On The Road: Rapha x Kenver
We can all agree that it's a been a long couple of years. And for some of us, they've been a few years with more lbs and less miles than we'd have like to admit. So when the homies from Bridge Bike Works and Blacksmith asked if I was down to road trip for a gravel ride, I couldn't have packed my bags any faster. To the Berkshires we'd go!
At the end of August, the Rapha NYC Clubhouse partnered up with local Berks sports retailer, Kenver, to host a 50 mile mixed surface gravel ride up the backside of Mount Riga. It was my first time in the Berkshires, and it was bitter sweet because the route, the scenery, and the people were all spectacular. While I love capturing the moments and the memories, I was secretly jealous and would have loved to have been in the saddle for the day.
About that route… right out the front door of their shop you've got a quick turn on to the backroads and it's only a few turns of the pedals before the blacktop gives way to good grit. Then by the time you get to the bottom of the Mount Riga climb, wheels are spitting up chonky chips. The main star of the day was that 7 or so mile climb up the backside of Mount Riga. Socked in a tight and lush green canopy, Mount Riga is hidding a twisting, winding, and undulating climb long enough to get you settled into a high heart rate. At times the pitch hits a lactic inducing double digits that'll make your wheels slip.
The top of the climb rewarded riders with a snack spot with a view across a still and clam reservoir lake. From there it was a few more meters uphill before the mountain finally gave way to a long respite with a long, loose, and sweeping downhills into the valleys around Mount Washington. Make no mistake though, it wasn't time to drop posts and bomb. The size of the gravel changed as fast as the elevation. Getting bigger and bigger as the turns closed in tighter -knuckles going white and discs getting hot. At the bottom riders could finally cruise on some flats and low rollers before coasting back into town and finishing back at shop.
Fresh from Enve's Builder Round-Up, Mike and Bridge had their show demo on hand and he put their first prototype through its paces on the ride. His smile told me that the bike took everything Mount Riga had and just swallowed it up. The reception from the Rapha club riders was overwhelmingly positive - making me excited for when I get a chance to throw a leg over one of their demos.
Despite it not being the biggest group ride, Kenver and Bridge played perfect host, putting on a local Berkshire spotlight. Drinks were supplied by local spirits experts, fresh brew from local roasters, and did I mention wood oven baked pizzas made fresh on the spot. I'd go back just for that smokey pizza with the soft gooey dough.
Good things are happening in the Berks. The Instagram worthy routes are now supported by a local shop stocked well with clothing and accessories from Rapha and carbon candy frames, wheels, components and gear curated by the finest folks from Blacksmith. Next year I'll have to come home with more miles and less gear from the shop shelves.
Check out the gallery below. Click any picture to see full size, and if you’re in Berkshires, check out the shop for local routes.
