About Kearsarge Klassic
The Kearsarge Klassic is, indeed, a gravel riding classic. Launched in 2012 the reins were handed over to GRVL Cycling in 2019. Now based out of the quaint town of Warner NH the ride includes many of the same roads legacy riders have come to love.
We offer challenging routes that include a significant amount of packed-gravel riding and, to test your mettle, some climbing segments. The event is not timed, this is not a race. A properly prepared rider and a gravel bike of most any type can do this. Our guarantee – you will finish tired but feeling accomplished. At the finish, riders will be treated to a delicious meal and craft beer.
Kearsarge Klassic Event Info
Where
Café One East - 1 E. Main St, Warner NH
Park
Plenty of parking at the Elementary School, behind the Café, and other nearby lots.
When
Saturday August 10, 2024 – packet (rider bib & instructions) pick-up opens by 7:00AM
How
The ride may be conducted on a properly prepared gravel-ready bicycle.
Start
Riders depart at 8AM
Routes
55-mile & 35-mile options plus, for the adventurous, an 85-Mile route! Have it it your way! Routes will be marked and, for self-navigation, cue sheets and GPX (or similar) files will be provided. Our No-Drop category uses the 35 Mile Route.
Beneficiary
A portion of your registration fee will go to the Concord-Lake Sunapee Rail Trail - a great initiative! You are also welcomed to add a donation through our registration page.
Field Size
For 2024 we are limiting registration to 350 riders. No waitlist but we have a convenient and popular transfer option - see below.
Party
The ride finishes at Café One East where we’ll host a great post-ride lunch on their front green. Refreshments are available starting at 11AM until 3PM - plan accordingly!
2024 ONLINE REGISTRATION INFO
Registration opens March 2nd!
Bringing a non-riding friend or family member? You can buy an Extra Beer/Meal ticket when you register online anytime here!
NO REFUNDS OR DEFERRALS, BUT:
You can transfer your registration to another online, through BikeReg only, until online registration closes.
NOTES:
NO DAY OF EVENT TRANSFERS - NO REFUNDS OR DEFERRALS
The ride is open to participants 18 years or older (must be 21+ to be served beer!)
Important: There is a self-seeding question that you must answer during the registration process – enter your typical road riding pace. This helps us with rider release at the start!
All will be revealed….
Still have questions? Check out our FAQ’s here
The Routes
55-Mile Route - 3,900' climbing, link to route info - here
35-Mile Route - 1,600' climbing, link to info - here
85-Mile Adventure Route - 6,400' climbing, link to info - here
Adventure Route Notes:
Approx 85 miles & 6,400' climbing,
Includes the venerable "Washburn Hill climb",
Rider must be capable of maintaining a minimum 12mph average speed,
Riders are essentially self-supported for fluids,nutrition and mechanicals,
Requires an early (6:20AM or earlier) departure OR you could miss the party! Adventure Route riders will receive special packet pickup instructions.
Our Supporters
FAQs
When is the Kearsarge Klassic?
The event takes place Saturday August 10, 2024 with first riders departing at 8AM. Packet (rider bib & instructions) pick-up opens by 7:00AM.Where is the Kearsarge Klassic?
The event starts and finishes at Café One East - 1 E. Main St, Warner NHIs the Kearsarge Klassic a race?
Absolutely not; this is a personal challenge ride. Riders of all abilities are encouraged to participate and to complete the route at their own pace.How old must I be to participate?
You must be at least 18 years of age to ride, 21 or older to be served beer!What kind of bike do I need to participate?
A properly prepared gravel-ready bike is the key to your enjoyment, anytime!How do I get ready for the ride?
The most important element to your enjoyment of the ride is your preparation, so make sure your bike is in tune and you train properly. Also, practice suffering!When do I roll off?
The start rolls off at 8AM (85-Mile Adventure Route riders must depart by 6:20AM)Do I have to wear a helmet?
Yes, all participants are required to wear a US DOT approved or CPSC standard helmet during the entire ride.Do we follow rules of the road while we are cycling?
Yes, riders must follow the rules of the road. All traffic signs and operations must be acknowledged and center-line violations may result in ejection from the event.What about route safety?
It is up to you to ride safely! Please observe "rules of the road" and use caution while you are out there.Can I ride an eBike at this event?
Yes, but only Class 1 (pedal assist to 20mph), no Class 2 or 3 bikes allowed. Due to their weight and technology, we may not be able to provide on-route support. Know your battery range!
Are the routes marked?
Routes will be marked but you are encouraged to try self-navigation! We suggest you download the route to your turn-by-turn capable GPS unit or phone. We will also have printed cue sheets on hand at the ride.
I signed up for the 55-Mile route but decided to ride the 35-Mile route, OK?
Sure! If you make that decision before the ride let us know; otherwise, you can decide while you ride. The 2 routes split at the rest stop around Mile 20, with the split will be prominently marked - you can make your decision there!Where are the rest stops?
For this ride there will be one rest stop (incl food and beverage options) at approximately Mile 20 (opens 9AM) for 55 & 35-mile routes and a Hydration Station at approx. Mile 36 for the 55-Mile riders. Both stops have port-o-potties in place. Adventure Route riders are essentially self-supported.What’s provided at the rest stops?
At the 20-mile Rest Stop there will be food and beverage options (water & sports drink), a port-o-potty and a first aid kit. The Hydration Station has water and a port-o-potty.Will I miss the party?
Food and beverage service runs 11AM to 3PM, plan your route choice and depart time accordingly - avoid FOMO!What about the weather?
We’re hearty New Englanders and roll rain or shine!What if I decide not to ride? We will miss you but Registration fees are non-refundable and non-deferrrable. However, you may transfer your registration to another rider as long as online registration is open on BikeReg. Transfer tips here.
Still have a question? Contact arlon@grvl.net
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