Eastern Bloc Cycling Club
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Thurs night gravel anyone?
Anyone up for a gravel ride on Thursday? Starting from Doug's dumpster behind the New Hartford town hall at 6PM. Heading out to Farm River Tpk, crossing 44 to Satan's Kingdom Rd and taking the fire road out to the Canton transfer station. Then up Clear Brook and back via Covey, South Road, Stedman, Carpenter, Stub Hollow, Burdick and the bottom of Steele. Here's the map:
This is essentially the good ole Waynebiter route with a start in NH. Approximately 20 miles at (dare I say) winter pace (slow B). Planning on making this a weekly event as long as the roads are clear.
Pat
I'd be in for that. I've been doing a slightly different loop the past few weeks that adds in the dirt climb up Sobolcik road and then you can cross 202.
I'm fine with your route too and long as there is a wider board to cross the creek on Carpenter Road where the bridge is out. I don't want to lose anyone into the water 
. I could even ride tonight if you are planning on it.
Brent
I'm in.
There is a 3' wide bridge across the Nepaug River on Carpenter. However, I don't mind taking West Rd to South to Sabolcik and coming down E Cotton if the group is up for it. I am planning on bundling up and going tonight.
Pat
Out for tonight but in for future rides.
Not so cold as I thought and a good night to ride. Let's plan on it again next week and maybe land at the Parrot for food after.
Looking like Thursday the 25th is going to be a clear night. I plan to be there...Sabolcik or no Sabolcik...dirt is good. How about during November, we do the same loop, going reverse...and starting at Brewery Legitimus...just thinkin'.
If there's ever a week I might make it, this is it. Especially since my favorite world champion plans on being there. If I do show up we're doing "my" route including Breezy Hill and skipping the transfer station road. I rode that the other day in the daylight and I hate those stupid boulders they throw down on the "trail" for logging.
Also a note for tomorrow and definitely for those riding in the future: the Sabolcik bridge will be closed/out soon. They are replacing it. Which brings up the questions: a) There's a "bridge" there? and b) Who the heck uses that road anyway, except us? But I digress. Unfortunately it also looks like they may be working on the Carpenter Road bridge again but hopefully they didn't take down the walkway across.
Likely in and willing to be ride leader for slower group if others are interested or on the fence.
And, do I need knobbies or will the “gravel” be tame enough for 650bx42 slicks?
"Your" route puts us back on 44 at night for no good reason. The transfer station road is a nicer ride out to Canton. You just need to suck it up for a short stretch on Satan's Kingdom road to get there. Toughen up Buttercup, we did it last week and nobody complained.
We skipped Sabolcik and went over the river on Carpenter. There is still a 3' wide walking bridge there.
However, I am emulating my idol Wayne by throwing down smack when there's a 50/50 chance that I won't be there. Got a busy weekend ahead.
You should be ok with the 42 slicks, unless Wayne gets his way and makes you climb Breezy Hill.
I plan to be there.
Brent
Busy week or no busy week...Pat...you better ride as it’s a good way to release your stress, allow you to clear your mind, and put it all out therefor the weekend. Let me know what else you need a hand withand I’ll make sure Wayne helps...I will too.
> And, do I need knobbies or will the “gravel” be tame enough for 650bx42 slicks?
I have 30mm tires with little tread profile and all these roads (including Breezy Hill) are no problem traction-wise. And don't worry about the pace either.
> Wayne has a habit of increasing my stress :0)
Your stress level just decreased and your odds of showing skyrocketed because I'm out. Unless you all want to start at 4:00 PM so I can be home by 6:30?
"Unless you all want to start at 4:00 PM so I can be home by 6:30?"
Bedtime? I hope not since we'll be headed by your place around 7:15 and will be stopping in.