Boston 600k – July 20th 2013 | New England Randonneurs

Ride Information

Destination:	Benington, VT
Start:	Hanscom Civil Airport, Bedford, MA
Length:	600k / 375mi
Start Time:	04:00
Time Limit:	40 Hours
Ride Leaders:	Matt Coe and John Doyle
Controls:	See Below
Sanctioning:	RUSA and ACP.
Cue Sheet:	Preliminary Cue (PDF) (Updated July 13 2012)
GPS/GPX File:	See RideWithGPS Links below. Note: Be sure to read the GPS warning page!
Registration: or Postal Registration (Editable PDF)	Register Online

2013 Info: This route might change for 2013 but the distance, date, and start time will be the same. Check out the info below regarding the 2012 version of the event and check back here for more information on the 2013 600k when it becomes available.

Description (Updated July 13th, 2012)

The 2012 route is a slightly modified configuration, as we sadly can no longer use the Sandgate, VT overnight control. The route is mostly the same as in 2011, although some of the control locations have changed.

The overnight control will be in at the Chalet Motel in Manchester, VT at mile 236; beds and dinner will be provided. The Pittsfield and Gardner controls will not be staffed; riders are advised to bring some money along for drinks and snacks. The remaining controls are expected to be staffed and have food and water available.

Drop bag support will be provided. The first bag will be available at the second checkpoint in Northfield, MA and the overnight in Manchester, VT; the second will be available at the third checkpoint in Deerfield, MA and the sixth in Brattleboro, VT.

MapMyRide Links:
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stages 3/4
Stage 5
Stage 6
Stage 7
Stage 8

The 2012 route is similar to the one used in 2011, except a control and the overnight location are changed; Sandgate will no longer be used. The following description, modified from Bruce Ingle’s for the 2011 route, should provide a preview of the terrain:

Segment 1: gentle to moderate rollers to Sterling, a moderate climb just beyond Rt. 12 (Fitch Hill), then a gentle descent to Rt. 140. Somewhat flat to the Princeton town line on Rt. 62, then moderate climbing from there to Princeton center with two brief downhills and a steep climb just before Princeton Center; Princeton center is certainly the highest point before Barre, possibly to the Connecticut River valley. Mostly gradual descent between Princeton and Hubbardston, and steep rollers to the Barre Falls Dam entrance with a gradual descent from the entrance to the checkpoint at Barre Falls Dam.

Segment 2: Steep rollers continue to Barre center, culminating in the Barre Wall (>10%) just before Barre Center. Rollers are moderate after that, with a long, fast descent near the Quabbin; it’s possible to see several miles forward from one of the hilltops around Petersham. After Rt. 202, the route flattens out until Rt. 2A, with moderate rollers to Mt. Grace (~10%) in Warwick. Some descent to Warwick center, a bit more climbing on Northfield Road and then a deliciously long descent into Northfield, following Mill Brook downstream to the Connecticut River Valley (close to sea level).

Segment 3: Mostly gentle to moderate rollers with some flat sections, following the Connecticut River Valley to Deerfield.

Segment 4: Generally climbing between Deerfield and Savoy, with moderate grades in Conway and just before Ashfield Center (following the South River upstream). Moderate rollers from Plainfield through Windsor, then a long downhill (following Windsor Brook downstream) between Windsor and Dalton (with some rough sections and a bridge closed to auto traffic). Gentle terrain between Dalton and the checkpoint at the Price Chopper in Pittsfield.

Segment 5: Some moderate rollers to Hancock, including the climb to the entrance of Jiminy Peak. A long, gentle descent along Rt. 43 to Williamstown, then moderate rollers again on Rt. 7. Once on Rt. 2, a 7-8% ascent for 4 miles (Petersburg Pass) to just beyond the NY state line, followed by a 7-8% descent for another 4 miles. Moderate rollers to Rt. 22, then flat to gentle rollers from there to the checkpoint in Cambridge except for Hoosick and Hoosick Falls, which have moderate rollers.

Segment 6: Gentle rollers to the Chiselville Covered Bridge, then moderate climbing with some moderate rollers immediately after the bridge, becoming more gentle toward Manchester. Once on Rt. 30 in Manchester, generally climbing with a grade that increases to a steady ~8% (the Green Mountains), reaching the summit at ~2000’ just beyond the Rt. 11/30 split; the overnight is just after the start of the climb. Generally downhill from the summit to Dummerston, with some occasional moderate climbs. After crossing the Dummerston Covered Bridge, a very steep climb of increasing grade, reaching ~17-20% near the summit. Generally descending and flattening out from there to Brattleboro, with a few moderate climbs.

Segment 7: Moderate rollers generally downhill through Brattleboro, then cross the Connecticut River (again, around sea level). After the immediate climb from the bridges, the terrain starts flat and gradually increases in severity and elevation toward Rt. 32, with a very steep climb (>10%) just before Rt. 32. Elevation and severity of terrain generally taper off toward Gardner, although there is another very steep climb (>10%) around Royalston on Rt. 68.

Segment 8: Gentle rollers, generally climbing to Rt. 140, then generally descending to Fitchburg. Moderate rollers through Fitchburg, flattening out by Shirley. Flat from Shirley through Ayer except for bridges and underpasses, then gentle to moderate rollers from Ayer to the finish.

600k Ride Reports

Lovely Bicycle’s 2012 600k Crew Ride Report: A great report to read if interested in helping to support the events.
Cris Conception’s 600k ride reports from 2006 and 2007.: More of Cris’s ride reports can be found here.
Jake Kassen’s 600k ride report from 2007.: More of Jake’s ride reports can be found here.
Charles Coldwell’s 600k ride report from 2003.: More of Chip’s ride reports can be found here.
Mike Beganyi’s 600k 2006 report.: More of Mike’s reports are here.
Kris Kjellquist’s 600k ride reports from 2005 and 2006.