THE DEERFIELD DIRT ROAD RANDONNÉE (D2R2)

Location Deerfield, Mass. Date Aug. 19

Distances 180 km, 160 km, 115 km, 100 km, 64 km (Green River tour), 26 km (family ride), mystery ride Cost US$120–$160, depending on registration date; US$10–$40 for the family ride, depending on age Website franklinlandtrust.org/d2r2

The course descriptions for D2R2 are explicit about its steep ups and thrilling downs, but past participant James Cook said the hills are something that must be felt to be appreciated. “I did 3,900 m of climbing over 187 km,” he said. “A couple of the climbs are outrageous. One peaks at a 27 per cent grade on gravel. Other climbs are relentless, grinding up washed out goat tracks. All of this is tough in the first 100 km, but becomes otherworldly after 10 hours.“There are six route options, ranging from a 26-km family ride to the epic 180-km choice. If you like surprises, you could also opt for a long (180 km-ish) or short (100 km-ish) mystery ride on a route announced day-of.