Super ToC Ride

This is going to be an Epic ride. The idea of a ToC training ride sparked at the last Pawling Mountain race when Py meet Nick again and with a few climbs in mind plus a little extra a new route was made up linking climbs, know roads and a little new terrain. Little advertising the ride within a select group of riders only Benjamin finally made it.

Meeting in Tannersville by 9:30. Sorting things out, getting ready -- including the support vehicle as Dave, Nick's dad was so kind to make sure we do have all we need at any time and followed us in Py's car -- many thanks again!

The three rolled out heading towards the first warm up climb on Scribner Hollow Road following a fun strait decent -- a little scary as two deer where on left and right on the road but stayed there -- Py flying down with some good speed, regoup at turn. Gently rolling and downhill for the next miles, a quick downhill with a near missed turn... good to get reminded on this one again! Proceeding West via Windham -- a minor detour due to a missing bridge... Excellent team work of those three riders. The next wall on the menu was Airport Road - Nick is killing it. (you know it or better find out about it). From top of that a fast decent into Lexington. Climbing up Deep Notch and descending into Shandaken. Taking 28 to Big Indian -- quick water refill and snack stop about 1/2 way to the bottom of the next climb "Winisook". Peaking at about 820m and even a great view on top!

A great initial steep decent again hitting top speeds around 78km/h and a magnificent and very scenic ride in Frosty Valley just flying in a group of three "down stream" on a gentle decent.

Felt kind of funny having a few random spectators here...

Then from Claryville to a minor settlement passing a temporary bridge and wondering/waiting for the support car -- it did not got lost? No, just got more cold :-) water! One more refill and a few snacks before hitting the next climb of more kind of wall at Barnes Road. Peak again near 800m. And then a wonderful long decent... the longest (by elevation) of the ride. Proceeding on a nice road and gentle steady climb on Peakamoose South and over descending to 28A. Quick and final water top off. Proceeding to Mountain Valley Road and hitting a little (unexpected or not remembered) but short wall before reaching Woodstock on slightly rolling roads. From there not too far -- the final climb -- The Devils Kitchen -- hitting this series of walls at mile 117. A few riders in GFNY kit's hanging out at the upper bend. Some how the slow go eliminated any cooling to Py's feet any for the last mile of the steep part they kind of felt like on fire... Then just rolling "home" with what ever was left.

A perfect day and great small group of three. Every on did a great job. Nick got pretty much all the KOMs.

A day, a ride and 198km / 123mi and 2,914m / 9,560ft vertical.

Finishing the day with a good dinner at "Last Chance Cheese".