What a weekend!

Thank you all for a GREAT weekend in the White Mountains. It couldn't have been better -the weather was beautiful, the people were great and the riding was spectacular. We had a record number of riders - 77 one day riders, 24 three day riders and 19 two day riders. Fantastic showing!

Thanks again for making the trip and your support!

We're look forward to next year!
Save the date: Sept. 10, 11 & 12, 2010.

Feels like riding weather...

We're hoping Mother Nature has these silly-northeast-bound Tropical Storms out of her system! Today feels like great late summer riding weather - 70 degrees, sunny, with a light breeze - what could be better!?

Join us and go for a ride in the White Mountains - some of the most beautiful riding this part of the country has to offer!

We hope you'll join us for the 2009 Three Notch Century!

Less than 1 month away!

What are you waiting for?

The 2009 ride is less than a month away! We can't believe how fast it's creeping up and we know it will be here before we know it. It's never too early to register and start fundraising - several of our riders just started this week and are already at $500 dollars. It's easier than you think and people will give because they're asked.

Don't miss the fun! Register today!

Less than 2 months away!

We're less than two months away and we're gearing up for the 2009 ride! We can't wait to be loading up outside the North Conway Grand and getting ready to climb up and over the Kanc!

It finally feels like summer in the Northeast and that makes us feel like it's time to ride...

We hope you'll join us this September! It's not too early to register! Do it today and plan your weekend in the White Mountains.

Firstgiving: The Art of A Great Site

So, you've been thinking of raising money online for the Three Notch Century - maybe you've even started your page - but you're not sure what to do with it or how to make it snappy.... Check out these examples from around the country:

Keith is raising money for the Special Operation Warrior Foundation, running 100 miles from Key Largo to Key West
Leslie is raising money for the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota
Laura is the Executive Director of Mustard Seed Communities
Maggi is an Account Manager at Firstgiving

Your email announcement and your page should speak to your contacts! Add a little pizzazz by embedding Flickr pictures or YouTube videos. Also, be sure to upload a picture of yourself!

Want to spread the word faster? Link your Firstgiving page from your Facebook profile! Think outside the box and create a buzz.

As always, we're here if you need ideas and tools.

Three Days: Our Point of View

The AMC Highland Center in Crawford Notch

The following description shows you the ride from a different point of view. It's the Three Day option (the two and one day options are very similar!)

Starting in Lincoln, NH, the beginning of the route will take you through the resort town of Lincoln…past the shops and attractions (even Clark’s Bears!) and on to the Flume, a natural granite gorge at the base of Mount Liberty. Entering the State Forest, you will pick up the Recreation Trail consisting of approximately nine miles of rolling hills as you crisscross the Pemigewasset River to Profile Lake. You will even catch a glimpse of the former spot of the Old Man in the Mountain. Some say this is the most challenging part of the ride, with its gradual uphill climb.

Heading east on Route 302, you will enter Crawford Notch. This is the most open and, in our opinion, most scenic section of the route…There are stunning views of Mt. Washington and the elegant hotel with the same name. Towering cliffs frame the road and several waterfalls dot this section of the route. Day one ends at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Highland Center at the height of the Notch. The AMC’s cozy (accessible) bunk rooms, and the sprawling grounds, are the perfect place to unwind after a day of riding. You’ll find most of the group sipping wine or locally brewed beers in the Adirondack chairs on the back lawn… or meandering the nearby trails or enjoying the overstuffed chairs and fireplace in the main lodge. Dinner is family style in the Center’s large dining room – and includes tasty, mostly organic and local foods.

Day two begins with a plummet downhill and we encourage everyone to stop gawking at the beautiful surroundings and keep their eyes on the road! As the road curves, enjoy the flight downhill, keeping in mind you are right in the midst of some of the best scenery the White Mountains has to offer.

At the bottom of the hill, you will ride through the tiny town of Bartlett and past Attitash ski resort and then you will push on into the outskirts of North Conway. North Conway is a bustling tourist destination with outlet malls, large hotels and a plethora of attractions. Our stop for the night is at the North Conway Grand Hotel at the far end of town. Just as the name implies, this hotel is grand. Full of North Country touches – like a large stone fireplace in the lobby, antler chandeliers and large stuffed moose – the hotel is for vacationers. Between the hotel’s four indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, the nearby (walking distance) outlet shops, and comfortable rooms for napping, the North Conway Grand is the perfect place to spend an afternoon and evening. Dinner is served in one of the banquet rooms and brings all riders together. Breakfast the next morning is buffet style.

