(Turn of the Climbs) Matheny Hills 2015 From the serene banks of the Peapack Brook to the summits of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians in Califon. Forested and dirt roads meandering along the Lamington River... The 2015 HoA had it all, (except a food-water stop) Rolling out under cloudy and humid skies, the days climbs began in earnest. Up Campbell and Clark which set the tone for the Hills of Attrition. Then it was rolling terrain to the Woodland ascent and then the fast twisting downhills of Calais and Mountainside. But soon again another climb approached. It was time to ascend Mt Paul to Fox Chase then wind down to Old Chester Rd...then a bit of dirt/gravel roads for about a mile and a half. In a similar paced group of about 5-6 cyclists, Rider X was holding his own. The group began to reel in some very ambitious riders who took off at the start and the early elevations were shedding the too eager riders along the way... Soon, the group was whittled down to 3, which remained until the 'unofficial' stop in Oldwick. Though by mile 30, Rider X was beginning to crack. Both drink bottles were emptied and the fuel tank was low. No water, low on carbs, battling a chest cold, the heavy humid air and 3000' of climbs in the rearview mirror had taken its toll... Now looming in the distance was the nearly 3 mile climb up Bissell Rd at marker 37 of 54. This tough climb had a little surprise in store at its end, the steeper leg shredding, Longview Rd and a face-slapping, ball-kicking maximum grade of 18%. After weaving and snaking his way up Longview, the summit had arrived and now it was time to attack the fast Philhower 'chicane' Then Sawmill, followed by the narrow, winding road of Wildwood...and the fast, bumpy Hollowbrook descent. By this time the clouds were quickly rolling in. Within minutes the dark graying skies had parted- and the torrential rains poured downward in sheets. Visibility was reduced to about 2' and the carbon wheel/brake combination was doing little to haul down the R-002 from quickening speeds. By the time Rider X reached Fairmont, he was water laden, cold and shivering... wishing it was over. Though not too far on the horizon, amazingly blue skies were blowing in. After 49 hard miles, it was a lonely ascent up Pottersville then back to the start/finish at Liberty Park... The day began with picturesque roads and warm temps, that eventually gave way to some hard packed dirt, the rise and fall of tough, steep climbs and challenging descents. Brutal humidity and ultimately, pouring rain- that would dampen the spirits, but not the resolve of Rider X....