Natchaug Epic Presented by Specialized

Beginners Discouraged. Novices Warned. Weather be Damned. The sixth 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-snow-or-shine. Organizers reserve the right to shorten the route due to extremely foul weather. Rain bag service available for 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 2025 Lime Rock Park Epic being held October 12. Entries may only be deferred one time. The deadline to do so is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 17. To request a deferment and/or transfer send email to [email protected]. 

INSURANCE SURCHARGE.  A rider's entry includes a $5.99 surcharge to pay for USA Cycling's insurance underwriter. (Hence, our fee increase.) 

WAITLIST POLICY: THE TOTAL CAPACITY OF THIS RIDE IS 900 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 19 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 19. (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 If the state or local authorities declare a state of emergency. 

RIDER BENEFITS. All entrants will receive some groovy souvenirs,  a number plate, timing chip, route inventory sticker, three fully well-stocked stops with freshly prepared food, one hydration/comfort stops, SAG service, neutral mechanical support provided by Specialized Boston and Competitive Edge, 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 $30. 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 900. No single field may exceed 350. Organizers will draw from wait lists after March 19 for any categories sold out while staying within the total event cap. 

E-BIKE PROTOCOL. E-Bikes are not permitted in the Epic Category.  Organizers welcome the use of Class 1 e-bikes for the Natchaug Endeavor, Explorer, Express and Tri-state Ride. 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. 

TRI-STATE RIDE DETAILS. Kids aged 14 and under are encouraged to enter the Tri-State Kids Ride. Kids who complete the 10-mile course will be recognized at the awards ceremony and receive a certificate. Kids will receive snacks on the ride, be included in the photo gallery, and receive a post-ride meal. Grownups who wish to ride along must register and will receive the full lunch.

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 technical segment (Le Cuisinart) timid riders may take a paved bailout route. The Express route will have a full rest stop at the West Thompson Lake Overlook. The Express is a friendly tour, but each rider will be timed for the final segment.

EPIC/ENDEAVOR/EXPLORER SHARED DETAILS

There will be one aid station (water, toilets, nutrition, mechanic and SAG) and three fully stocked rest stops including warm, freshly prepared food for the Epic, Endeavor and Explorer riders. Vegan, gluten free and dairy free options available. The Explorer route will have an aid station (water, toilets, packaged nutrition and SAG) and two 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 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 and West Thompson Lake section.Riders must finish by 3:30 p.m. to be eligible for awards.  Organizers reserve the right to adjust the cutoff time due to unforeseen circumstances. Adjustments will be announced via the announcer and/or social media. 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 3,000 feet of climbingThe Explorer is a friendlier tour, but each rider will be timed for three segments. The Explorer will have one aid station and two fully stocked rest stops.

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.

QUINEBAUG CUP TEAM COMPETITION

Defending Men's Champion: Team ROR/Defending Women's Champion: Team ROR

There will be a team competition. To be eligible each member must register with their team affiliation. Team membership will be determined based on the 'Team/Club/Company' field during BikeReg checkout. Please ensure all team members use the same name for your team.Rules are as follows: There are two categories: Men and Women. Men must have a minimum of four riders; women must have a minimum of three riders. There is no maximum number of riders one team can have. Only riders who enter and complete the Epic course and all five timed segments by 3 p.m. will be scoredOnly the time of the fourth best rider of each men's team in each segment will be used for scoring. The aggregate of those scores will be tabulated for the team's result. Only the time of the third best rider of each women's team in each segment will be used for scoring. The aggregate of those scores will be tabulated for the team's result.  Any combination of riders on a team can be scored. For example, a team may have different riders scored in each of the segments.The overall individual results have no bearing on the team competition.  Only one men's and one women's team will be awarded the Quinebaug Cup.