TimmyR good luck. I did it 4 years ago and it had way too much macadam for me to call it a gravel ride. About 50/50 when I did it unless they changed the course some.
Zurichman wrote:TimmyR good luck. I did it 4 years ago and it had way too much macadam for me to call it a gravel ride. About 50/50 when I did it unless they changed the course some.
Zman
I rode the 45-miler DIY-style during COVID (2020). When you say "too much macadam" do you mean like groomed rail trail?
No I meant pavement. Lots of the East Coast rides are like that but I thought NH would have a lot more gravel. Compared to Ride the Ridges in VT. which is probably 90% gravel. The Ride the Ridges is a great ride and you need to ride it sometimes. Lots of climbing but views of the vistas below is incredible. Maybe they changed the course from 4 years ago if you are lucky.
Thanks Zman. I had to look up "macadam" 🤣. I just rode Rooted Vermont and that was amazing. I also rode Kearsarge in Warner and it was a lot of unpaved riding. I'll report back on RMR. This will be longest and most vertical I've ever tried to tackle. 🤞.
I rode it too. The 66 miler came in at 67 miles after a wrong turn and over 6,000' of vertical per my Garmin. RWGPS said it was 52% unpaved. It felt like more than that. Plus there were two Class 6, unmaintained sections for the technical riders. It's small event (capped at 150 riders across 4 distances). After riding it, I think it's one of the better routes in NH. Here's a link to my traced version after downloading from the RMR site.
I always feel like the elevation gain is harder on the legs than the final numbers would suggest. Must be those constant 10 - 15% grades that keep getting thrown at you.
DKeane wrote:I always feel like the elevation gain is harder on the legs than the final numbers would suggest. Must be those constant 10 - 15% grades that keep getting thrown at you.
Agreed. There was no lack of that. I need to tinker with my bike and either run 46/30 up front or expand the rear cassette.
Agreed. There was no lack of that. I need to tinker with my bike and either run 46/30 up front or expand the rear cassette.
TimmyR not sure what crank or drive train components you are running right now. I have the new GRX 800 48/31 with a 11-40 rear cassette. Small grinding noise when you shift to the top lower gearing but that is is. Shifts smooth, just know not to stay in that gear very long.
TimmyR not sure what crank or drive train components you are running right now. I have the new GRX 800 48/31 with a 11-40 rear cassette. Small grinding noise when you shift to the top lower gearing but that is is. Shifts smooth, just know not to stay in that gear very long.
Zman
Thanks..I have a whole post on this in another thread on the forum. I'm running 48/32 up front, 11/34 in back. Shimano Ultegra Shadow (2019 Diverge.). I'm ready to throw an 11/36 on to see what happens or get a Goatlink to see how that goes. I'm not good at derailleur adjustment so I'm working thru my LBS.
I've heard GRX800 can handle wider spread in back as well. I have my eye out for the group or at least the rear derailleur.
Thanks..I have a whole post on this in another thread on the forum. I'm running 48/32 up front, 11/34 in back. Shimano Ultegra Shadow (2019 Diverge.). I'm ready to throw an 11/36 on to see what happens or get a Goatlink to see how that goes. I'm not good at derailleur adjustment so I'm working thru my LBS.
I've heard GRX800 can handle wider spread in back as well. I have my eye out for the group or at least the rear derailleur.
Didn't see that post but just a FYI Shimano is conservative on what they say you can run on the back. I think my GRX they say 11-34 but I have no problems on running the 11-40. Found out it just doesn't like the low gear big when you switch from low to high which is no big deal as I don't stay in it very long or if I shift down to that I then shift down to low. It makes kind of what I would call a grinding sound but hasn't hurt the chin or the shifting any. I also worked thru my LBS as I had him install the GRX. Went from Sram Rival 1x to the GRX right before Covid and the parts shortages hit. MY LBS couldn't find the crank and I found it at REI
