tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79016345223011696852024-03-21T22:34:30.416-04:00 Pedal Pushing PatonsPedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-76794226883045639162014-05-05T07:06:00.004-04:002014-05-08T08:08:08.876-04:00Airline Trail - Thompson to Douglas State Forest<table abp="597" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody abp="598">
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Kiosk at Lowell Davis Road Crossing</div>
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So instead of loading my bike into the fossil-fuel-mobile today and spending precious riding time driving to a ride, I decided I'd have another go at the section of the Airline Trail that I've been hearing so much about lately from down near the West Thompson Dam up to Douglas State Forest. Some of the my co-committee members on the Thompson Trails have been saying some positive things about the work that has been going on here. </div>
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Last time I rode this trail, I did it one way from Douglas to Thompson and swore I'd never do it again. I'm pretty sure it was at least 90% comprised of sandy whoop-dee-doos or a stream bed that had taken over the trail in an era long since past.</div>
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But I've been hearing a lot about grant money coming through and the revitalization of this section of the trail, so I broke my oath and decided to hit it again. And I have to say, I'm not sorry that I did.</div>
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It was about a two and a half mile road ride over the dam and up to the cemetery to get to the trail, which runs between Route 395 and Riverside Drive in this area.</div>
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As I jumped on I was immediately faced with a puddle that looked more like a small pond spanning the entirety of the trail. There was nothing to do but pedal through. Fortunately the bottom was firm and the water was relatively shallow. Two dry feet and a still clean drivetrain. Things were looking up.</div>
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Within a half mile the trail crosses over the on-ramp to 395 at Exit 98. It follows the old railroad bridge over the traffic. Bridge is just fine, but I wish it weren't such deep peastone across it. Makes for tough pedaling.</div>
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<a abp="622" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6Tm-b45ADQYkJEinos5SKKdJVEHTZxX0boeXGLUdq5LnQrbKe-IhDCLn1-tTbCJwU7MX1wdVngL8evCICyr7-eTFyWEsiJY7sKQ5-NpmwL17zuQ9uKK5vSSKkMlxieICkB_voaRNT_k/s1600/Robs+Phone+2443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="623" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6Tm-b45ADQYkJEinos5SKKdJVEHTZxX0boeXGLUdq5LnQrbKe-IhDCLn1-tTbCJwU7MX1wdVngL8evCICyr7-eTFyWEsiJY7sKQ5-NpmwL17zuQ9uKK5vSSKkMlxieICkB_voaRNT_k/s1600/Robs+Phone+2443.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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After crossing this bridge you are very soon after faced with another bridge, or lack thereof. Good to see it has barriers preventing unsuspecting traffic from plummeting to their deaths. Or at least plummeting to certain pain.</div>
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<a abp="628" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQrgHCnaGASOfKqkcaOAHzC4MX32Y1ujoILBASe-vGDYA_FiSo7PtOcvZ5Y9FJh1e9DBC5cbnBRvU_zCcdlL1TMfEwC9TtThMpNuLRIYAnrOU0sg1BZCObBdfnmStgyX7NIFOlDRayUg/s1600/Robs+Phone+2445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="629" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQrgHCnaGASOfKqkcaOAHzC4MX32Y1ujoILBASe-vGDYA_FiSo7PtOcvZ5Y9FJh1e9DBC5cbnBRvU_zCcdlL1TMfEwC9TtThMpNuLRIYAnrOU0sg1BZCObBdfnmStgyX7NIFOlDRayUg/s1600/Robs+Phone+2445.jpg" height="136" width="640" /></a></div>
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The go-around isn't fantastic, at least this time of year. It leads you through some super mucky, swampy terrain, but it is ridable.</div>
