Natchaug Epic Presented by Specialized

Beginners Discouraged. Novices Warned. Weather be Damned. The fifth edition of "The Quiet Hell" will feature some modest changes to this exploration of the most formidable roads in Connecticut's Northeast corner. Here are some details: 

WEATHER PROTOCOL: The event is held rain-or-shine. Organizers reserve the right to shorten the route due to extremely foul weather. Rain bag service available Epic, Endeavor and Explorer categories. (See below for details.) 

ENTRY DEFERMENT POLICY: While Domestique Events DOES NOT OFFER REFUNDS for any reason, organizers will allow entrants to either transfer their entry in the Natchaug Epic to another person OR defer the entry to the 2024 Lime Rock Park Epic being held October 13. Entries may only be deferred one time. The deadline to do so is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 18. To request a deferment and/or transfer send email to [email protected]. 

INSURANCE SURCHARGE.  A rider's entry includes a $5.30 surcharge to pay for USA Cycling's insurance underwriter. (Hence, our fee increase.) 

WAITLIST POLICY: THE TOTAL CAPACITY OF THIS RIDE IS 850 AND IS EXPECTED TO SELL OUT. Organizers studied registration history to determine field limits in each category. Field limits in each category will be observed until February 1 when organizers may then adjust the the limits based on rider demand and waitlists. On Wednesday, March 20 organizers will “re-balance” the field limits to allow riders on the waitlist to participate in categories with open slots while respecting the total capacity of the event. 

DAY-OF REGISTRATION: Same-day registration will be available for open categories. There will be a $15 additional fee for day-of registration. 

RIDER COMMUNIQUE: Final Communique with complete route maps and event details will be distributed to registered riders no later than Wednesday, March 20. (Please don't pester us for the routes prior to that date.)

WEATHER POLICY. We ride rain, snow, sleet or shine. See our “Rain Bag” policy under “Epic/Endeavor Shared Details.” Cancellation with full refunds will be considered ONLY If the State of Connecticut declares a state of emergency. 

RIDER BENEFITS. All entrants will receive some groovy souvenir,  a number plate, timing chip, route inventory sticker, two well-stocked stops with freshly prepared food, two hydration/comfort stops, SAG service, neutral mechanical support, professional psychological support (no, seriously, we have a guy), spiritual guidance from resident yogi (no kidding, we have one of those, too!),  post ride meal, beer/drink ticket, full results and access to a photo gallery distributed post ride.

ADDITIONAL MEAL TICKETS. Additional meal tickets will be available at registration at $25. Support staff, friends, and family are welcome to join. There is a full restaurant and bar at the start-finish venue.

SUPPORT ROUTE.  Private support vehicles are encouraged and welcome in key locations. A Support Route auto map will be available online and at registration. Support vehicles are welcome at rest stops to help serve their riders. The map will guide supporters to key course locations as well as bakeries, cafes, orchards, farm stands, a winery, a cidery, a distillery, shops and scenic elements of the region. NOTE: This is a savage course in early spring conditions. Organizers strongly recommend supporters use a four-wheel drive vehicle with high-ground clearance if they wish to drive the Support Route. Organizers cannot, and will not, assist in the extrication of stranded vehicles. 

START PROTOCOL. There will be a mass start for each category for which flaggers will provide guidance for ONLY the first six miles. Riders may start on their own during the 20 minute period after the designated start time. Riders may not start early. Riders who reach the first timed segment prior to 9:02 a.m. will not be scored.

FIELD LIMITS. The total event field limit is 850. No single field may exceed 325. Organizers will draw from wait lists after March 20 for any categories sold out while staying within the total event cap. 

E-BIKE PROTOCOL

Organizers welcome the use of Class 1 e-bikes for the Natchaug Epic. E-bike riders are asked to notify the registrar at packet pickup. E-bike riders will be scored and denoted on the results but will not be eligible for awards. Teams seeking to be scored for the Quinebaug Cup competition may not include a member aboard an e-bike. 

