1) It's more "epic"...it just seems more fun and interesting to ride from Purchase to MA and back.
2) Even if there are 60 miles of other roads inbetween, I get somewhat bored of riding the same roads 3x.
3) When I'm done, I don't want to have to drive another 90-100 minutes to get home. :)
just my 2 cents..
Last Sunday, I did 66 mile Alice's Restaurant loop from Salisbury, CT to Stockbridge, MA
and back. The ride goes through Great Barrington on the way back to Salisbury.
Victor Urvantsev and Katie Marshall did an additional loop down to Wassaic train station
and back to Salisbury. Victor has suggested that a combination of these nice loops equals
about 100 miles. Or the Alice route times 3 equals a Double Century.
The Alice 66 mi. loop had 3123 of elevation, or about 47.3 feet of climbing per mile.
I think the traditional Double Century is 200 miles with about 8000 feet of climbing, or 40
feet per mile, a little less than the Alice ride.
Clearly, it's best if we use the flattest route with the least amt. of elevation in order to
manage a full 200 miles.
Doing the traditional route spreads us out over a long distance, whereas doing a loop such
as Alice ride keeps us in a certain region (for spouses or friends who sag.....they could
spend the day enjoying the area as a possibility)
Doing the traditional route allows us to start locally in Purchase.
The traditional route will have more traffic on Rt. 22 but does offer some very nice sections
above Pawling.
What's the opinion of other B Pace riders? Would you vote to keep the original route from
Purchase to Great Barrington or consider an alternative route for our Double Century?
I also welcome thoughts and suggestions from A paced riders or others.
Best, Ave