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<a abp="634" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7d6pDXxIC4iuIuS_1HfgQi7YzC4porA1UZbLMx0eiS4LbBi_Xm-K_TpG9c6A5MUIcZzPjB1wVpbVPwXlBWpqyQfEH8ip-FZTvCe0LH-C3jWr6pqhJ3HOi0L71-u-M-i0NDwoaQgbFxBQ/s1600/Robs+Phone+2446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="635" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7d6pDXxIC4iuIuS_1HfgQi7YzC4porA1UZbLMx0eiS4LbBi_Xm-K_TpG9c6A5MUIcZzPjB1wVpbVPwXlBWpqyQfEH8ip-FZTvCe0LH-C3jWr6pqhJ3HOi0L71-u-M-i0NDwoaQgbFxBQ/s1600/Robs+Phone+2446.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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After this, the trail falls into a nice groove for quite a while. Solid terrain, primarily hardpack soil or stone dust, but occasionally coarse gravel. The latter was, again, tough pedaling, but better than pedaling through the swamp that probably was there before. There were constant signs of a lot of work having been done, whether the makeup of the trail itself or the stacks and stacks of cleared timber and saplings lining the trail.</div>
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There were a few places where the trail was still a little rough, but there was almost always a solid path to follow. And the terrain was absolutely breathtaking. Old stone walls in various states of repair lining the trail. And streams accompanying the trail more often than not.</div>
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There are a couple more roads to cross over (Sunset Hill and Lowell Davis) before you cut under 395 and then break east from the highway. Not usually a big graffiti fan, but I loves me some Wile E. Coyote, which is who awaits you under the 395 underpass.</div>
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After going under Route 395, the trail crosses under Route 193 right next to <a abp="662" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Sues-Sugar-Shack/281844831947952" target="_blank">Sweet Sue's Sugar Shack</a>. Worth stopping in if you have some time and they are open.</div>
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The trail is pretty smooth sailing from this point forward. There are a couple of gravelly areas and a couple of places that were a little damp, but all in all 100% enjoyable.</div>
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New bridge with rocks on either side to keep ATVs out.</div>
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Swamp View Estates</div>
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Trees don't care much about signs of man.</div>
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Caution, barely a bridge</div>
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Pre-Columbian Cave Thingy</div>
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Requisite Tri-State Marker Shot</div>
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After nine fast, flat miles from my door, I was turning off the Airline onto the Tri-State climb. And then on to the Douglas State Forest, where a whole world of mountain biking awaits.</div>
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<tr abp="752"><td abp="753" style="text-align: center;"><div abp="754">
<a abp="755" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIYBXYpojtgeg242UqnyxrBb6mYlzZzcKw6LTyLjMH8YuaMnWXezguniqhTj3RZ_1oc6A14pjWJVez5mNNKyX5nO2_1is1qJ_Hxhsh_pafdQBfxFvpjb5Nm_oMlFGojJNz1ZmSgj_DHE/s1600/Robs+Phone+2490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img abp="756" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIYBXYpojtgeg242UqnyxrBb6mYlzZzcKw6LTyLjMH8YuaMnWXezguniqhTj3RZ_1oc6A14pjWJVez5mNNKyX5nO2_1is1qJ_Hxhsh_pafdQBfxFvpjb5Nm_oMlFGojJNz1ZmSgj_DHE/s1600/Robs+Phone+2490.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr abp="757"><td abp="758" class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div abp="759">
View from the Lean-To off the Midstate.</div>
