The Rides
The Ride. It is the cathedral of our sport, where we worship at the altar of the Man with the Hammer. It is the end to our means. Indeed, The Bike may be the central tool to our sport, but to turn the pedals is to experience the sensation of freedom, of flight. It is all for The Ride.
The world is overflowing with small, twisty roads that capture our collective imagination as cyclists. We spend our lifetimes searching out the best routes and rides; we pore over maps, we share with our fellow disciples, we talk to non-cycling locals all in pursuit of the Perfect Ride.
The Rides is devoted entirely to the best routes and rides around the world. Some are races or cyclosportives, others feature in the Classics and stages of The Great Races, while others still are little-known gems, discovered through careful meditation on The V. Be warned: these rides are not your average Sunday Afternoon spin; these rides are the best and most difficult rides in the word – they represent the rites of passage into La Vie Velominatus. It is to be taken for granted that these rides require loads of Rule #5, many of them Rule #10, and all of them are best enjoyed in Rule #9 conditions. They have been shared by you, the community. The Rides also features articles devoted to the greatest rides and providess a forum for sharing other rides for discussion.
If you’d like to submit a ride or an article about your own favorite ride, please feel free to send it to us and we’ll do our best to work with you to include it.
[rideitem status=”public” title=”Haleakala” distance=”56km” category=”Grimpeur” url=”http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/50412514″ location=”Paia, Maui, Hawaii, USA”]
Haleakala is simultaneously the longest paved continuous climb in the world as well as the shortest ascent from sea level to 10,000 feet in the world. Though not terribly steep, this is a long, grinding climb that will reduce a strong rider to a whimpering lump.
To put the effort in perspective, this climb is 60km long a an average of 6% with two pitches as steep as 17%. That translates to somewhere between 3 or more hours of nonstop climbing, usually in Maui’s direct heat and often into a whipping headwind that spins around into a headwind no matter which direction the switchbacks take you.
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[rideitem statuc=public title=”Liege-Bastogne-Liege” distance=”265″ category=”Rouleur” url=”http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/58053308/” location=”Liege, Belgium”]
Liege-Bastogne-Liege is not only La Doyenne, the oldest of the Classics, but also represents perhaps the most demanding course in cycling. The 280 km, 3000m vertical route starts with an easy ride out from Liege to Bastogne which lulls riders into a false sense of security; the hills are frequent, but none of them terribly demanding. Into Bastogne, and the story changes on the way back to Liege with 9 categorized climbs in the second half, including the fearsome Côte de la Redoute and the Côte de Saint-Nicolas.
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[rideitem status=public title=”Paris-Roubaix” category=”Hardman” distance=”265″ url=”http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/58052610/” location=”Compiégne, France” guideurl=”http://www.cyclingpave.cc/” guide=”Pavé Cycling Classics”]
L’enfur du Nord. The Hell of The North. The Queen of the Classics. This isn’t a ride over the stones from your local brick-paved roads. You think climbs are what make a ride tough? We’ve got news for you: this is the hardest ride on the planet and it boasts a maximum elevation of 55 meters. These are vicious, brutal stones; the kind that will stretch each kilometer to their full length, the kind of stones that you will feel long after the rattling of the bars has stopped. These stones will change you. Forever.
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[rideitem status=public title=”Mortirolo/Gavia Loop” category=”Grimpeur” distance=”115km” url=”http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/59027020/” location=”Bormio, Italy” contributor=”Joe”]
The Mortirolo is perhaps the most feared pass in Western Europe, and the Gavia the most storied. Given their proximity to each other, its a wonder why this isn’t the most talked-about ride in Italy. Maybe it is; its impossible to say without being Italian. The loop nature of this ride makes it feasible as a solo escapade, but any ride with the kind of stats this one bears – 3200 meters ascended in 115 kilometers including the viscously steep Mortirolo – is best enjoyed with a riding partner or support car.
