New venue, new routes, same old ass-whuppin.........
…and beer from The Alchemist!
We’ll be based out of Craftsbury, Vermont this year with a new host venue, routes and amenities. We can tell you The Alchemist Brewery’s beer will again be served!
Lamoille – say it like a local, “lah-moyl” – rhymes with olive oil. Got it?
What will 2018 bring? We can tell you it will have both long and shorter routes, stout climbing on quintessential Vermont gravel, a hearty group of riders and an incredible after party..and maybe some surprises. This is one ride you won’t want to miss.
Yeah, it’s hard. But the decision is easy, you gotta put some gravel in your travel!
Raid – Our definition? A raid is a challenging route that includes a significant amount of packed-gravel riding and some major climbing segments. Some would call it a dirt road randonee, others a gravel grinder, we just call it a Raid. This is not a race. A properly prepared rider and bike of most any type can do this. Our guarantee – you will finish tired but feeling accomplished. It’s probably not for everybody, but you’re not everybody, right?
For 2018 we’ve got a new venue, so we’ll be re-configuring the routes a bit (we’ll announce those when confirmed) but will retain two route options.
Are you ready to suffer?
Here’s what you need to know: 50+ miles of riding, lots of packed gravel roads featuring a devilish assortment of hills and epic amounts of climbing!
Not ready for 50+ miles of suffering? That’s OK, we’ve got a shorter route option as well, about half the distance and climbing of the long route.
Both routes are currently in development and will be announced but we guarantee this – there will be a lot of climbing involved. Stay tuned!
On either loop we’ll take through the Vermont countryside, down twisty descents, by mountain streams, maybe a covered bridge and serve up a heaping helping of some of the best gravel riding to be found anywhere. Did we mention hills? Oh, we’ve got quite a few of those for you too!
The post-ride celebration is renowned. This year we again will have a fantastic spread of victuals provided by the Craftsbury General Store and ice cold beer from our friends at The Alchemist Brewery.
Support: We will have a tech at the Start and some limited sweep but, otherwise, this ride is essentially self supported – plan accordingly (including packing some cash for provisions along the way!) NOTE: there are well-stocked country stores situated along the routes.
$55 -- Early Registration (until April 22)
$65 -- Standard Registration (April 23 until June 24)
$75 -- Late Registration (June 25 to July 18)
$90 -- Day of
- 21 Jul 2018 8:00am
- Tickets On Sale
- Raid Lamoille (Gravel)Raid Lamoille (Gravel)Crafts bury Common, Vermont, USA
- Up to 50 miles (80 km)
- From 65.00 USD
- 250 Riders
Extra Information
Which Bike?
There are many steeds you may choose to successfully complete this Raid; your key concern is to make sure you have the appropriate gearing to address the significant climbs. You want to be on a bike that is prepared for both asphalt and packed gravel riding.
More specifically, the longer route may include some Class VI (Vermont Pave’) segments; the shorter route will packed gravel only. Both have paved segments as transition only, will be primarily packed gravel, Some tips:
- Road Bike – Maybe. You will want 25mm or wider tires (28′s are best, rough service types – Specialized Armadillos, Continental Gatorbacks, etc. – are not a bad idea). But if we throw in some Class VI Pave’ on the longer route, you better be Sagan’s long-lost sibling . Want a better idea?, read on…….
- Cyclocross OR Gravel-specific Bike– The hot ticket! Out of the crate, just hop on and ride. You may want to opt for “file-tread” tires as they will roll more smoothly than true ‘cross knobbies. Have you been thinking of buying a ‘cross or gravel bike? Well, here’s your excuse! Got one already? – you’re golden!
- Mountain or Fat Bike– NOT the best choice! We love MTB’s and fatties and there are all sorts of things you can do to make them roll better. Better is a relative term though; they’re still inherently slow on the road. If you’re cool with slow (and can meet or exceed our minimum average pace) then I suppose we are too. It’ll be a long day in the saddle and don’t be whining if you miss the Finish party!