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<div abp="760">
<br /></div>
<div abp="761">
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<table abp="762" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody abp="763">
<tr abp="764"><td abp="765" style="text-align: center;"><div abp="766">
<a abp="767" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmrrv4iy7RudFxab5FnHgMPV0qe7qdrBeAHZQ1TiXMs5hc9fOWu91r6x4hF1CzXc6jo5aQNQEhpJWNjY5K1A0tojTwpVskfWJYjdYOFlROhRdd5oUWNhI7aF0sSu0tvi_AHer5mzyPqU/s1600/Robs+Phone+2491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img abp="768" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmrrv4iy7RudFxab5FnHgMPV0qe7qdrBeAHZQ1TiXMs5hc9fOWu91r6x4hF1CzXc6jo5aQNQEhpJWNjY5K1A0tojTwpVskfWJYjdYOFlROhRdd5oUWNhI7aF0sSu0tvi_AHer5mzyPqU/s1600/Robs+Phone+2491.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr abp="769"><td abp="770" class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div abp="771">
The ol' hole in the wall</div>
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<div abp="772">
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<table abp="773" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody abp="774">
<tr abp="775"><td abp="776" style="text-align: center;"><div abp="777">
<a abp="778" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1e4Y0TJhkep4z-blM3sxYJuNK0c85ypLK1hTBImDTjVcgnyc-A2aKDtqpOe5OF8db2VxNfIIMZGT9fbgGIHNC1_LqALeKUOoUmf8O1YTs7vTpWDSS2U2AvwsvtHyD1LfSTC6OsFb0ePE/s1600/Robs+Phone+2493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img abp="779" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1e4Y0TJhkep4z-blM3sxYJuNK0c85ypLK1hTBImDTjVcgnyc-A2aKDtqpOe5OF8db2VxNfIIMZGT9fbgGIHNC1_LqALeKUOoUmf8O1YTs7vTpWDSS2U2AvwsvtHyD1LfSTC6OsFb0ePE/s1600/Robs+Phone+2493.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr abp="780"><td abp="781" class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div abp="782">
Never mind about the coffee. It ain't there.</div>
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<div abp="783">
<br /></div>
<table abp="784" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody abp="785">
<tr abp="786"><td abp="787" style="text-align: center;"><div abp="788">
<a abp="789" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qjcuJVQdSerYnnpKIUH4l7394ZlkFi-MvaIWUY5CPn6SAnz1B11GIVSl98nT5WfUFkTtMkXajyhGrpqsGU5WTUa-WZnxQsh-oazyG0aqDorv3nXtxT5kukwSSPGX3ZxsPprrrMaUhtM/s1600/Robs+Phone+2495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img abp="790" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qjcuJVQdSerYnnpKIUH4l7394ZlkFi-MvaIWUY5CPn6SAnz1B11GIVSl98nT5WfUFkTtMkXajyhGrpqsGU5WTUa-WZnxQsh-oazyG0aqDorv3nXtxT5kukwSSPGX3ZxsPprrrMaUhtM/s1600/Robs+Phone+2495.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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<tr abp="791"><td abp="792" class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div abp="793">
New bridge on the Midstate/Coffee House</div>
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<div abp="794">
<br /></div>
<div abp="795" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a abp="796" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1vhHOMi1E1ElbAxUVLZJyyR9x1q4do6XgE-6Ay7_tpDrfjh_Kjp8yK_XLxtWuQp14mIS-4AxyKu8hZTcNglbWAPY_DxjIgJc6rJAJke5rZWkvfDjPTZqdy5FcUsml0bxxgDFCxY8vYs/s1600/Robs+Phone+2497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="797" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1vhHOMi1E1ElbAxUVLZJyyR9x1q4do6XgE-6Ay7_tpDrfjh_Kjp8yK_XLxtWuQp14mIS-4AxyKu8hZTcNglbWAPY_DxjIgJc6rJAJke5rZWkvfDjPTZqdy5FcUsml0bxxgDFCxY8vYs/s1600/Robs+Phone+2497.jpg" height="184" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a abp="804" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMaHCO4hLWQYnIMiHVJ4JR9tXqxYRBuGPgERNML7ekZux1AZ8h7gH3D-ceqC3KOYsU4cAG9nVFnLaShp1naZ_LDAXSgO_mmfrk-Z2tLDaUSgwMpnA9kWHfqhMUmI4HyQTh0-NuIdjQz0/s1600/Robs+Phone+2507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img abp="805" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMaHCO4hLWQYnIMiHVJ4JR9tXqxYRBuGPgERNML7ekZux1AZ8h7gH3D-ceqC3KOYsU4cAG9nVFnLaShp1naZ_LDAXSgO_mmfrk-Z2tLDaUSgwMpnA9kWHfqhMUmI4HyQTh0-NuIdjQz0/s1600/Robs+Phone+2507.jpg" height="640" width="98" /></a></div>