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[rideitem status=public title=”200 on 100″ category=”Grimpeur” distance=”330km” url=”http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/58052808/” location=”Vernon, VT” contributor=”cdelinks” contributorurl=”http://cyclowhat.com”]
“Dumptruck of Awesome” has become the catch-phrase associated with this brutally hard, yet strikingly beautiful 330 kilometer (200 mile) ride down Vermont Route 100. This ride was made popular during the summer of 2011 when Ted King, Tim Johnson, and a local amateur cyclist, Ryan Kelly, documented this ride on film. The ride starts on the Canadian border and finishes on the Massachusetts border. With over 2500 meters of climbing on this 330 kilometer ride, you will need to pack a few lunches to get through this one. Do this ride in the Fall, and the foliage might be beautiful enough to distract you from the horrible pain you will most certainly suffer.
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[rideitem status=”public” title=”De Ronde Van West Portlandia” distance=”76km” category=”Grimpeur” url=”http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/15276210″ location=”Portland, Oregon, USA”]
A ride that officially “never happens” each spring, this 76 km route charts a course through Portland’s West Hills, paying homage to the European Spring Classics. Approximately 1,800 meters of paved and unpaved climbs are spread throughout the course, with several sections reaching grades of over 20%. More information can be found at Ronde PDX.
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[rideitem status=public title=”Seattle Master Urban Ride” category=”Rouleur” distance=”130km” url=http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/57732282 location=”Seattle, Washington, USA”]
This is perhaps the most challenging urban route in Seattle, hitting three of the big hills that define Seattle’s topography. The route starts and ends on Phinney Ridge, but hits the climbs of Interlaken and Alder Street/Lake Dell Drive on its way to Mercer Island, before coming back to hit Queen Anne and Magnolia, weaving its way up each of these hills as many times as possible via the steepest route available before the finale to the north via Golden Gardens, Blue Ridge Drive, and Carkeek Park. Panoramic views of the Cascades, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, The Olympic Penninsula and Puget Sound makes this a standout Urban ride.
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@chris
The kid looks seriously pro in those pix!
I just have to say, Theobold Stigenstein is a superb name.
@wiscot
Thanks. But for a moment I didn’t have a fucking clue what you were talking about in your second line!
@Beers
@chris
Most excellent! Thanks for bringing that link to my attention. Looks like a good one for a roller session.
And YES! Another one to add to the cyclosportif list for when I arrive in Europe!
I’m crit racing tonight, closed circuit and under lights. My race starts at 9:30 so it’ll be dark.
Is it ridiculous to wear dark lenses in this scenario? I just find you can keep a better poker face when people can’t see your eyes.
@chris
Yes, one of the most boring races in existence is the high school 2 miler. His mile times are only low 5:00’s … he has yet to break the 5 minute mile and his 2 mile times are in the 11:00’s, he has not gone under 11:00 yet but this is his first year running track as his middle school did not have it.
Odd that but he likes the longer and longer races and his mile times in XC running are always faster the further into the race he is. I’m working with him on pacing, and he has an EXCELLENT high coaching team, so we’ll see. We are not dreaming of any scholarships for sport but he really loves running so it is fun to see him improve and train hard.
He’s also cool b/c he is already very careful about what he eats and how it might effect his performance. Lays off the junk food, will not eat any fast food when his buddies do, etc.
@RobSandy
Good luck and give ’em hell! I’d say to go with clear lenses — you’ll be able to see, but your eyes will be somewhat obscured.
I’ve got a circuit race this weekend: long faux plat up one side, packed dirt for the next, then a punchy hill and long winding descent back to the faux plat. The plat and the descent are very exposed; forecast is 40F with rain and 20mph winds. It’s my first mass start race in a couple decades, but I gotta say… this may be as close as this old boy is ever going to get to riding a proper spring classic. Feeling pretty psyched.
@RobSandy
To quote your line elsewhere………
“Dr in ER ……….and why again was it that failed to see that lamp post………”
@LawnCzar
Brilliant! Sounds epic! Nothing better for it after following the last few weeks of racing in Europe, eh?
Look forward to hearing about it afterward.
@Teocalli
Alas! Hoisted by my own petard!
I’ll stick with yellow lenses…
@LawnCzar
Here’s me on the ‘podium’. Commissar has yet to confirm 1st or 2nd. I came from a long way back and sprinted around the outside. if I was 2nd it was by the width of a tyre.
Also got to meet Luke Rowe (that’s his brother on my left
@RobSandy
Again with the photo.
@RobSandy
Nice one. Well done.
