Climb to the Clouds

Note: Technical difficulties with my phone today. I tried posting at various points along the route, but after a couple posts, didn't realize that my phone encountered a "syncronization error" and none of my subsequent post attempts made it. Thus, here's my ride report:

The Climb to the Clouds bike ride was held today. It's a ride organized by a local cycling group; the ride attracts as many as 800 cyclists. My final total mileage was 102 mi.

I arrived at 6am to the ride kick-off site in Concord, MA in order to register for the ride. The sun was just on it's way up... the weather turned out to be clear skies and temps in the 80s F.

After a quick registration, talking to some other riders, and prepping the bike, my colleague Bjorn arrived and we set-off with a group of 6 others.

Just 9 miles into the ride, I flatted (rear wheel). Ugh. But no worries, I quickly pulled out my spare tube and inflator and fixed the flat. Fortunately, just in time for us to connect up with another group of 12 riders. Time for some fun peloton riding! Really enjoyed buzzing down the backroads in the group, alternating pulling at the front with drafting in the pack. There was some discussion about direction however... but we got on track.

Around mile 27, caught these nice views of the distant mountains and orchards.

Took several breaks (probably too many and for too long)... and over the course of the ride, ate lots of bananas, plums, powerbars, and my own PBJs.

Around mile 45, here's me ascending the 1 mile, 9% grade hill. I had feared this climb for the past week or so, given that my easiest gear is a 39x23. Despite this tough gearing (while others were using 39x25+, or had a triple), I was very pleased with how I rode it, sitting in the saddle for most of the way up. This brought us to the Wachusett Mountain visitor center.
After the major climb, normally the route continues up to the peak of Mt Wachusett, however this year they had to cancel that portion due to road contruction. Bummer, but trust me there was no shortage of climbing.

The rest of ride we encountered undulating climbs and descents. My max speed was 45 mph going down a long hill. Finally finished with the legs feeling great! This could very well have been a transformative ride, putting my body through some very positive physiological changes.

Anyway, I'm very happy with the ride and for the many good people I met along the way. It was a great day!