Boston Mountain Bike TEAM

July 14th, the French know it as Bastille Day but for the Boston Mountain Bike Team it was the date for the 2012 Mt Washington Century.  This was the third year we participated in what is considered the most challenging century in New England.  The ride put on by the Tin Mountain Conservation Center (TMCC) is wonderfully supported.  Race director Susan Beane is very receptive to rider feedback and implements changes each year.

The team was represented by myself, Roz, Janet and Kelly.  Roz and I rode the full 108 miles while Janet and Kelly enjoyed the day on the 40 mile loop w/a 10 miler detour and ascent to Cathedral Ledge.  Afterwards they cooled off in the nearby Saco River and enjoyed huge iced coffees.  Kelly commented that the climb up Cathedral Ledge and the uphill on Bald Mountain Road to the ride finished pretty much emptied her tank. 

The century ride travels around Mt Washington traversing three notches and has spectacular mountain views.  The first 22 miles had gentle inclines and an ascent up to Bear Notch.  A sweet downhill brought us to Bartlett and aid station #1.  From there we began the 4 mile ascent to Crawford Notch with hearty headwind breezes in our faces.  Okay they were more than hearty and I could barely pedal up the short steep section before reaching the AMC Highland Center.  At aid station #2 (41 miles), peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, brownie bars, clif shots and advil were greatly welcomed.  The next and middle part of the ride was a grueling 25 mile stretch of never ending rolling terrain and an ascent to the town of Randolph accompanied by hearty headwind breezes.  Roz and I both depleted our liquids by the time we reached mile 66 and the third aid station.  Cold cokes refreshed our hot bodies and prepared us for the 8 mile continual climb to the Mt Washington Auto Road and aid station #4 (79 miles).  The last notch ascent to Pinkham seemed like cake at that point.  We were so excited when we saw the road sign indicating the long awaited downhill!  As I am flying down, I see cars pulled over and then Roz darting across the road.  Oh no, it must be a moose sighting.  Sure enough I was right.  After a short stop, we saddled up for the remaining descent to Glen and the last aid station (96 miles).  Only 12 miles to go but the heat and humidity had intensified.  The ride along West Side Road to Conway was endless.  I lost sight of Roz as she sped away trying to capture the entire ride on Strava before her phone died.  The last mile of the ride was a grueling ascent up Bald Hill Rd to TMCC. 

We finished the ride w/no mechanicals or leg cramps with less than optimal training.  We will be back next year!