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<tr abp="806"><td abp="807" class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div abp="808">
Back on the Airline</div>
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<a abp="821" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaCgMFzA9zYER5qY4FrXJK8iRpz0tFGR7wyC_lor4SUw7LU92FdstDcLE6mRmIQafriGnMWQG7aacKZR4yMk5S9jfbaG5yGfKOnbK2oAuzY2xMVkHlGybyUO3K-B844DbjYLNM2jKKjw/s1600/Robs+Phone+2510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img abp="822" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaCgMFzA9zYER5qY4FrXJK8iRpz0tFGR7wyC_lor4SUw7LU92FdstDcLE6mRmIQafriGnMWQG7aacKZR4yMk5S9jfbaG5yGfKOnbK2oAuzY2xMVkHlGybyUO3K-B844DbjYLNM2jKKjw/s1600/Robs+Phone+2510.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr abp="823"><td abp="824" class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div abp="825">
New bridges, thanks to Friends of the Midstate Trail</div>
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<div abp="826">
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<tr abp="829"><td abp="830" style="text-align: center;"><div abp="831">
<a abp="832" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJ2fs1eJpFp3fFmupCkvtcfZELeqRf1F1jPNxAMyzYc05uJ6Uod8D1tfztp5Z0nc81Op41DjEbSCcZwcaz1mfzfdVCiKQ0H7sAZKSUzQ0Rg2WnwS8b5N4bVZrZINFSgEq82H9US3fVVg/s1600/Robs+Phone+2512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img abp="833" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJ2fs1eJpFp3fFmupCkvtcfZELeqRf1F1jPNxAMyzYc05uJ6Uod8D1tfztp5Z0nc81Op41DjEbSCcZwcaz1mfzfdVCiKQ0H7sAZKSUzQ0Rg2WnwS8b5N4bVZrZINFSgEq82H9US3fVVg/s1600/Robs+Phone+2512.jpg" height="138" width="640" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr abp="834"><td abp="835" class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div abp="836">
Rope Swing Point</div>
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</tbody></table>
<div abp="837">
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<table abp="838" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody abp="839">
<tr abp="840"><td abp="841" style="text-align: center;"><div abp="842">
<a abp="843" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0p5CcTqeBTVzaO8LFmQuPZ8ybLqetIgjdQ9P0d32QqJ_QTxqmpsCKX73AdsjP4O1RVMENjivI96UFW2aNqewgUEovP8Jp8ICmKkWlNukCxkJ4fZs6RLzlzss2EIczBlvp1BdATommzk/s1600/Robs+Phone+2513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img abp="844" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0p5CcTqeBTVzaO8LFmQuPZ8ybLqetIgjdQ9P0d32QqJ_QTxqmpsCKX73AdsjP4O1RVMENjivI96UFW2aNqewgUEovP8Jp8ICmKkWlNukCxkJ4fZs6RLzlzss2EIczBlvp1BdATommzk/s1600/Robs+Phone+2513.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr abp="845"><td abp="846" class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div abp="847">
Beaver Dam</div>
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<div abp="848">
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<table abp="849" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody abp="850">
<tr abp="851"><td abp="852" style="text-align: center;"><div abp="853">
<a abp="854" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC49g4i3wnKzY7zOF4M2gE1-UiiPw_xHKixDDExpYGQGdCeWC2JAAqO5g89kfNt0TybelxkW8nwQP9sSFPUlf1P0g-BWOQWxDDJFQ6Hwunv9Kfnn3pIWPSZqvnH2fqI71BN8g63AvE_DA/s1600/Robs+Phone+2515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img abp="855" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC49g4i3wnKzY7zOF4M2gE1-UiiPw_xHKixDDExpYGQGdCeWC2JAAqO5g89kfNt0TybelxkW8nwQP9sSFPUlf1P0g-BWOQWxDDJFQ6Hwunv9Kfnn3pIWPSZqvnH2fqI71BN8g63AvE_DA/s1600/Robs+Phone+2515.jpg" height="132" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr abp="856"><td abp="857" class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div abp="858">
My favorite log crossing - NOT!</div>