@RobSandy
Saw the race in my Strava feed, then your post above and put two and two together. Good result.
@Buck Rogers
Those are some pretty strong time for his age and you’ll be amazed at how quickly he brings them down over the next few seasons. Partly as a result of growing and maturing and partly because he’ll learn to go deeper and deeper. I went from about a 5:27 1500m at 12 to 4:17 at 16.
Speaking of massive improvements at that age, last night Angus knocked 4 minutes and 46 seconds off his 10 mile TT PB from last season to go round in 29:06. At first I thought he missed the finishing circuit.
@Buck Rogers
Kristof Ramon’s Tro Bro Leon Gallery. Sportivs can’t be Cogals but a week end riding then spectating could be a mini V-Tour.* Not forgetting all the culinary delights and recovery beverages the area has to offer.
*Assuming a Keepers’ Tour requires a Keeper in attendance.
Had a day to myself yesterday after catching up with a good mate the night before who’s going through a marriage breakup.
I had prepositioned our good friend here at The Velominati @Mikael Liddy to provide me with a gpx map of a ride I could do in the Adelaide Hills not far from where I was staying.
Living 1.5hrs away on the south coast I don’t often get the chance to ride in Adelaide so was a great opportunity to go for a roll.
Some great climbs and amazing scenery so close to the doorstep.
I am lucky where I live to also have a couple of great climbs and country roads with amazing rural and spectacular coastal views, but there is something liberating about riding a fresh bit of tarmac not exactly knowing what’s around the corner.
Get out there people, the road less travelled is often the best.
( picture quality is crap and sadly does no justice to the riding around this great Australian city )
Rolled up a shirt and trousers this morning, stuffed them (carefully) in a rucksack and did my usual 35k tempo commute to work. Got in, unpacked my clothes bag to get dressed for work and realised that instead of my navy blue chinos I had packed my wife’s navy blue chinos instead.
I’m around the 6ft mark, my wife is about 5’6″. Incredibly, they fit well enough for me to get away with them today, but I feel rather hipster…
@chris
I’m there! Sounds amazing! Trying to figure out how many sportifs I can get away with next year. A lot of it will be location, location, location. Really psyched!
@Barracuda
Looks really amazing. Nothing like getting out and finding new terrain. Last week I discovered a road here on West Point military post that just goes up and up. I have lived here for almost 4 years and had never ridden it. Rode it twice two Sundays ago and three times yesterday.
It ends at the back side of the top of the ski hill here on post. Old broken, but still paved, surface. It is only 3.6 k long, and has a few 100 meter flat sections thrown in but it averages 7.5% for the whole way with multiple sections at 13% and one sustained 18% section.
So great to get out and say, “Hell, I have never ridden around THAT bend before, I wonder what’s there?”
@RobSandy
Dangers of commuting by bike. My favorite backpack to commute in with is small and cheep, has barely enough room for my clothes and lunch. It just so happens we use the same style backpack as my sons diaper bag. After about 30k commute, digging in my bag and only finding diapers and wipes, random sippy cups and toys was a bit disappointing.
@hudson
Being a father of five, this killed me this morning!
I am certain that there is a special Valhalla awaiting all of us parents that try to VLVV!!!
@RobSandy
I’ve never done that but I did rock up to a recent club ride to find that the helmet in the back of my car was my 10 year old’s. This wasn’t helped by the fact that the club committee had just implemented a “no helmet, no ride” rule for club runs.
As a committee member it wasn’t a motion that I voted for (as much on the grounds that it would be a nightmare to enforce) but it’s a democracy so I had little choice but lengthen the straps as much as possible, cram it on top of my head and prove my point that merely wearing a helmet wasn’t going to guarantee safety.
Holy shite! With my wife due with our 1st on May 5th…these stories are both hilarious and scary! Damn, your VMH’s trousers?! Almost seems like the making of a Kids in the Hall office/boss skit. “Rob, can you come into my office for a minute? Rob, some of the others are saying you’re wearing women’s pants today. So, Rob. Are ya? Are you wearing women’s pants?”
Also, speaking of backpacks. My favorite backpack is undoubtedly a children’s bag that I picked up at a thrift store. Perfect size for bike commuting, one main pocket, one smaller pouch. Chest and waist strap. Price: $0.50 USD. Oh, and it has the original owner’s name written in permanent marker on it.
