Join us for one of Kathy's favorite routes in Litchfield County, CT. The riding is spectacular here and will include the scenic shoreline of Lake Waramaug. We will have three “pace groups”, which will differ in speed, distance, and intensity of climbing. 

Expect country roads, a civilized stop in Kent, CT for baked goods and coffee, and a visit to Lake Waramaug.  There will be some climbs, but nothing like the Tunnel Ride in June!   We had a great time last year and had some fun wildlife sitings. We saw a young bear running down the road, a bobcat, hawks, and other surprises (see here: https://www.strava.com/activities/11888393334)

Stick around after the ride!  We'll picnic next to the river.  Kathy and Steve will bring a big cooler of drinks and snacks to share.

==
1) A HUGE THANKS to everyone who has contributed a few bucks towards club expenses! GrNY will remain free to join and free to ride, so just come out and ride. That said, contributions to help cover expenses are always appreciated. You can find out more at this link: https://grny.org/guidelines
2) Don't forget to fill out the online waiver form! You only need to do this once and it takes less than a minute: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7KKI8DMlB4aF0-M1cYWYP0zUys5aOv3i-AkCm0LagW4xi1A/viewform
3) Bring lots of water. It will be hot. 
4) We are starting early to avoid the afternoon heat. *Wheels rolling* at 8am.
5) No train options this week -- sorry!  
===

START TIME: 8:00am *wheels rolling*. Drivers should plan to arrive considerably early and be ready to ride. 

START LOCATION: 8 Young's Field Rd, New Milford, CT 06776. 
Link: https://goo.gl/maps/GuhFiD73Q554kcSp6 
Park along the river next to the sports field (Young's Field).  There is usually a portable toilet near the ride start.  

END OF RIDE HANGOUT: All of the pace groups will picnic by the river in New Milford to celebrate after the ride.  We'll bring a cooler with cold drinks and some snacks to share.

ROUTES:
Long: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43691565
Medium: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42464289
Short (v2): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47183661
Extra Credit: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43692320
(climbs Front of the Mountain Road on the way back for those with extra energy to burn!)

QUESTIONS? You can email Steve at track “dot” smart “at” gmail “dot” com, but be sure to read all of the information below and the group information on the GrNY.org website first.

==
DISCLAIMER: This is totally informal. You ride at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety. You are expected to be self-sufficient. We cannot guarantee the condition or safety of roads and trails. Nor can we control the behavior of other riders. This is not a supported event. We expect everyone to be an experienced cyclist who can repair a flat, carry appropriate food and hydration, and navigate independently if they lose the group.
==

PACE GROUPS
- Long (60-65+ miles, faster speed, and killer climbs): Led by Steve. 17+ mph (“Strava speed” on paved solo rides); 19-20mph (NYCC standards); >14MPH average on gravel rides with 100ft/mile of elevation gain.

- Medium (45-55 miles, moderate speed, skips some of the deadliest climbs): Kathy will lead these rides, which will still be challenging, but travel at a slower speed. Pace expectation: 14 mph (“Strava speed” on paved solo routes);l 16-17 mph (NYCC standards); ~12 MPH average on gravel rides with 100ft/mile of elevation gain.

- Short (40-45 miles, no-drop): This group will stop more often to rest, take photos, and enjoy the scenery, riding at a friendly, no-drop pace. Pace expectation: 12-13 mph (“Strava speed” on paved solo routes); 14-15 mph (NYCC standards); 10 MPH average on gravel rides with 100ft/mile of elevation gain.

“Strava speed” = actual recorded average speed for long, solo paved rides on relatively flat terrain (i.e., not group rides with drafting).

EXAMPLE RIDES FOR EACH PACE GROUP
It is difficult to describe pace for rides that include dirt, pavement, and substantial climbing. You can compare these examples to your own gravel rides over similar distances and elevation gains. PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE ELEVATION GAIN. THESE WILL BE HILLY RIDES.

Long: 63 miles, 6300 ft climbing, >14 MPH
– Example: https://www.strava.com/activities/9023394582

Medium: 47 miles, 4500 ft climbing, ~12 MPH.
-Example: https://www.strava.com/activities/9023193918

Short: 45 miles, 3600 ft climbing, ~10.5 MPH.
-Example: https://www.strava.com/activities/9197009980

[These examples are from last year’s SGS rides. Actual pace will vary based on elevation and ruggedness of the terrain.]

RIDE ORGANIZATION
We will have at least one place to buy food and drink on each ride, but we are only doing grab-and-go during the ride itself (e.g., Gatorade + portable snacks). Each group will have a few “wait for everyone” stops. That said, the Long and Medium groups will not wait for riders who are considerably behind the pace. The Short group will be no-drop — with some limits. If you are walking the hills and suffering, even at the slower ride pace, please take a shortcut back to the start and tell the rest of the group to travel without you. We can all hangout after the ride.

THREE REQUESTS
1) Choose a ride group based on your riding speed, not distance. We want the groups to finish around the same time, so we can all hang out post-ride. We understand you can go the longer distance, but it will be more fun if people ride together (rather than get dropped) and then hangout for food and drink after the ride.

2) Ride safely! Please read our ride guidelines: https://grny.org/guidelines. Key points:
– Control your speed when traveling downhill. Racing downhill is how many serious injuries happen. If you’d like to ride hard, save it for the climbs! Then wait at the top.
– Being predictable to other riders and cars will keep everyone safer. Never pass a rider on the right. If you want to pass, call out, and then pass on their left (like a car).
– You need some form of off-line navigation and should have a backup navigation plan. Why? Many areas won’t have cell coverage. And phone batteries can die during long rides. Examples of offline navigation: Dedicated bike computer (Garmin, Wahoo, etc); Phone with paid subscription to Ride with GPS or Strava and remembering to download to route for offline usage before the ride; Paper map + cue sheets.

3) Don't blow up your pace group
- If one or two riders are traveling much faster than the group leader, others will chase them. Then everybody will get strung out riding alone.
- If you are faster than the group average, wait at the top of hills and after major road crossings.
- If there are big speed differences within a group, the group will subdivide at the first catch-up stop. This way everybody will have somebody to ride with.

Lake Waramaug Gravel Ride (Aug 24)

GrNY is an informal club for gravel riding in the New York metro area. Rides involve dirt and paved surfaces, since it is difficult to string together continuous unpaved routes in our area. The goal is to get away from cars and seek gravel where we can find it.

Join us for rides that emphasize:
- Fun exploration
- Non-competitive atmosphere
- No dress code (whether lycra, MTB baggies, or flannel)
- Some members enjoy challenging rides, but the goal is the experience, not speed/stats
- Pacelining on dirt roads is strongly discouraged.

Info & how to join: https://grny.org/guidelines

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Lake Waramaug Gravel Ride (Aug 24)

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