% to 9% grades to Kancamagus Pass (Elevation 2855'). There is lots of time and many great vantage points from which to enjoy the scenery, this being one of the most scenic drives in America.
Potential new Kanc’rs - - - if after reading this invitation, you are still curious about this ride and trying to decide whether to give it a "go", don't hesitate to call me at 978 927-8383 or e-mail me at Jose777@aol.com . It's a great event for many levels of cycling abilities. In terms of negotiating the descent, all you need is a steady focus, a set of functioning brakes and an appetite for the post-ride feast at the Woodstock Inn. Last year we had 18 riders and one support car.
We stay on the west side of the mountain (13.3 mile-long, 2000-foot vertical climb) to attain Kancamagus Pass. After spending some time at the top, we then reverse direction and return to Lincoln. The logistics are quite simple by ascending and descending the same (west) side of the pass, starting in Lincoln and ended in Lincoln at the Hobo Hills Miniature Golf parking lot.
Remember, this is not a race; it is a team event and all for the same cause - - - “just we Kanc’rs and the mountain”. One of the most enjoyable aspects of this day is the encouragement shown toward each other. We share clothes, equipment and yes, even bikes if it helps. The climb takes anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. We have riders of all levels and it is rewarding for all. Of course, then there is the lunch/feast at the Woodstock Inn afterward.
If we have a warm day, we will visit the swim hole along the Pemigewasset River opposite the Woodstock Inn after the ride and before we feast at the Inn.
CONDITIONING: It is advised that you train for this, if possible. The ride can be done without training, but it is wiser and more enjoyable if you perform some physical conditioning ahead of time. Regardless if you end up doing the Kanc, New England offers a great environment for this very enjoyable form of exercise. By the way, conditioning makes sense knowing that the steepest segment of the 13.3 miles is in the last mile and a half of the ascent. Very clearly, it gets tougher as it goes.
SAFETY: In considering whether to participate, safety is an important issue. I consider this ride to be somewhat dangerous, due to the steep descent. Some of the hazards are: 1) wiping out at fairly high speeds; the road is now in pretty good condition but is steep, sinuous and often bordered with either guard rail or boulders; 2) for a good part of the ride, there is no paved shoulder, just two - 14' wide lanes which means car traffic needs to be negotiated. On most previous Kanc rides, traffic has not been bad at all. The traffic issues can be handled by maintaining one's focus, as well as controlling one's speed (not a problem on the way up).
CLOTHING: Another important element of preparation deals with clothing. Many years ago, there were some cold riders on the descent due to the heavy rains on the way up, raw weather at the pass, and the wind chill on our descent. It is a good idea to bring along a good rain/wind jacket just in case - - -. Don't forget water and sunscreen (wishful thinking).
LOGISTICS: Please let me know of any needed travel assistance beforehand. There is always a good chance of sharing rides. If a friend or family member is interested in taking some photos and/or being a support car, that would be great. It gives some interested riders more comfort knowing that there is a support car along the way for help if needed.
COMMUNICATIONS & UPDATES: I will be using my AOL e-mail service Jose777@aol.com for this event and would really like to know if you're planning on joining us. Keep in mind that a commitment is not necessary. Bottom line if you're going for it - - - be at Hobo Hills in Lincoln at 9:15 to 9:45 AM on Saturday, June 28th. If it is a time-sensitive communication, feel free to use my Blackberry address, Joseph.Anthony@Jacobs.com.
If the weather is “iffy”, I will decide "whether" it is a “go” at 7 PM the evening before the ride. At that time, an e-mail will be sent out with the determination. If you don't have e-mail, and/or can't find access to e-mail at that time of the evening, then you can call me to get the decision between 7 PM and 9 PM at 1 (978) 927-8383. If that doesn't work for some reason, try my cell phone at 1 (617) 901-2350.
For anyone coming from afar, I will try to decide on whether we are a “go” and do an email a day prior so that you can determine whether to make the drive. Stay tuned!
RAIN DATE: It is very unlikely that the ride will be postponed. It’s not that bad climbing in the rain. However, if the ride is postponed due to weather, the "rain date" will be the next day, same time.
Joe Anthony