Mount Greylock Hill Climb Time Trial

Race to the top of Massachusetts!

     

 

Mount Greylock Hill Climb Time Trial

 Presented by Northampton Cycling Club

September 7, 2024  

 

Start: Western Gateway Heritage State Park: 115 State Street, North Adams, Massachusetts 01247-3852 
Starting times: from 8:30 AM-10:00 AM (you will choose a start time window during registration)

Finish: The Highest Point in Massachusetts!

Please note that the auto road is open to vehicle traffic during the event, and normal traffic rules apply. Your friends and family are welcome to cheer you on along the road or at the summit in designated parking areas (a small fee is charged at the summit for parking). After finishing the race it is your responsibility to pedal down the mountain or coordinate a ride down. 

TIME TRIAL FORMAT RACE = NO DRAFTING ALLOWED!     

No USAC license required.

Event Notes

Approximately 2860' of total climbing for an overall elevation gain of 2760', on a 5.9% average grade. Summit elevation is 3491'.Elevation profile and climb description.Strava segment. Age division medals. Note: "AGE” is how old you are on December 31st the year of the race.Past ResultsTentative schedule:Registration and packet pick up 7-9:30 AMFirst rider start 8:30 AM, last rider start no later than 10:00 AMAfterparty at the base, in the courtyard between registration table and restrooms: beer starts ~ 11:00 AM, food ~ 11:30 AM, awards ~ 12:15 PMYou may want to consider choosing a start time window based on your anticipated time to finish and return to the base for the afterparty. Folks who might take a bit longer than average may want to sign up for an earlier start and those who are on the faster side may want to choose a later start time window. This is just a suggestion not a requirement!Times are tentative and based on past year schedules

What's included in your registration?

The chance to suffer on your bike in an a safe, organized fashion, and to put all your summer training to good use. Race hard if you choose or "casually" pedal up the mountain and enjoy the scenery!Optional gear transport to the summit so that you don't freeze on the descent after!Refreshments at the summit!An awesome Greylock T-Shirt!REGISTER BY Thursday August 22nd to ensure your desired shirt sizePost-event awards ceremony and afterparty including a catered meal (with beer!)            

Greylock 2024 will be part of the Bike Up the Mountain Point Series (BUMPS)

BUMPS Facebook

BUMPS website:

           

 

Local Lodging Options include...

Bascom Lodge: At the summit of Mount Greylock! From hotel-like private rooms all the way to coed bunk rooms. www.bascomlodge.net or 413-743-1591. Really good dining too!Hotel Downstreet: 40 MAIN STREET NORTH ADAMS, MA 01247 (413) 663-6500The Williams Inn: 1090 Main St. Williamstown, MA, 01267. 413-458-9371.Porches Inn at MASS MoCA:  offers 47 rooms & suites in six Victorian-era row houses renovated in retro chic style. A healthful continental breakfast buffet is included in the room rate. Phone: (413) 664-0400. Historical Valley Campground: Located on picturesque Windsor Lake, 1.5 miles from downtown North Adams. Reservations can be made by calling 413-662-3198 or by sending an email request to: camping@northadams-ma.gov. Nearby museums; Mass MoCA, The Clark Art Museum, Norman Rockwell Museum.

Registration fee

 Thru Sep 2 ...........................................$80 for riders 18 and over, $20 for those under 18Full time students age 18 and over use code greylockstudent2024 for $40 off registration. May need to show current school ID at packet pickup.NCC members get $10 off registration, log in to your member discounts page for the discount code. After Sep 2 + onsite registration ..........$100

This event is intended to raise money in support of NCC youth programs. Refunds are not offered.                              

                               

Bascom Lodge on Mt Greylock Summit

 

Doug Jansen's Account:
The Mt Greylock Hill climb TT begins at the Heritage State Park entrance on Furnace Bypass. A few seconds after starting, a sharp hook to the left is taken on Reservoir Rd. This will climb earnestly for the next 0.8 miles, one of the steeper segments of the hill climb at about 9% average grade. Avoid the temptation of going out too hard here. When the steepness levels off, get ready for some rollers. You will need all of your gears on the next 1.3 miles of the climb. Stronger riders running compact cranks may spin out on the initial downhill.  About 2.1 miles into the hill climb, Reservoir Rd will turn sharply to the right, and the grade will kick up again. You will quickly enter Mt Greylock Reservation on the recently reconstructed Notch Rd, which will take you all the way too the summit. Get ready to dig in. The next three miles will average 9% grade with some sections easily over 10% grade. This part of the climb is densely forested, which is nice if it is a warm day.  At mile 5.4, the grade relaxes again, and most of the hard work is done. Don't breathe easy yet. This is a time-trial.  Resist the urge to let up on power when the grade becomes less strenuous by going faster, not easier. The last 3.5 miles of the climb average about 6% grade with some fairly flat sections and a few punchy steep bits. Some gorgeous views of the valley are reassuring that all that hard work is paying off in vertical gain. About 0.8 miles from the finish, a left is taken at the three-way intersection to access the summit. This piece of road will wrap around the peak in cartoon fashion at a persistent 8% grade. The view of Adams almost straight down below is incredible. Note the several pedestrian rumble strips during your climb. If you are riding back down after the race, you will want to avoid them. The finish can't come soon enough after you've full circled the peak to reach the monument at the top. Once you've regained clarity of thought, walk over to the monument and to the ledge on the other side. You've just biked to the highest point in Massachusetts, and it is one of the grandest views in the state. It might be worth tossing an inexpensive camera in your drop bag sent to the summit.