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200-on-100 Bicycle Ride

June 22 2024

Troy, Vermont

Date Confirmed

Distances: 210 miles

Difficulty: Ultra Distance and Climbing for events well over 100 miles

The 200-on-100 is a one day bicycle ride that stretches from the Canadian border to the Massachusetts state line. Route 100 is widely recognized as one of Vermont's most scenic highways and the ride is routed to minimize automobile traffic as much as possible. With nicely spaced town greens for breaks, numerous scenic vistas, a number of long, steep climbs, and 50 mph descents, the 200-on-100 is a true New England classic, and a prime target for experienced cyclists.

While not a challenge to be tackled by the casual rider, the 200-on-100 should be within the capabilities of most well-trained cyclists. Bicycling Magazine included this ride in a 1989 article titled "Hell On Wheels: The 10 Toughest One-Day Rides in North America." Whether you've never tried a double-century before, or you're an experienced long-distance cyclist, this ride presents you with a challenge that you will always remember!

Route 100 runs north-south through the center of Vermont, largely between the ridges of the Green Mountains, as established by glaciers long ago. The ride features a total of about 13,000' of climbing, with the biggest climbs in the second 100 miles. The route includes a little of everything, from long, relatively flat sections, through rolling hills, long, easy, but wearing climbs that follow streams, and a few solid Vermont ascents. The toughest climbs are the aptly named Terrible Mountain climb out of Ludlow, (1,200' in 5 miles with one quite steep section and a few breaks), and Wardsboro/Mt. Snow(1,900' in 12 miles of mostly continual ascent). Every significant climb is followed by a fast descent, with speeds up to 50 mph possible. The wind can come from anywhere, but it's generally out of the west.

Most of the ride is rural, with lots of forests and farms. There are a number of exceptional views and a steady unfolding panorama of Vermont beauty. Traffic on most of the route is typically light, with good shoulders on most of the roads where heavier traffic is expected, such as Rte. 4. Pavement condition ranges from new to “when are they going to repave this?” with most being what Vermont riders would call “pretty good.” Shoulders are generally 1'-3', disappearing altogether in places.

There are a few places where judicious detours have been introduced to avoid higher traffic areas or to improve the ride while avoiding a few hills. These are noted on the route map. A bail-out option is available that leaves Rte. 100 in E. Jamaica and follows Rte. 30 to Brattleboro, following the scenic West River, avoiding the Mt Snow climb.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/14551362

200-on-100 Bicycle Ride