I LOVE getting awesome stuff second-hand that you use for years. Better yet…I love the Oakley Radars I found in the bushes at the local $$$ uni.
@chris
I have a 5 year plan. Who knows If I would ever make it for the RVV and PR double, incl respective sportives, but extending another week for the Tro Bro is super tempting. But looking at a map it looks close, in real life I expect the North East and North West of France are veeery far apart, so not sure we can make it work. I was equally sad face when I realised the climbs of the Alps and Pyrenees are a fucking eternity away. Cobbles before climbs though. What can I say, I’m a geographical ignoramus.
@RobSandy
please forgive my lack of youtube skills, the first thing I thought of was this…
https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwja3rr6rKvMAhXFH5QKHRvWDNMQtwIIGzAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DujGCGZqwaSc&usg=AFQjCNF0zHpFpiqNrpSqw0hIxnqhDdVayQ&bvm=bv.120551593,d.dGo
@hudson
Thats not cool.
My worst commute blinder has been forgetting to pack underwear. Going commando to a weekly department meeting felt… Wrong…
Plus there was the time I forgot to double bag my clothes and cycled to work in what felt like a monsoon. Attending the weekly department meeting sans undergarments (they were soaked) felt… Not as wrong as the first time.
@hudson @dinosaurJR
The worst thing I forgot were shoes. Oh ja, and a bra one day. That was a bit strange…
Since then I always have a full set of spare clothes and shoes at the office.
@Beers
A two week trip taking in the Ronde, Rounaix and Tro Bo Leon would be awesome but I suspect one that would be too much for the wallet and my poor Velomiwidow’s patience. The Veliminipper wouldn’t forgive me either as he’d most likely be Back to school in the second week.
Anyway, you’re forgetting LBL!
Geographywise, from North Eastern France, Tro Bo Leon is probably half a day’s drive, the Alps a day’s drive and the Pyrenees A Very Long Day’s Drive.
Nothing massively awesome, just my commute to work. 15k 213m altitude difference. Well ok the view is pretty awesome. This is my Winter / Rule Nr 9 bike (supposed to rain tonight). The panorama photos have bent the bridge…. still you get the idea..
@bea @hudson @dinosaurJR
My worst forget was that I had brought a set of pants home and forgotten to pack a replacement. So my mind is ticking through the alternatives once it occured to me on the way to work:
I actually chose alternative 4, showered put back on my bike clothes (thankfully my commute to work is downhill so not very sweaty) and I went to the nearby store and bought a pair of pants….
@1860
Your commute looks very cool. Mine is done in the dark every morning, but its all rural, 30k of soy beans and corn, chicken houses and country homes. Upside is little to no traffic in the a.m.
@bea I’ve forgotten shoes before, the clickidy-clock of wearing cleats for 2 hours drew some attention, especially since steel-toe is required where i work. can’t say i’ve forgotten a bra, but i have shown up with one hidden in one of my shirts from the laundry.
Did a tempo commute in today down a normal A-road and then a b-road in to Cambridge;nothing special about the roads but the coffee at the end was pretty good;
And proper bike parking too;
This is the place;
http://www.espressolibrary.com
@bea
This! (well, not the bra part). I always keep a full set of clothes in the office now after having forgotten most articles of clothing at one point or another.
@fenlander
These folks are doing it right!
@1860
If you wear your pants on the inside, as one should, this is not a problem.
@fenlander
makes me wanna cross the pond.
My morning training ride today… along a highway in Mumbai.
I’ve been here all week, brought the bike and hooked up with some great guys here. If you ever think commuting is tough, try riding around Mumbai in cleats and carbon fibre.
A longer report to come, maybe an article.
Any other Velominati do the Cheesehead Roubaix on Sunday? Pretty epic edition. Temp forecast was for mid 70s. Started at 9am in the mid 40s and by ride’s end it was maybe 50 degrees. Lovers Lane was mercifully dry but some of the gravel sections (particularly the last one) were fairly muddy and slimy. Thanks to Dave Hanrahan and Belgian Werks for putting on such a great event. I might have only been 100kms, but I think everyone felt like they’d done 200 by the finish.
