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