By Eli Post

Mark Nardone and Erik Dentremont contributed to this article.

CRW’s 2023 North to New Hampshire Century may be in the history books, but it lives on as a memorable day for those who rode in the event. This was the Club’s first fully supported Spring Century since COVID and was heralded by one of the best weather days we could have hoped for in a New England May!

The routes on North to New Hampshire are a long-time CRW favorite for a century event. They begin at the Wakefield High School heading north to NH and back, and winding though some of NH's more scenic roads. And it’s relatively flat so ideal for an early spring century when many riders are just returning to the road. Each ride provided refreshing drinks at rest stops along the route, with food and refreshments at the finish. CRW riders enjoyed a post ride party hosted by Hearth Pizzeria with many options for all dietary needs.

The route has earned loyal fans over the years that enjoy the lovely stretches of country roads on the North Shore and in southern New Hampshire. Here are some of the comments:

“Rode the CRW spring (half) century ride with buddies Ed Edward Cheng, Doug Douglas Bajgot, Eric Wilkins, and a few new friends. Here we are at the half way point rest stop. Great half century today! Thanks for joining us, Ed!” John O’Dowd

“Thanks to the organizers, volunteers and ride leaders.  It was a lot of fun!” Ed Chang

Rode with the 15mph group. The group pulled me along the whole way! First event ride of the season! Marianne Eybye

Felt great!! Aside from my lower back tightening up I feel like I should have done the metric. Hermin Miranda

CRW - N to NH, It was Felix's first big ride, and he did great! Vern Spinner

As always, the success of the event was due to our wonderful, dedicated volunteers. Time and time again, our volunteers selflessly donate their passion for cycling by supporting our membership, and making the event possible. The only ones who are fully aware how much effort it takes to run a century are the ones who actually put it together. And it’s a catch 22, the smoother it goes, the less people realize how difficult it is. So we have no other recourse but to congratulate ourselves for a job well done.

The Stats:

262 riders set off to complete the 50, 63, and 100 mile routes. 

There were 4 unable to complete due to mechanical issues. 

Multiple led groups rolled out between 7 and 9am. 

Last rider completed her 100 miles just after 4pm. 

The riders appreciated the 25 mile rest stop and dug in to the many refreshments available. There was special interest in smothering a bagel with peanut butter, jam and/or Nutella. All left over food was donated to the Red Cross and other charitable organizations in our area.

This year we did something a little different to make the Century rides more memorable. We created a 3 medal series to go with each event, by themselves the medals are great, together they connect to something special. Collect all three and proudly display your achievement for the 2023 Century Series.

Did you miss the event? You can still register for a virtual option and complete the course or a similar distance within the month to earn your medal.

The riders found innovative ways to wear/display their awards.

The Spring Century has about 4,100 feet of climb, making it a relatively easy ride. If you need more of a challenge try the Climb to the Clouds century in July 2023.

As we said, the volunteers made this event possible, and we thank them all.

Volunteers		May 13th
ROLES	Pick up Supplies	Name
Coordinators	Event Day CONTACT	Mark Nardone
	coordinator	Erik Dentremont
	Ride Leader	John O'dowd
	prez	Ed Cheng
Porta Johns		The Shed Portable Santitation
SudBury distribution Saturday	Friday	Joel Bauman
62 Goodman's Hill Road Sudbury MA 01776		Erik Dentremont
10 AM - 4PM	Rest Stop Org	Nina Siegel
Sudbury returns Monday 10 - 2		Joel Bauman
Check-In / Registration Wakefield Tech HS		Mel Prenovitz
60 Farm Street Wakefield MA		Francie Sparks
7AM- 9:30AM		Stanley Kay
		Richard Vignoni
Mechanical Support
Wakefield HS	Trek Cambridge	Robbe Smith | Store Manager
Wakefield HS	Velo Bikes	Gunther
Food & Supplies	Costco	Harriet Fell
Fruit		John Allen
Bagels		Barry Nelson
		Linda Nelson
Rest Stops
Shanahan Park
423 Main Street Groveland MA		Eil Post
8AM-Noon	Pick up	Harriet Fell
		Lynne O'Riorden
		Ken Weber
	Pick up	Bill Aldrich
American Legion Park
20 Pentucket Ave Georgetown MA	Pick up	Marie Keutmann
9:30 AM - 2PM	Pick up	Penny Leslie
		Keeley Gammon
	Pick up person	Tim Wilson
		Rosalie Blum
		Kate Strauchan
		Jim Evans
Sawyer Park Kennsington NH	Pick up	Barbara Jacobs
24 Trundlebed Lane	Pick up	Ted Nyder
9:30 AM - 2PM	Pick up person	Nina Siegel
	Pick up	Maureen Feibiger
After rider party	Pizza	Harriet Fell
11:30 - 5:30	Pizza	Jack Donahue
	Pizza	Ken Weber
	Awards	Mark Nardone
	Pizza	Megan Scully
Monday Clean up	Clean Up and Return	Erik D'Entremont
Hearth Pizzeria - Delivery	200 Pizzas, 20 Salads	Ivan Pucelio
Ride Leaders	100	Martin Hayes
	100	jennifer Allen
	100	Lindy King
	100	Megan Scully
		Mike Barry
	50	Clyde Kessel
	50	John Odowd
	62	Larry K
	62	Karen Hamel
Sag Wagon		Mark Nardone
		James White
Sweeps		Susan Grieb
		Jack Donahue
Registration Lists		Erik D'Entremont
car signs	Parking	Lisa Najavitis