Natchaug Epic

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: RIDER BENEFITS. All entrants will receive a groovy musette, a number plate, timing chip, route inventory sticker, two well-stocked stops with freshly prepared food, one hydration/comfort stop, 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 and drink tickets will be available at registration at $25 and $7 respectively. 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 eligible. FIELD LIMITS. The total event field limit is 850. No single field may exceed 300. Organizers will draw from wait lists after March 20 for any categories sold out while staying within the total event cap.

EXPLORER DETAILS The Explorer route is 48 miles with 12 unpaved sectors and 2,900 feet of climbing. The Explorer is a friendly tour, but each rider will be timed for three segments. The Explorer will have an aid station and one fully stocked rest stop.

ENDEAVOR DETAILS The Endeavor route is 61 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 82.5 miles with 20 unpaved sectors and a minimum of five timed segments. The total elevation gain is 4,600 feet.