RABPOD (48mi/2300')

It seems it is that time of year to ride your bike around a mountain. Keeping with this spirit I am bringing back a ride Jenny posted last year, RABPOD! Ride Around Bald Peak in One Day is a great ride and I've taken some liberties with the route this year to make it a bit easier.

We will start at Farmington Paddle Launch and work our way out Tile Flat towards Clark Hill. Clark Hill is a good warmup followed by a nice descent that leads us out to Scholls. We'll wind our way around Scholls Sherwood and make a right on Lebeau where our main climb begins. At the top we find ourselves at Gibbs Cemetery, which is a good place for a break (water and bathroom available).

Our descent is a marvelous one leading us down Bell Rd all the way to Newberg. The ride is mostly flat from this point on. We'll continue on North Valley Rd to Spring Hill Rd and then on to Fern Hill. We will cut across Geiger and work our way towards Forest Hills Golf Course, which is another decent place to take a break.

Last years route had us going up Iowa Hill - Dober - Riedweg. This year I have us going back on Johnson School Rd. This pares down the ride by about 2 miles and 400'. Of course, you are more than welcome to take the more difficult path if you wish.

After crossing the highway we ride out Burkhalter, Rood Bridge, and finally the home stretch on Farmington back to the start. Congratulations, you've ridden around Bald Peak in one day!

Level: Speedy Intermediate. This is not a beginner ride, nor is it a racing ride.

14-16 mph average pace for this no-drop ride. We'll regroup at the top of hills and when necessary. Guidelines for this ride are: safety, flexibility, and communication.

Route:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52057145

Everyone must have a copy of the route on their device, printed out, or in their head. If you decide to give it a try and maybe cut out early, you need to be able to find your way back to the start.

Weather Cancellation Policy:
Rain/wind will cancel/reschedule this event, or I may just move to Zwift. I'll post the weather forecast from Epic Ride Weather the day before.

Mandatory for all riders:
At least 2 full water bottles and snacks.
No earbuds.
Helmets must be worn at all times while riding.
Obey traffic laws, and remember you’re a representative of the greater cycling community.

Have your ride in good working order and bring a flat kit & the right size spare tube on all rides. If there is an issue with proper working or lack of equipment, you may be asked to sit the ride out.