Darn Tough Ride

New Name, New Route for the Annual MMWA Fundraising Bike Event

Need a goal to stay fit this summer?  Here is one – to ride in the Darn Tough Ride, a benefit bicycle ride for the Mt. Mansfield Winter Academy (MMWA) on Sunday, September 2, 2012.

After three years of running the successful Stowe Road Rally, organizers decided that a new route and new challenges were in order for the annual MMWA fundraising bike event. With sponsorship from Northfield-based sock maker Darn Tough Vermont, race organizers decided to design a bike ride that was as tough as the landscape it tours. 

The newly designed event, now called the “Darn Tough Ride,” is a road cycling ride featuring a challenging mix of long miles, challenging ascents, exhilarating descents, and of course, plenty of camaraderie.

The Full Darn Tough Ride is indeed...Darn Tough! The complete route is a 100-mile loop from Stowe over to Jay Peak and back over Smugglers’ Notch. The total elevation is an impressive 5656’, including two Category 2 climbs, one Category 4 climb, and six Category 5 climbs. Riders are expected to complete the ride in less than 6.5 hours. 

To satisfy the competitive spirit of its participants, many of whom are competitive skiers, organizers are working on incorporating two timed hill climbs (Jay Peak and Smuggler’s Notch). The Darn Tough Ride is still a “ride” to be enjoyed with friends but this added component will also bring the possibility of including a team competition, and a king and a queen of the mountain to stimulate a little friendly rivalry in the peloton. We hope that you’ll be excited about getting a piece of this action!

Participants of all abilities can partake in the rides which all begin and conclude at MMWA. Additional route options include a metric century (65 mi.), 45 miles, and a friendly 25 mile route along Randolph Road. The Darn Tough Ride is fully supported and will have rest and refuelling stops along the way. The ride concludes with a barbeque party at MMWA. Registration is now available online.

For further information, find us on Facebook or contact us at darntoughride@mmwa.org. Check out the Darn Tough brochure to learn more about the rides and bike kit options.

Pour nos amis Québécois: voici une brochure en français avec des détails sur le Darn Tough Ride.

Remember to save the date for Sunday, September 2nd. We hope to see you there!