The hardest part is going back. That state line hill feels like L'alpe d'huez after coming from Bear Mountain. If you're a recreational rider (not a racer or pro) the first 50 miles is great-not easy, but doable. You'll notice the changes going back-the loss of cadence, the rubbery legs-but that's more physiological than anything else. Nothing can prepare you if you're not out there putting in those miles. Keep the cadence a bit higher than these riders going up Bear Mountain and just smooth out the pedal stroke, because if not you'll be pedalling squares like some of these cats.
I’m prepping for GFNY 2024, and it will be my first fondo. Any tips about the course? What was the hardest stretch? What do you wish you’d done differently? What’s your FTP in watts/kilo?
It helps to ride the course beforehand. There are training rides offered by d organizers weeks before the event and it passes the climbs. The hardest one for me is Gate Hill. I'm a recreational rider, idk my FTP, but I do train indoors during the cold season (Jan- Mar) which helps a lot. If you have a smart trainer and a Rouvy subscription, you can virtually ride the hardest stretch of the course. 😃
@@CoolCyclingRides thanks for the info! You were passing quite a few people on the way up, so good for you as a recreational rider! I’ve got a Peloton and TrainerRoad subscription right now, so that is my training gear until I get the bike and a smart trainer. Hopefully by December!
I’m riding this for the first time in 2023. I didn’t read anywhere where they prohibited GoPro’s. Did you have any issues with the sponsors using your GoPro? Thanks
FYI 2022 was the last year GFNY will feature the Bear Mountain climb for the foreseeable future. Because they’re trying to be UCI sanctioned and the UCI does not allow 2-way traffic on safety grounds, the Bear Mountain segment has had to be eliminated starting with the 2023 edition.
Just uploaded a video with my climbing up the Appalachian trail during this recent snow storm. What an amazing hike and awesome video you have here!
The hardest part is going back. That state line hill feels like L'alpe d'huez after coming from Bear Mountain. If you're a recreational rider (not a racer or pro) the first 50 miles is great-not easy, but doable. You'll notice the changes going back-the loss of cadence, the rubbery legs-but that's more physiological than anything else. Nothing can prepare you if you're not out there putting in those miles. Keep the cadence a bit higher than these riders going up Bear Mountain and just smooth out the pedal stroke, because if not you'll be pedalling squares like some of these cats.
I’m prepping for GFNY 2024, and it will be my first fondo. Any tips about the course? What was the hardest stretch? What do you wish you’d done differently? What’s your FTP in watts/kilo?
It helps to ride the course beforehand. There are training rides offered by d organizers weeks before the event and it passes the climbs. The hardest one for me is Gate Hill. I'm a recreational rider, idk my FTP, but I do train indoors during the cold season (Jan- Mar) which helps a lot. If you have a smart trainer and a Rouvy subscription, you can virtually ride the hardest stretch of the course. 😃
@@CoolCyclingRides thanks for the info! You were passing quite a few people on the way up, so good for you as a recreational rider! I’ve got a Peloton and TrainerRoad subscription right now, so that is my training gear until I get the bike and a smart trainer. Hopefully by December!
I’m riding this for the first time in 2023. I didn’t read anywhere where they prohibited GoPro’s. Did you have any issues with the sponsors using your GoPro? Thanks
No issues. You can use GoPro.
FYI 2022 was the last year GFNY will feature the Bear Mountain climb for the foreseeable future. Because they’re trying to be UCI sanctioned and the UCI does not allow 2-way traffic on safety grounds, the Bear Mountain segment has had to be eliminated starting with the 2023 edition.
whats the incline percentage on this climb?
4.5 miles @ 5.4% average ; 11.6% max