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<div abp="860">
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<div abp="861">
The return trip down the Airline was met with a cold rain. I blasted through and found Cori waiting for me at the end of the trail. She said it was hailing a mile up the road.</div>
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<tr abp="865"><td abp="866" style="text-align: center;"><div abp="867">
<a abp="868" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OhhzJTmNpDB8kRkwGg9JgK_7_aA5h7QyXlLIh7y9tBFZWoD-9BgShMcaTdKEdBplflqLeCOUyw0Bpqqhq9dpEO8jozVP7HURRxfScpGrsACNFnpgzP_2lqetRTo7ZwJVvvgzhPTc0ZQ/s1600/Robs+Phone+2516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img abp="869" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OhhzJTmNpDB8kRkwGg9JgK_7_aA5h7QyXlLIh7y9tBFZWoD-9BgShMcaTdKEdBplflqLeCOUyw0Bpqqhq9dpEO8jozVP7HURRxfScpGrsACNFnpgzP_2lqetRTo7ZwJVvvgzhPTc0ZQ/s1600/Robs+Phone+2516.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr abp="870"><td abp="871" class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div abp="872">
Thanks,Cori!</div>
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</tbody></table>
<div abp="873">
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<table abp="874" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody abp="875">
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<a abp="879" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6vNiWSbP1RQR2S5rQV8zx2syWDHevaDcFuyjIcwXdsxDtYrw7pgqpNH0KCkuFuSY2_BS-iWEiYhT__iLP25oQsVGOU2meYzzJ16tGm_WL_ndknKs3ePCnoPqa35SU2F39qLqB2o9Hxc/s1600/Robs+Phone+2518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img abp="880" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6vNiWSbP1RQR2S5rQV8zx2syWDHevaDcFuyjIcwXdsxDtYrw7pgqpNH0KCkuFuSY2_BS-iWEiYhT__iLP25oQsVGOU2meYzzJ16tGm_WL_ndknKs3ePCnoPqa35SU2F39qLqB2o9Hxc/s1600/Robs+Phone+2518.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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<tr abp="881"><td abp="882" class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div abp="883">
Post-ride deliciousness!!</div>
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</tbody></table>
<div abp="884">
In the end, I have to say, I was very impressed with the condition of the Airline. A great way to get some extra miles in so close to home. I look forward to seeing the remaining touches finished up. </div>
<div abp="885">
<br /></div>
<div abp="886">
Here is the <a abp="887" href="http://www.strava.com/activities/134879065" target="_blank">GPS track of the ride</a>.</div>
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Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-70365052065675590972013-10-26T20:21:00.000-04:002013-10-26T20:21:33.061-04:00Vermont Oktoberfest 2013!!This past week marked our Wednesday night group's second Oktoberfest in VT. This year the whole group was staying at the <a href="http://burkebikebarn.com/" target="_blank">Burke Bike Barn</a> in East Burke, literally right on the White School trail at <a href="http://www.kingdomtrails.com/" target="_blank">Kingdom Trails</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjlIcBHJWzumeOPWgTWjQ7-FrIAQddq1mVvn9jXOFQdplQr1mKmj-0Rx3ta12n7yJN1MK-0pQpjJ-Zexz31MmqJJZVi8c-M6_c8OTpCCOQxG6-sMfSxQwck1iqrU11FqQiDVTtP6KWFk/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjlIcBHJWzumeOPWgTWjQ7-FrIAQddq1mVvn9jXOFQdplQr1mKmj-0Rx3ta12n7yJN1MK-0pQpjJ-Zexz31MmqJJZVi8c-M6_c8OTpCCOQxG6-sMfSxQwck1iqrU11FqQiDVTtP6KWFk/s320/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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On the way up, Gareau and I decided to hit <a href="http://www.stabvt.org/Trails/SportTrailsatMtAscutney.aspx" target="_blank">Ascutney</a>. They looked to have a decent trail system pretty close off the highway, allowing us to sneak in the ride unilluminated. Ascutney, as a ski mountain, closed a few years back, leaving a resort infrastructure that felt a little weird.