via Domestique Events

 

General information about the Lime Rock Park Epic 2024 gravel bicycle race. Now through October 11, 2024, Lime Rock Park fans can use code “LimeRockPark24” for $15 off their registration!

 

New England’s New Fall Classic, the Lime Rock Park Epic

 

This third edition of the Lime Rock Park Epic Presented by Specialized gravel bicycle ride will be held Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. Organized by Connecticut-based Domestique Events LLC, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Best Buddies Connecticut, Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program, Hole in the Wall Gang, and Litchfield Land Trust.

 

Based at the legendary Lime Rock Park in Connecticut’s Litchfield County, this gravel fondo showcasing waterfalls and covered bridges has emerged as an autumn classic in the Berkshires. This course and format are welcoming to riders of most abilities on a proper bike. For those who want to go hard, the timed segments will challenge them. For those looking for a nice fall tour, these roads will enrapture you…especially given the fall foliage that peaks earlier than the rest of New England.

 

All rides will start and finish on the fabled raceway near the Sam Posey Bridge. Riders will be offered three distances:

• The Epic (70 miles),
• The Explorer (55 miles),
• The Express (22 miles).

 

The Epic and Explorer will feature chip timed segments. Cumulative times across multiple segments will be compared for podium places. All riders will receive meal and drink tickets for the post-ride celebration.

Event information and Registration at: https://www.bikereg.com/limerockepic Contact admin@DomestiqueEvents.com with general questions

Contact eddie.medina@gmail.com with media questions

 

The Routes

 

THE EPIC, FEATURING PRO NATIONAL CHAMPION BEN WOLFE

 

70 miles, 5,200 ft of elevation, 20 sectors, 5 timed segments, 2 rest stops

 

If Ralph Lauren could design a bike ride, this might just be the product. With road names “Wildcat Hollow,” “Dark Hollow”, “Old Asylum,” and “Race Track,” we knew that Paul and Bob found some good stuff for our course. And that’s all BEFORE Rest Stop 1. The Epic will send riders north by The Great Falls along the Housatonic River before cutting “Between the Lakes.” The route turns south and carries riders through several rolling gravel sectors to Sharon. Then we truly make it epic. A 3.3-mile gravel climb sets the tone before the long haulers whistle down a seven-mile “pedalers” descent, 3.5 of which is un-paved. The course offers some autumnal heaven along the river before spooning out a taste of hell: a 3-mile climb, most of which is unpaved, forces riders to grind out of the valley. The best of riders will be technically, aerobically and spiritually challenged. Regroup and recover at the top. The second rest stop, positioned in a classic Grange Hall converted into a fire house. From there, a rider gets to celebrate a series of blissful ridges, eye-watering descents, scenic farmlands, a new challenging timed segment on Jeep track before dropping down to the covered bridge in West Cornwall. The final timed segment will be on the Lime Rock raceway and Rattlesnake Ridge in the opposite direction.

Then come home to an amazing meal, friends and stories of the day with some cold ones. Former Pro Men’s National Champion Ben Wolfe will be christening the off-season with this ride on a format he loves. He’ll be in the mix for all the timed segments, providing some guidance and tips, but between those hard hits he’ll mix in some laughs and stories riding with his friends on perhaps the most beautiful course in America.

NOTE: Epic riders are eligible for the team-based Berkshire Cup competition. (Details below)

 

 

THE EXPLORER, FEATURING WORLD CHAMPION JAN BOLLAND TANNER

 55 miles, 3700 ft of elevation, 14 sectors, 4 timed segments, 2 rest stops

 

The Explorer is comprised of the northern loop of the Epic route. The first half is fairly flat with the same gravel sectors. After the rest stop the challenging stuff really starts, with a 4.5-mile gravel step climb. This route provides riders a good taste of the Epic without suffering the agony of the Epic’s descent into the infernal Kent Valley. The Explorer riders reconnect with the Epic route and enjoy the second rest stop together. Be warned, this route is truly a challenge for even an accomplished rider.

