Aug 26, 2012


The Deerfield Dirt-Road Randonnee (D2R2) originated as simply a favorite dirt-road loop in the hilltowns of Franklin County, Massachusetts. It is often hailed as the hardest, most beautiful, most fun, most traffic-free, most unique, and overall best ride that many cyclists have ever done.

Bruce Rychlik tackled the beast last year on his road bike and decided this year to purchase a cyclocross bike for the added traction and more appropriate gearing, not to mention the right pedals for dealing with mud!   Fortunately on this years ride (Aug 18th, 2012), the moist ground (from the previous nights rain) dried up early, so he didn't have to worry too much about mud.  He finished the 180K massively hilly, dirt road randonee in just over 9hrs (even with a few extra miles tacked on at the start)!   

The responses to the post event question that his coach Karen Mackin asks (how did you feel at different times post event), were typical of an incredibly challenging but amazing event!  
How he felt...
Immediately after:  "I can’t imagine doing it again next year."
1-3 days after:  "Maybe I’ll do it next year."
A Week after:  "As the memory of the pain recedes – I will definitely do it again!"
Congratulations Bruce on conquering the D2R2!


PCG Coach:  Karen Mackin