Griggstown Grinder - 20110830

Almost the last Grinder of the summer. Diane plans a couple of shorter rides, at a slightly earlier time in September.

But this was the last full on Griggstown Grind of the year, 22miles/35km with 1350ft/410m of climbing.



Hurricane Irene meant that several roads and bridges in the area were closed or hazardous, so just to make up for it Diane led us up Dutchtown-Zion Road, 300ft/90m in 1mile/1.6km.

A nervous descent over the gravel section brought us to the further climb up Long Hill Road and then on to the Spring Hill Road descent. Once again, the descent was rather fraught. Most of us expected tree debris in the road, but it was the amount of gravel washed down into the corners which caused us to keep the rein on speed.

Further bridge closures meant the return to Belle Mead was rather improvised. The cut through Skillman "village" revealed that all the old institution buildings had been demolished in the last couple of weeks, a pity because good brick-built construction is rare in this area.

Once again, dusk fell very quickly, necessitating a speedy return to the cars.

The evening was brought to a convivial conclusion with pizza and beer ... thanks to Diane and Dave.

See you all next year!!!