Former World Champion Jan Bolland Tanner will be in the mix but riding with a group focused honing their skills while having some fun.

 

THE EXPRESS, FEATURING OLYMPIAN JIMENA FLORIT

 25 miles, 1000 ft of elevation, 5 sectors, no timed segments, lots of snack stops and clinics

 

The Express offers an approachable route for the “gravel curious.” There are five unpaved sectors, three of which offer paved “bailouts.” Two-time Olympian Jimena Florit and other members of the Pink Patrol will divide up the group based on skills and experience. While some will take on the challenging Mount Easter Loops, others may stay on the paved route for the “tap-out” option to the covered bridge. From there we will descend down to the picturesque West Cornwall Covered Bridge. There the route turns north to traverse the third unpaved sector of the ride, a flat three miles along the Housatonic River. Five miles of rolling roads with a photo stop and snacks at the Great Falls will bring you back to Lime Rock Park.

 

NOTE: PEDAL-ASSISTED E-BIKES ARE WELCOMED ON THE EXPRESS RIDE.

 

The Express will feature five unpaved sectors; approximately one fourth of the route is unpaved. There will be frequent photo stops with snacks. Riders will be timed but not scored.

Two-time Olympian Jimena Florit Dolzadelli will guide a series of clinics to develop competency on unpaved surfaces, both going up and down!

 

 

Introducing The Berkshire Cup Team Competition

New this year is a team competition: The Berkshire Cup. To be eligible each member must register with their team affiliation. Team membership will be determined based on the ‘Team/Club/Company’ field during Bikereg checkout. Please ensure all team members use the same name for your team.

Rules are as follows:

• There are two categories: Men and
• Men must have a minimum of four riders; women must have a minimum of three
• There is no maximum number of riders one team can
• Only riders who enter and complete the Epic course and all five timed segments by 3p.m. will be scored

• Only the time of the fourth best rider of each men’s team in each segment will be used for scoring. The aggregate of those scores will be tabulated for the team’s result.
• Only the time of the third best rider of each women’s team in each segment will be used for scoring. The aggregate of those scores will be tabulated for the team’s result.
• Any combination of riders on a team can be For example, a team may have different riders scored in each of the segments.
• The overall individual results have no bearing on the team
• Only one men’s and one women’s team will be awarded the Berkshire

 

ENTRANTS TO RECEIVE

All paid entrants to the Lime Rock Park Epic will receive the following:

• Free parking
• Pre-ride mechanical support courtesy of Berkshire Bike and Board
• SAG service
• Rolling mechanical support courtesy of Bikers’ Edge
• Fully stocked rest stops featuring homemade and locally sourced Vegan and gluten free offerings made with love and affection.
• One post ride meal featuring a chef prepared buffet featuring gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan offerings
• Two drink tickets to enjoy the latest craft brews from Harpoon
• One amazing course with chip timing services provided by Holeshot
• Souvenir pint glass
• Awards presentation for the combined timed segments go to the top three Epic finishers in Open Men, Open Women, Men 45-plus, and Women 45-plus divisions.
  • *If a participant places in both the Open and 45-plus Categories, they will get the higher placing in the appropriate Category and be ineligible for awards in the other. (i.e. – No double-dipping on the awards.)
• Awards presentation for the combined timed segments go to the top Explorer finisher in Open Men, Open Women, Men 45-plus, and Women 45-plus divisions.
  • *If a participant wins in both the Open and 45-plus Categories, they will get the higher placing in the appropriate Category and be ineligible for awards in the other. (i.e. – No double-dipping on the awards.)

Camping

Camping is allowed and encouraged for participants in the Lime Rock Park Epic. Campers may arrive beginning Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. On-site bathrooms, water, and power available. Pricing for camping is $25 based per tent and/or RV. Sorry, no hookups available this year. For those camping, join us for the 14th edition of the Ciclismo Classico Bicycle Travel Film Festival to be held Saturday evening. Camp spaces can be reserved at bikereg.com/limerockepic