See HERE for recent information: https://www.strava.com/clubs/513005/posts/40853971
(SORRY FOLKS - Strava's updated app seems to make links non-functional.  You can access the links from the Strava *website* instead. )
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This route is a favorite for Kathy and Steve!  You'll travel to the famous tunnel in Steep Rock Preserve. Spectacular riding, lots of dirt, and challenging climbs from start to finish.  We might even see some goats on the trails. We'll hang out at Housatonic River Brewing after the ride!  Their kitchen is now open and has all kinds of good stuff. 

NOTE FOR ALL RIDERS:  These are extra-challenging routes due to the steep climbs and descents.  The good news is that the weather will be cool this time.  Cool weather equals climbing weather!

NOTE FOR THE MEDIUM GROUP:
- Medium riders who are up for a challenge can do Kathy's 51-mile route, which we've renamed to "Medium Plus" in deference to the difficulty level. This was Kathy's activity from last time for reference: https://www.strava.com/activities/14955692495
- If >5000 ft of climbing sounds like too much, we have a 40-mile "Medium Minus" route.  You'll still make it to the famous tunnel, but in fewer miles and with fewer climbs.  Expect to finish before the rest of the Medium and Long distance riders.  ALTERNATIVELY...  Take a longer refueling break in Washington, CT (relax! enjoy!) and then join the Medium + riders when they arrive.  The routes are exactly the same after Washington.  Then we can all finish the ride together.

==
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. More info here: https://grny.org/2025-03/how-to-contribute-to-grny
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

===
ROUTES:
Short: 35mi, >3500ft: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51333580
Medium Minus: 40mi, >4200ft: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51334376
Medium Plus: 51mi, >5100ft: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51334326
Long: 59mi, >6000ft: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51334311

***** START TIME: 8:45AM *wheels rolling*.
- Car drivers should arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you are slow to get ready, please arrive even earlier.
- There is no public bathroom at the ride start, but there is often a portable toilet at the park.
- Train riders: Sorry, but there is no train option this week.  Hopefully you can catch a ride with someone you know.  We'll have train options for next week's ride from Westchester.

START LOCATION: Young's Field Playground. 8 Young's Field Rd, New Milford, CT 06776. 
Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7jMAtVB8488XV3KG6
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: Housatonic River Brewing, 30 Kent Rd, New Milford, CT 06776 (A short drive or bike ride from the start).
Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5KzfthYh7tJTyEt27

QUESTIONS? You can email Steve at track.smart@gmail.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): Ralph will typically lead these rides. 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. These are *NOT* this week's routes!!!]

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.
-SINGLE FILE on dirt descents: Riders may need to suddenly change their line to avoid hazards!
-Don't brake suddenly while in the group.
-Yell before passing and pass on the LEFT (like a car).
-You need some form of off-line navigation, so you can follow the route without a cell signal (e.g., bike computer or route saved offline in a phone app). Many areas won’t have cell coverage and phone batteries can die during long rides.

3) Don't blow up your pace group!
Help your ride leaders keep everyone together. These are social rides.
- If a few riders are traveling faster than the group leader, others will chase them. Then half the group will get strung out riding alone.
- Don't see your ride leader? You probably helped blow up the group by chasing (or causing others to chase you).
- If you are at the front of a paceline (on pavement): Keep a moderate pace that matches the expected group speed. Do NOT surge on the hills. That's when the draft effect is least helpful to riders behind you.
- If dropped riders are within the expected speed, ride leaders will wait for them. Be sure to wait for your ride leaders!
- If there are big speed differences, the group can subdivide at the next regrouping point.

** Ways to get your exercise, without blowing up the group **
1) On the longer, steeper climbs (not the easy, rolling stuff), go nuts! Then WAIT AT THE TOP.
2) If you don't like stopping: Get to the top of the climb, then go back down until you find the back of the group. Bonus points for helping us sweep (i.e., checking that we have everyone).
3) Again, if there are big speed differences within a group, the group can subdivide. This way everybody can ride their speed but still have company.

THE TUNNEL!

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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