FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 17, 2024
Saturday Pre-Ride Activities Set for Natchaug Epic
Pro Riders, Mechanics Lead Clinics; Lodging Discounts Available
THOMPSON, Conn. – Organizers of the Natchaug Epic Presented by Specialized will offer Saturday events to help riders prepare for the following day’s “Quiet Hell.” Clinics, demos and tech seminars will be organized at the Thompson Speedway.
“We’ve never run the exact same course,” said Shaun Weigand, ride director. “Our course team and local scouts have added a few new elements, most of which will be unveiled on this Saturday recon ride.”
The recon ride will start and end at the Raceway Restaurant, rain or shine. The team from Specialized alongside local retailers will be on hand to offer product demos. Legendary mechanic Christopher Zigmont will discuss how pros set up their bikes for such an event. CCNS coach Hunter Pronovost will guide riders on this 25-mile reconnaissance ride alongside Under-23 National Time Trial Champion Betty Hasse. Specialized ambassador Chris Brits, two-time finisher of the Silk Road Mountain Race, a self-supported race held mostly above 10,000 feet, will also help novice riders prepare for the challenging early spring conditions.
Brits and Specialized staff will showcase some 2024 gravel-specific products. Demos will be available.
“Even on the sunniest of spring days, the Natchaug Epic can be a brutal course,” said Zigmont. “Setting up and prepping a bike properly for such conditions – from your bearings to tires and drivetrain – can make a significant difference.” With support from Enduro Bearings and Pedro’s, Zigmont will also help guide riders through the post ride cleanup and bike prep.
Registration is open here: https://www.bikereg.com/natchaug-epic-recon-ride. All of the proceeds of the ride support local youth cycling programs through the CCAP.
For riders traveling to New England’s season opener, limited on-site camping is available at no cost. Campers are required to register on the event site.
There are discounts available at two area hotels :
The Comfort Inn is located a few miles to the south of the venue. This link will offer riders who register by February 22 more than $60 off the rack rate: Natchaug Epic Comfort Inn Link
The Holiday Inn Express and Suites is located just over the Massachusetts border in Auburn. This link will offer rider who register by March 8 more than $50 off the rack rate: Natchaug Epic Holiday Inn Link
The fifth edition of the Natchaug Epic Presented by Specialized will be held Sunday, March 24, 2024, at the Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park in Thompson, Conn. Community partners include the Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program, The Last Green Valley, Best Buddies Connecticut, the Wyndham Land Trust and the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. For more information visit www.bikereg.com/natchaug-epic. Follow Natchaug Epic at: https://www.facebook.com/NatchaugEpic and https://www.instagram.com/natchaugepic/