I found out about the 6 Gaps of Vemont while reading the Adventure Cycling website. Jill was seeking fellow riders to join her on Memorial Day. Specifically, Jill was seeking slower riders who were willing to be on the saddle for up to 12 hours and on the road for 14 hours. I answered her "plea" and we began chatting in February about the ride and logistics.
For me, the distance was not a concern. The climbing, however, was as I feel very weak in this aspect of my riding. If I could do this ride, I would feel very good about my physical conditioning for a late summer self-contained 1,500 mile tour along the St. Lawrence Seaway.
The night before the ride, we would be staying with Jill at a family place along the route. It was about 4 hours from Oneonta. Leaving at 11 am, we took our time driving through Vermont and checking a couple of turns we were uncertain about.
We arrived at Jill's by 5 pm, relaxed a little, and then headed for dinner at a local pasta/italian place. We had spaghetti and meatballs - pretty basic and good. We were back at the condo by 7:30 pm.
Jill and her husband did not arrive until around 8:30 amd we chatted a little before heading to bed at 9:45 pm.
Brooke, the third of our group, would not arrive until around 10 pm. We were getting up around 5am, so it was a short night for them.
Saturday (May 23):
I had three fears about this ride - not finishing, having to walk up
one of the climbs, and being very much slower than Jill (an accomplished
rider) and Brooke (much younger and fitter). I was awake at 4:00 am.
Lying
in bed for an hour before getting up was the pits. I just wanted to
get going at the break of dawn.
Weather was great for riding - overcast and cool. The temp never topped
65 and our choice of clothing was perfect -
leg warmers, arm warmers, long sleeves.
Although most 6 Gap riders begin the ride in Rochester (VT), we were starting in Granville, so that Lincoln Gap was the first gap we would conquer. We wanted to get Lincoln - felt to be the hardest - out of the way for emotional strength. We parked at a Glassblower's studio for the day - he encouraged that so it looked like there were customers at his shop all day!
Jill (Left), Me (middle), and Brooke (right)! We began riding at 7 am with our support vehicle carrying much of our food and drinks. Their plan was to let us get some miles ahead, catch up, drive ahead, and wait for us to catch up. It worked well throughout the day.
Granville
Gulf:
Hitting this section first was nice, it was cool and a slight tailwind
pushed us along. The grade was pleasant and a good warm-up for the impending
attack
on
Lincoln
Gap.
At 4 miles, this climb is short and sweet and steep. I was pleasantly surprised that it came and went without too much pain and fatigue. I guess I had rested enough in the days leading up to the ride. The descent was not alot of fun due to unpaved and gravelly sections as well as sharp corners. Brooke was the "winner" of the descent - she seemed fearless. She saw a moose too - I got a picture of it! I was very impressed.
Longer and not so steep, this gap was equally challenging for the duration it took. Good views of the Vermont mountain-scape and a nice stopping point at the top. There were alot of other riders on this gap and traffic picked up as well.
The descent into Waitsfield was fast and a little treacherous. My left brake hood had loosened up and I was afraid I would lose my front brake completely. That would have messed up my day - crashing through a guard rail. It did hold together long enough to reach Waitsfield where I tightened it down. The group did equally well on this Gap.
The ride towards this Gap was marked by two sections of climbing - one just past Warren (VT) and the gap itself. The Warren climb was challenging and steep in sections. The 4 mile climb up Roxbury was marked by steep, unpaved climbs which made it possible for our back wheels to slip if we were out of the saddle.
We found this climb as challenging as App Gap. The descent was equally hard because of the unpaved sections. Still - the group is together and feeling pretty good. My legs have not felt fatigued yet - my back hurts.
The 20+ mile ride leading to Rochester Gap was marked by strong headwinds. I led the way with Jill and Brook tucked in behind. I did not push the pace to conserve energy and back strength. Still, it was a hard ride and I became aware that I had not taken in food or liquids in a a coupe of hours.
When our support vehicle came by, the refueling began so we were ready for the second half of the ride. We had been on the road for 6 hours at this point.
Rochester Gap was deceptively difficult and caught us off-guard. Although the descent into Rochester was nice and fast, my legs felt the fatigue of the ride for the first time. The "Congested Area" sign leads one to believe there was lots of traffic - not the case as werolled into Rochester without a single car around us.
Brandon
Gap:
After a brief stop in Rochester, we headed for Brandon Gap (our 5th Gap) and
my legs were loaded with lactic acid. I had nothing going for me for about
7 miles. Jill was feeling good as she scooted out in front. Brooke was with
me. Although I knew we would make all 6 gaps, I was not confident it would
be before dusk and that worried me - along with the forecast for showers.
Thankfully,
Brandon Gap turned out to be the easiest of the gaps and my legs warmed up
for the climb. Maybe food, liquids, and electrolytes kicked in as well. We
cleared Brandon and, emotionally charged, headed for Middlebury Gap in good
spirits.
We had a long ride to the climb up Middlebury Gap - pleasant, mostly flat, and good roads. As we road through East Middlebury - 3 aside - it was nice and relaxed. I was feeling good - legs and back in good shape. On the first part of the climb, Brooke was feeling very strong and led much of the climb.
Jill was beginning to struggle a bit, so I stayed back to keep her company. There was a nice, huge sprawling Inn on the way up Middlebury Gap.
The Middlebury Gap climb is marked by two climbs - one into Ripton and then the final climb to the Gap. Both are challenging.
About 2 miles from the Gap, you can see it across the valley immediately ahead in the picture to the right. We stopped briefly and Jill's phone rang as Bernie was checking where we were. Although the photo does not seem dark, it was getting towards dusk and the clouds looked like rain.
It looks long and hard - at that point we have ridden 120 miles in a little over 10 hours. We succeed in our assault of the Gap and celebrate the 6th and final gap. BUT, not taking much time because it is getting darker and fear of rain is coming.
Our descent into Hancock is fast. A quick break in Hancock for Jill to have pictures taken by her husband before 4 more miles to our starting point.
I did not stop as I wanted to beat the dark and just ride easy for the final 4 miles to Granville. One of Jill's friends took my picture as they passed on the way to Granville - picture to come.
The
Finish:
Jill is energized and racing to the finish. I am waiting for Brooke and starting
to die. My energy reserves are shot, the ride is 2 miles short of complete,
and I am happy we have successfully concluded this adventure. It was nice to
ride with 2 other strong and focused riders. I can't say enough about Jill's
and Brook's tenacity - especially Brooke as she had not trained nearly as much
for this ride.
Sometimes, internet groups don't get along. This was a pleasant case of compatibility.
:)
Ovenight & Conclusion:
Mary Beth and I spent the night at the Pumpkin Patch B & B in Rochester. By
the time we got there, I was getting very stiff and sore. I did not sleep
well
- too fatigued. A relaxing Sunday breakfast and lazy ride home should
be nice. One more Physical Challenge completed!