Day three leaves the hustle and bustle of North Conway behind and puts you on the quietest stretch of road of the ride, tree-lined and winding, this road has little traffic. Dugway Road takes you along the Swift River – where the water rushes through jagged rocks and the sights and sounds make you forget you have the Kancamagus Highway climb to contend with. Ending with a covered bridge, Dugway Road puts you right out onto Rt. 112. The first 6 or so miles of the Kanc. are relatively easy, coasting past scenic pullouts and overlooks. The views open up as you begin to climb (hopefully distracting you from the burning and exhaustion). The summit makes the pain all worth it – expansive views of the whole valley and sense of accomplishment for having made it this far! Again, another fast downhill will put you back in Lincoln before you know it.

Great Party!

Thanks to all who came to Red Hook last week. We had a GREAT time, fabulous weather and it was great to see so many new AND familiar faces. We love hearing your memories, stories and your new recruiting tactics for this year's ride.

As you begin to plan for September, please remember all of our great prizes:

*$1,000+ - Anyone who raises over $1,000 will be given a coveted jersey.
*Individual Top Fundraiser - Two tickets to see the Boston Red Sox
*Team Top Fundraisers - Hip cycling gear bags
*Most Spirited Team - Signature Three Notch Century fleece blanket
*Most Recruits – iPod Shuffle

*Northeast Passage - Polka Dot Jersey Challenge– Awarded to the company or organization recruiting the most riders and displaying the most spirit and dedication to the ride. Organization will be given the coveted “challenge cup” to display for one year, then they must relinquish and defend the crown! Last year the cup went to Martin's Point Health Care and they are eager to defend it!

Get goin'!

Outside Magazine - Cycling Issue

Check out this month's issue of Outside Magazine for the 44 best bikes of 2009, simple repairs you can do, apparel, goods, shoes, helmet recommendations, and more!!

Click here for the online version

Don't forget our KICK OFF PARTY is one week from tomorrow (see post below)! We hope you can join us... Bring two friends and be entered to win a fabulous prize!

2009 Kick Off Party

Please join us!
Northeast Passage invites you to a
Three Notch Century kick-off party

Tuesday, May 19, 2009
5:30-7:30pm
Red Hook Brewery
35 Corporate Dr., Pease Tradeport, Portsmouth, NH

We hope you will come learn more about the event and Northeast Passage, meet other riders, get fundraising tips, register and get pumped! Light refreshments will be served. There is no fee for this event and no RSVP required.

Inspiration

A bright, sunny day - 2008's Three Notch Ride. Don't miss it this year!

New E-mail List - Sign up now!

We have just created a BRAND NEW Three Notch Century e-mail list. Subscribers will be sent general updates and information (such as reminders to sign up, kick off party information, volunteer needs, etc).

**If you have ridden with us in the past, you have already been added to the list and there's no need to subscribe. You may unsubscribe at any time.

The first update for '09 will be sent in early April.

Click here to subscribe now.

Once you have registered for the event online (through Firstgiving), you will receive specific announcements/information directly related to this year's ride (these announcements will ONLY go to registered participants, not the whole e-mail list).

Stay in touch!

Cross Training

Here is a brief list of cross training activities:

Swimming, Running, Walking, Hiking, Spin Classes, Stairmaster, Weight Training, Aerobics Classes, Dance and Cross Country Skiing.

Keep your routine fun and fresh! You can even join us for a Cross Country ski. Check our calendar for a list of events.

Be sure to warm up and stretch!

Time to Ride....??

This past weekend, we saw temperatures around 50 degrees - and we saw our first cyclists of the season out on the roads. This proves: It's never too early to get out and ride!

Be Fit!

We encourage you to keep up your fitness level throughout the winter, but don't forget to take care of your bike too!

Check here for Winter Maintenance tips!

Happy New Year!

2009 is here and we're already gearing up for September (it will be here before we know it). We have some exciting changes in store for this year and we can't wait to get going!

After we finished riding in 2008, we were energized by the mountain air and we, once again, wanted to perfect the event. With help from our dedicated event committee, we have decided to call the North Conway Grand Hotel our event headquarters. We are excited to do this and they are glad to have us!

Here's how it will work:
Friday, Sept. 11 - Three Day Ride Begins at Loon Mountain. We will ride through Franconia Notch and to the top of Crawford Notch and spend the night at the AMC Highland Center. No change here.

Saturday, Sept. 12 - Two Day Ride begins at Loon Mountain. One Day ride begins at North Conway Grand Hotel in North Conway. The two day riders will make their way to North Conway (just like last year) and the one day riders will ride the Kanc, Franconia Notch and Crawford back to North Conway.

ALL riders will meet at the North Conway Grand Hotel for a celebration - to include food, prizes, etc...

This change will allow us to all be together for a meal, it moves the century to a more rider-friendly day (Saturday) and allows century riders to make a weekend of it. On Sunday (9/13), the three and two day riders will finish out the weekend with a ride up and over the Kanc. and back to Loon (no change here).

Please take a moment to look around the Three Notch Web site. It has all the information you need for the weekend. Please join us!