At some point around mile 45 the sunglasses came off. Granted, they weren’t serving the purpose of UV protection as much as they were keeping the mud and a near constant rooster-tail of run-off water out of my eyes. In that moment, though, I had to see whether my vision was being obscured solely by splatters of dirt or if I was going cross-eyed from the effort of the day’s riding. Luckily it was just the dirt, but I mean this not as hyperbole: I was legitimately concerned for a moment.
Kermesse Sport’s 5th Annual Sourland Semi-Classic rolled out under grey skies still dripping from the previous night’s heavy rain. In combination with a winter storm earlier in the week, followed by a dramatic warm-up, the precipitation and meltdown made for very muddy conditions on the six gravel/dirt roads peppered throughout the course.
While the forecast may have kept a number of registrants in their warm beds that morning, those who braved the threat of further precipitation were rewarded with reasonably warm temperatures on what turned out to be an excellent day for a late winter’s ride.
The 2019 edition of the SSC ran on an altered course, swapping the Hopewell start/finish for Flemington, courtesy of V5 Cycles, while still making use of Sourland Cycles as a mid-point rest stop. The new course added more dirt roads than previous editions and shuffled up the climbing, to make it a bit more front-loaded. Reviews of the change were generally very positive amongst those I spoke with and the consensus is that the SSC is an early season ride not to be missed.
After a few words of warning and motivation from Brian, the organizer, the day started with a neutral rollout, lead out by Brian in his newly-acquired pickup truck. I personally was glad to see Brian relaxed and having a good time, in contrast to the stressed and exhausted state he must be in for his biggest event of the season, Hell of Hunterdon, which he puts on every March. I think his demeanor must have been contagious because when he started to pull away, none of the riders followed for quite a few seconds. Finally I said, “okay, let’s go,” and somehow found myself on the front of the group leading through the first turns, over the four sets of railroad tracks, and onto the first unpaved secteur.
Over the first 15 miles, a sizable leading group formed, bringing us to the base of the first long climb, Zion Road. At that point, things blew up. Three riders gradually pulled away, with myself leading a small group in pursuit. We worked together on the ridge, tucked in and flew down the descent of Long Hill, and kept them in our sights as we began the second climb in too quick succession, Montgomery Road. The dirt section of Montgomery may have been the wettest of the day, as we slipped around the slick bends towards the top of the climb. Such conditions required a bit more power on the pedals than if it were dry and frozen, but made it a little more technical and fun.
By the time we reached the top of Hopewell-Amwell, one of the leading three, who had been left behind in “no-man’s-land” was reabsorbed and our group swelled on the descent down towards Hopewell. A climb of (Dirty) Aunt Molly Road stung the legs a bit more, but the quick drop back into Hopewell on Carter Road lead us back to the leading two, who had very briefly stopped at the mid-way point aid station. Just as they rolled out, we rolled in, and a number of us decided it best to forgo the cookies and soft pretzels in favor of regrouping with the day’s strongest climbers.
The back end of the new course was more undulating than hilly. Yes, we still had to get back over the Sourland Mountain to return to Flemington, and while the climb up Van Dyke hurt a bit, it was the tempo that we set on the flatter roads that really made the last 30 miles hard. With few exceptions, we went full gas. I enjoyed ripping down the dirt descent of Rocktown Road, leading the group on what is perhaps my favorite road on the course, putting my local knowledge to use, dodging crater-like potholes in what is practically an old farm’s driveway.
With the exception of a brief reprieve when we were stopped at the traffic light at 202 and Wertsville, there was barely a moment to recover. In the last 15 miles, I kept reminding myself that no matter what happened, I could not let a gap open up for even a second. Especially when Geoff hit the front, it was pain and misery once we crossed back over 202 at Everitts. Likely due to the exhaustion, I somehow had trouble clipping in after another brief stop at the traffic light, and thought I would lose the group. I clawed my way back on the rolling east side of the road, just in time for the final run into the finish. A rolling Reaville Road, with its old farms juxtaposed with the sprawling suburbia of Flemington, caused the group to explode, and we shedded at least three strong riders.
As we turned onto what becomes Case Boulevard, I just couldn’t hold the wheel any longer. It’s amazing how hard it is to get back on even when the group is only a few meters ahead. With a lucky red light and some much appreciated encouragement from an amazingly positive Sue, who was on the side of the road photographing the exhausted riders as they neared the end of a punishing day, I managed to get back with the leaders for the final mile and a half.
Though the Kermesse Sport events are not races, they can be very spirited rides when you put the right combination of riders together, especially at the pointy end. I was very happy to finish with the lead group of five. It was a really hard day on the bike, especially for late February. When it was all said and done, we finished the day with an average speed of just under 20mph, certainly the fastest Sourland Semi-Classic I’ve ever done. It makes me tired just recounting it here a few days later... or maybe I am still tired from the ride. Probably the latter.
Of course, all Kermesse Sport events are concluded with a post-ride meal and very much appreciated local craft beer. This year’s beer came from Weyerbacher Brewing Company of Easton, PA. While I didn’t partake, it seemed as popular as ever, after a very Belgian day on the bike. I was happy to have some hot pizza, and some chocolate chip cookies brought over from the aid station that we missed earlier, whilst having a chat with the riders responsible for my suffering as well as other friends left behind on the road earlier in the day.
Every Kermesse Sport event that I’ve done has been a different experience, but never has the misery of suffering on the ride been more than a temporary state. The joy of completing these well put-together events with friends new and old is something I look forward to every season. These events keep me motivated through the winter when it’s easy to get soft and stay inside where it’s warm and there are other distractions.
Of course, while these events are challenging, one of the greatest things about them is the variety of rider types and ability levels that come out and enjoy the rides. Fun is had by all, whether you set a punishing tempo or ride to enjoy the scenery and socialize. Everyone finds their personal challenge and while the courses do require a certain amount of toughness and physical ability, riding yourself ragged is certainly not required.
The next Kermesse Sport event is Hell of Hunterdon on March 24th. It is sold out, but there is a waitlist for spots that may open up. The ride I’m most looking forward to is the newly improved and extended Fools Classic on Memorial Day Weekend, which now features what it sure to be a truly epic 100mi option. Find out more about these events and more at http://www.kermessesport.com/events/
Photo credits: David Gardiner, Joe Chahwan, Sue Wiedorn, Sue Wiedorn, Unknown, Sue Wiedorn
See my ride here: https://www.strava.com/activities/2172970804
