Damn, it was actually in the back of my mind to do this ride this year. I have put a big red circle on my calendar for next year.

 I am far closer to being able to complete this ride than the “Dirty Dozen”… I actually ride many of these roads on a regular basis. I avoid the dirty dozen hills as if my legs depend upon it…

Wondering what other new-world cities do a cobbles race / alleycat / fun ride.

There’s a ride/informal race here (Nova Scotia) called Wolfville Roubaix, 90km ride every April, not on cobbles but about 15km on gravel roads. Difficulty depends on weather – last year was rainy with a high of 37F, hence bloody miserable – a couple of very steep gravel hills, rain made it very tough to get up them. Good times though.

Seems like the “X-Roubaix” theme has really taken off, e.g. the Rouge Roubaix in Louisiana, that would be a fun one to do, as long as it wasn’t too hot.