Diverged - Perfect weather, route, companions

Five Rippers (Phillip S, Jay F, Mark P, Roger K, and Trish K) left Starbucks at 7am and discovered a hidden treasure of dirt trails in Winchester, Lexington, and Arlington. The Diverged route meanders for 41 miles, but we were never more than 9 miles from Winchester Center.

We rode through grass fields lined by stone walls that looked like they must have during the Revolutionary War. We rode through the woods on narrow trails littered with fallen leaves. We rode along stone dust paths with views of blazing red, yellow, and orange trees. We rode over small bridges and long boardwalks through marshy areas. After each trail section we would pop out on a familiar street, surprised that the trails seemed so remote, but were just yards from roads we ride on every week.

Mostly we had laugh-out-loud fun on our bikes. Riding trails on skinny tires brought back that feeling we had as kids, when a bike was a toy that we played all sorts of games with. We cheered anyone who got up a little rise. We exulted in safely navigating a rocky downhill. One intrepid rider decided to explore and got lost in the woods. While the rest of us searched for him we discovered a magical hillock. 

Originally, we expected to cover the full 41 miles at a 10 mph average, but after 4 hours we had only covered 30 miles and happily stopped at the Ride Studio Cafe to enjoy a cappuccino before taking the most direct route home on paved roads. 



The weather, scenery, and trails were all perfect, but the best aspect of the ride was the company. We chatted and got updated on the changes and adventures in our lives. We even had unexpected encounters. We met Mark, Trish's friend from Milton, on the trails and rode with him for many miles. 

At RSC, Jay met a friend and they arranged to ride together soon. In addition, we chatted with local legends Richard Fries and Rob Vandermark.

Take a look at Roger's video and my photos, and get psyched to join us when we repeat this ride in a few weeks.

Postscript: Roger K dishes out some kudos:

"When he says skinny tires, he means it!  Trish planned on swapping out tires in the morning with Jay, but they wouldnt fit.  Rather than let that stop her from riding, in true Ripper spirit she took it as an opportunity to showcase her great bike handling skills.  A few times I was lucky to see her squirm through a rock and a hard place (literally), and come out laughing!

Jay and Mark make every section look so easy!  Jay mounts and dismounts like a gazelle.  Fast and smooth, but never looking rushed or hurried...I almost ran right into the first downed tree barrier watching him! And Mark is just a natural.  Great lines, knows when to power and when to just let it flow. He also stayed  immaculately clean and unbloodied.  I otoh loaded up with prickers in my socks and was speared by trident, or a branch resembling one!"

K2R2 - "It may be cold, but at least it's raining."

To paraphrase the Rippers' motto: "It may be cold, but at least it's raining."

K2R2 was definitely a Rule 5 and Rule 9 ride this year. The temperature was 51F when we started with the forecast predicting a high of 53 and 50% chance of rain.

Roger chose to ride in short sleeves and shorts while Olivier and I wore arm and leg warmers. When the cold front came in after lunch and the temp dropped to 48F with heavy rain, Olivier put on his raincoat, Roger bought a sweatshirt, and I wished I hadn't left my full finger gloves in the car.

 

In nice weather K2R2 is a beautiful ride. At first we made frequent stops to admire the scenery and take photos, but by the end of the ride we pedaled right past some amazing views. Olivier and I were focused on getting to the car full of dry clothes and warm air. Roger dropped back a bit and we feared he was starting to tire, but he reiterated that he likes riding in the rain and was just slowing down to enjoy the views.

Even the clouds couldn't dim the bright fall foliage.

K2R2 has many fine dirt roads like these, making it an excellent introduction to dirt road randonees. Of course, there are also leg burning climbs like the short, but steep Burnt Hill Rd and the 4-mile slog up Washburn Rd. We were able to ride everything, except the impossibly sandy, rocky, steep Sargent Hill Rd. I doggedly tried to remount, but kept spinning out and crashing to the vast amusement of my presumed friend Roger.

This was Olivier's first dirt road ride and initially he lagged on the climbs and was uber-cautious on the descents. By the end of the ride he was the first one up each hill and bombing past me on the descents. I'm still not sure if his dirt road skills just improved that much during the 9-hour ride, or if he was merely anxious to finish the ride and get out of the rain and cold.

Roger and Olivier get photo bombed by a NH native.

We eventually finished the entire loop, surviving cold, rain, and 7400 feet of climbing in 89 miles. Our bodies and bikes took a real beating. My finger tips are still a bit numb the day after, and take a look at the dirt on Roger's legs and Olivier's face. My bike only needs a good cleaning, but Olivier finished the ride with no rear brakes and Roger couldn't freewheel the last 15 miles.

Last year we added a 15-mile section out to Grafton Pond in the hopes of seeing a moose.  This year we stuck to the official route and settled for this moose at Naughty Nellie's Cafe in Andover, NH.

Despite the cold and rain, there were plenty of smiles and we are looking forward to repeating the ride next fall. The only changes I would make: carry some warm clothes in that backpack and put that 2-mile section from last year back in (climbing Pumpkin Hill Rd and descending the horse trail next to Old Denny Hill Rd).

 

Route

Info about K2R2 - Kearsarge Klassic Dirt Road Randonnee

• description from https://www.bikereg.com/Net/16525
• The Kearsarge Klassic Dirt Road Randonee is a mostly dirt loop in central New Hampshire.  
• The epic circuit is one of the hardest, most beautiful and most fun loops you will ever ride.  
• The epic route is just over 85 miles long with over 8,000 feet of climbing.  That climbing will earn you spectacular and beautiful views of some of the most scenic parts of New Hampshire.  
• About seventy percent of the routes are on dirt roads (less in the 35 mile circuit).  The roads are easily rideable with a cyclocross bike.  
• The dirt roads and secondary paved roads are traffic free (for the most part), hilly, scenic, twisty and just plain fun.  
• The roads traverse many of the properties conserved by the Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust.  Riders who select the epic circuit will have the opportunity to enjoy a cool down dip in a beautiful brook preserved by the Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust.
• route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2903771
• web site: https://s3.amazonaws.com/USACFlyers/FL_2013-371.pdf
• Blayley's Blog: http://blayleys.blogspot.com/2012/09/kesrsarge-klassic.html
• distance: 85 miles
• climbing: 7,591 feet

Food options

• 20 mi, Naughty Nellie's Cafe, 46 Main St, Andover, NH
• 47 mi, Grafton Country Store, 484 Main St, Grafton, NH
• 64 mi, Hole in the Fence Cafe, 420 Main St, New London, NH 
• 64 mi, Ellie's Cafe & Deli, 207 Main St, New London, NH 
• 86 mi, Runner Stone Market and Cafe, 2 E Main St, Warner, NH

Here's a description and photo of Sargent Hill Rd from Blayley's Blog:

There was one little climb that was so soft and loose and steep that we all found ourselves hoofing it. Fortunately, we were able to remount for the rest of the climb and the descent was surprisingly nice. 

Plus a couple more photos from Blayley's Blog that give a sense of the ride. We admired these scenes during our ride, but didn't stop to photograph.

Three bridges.

photo courtesy of Jason DeVarrennes