EXPRESS DETAILS

The 35-mile Express option will be at a tourist pace with several support riders. This event is perfect for the first timer or “gravel curious”.The route has six unpaved sectors, one of which is challenging, and 1,730 feet of climbing. Although the route includes the first timed segment (a.k.a. Le Cuisinart), timid riders may take a paved bailout route. The Express route will have a water stop at the West Thompson Lake Overlook. The Express is a friendly tour, but each rider will be timed for two segments.

EPIC/ENDEAVOR/EXPLORER SHARED DETAILS

There will be two aid stations (water, toilets, nutrition, mechanic and SAG) and two fully stocked rest stops including warm, freshly prepared food for the Epic and Endeavor riders. Vegan, gluten free and dairy free options available. The Explorer route will have two aid stations (water, toilets, packaged nutrition and SAG) and one fully stocked rest stop shared with the above routes. The Epic, Endeavor and Explorer routes will be scored as Gravel Fondos with timed segments using computer chips. Course signage will be placed to alert riders to the start and finish of each timed segment.  Riders will be scored based on the cumulative time of all segments. AWARDS For the Epic, Endeavor and Explorer categories. Gift baskets and awards will be presented to the top three finishers in the following age groups for each gender: Open, 45-plus, 55-plus. NOTE: If a participant places in both the Open, 45-plus, or 55-plus Categories, they will get the higher placing in the appropriate Category and be ineligible for awards in the others. (In short, no double-dipping on the awards.)Epic, Endeavor and Explorer groups will have a lead moto that will provide escort on all sections save for the Airline Trail. Abandoned Village and West Thompson Lake section.Riders must finish by 3 p.m. to be eligible for awards.All riders must finish by 5 p.m.  Although the course will be marked, riders are responsible for navigation. Digital routes will be distributed via email prior to the event. Although SAG service and rolling mechanics will patrol the route, riders should be equipped and prepared to make their own basic roadside repairs. Rain bag service will be available at Rest Stops 2 and 3. Riders may pack dry clothes at the start area and/or shed clothes at each Rest Stop to be returned to the finish area. Drawstring bags will available upon request at Rest Stops 2 & 3 to drop off wet clothes. Those will be returned to the finish celebration by 3 p.m. Team Support Vehicles are welcome at each of the three rest stops subject to parking guidelines. 

EXPLORER DETAILS

The Explorer route is 53 miles with 12 unpaved sectors and 2,900 feet of climbing, and one forced dismount due to a massive fallen tree. (Helps to have friends there.)The Explorer is a friendlier tour, but each rider will be timed for three segments. The Explorer will have two aid stations and one fully stocked rest stop. 

ENDEAVOR DETAILS

The Endeavor route is 68 miles with 15 unpaved sectors and 3,900 feet of climbing. The Endeavor will have a minimum of four timed segments. 

EPIC DETAILS

The Epic is 84 miles with 20 unpaved sectors and a minimum of five timed segments. The total elevation gain is 4,600 feet.

NEW FOR 2024: QUINEBAUG CUP TEAM COMPETITION

Within the 2024 edition will be a new team competition, The Quinebaug Cup. A trophy will be awarded to a top men's team and a separate trophy to a top women's team. 

These are the rule of the competition: 

This only applies to the 83-mile Epic category.No team member may be on an e-bike to be eligible. There is no special registration required; simply designating a team/club affiliation on registration will be used for team tabulation. For the men's competition, the fourth rider of a team in EACH segment will be factored into the cumulative scoring. For the women's competition, the third rider of a team in EACH segment will be factored into the cumulative scoring. There are no limits to the size of a team from which the timed riders may be drawn. All riders factored into the scoring must complete the full course by 3 p.m.Teams are responsible to ensure their riders are registered properly with their team assignment.A rider's jersey must match the team with which they are registered. Composite teams with mismatched jerseys will not be eligible. Teams must wear a jersey that clearly designates every rider's affiliation.