Cape Cod Century?

[CTYankee]

I made a bet with a friend...I do a century, she does a half marathon. I'd like to do it on Cape Cod...very nice scenery, relaxing (moreso than here in SW CT at least), oh and very flat sure doesn't hurt!

So anyone know of any good routes that don't have lots of traffic and keep you by the water as much as possible? I'm thinking Septemberish to do this.

[MrsCouch]

I need to dispel one of your assumptions - the Cape is NOT flat! I always thought it was as well until I rode the Great Mass Getaway last year. Day 2 of the ride went from Sandwich to P'Town, and the ride was wet (it rained the entire time), cold (somewhere in the 50 - 55 degree range) and HILLY!

If you're looking for a flat century in the September timeframe, you may want to check out http://www.nbwclub.org/ - they run what is called the Flattest Century in the East.

Good luck, whatever you decide! Oh - and a century is easily doable - I think you got the easier part of the bet ;)!

MrsCouch

[AA]

dont forget the headwind ;D

[CTYankee]

I will probably be in the lower portion, the areas I know (Dennis to Chatham area). I may start at one of the brigdes and just go to Chatham and loop back someway. I know those areas are far flatter than anything around here. Besides, I just like the area up there.

Oh, and since it will be a loop I'll just enjoy the headwind at my back on the last 50.

[jaime]

Go to your local bike shop & get the Rubel Bike Map for Cape Cod, that's the best bet for riding the Cape. My advice is to follow the Bike Rte #1 course, it has the least traffic and nicest roads.

Mrs. C. is right though: the only part of the cape that's flat is what they graded to put in Rte 6 (Mid Cape Hwy), and bikes are banned from that.

Once you get across the bridge and onto the side roads the word "flat" has no application to the Cape: when you're in the easy parts it'll be rolling at best. Have fun, though. It's beautiful riding there.

j.