THE ITINERARY:  We will meet at about 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM at the Hobo Hills Miniature Golf parking lot in Lincoln, NH, just east of Interstate Route 93 – Exit 32 to discuss logistics.  Then riders can start the ride at individual times, gauging their starting time to allow their reaching the top at about 11:30 AM.  Previous experience on this ride has shown that the average time for our group, which comprises significantly different riding strengths, is about an hour and a half.  The climbing time ranges from approximately one to two hours.  With everyone arriving at the summit at about the same time, we are able to share our accomplishments and the scenery (if we are blessed with good weather) together as a group.  At that point we know that it’s all downhill from there and that the Woodstock Inn feast is at hand.

So the ride will start for the more “patient” riders at about 9:30 AM with the rabbits starting at about 10:30 AM depending on their pace; and will end back at Hobo Hills at about 1 PM.

We start the ride in Lincoln (Elevation 800′) and steadily climb for a little over 13 miles eastward at 4% to 9% grades to Kancamagus Pass (Elevation 2855′).   There are many great vantage points along the way with lots of opportunities to enjoy the scenery if your head is up (that is why one would train a bit prior). The Kancamagus Highway is a designated American Scenic Highway and is known to be one of the most beautiful in the East.

POTENTIAL NEW “KANCRS”:  If after reading this invitation, you are still curious about the ride and trying to decide whether to give it a “go”, don’t hesitate to call me at 1 (978) 927-8383 or e-mail me at apapjoe777@gmail.com.  It’s a great event for cycling enthusiasts of many levels of ability.  This ride is not a race and is an inspiration to all who participate.  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.

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 summit rest area just east of the pass on the north side of the road, 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.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the day is the encouragement that is shown toward each other. We share clothes, equipment and yes, we even switched bikes one year – - – whatever it takes to get everyone to the top.

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 event. The ride can be done without training; but, of course, it is wiser and more enjoyable if you perform some physical conditioning ahead of time.  You will especially appreciate your prior preparation as you reach the steepest segment of the 13.3 mile ride 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 a 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 respected.  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 aspect 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 during 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), as well as sunglasses, a bathing suit, and a towel.

LOGISTICS:  Please let me know of any needed travel assistance beforehand.  There is always the opportunity for sharing transportation to and from Lincoln.  If a friend or family member is interested in taking some photos and/or being a support car, that would be great – just let me know.  It gives some riders who are “on the fence” about whether they want to try the Kanc Ride more comfort knowing that there is a support car along the way to provide assistance if needed. It would also allow for an alternative way down for those who just want to do the ascent on their bikes.

COMMUNICATIONS & UPDATES:  I will be using my Gmail e-mail service apapajoe777@gmail.com for this event and would really like to know if you’re planning on joining us.  However, keep in mind that a commitment is not necessary.  Bottom line — if you’re going for it – - – be at Hobo Hills in Lincoln Saturday morning about 45 minutes prior to starting your ride.  Remember that the climb takes anywhere from 1 to 2 hours depending on your ability, and that we are all aiming to arrive at the summit at 11:30 AM. Feel free to use my work address, Joseph.Anthony@Jacobs.com if you would like to check in early that morning on our way to Lincoln or after the ride.

If the weather is “iffy”, I will decide whether it is a “go” at about 7 PM the evening before the ride.  At that time, an e-mail will be sent out with the “Go/No/Go” decision to those who have notified me prior.  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 or text me between 7 PM and 9 PM at 1 (617) 901-2350 cell #.

For anyone coming from afar, I will issue a preliminary indication of  whether we are a “go” and send an e-mail out on the Thursday evening prior so that you can determine whether to make the trip.

RAIN DATE:  It is very unlikely that the ride will be postponed.  However, if the ride is in fact postponed due to weather, the rain date will be the next day, same time.

https://www.bikereg.com/Net/19155

There are 3 group designations for the ride based on average speed. Please register for the appropriate group.

The Route:
The Tour d’Essex County is a scenic loop around the county.  The100 mile rolling circuit covers some of the best roads in the area.  The ride begins and ends at Seaside Cycle on Elm St in Manchester by the Sea.

Rest stops will be at roughly mile 45 and 75 at Riverside Cycle in Newburyport. Seaside Cycle will host a post-ride cookout.

Cue Sheets:
We are making 2013 cue sheets available to all pre-registered riders.  Please note that these cue sheets have changed from previous years.  All registered riders will receive a link to the final cue sheet after registration closes. Cue sheets will be available as a Garmin file. Paper copies of final cue sheets will be available at registration as well.

Reminder: due to a number of municipal issues related to course marking, this year’s route WILL NOT be marked.  Please download the cue sheet or carry a copy with you.

Ride Support
The ride is self-supported. Please ride with others of similar ability and be prepared to handle any roadside repairs.

Parking

Parking on Elm St is limited.  Additional parking is located on Morse Court.  Be aware that municipal parking behind Town Hall is timed and you will be ticketed if parked for more than two hours.

About North Shore Veterans Counseling Services: 
The North Shore Veterans’ Counseling Services, Inc. http://www.northshoreveterans.com/ was established to address a need amongst veterans living north of Boston, Massachusetts.

Those issues included, the need for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder counseling for combat veterans, as well as support services in the areas of the veteran’s readjustment to society and civilian life, and in the areas of substance abuse, housing, employment, and education.

Email chris@ecvcycling.org with any questions.  Hope to see you there!!

GPG2012_GloucesterPandD16Jan2013

I wanted to take the opportunity to address the latest article  in the Gloucester Daily Times. I contend that the previously written article by the Times was biased and did not fairly report on the issue. Regarding the article released today, I don’t feel there’s a bias, it wasn’t written well. Misquotes and inaccuracies abound. Below is my point-by-point rebuttal that I emailed to the Gloucester Daily Times.

_______________________________________

The cyclocross consists of two days of eight hour competitions over a course stretching nearly two miles throughout the park. Nearly 1,000 cyclists competed in last year’s event. And Paul Boudreau, president of Essex County Velo, which organizes the annual races, agreed there is still much work to be done in the park and the weather is not working in his favor.

We had another banner at event at Stage Fort Park a few weeks ago. I know we ask a lot of ECV members and our friends in the cycling community in the lead up to the race in the search for volunteers. Now I fear I need to ask yet another favor.

Residents of Ward 5, the home of Stage Fort Park have complained to the City. It’s unclear if this article and this editorial from the Gloucester Times is the source of this sudden interest in the post-event condition of the park. Regardless, after 14 years of racing in Gloucester, we’re now in a position where voices of support are important.

If you are so inclined, a letter of support is greatly appreciated. The “To whom it may concern” saluatation is appropriate as I would use these letters at various meetings with the City that are upcoming. Please also include your city and state in the letter.

My next meeting is November 7th, but supporting documentation needs to be sent to the clerk by the 31st of October.

Please send your letter to:

Paul Boudreau
Essex County Velo
PO Box 5534
Beverly Farms, MA 01915

Many thanks for your continued support of the Gran Prix of Gloucester.

Regards,

Paul Boudreau
President, Essex County Velo
Race Director, Gran Prix of Gloucester