Natchaug Epic

March 24 2024

Thompson, Connecticut, USA

Unconfirmed

Distances: 100km

Difficulty: Moderate terrain with rolling short steep hills or moderate, sustained climbs

Limited to: 500 Participants

While organizing the KMC CrossFest at the Thompson Speedway we discovered Connecticut's "Quiet Corner" to be laced with spectacular gravel roads. The Nipmuck tribe called this area the Natchaug, or land between two rivers. The lightly traveled roads pass by dams, spillways, reservoirs and streams. The route includes classic New England town commons, churches, farm stands, cemeteries, bird sanctuaries, wineries and orchards. All of this is bi-sected by the fabulous Airline, on which we will ride nearly 10 miles.

The start line sits within an hour's drive of Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Hartford and Providence.

This early season ride is what you make of it. Wanna pin it? We have three timed dirt sectors that are hard. Wanna chill? Just roll and enjoy the amazing route. This hilly course, which favors a rouleur, is challenging but not savage.

Here are the details:

USAC sanctioned as a gravel gran fondo event. No license required to participate.
100K on bucolic roads with rolling terrain
4,000 feet of climbing
13 gravel sectors totalling 20.4 miles
Tires wider than 30 mm recommended
Chip timing with three separate timed sections.
Individual participants and qualifying Epic teams with the best cumulative times will be recognized in banquet hall following the ride.
Neutral mechanical support to follow ride.
Full chili bar and beer/soft drink included with registration after ride.
Each participant who complete the ride as part of a qualifying "Epic team" will receive one additional beer/drink ticket after the ride.
Team riders are also eligible in their respective individual category.
E-bike event starts 30 minutes after main start. E-bikes must be inspected pre- and post-ride. Only Class 1 e-bikes are allowed, per the People for Bikes designation adopted by Connecticut. (Class 1 bikes have electric motors that only provide assistance when the rider is pedaling and cease to provide assistance at speeds above 20 mph. For information, visit PeopleforBikes.org.)
GPS route with sectors and timed segments identified will be disseminated on March 30.
Beginners discouraged.

Natchaug Epic