@wiscot
Was planning to be there up to two weeks ago, then was informed our son, future daughter-in law and son’s in-laws-to-be were coming for a visit on Sunday and riding the event that day was frowned upon by the CFO here. Second year in a row I’ve missed in — grrrr. OTOH, given my condition this year it would have been painful even with good weather. But I did think about it and was wistful about not participating.
Glad to hear Lover’s Lane was dry as it’s a challenge even then! Glad you were able to make the ride.
@teleguy57
Sorry you missed it. I think it was my fifth CR (finished four, abandoned one due to two punctures by Km 20.) Great turnout for it and I’m sure it’ll be on next year. Here’s another I’m doing next month: http://thebear100.com/ Rode it last fall and it’s a real beast. 95% gravel with some good climbs in there to boot. I’m just hoping it’s dry . . .
@ChrisO
Oh, I think an article is fully in order. Commuting in a city with a population of 19 million? Must be like riding a bike with three cigarettes in your mouth!
@wiscot
Yes, a special thnx to David L. Harrahan. I was 90% settled on riding this year, but realized that I needed to defer this travel budget to my 2017 plans. After scouring the satellite view of the route, I then realized it was a shame to miss this ride altogether. Hope to meet you and David next year. [p.s.] David did say 12-26 would do the trick. What do you say?
@wiscot
Tell me more about the Cheesehead Roubaix. I’m from Janesville and might be interested in riding it next year. How competitive is the event? Do you modify your road bike in any way to ride in it? Dan
@dancollins
Dan, it’s an organized/unorganized event. No official entry fee – just a suggested/requested donation to the Newburg Volunteer Fire Department. It’s as competitive as you want. There’s the fast guys who go off like bats out of hell and there are the guys on fat bikes. You see full carbon frames and wheels, cross bikes, fatties, 29ers, you name it. I rode a standard road bike with 23mm tires and was just fine. Good tires are critical. I saw lots of punctures. The course is fairly undulating and the concentration required for the off-road sections really means that you finish pretty tired.
When I first rode it about 5 years ago it was 100% self-supported. Now there’s a rest stop in Belgium sponsored by Belgian Werks bike shop at about the 30 mile mark. (Limited snacks and drink and some mechanical support). I think for a lot of riders (quite a few women do it) it’s their longest ride of the year at that point. I’d thoroughly recommend it.
@universo
A 12-26 would be more than adequate. I rode a 50/36 and a 12-23. The one bit to watch for is the first off-road section – Lovers Lane – which is a very washed out, muddy farm track between fields. It’s not super steep but tricky because of the mud, gullies, branches etc. I put it in the 36-21 and spun up it nicely. If you over geared and have to stop or you get into a bit of difficulty because of a slower rider you’re screwed. The gravel sections are basically flat and no problem. Hope to see you next year.
I finally cleaned the bike last night as it was sitting in the garage looking awful. A dirty bike in one’s stable is like have a turd sitting in an unflushed toilet.
More Mumbai updates… I can also report The Rules have reached the sub-continent.
The book is in circulation. In fact the guy in the photo I posted yesterday, Rohit, turns out to be a fan.
There is much non-compliance but like the germ of a new religion it will take root and I’m doing my bit to encourage conversions.
There is also much natural talent to work with. As evidence I post this very tranquilo pic of a most excellent cyclist and all-round nice guy Mirza Saaib Beg (in the middle), who has made my time in Mumbai one of the best business trips I’ve ever done, along with Aman on the right, who is probably not much heavier than his bike. They don’t need lessons in casually deliberate at least.
@ChrisO
Great stuff.
@wiscot
I finally cleaned the bike last night as it was sitting in the garage looking awful. A dirty bike in one’s stable is like have a turd sitting in an unflushed toilet.
Someone give this gentleman a badge!
You’ve put into words why I always have a visceral reaction to one of my steeds being less than pristine (immediate post-ride conditions excepted — that’s the time to be proud of the look).
End of daylight savings her in the land of South Oz.
Means #9 and #5 rides are the norm from now on.
Night rides after work in the dark are the biggest windows of opportunity I have.
Theme song for my rides going forward has been resurrected
https://youtu.be/Bk7RVw3I8eg