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhms5uDRz4j4mmp3xXu9gf00NyiHy0_9GLdg4hxt2mINmhocgo-rdkKBV6UAn8G9NZy9BEXw7yjRL26Y9-AVvzC3WXN6Mn9UQRF0y2wcmku6p2rueaDTs5na9s2TFcglPavNekPoU6NGqY/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhms5uDRz4j4mmp3xXu9gf00NyiHy0_9GLdg4hxt2mINmhocgo-rdkKBV6UAn8G9NZy9BEXw7yjRL26Y9-AVvzC3WXN6Mn9UQRF0y2wcmku6p2rueaDTs5na9s2TFcglPavNekPoU6NGqY/s400/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailhead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4w0k3tI-g_tHcxtz8slDRHXbz5-XK_tE4d4u2y51qZNjR6Ko2h7DkOcnfIssX501saxQhDN0gm42KtnrLZg9fPVn_2E0pU7ny02WV3bwugrD2VwV17pNgvQLd1yV3u6BzwZJ0qUb1ZK0/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4w0k3tI-g_tHcxtz8slDRHXbz5-XK_tE4d4u2y51qZNjR6Ko2h7DkOcnfIssX501saxQhDN0gm42KtnrLZg9fPVn_2E0pU7ny02WV3bwugrD2VwV17pNgvQLd1yV3u6BzwZJ0qUb1ZK0/s640/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having one of these doesn't mean you won't get lost.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErn_cAPmLhoC0ERsY55hRR5AVu9tHwr8-Wgdfl-dK80Hzn0U40GjpXo_xk4gB-NChx8SloJilTRoSVXJa9V-YyaKy-EXyubb5S0dXafTuyJzwv7q0qBiVYEctsCbq_Lj24z2hbHWS8oA/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErn_cAPmLhoC0ERsY55hRR5AVu9tHwr8-Wgdfl-dK80Hzn0U40GjpXo_xk4gB-NChx8SloJilTRoSVXJa9V-YyaKy-EXyubb5S0dXafTuyJzwv7q0qBiVYEctsCbq_Lj24z2hbHWS8oA/s320/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porta-Map-Changing Room - Brilliant!</td></tr>
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We left out of a small parking lot near the hotel and, not really knowing where we were going, climbed up the slope on Last Mile to Wind Up. It was climby, but lots of switchbacks to ease the blow. We then hit some nice singletrack in Cross Cut, Gracies and Falls from Grace. Gorgeous bench cut trails with scenic ravines.<br />
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We also rode up the twisty Bypass, avoiding the straight climb up Coronary. After that is where we really blew it. We took a trail called Quarry Chase. It was a double black meant to be ridden down. We rode up it. Egad! That was followed by a heart attack climb up Bicentennial. How climby was it? It was so climby that Bryan Gareau walked. Hell, I didn't even know that he knew how to walk.<br />
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Thankfully we stumbled upon a local at the next intersection who, being a master of the obvious, informed us we were doing it all wrong. We pointed out he was riding a bike the seat of which was dangling by a dropper post cable and nothing else. He already knew that. He pointed us in the right direction.<br />
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We continued steadily up Pass the Buck to Cloud Nine to Lynx. Lynx was a fun, rolly trail which brought us to the trails on the far side of the mountain. It was nice to be on a long trail sans intersections. The stuff on the way upper right of the map - Escalator and Lollipop - was about as technical as we came across. It was gorgeous. Big rocks, steep climbs and tight trail. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5FEhV-xHfOFWsdd7R-NWHnN4DxVNaRKb1miRQqdCyGx6A9v-VAxFip5w3yOX95CiSvFDO2WdCmqR0cjiXUBE6z600JN7L-ynx4xVnObgUj2DRfvdopwYbj7n-fjqH4qD22mYTz613x4/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5FEhV-xHfOFWsdd7R-NWHnN4DxVNaRKb1miRQqdCyGx6A9v-VAxFip5w3yOX95CiSvFDO2WdCmqR0cjiXUBE6z600JN7L-ynx4xVnObgUj2DRfvdopwYbj7n-fjqH4qD22mYTz613x4/s400/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BG Rockin' It</td></tr>
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After we finished Escalator and Lollipop, we started heading out. It was impossible to figure our way out. Because we're not very smart. The signs had yellow arrows on them guiding us to the parking lot. You just had to know to look for them.<br />
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On the way out we also ran into the trail builder. I think his name was Jim Lyle. Very nice guy. We continued out on a pretty easy route, passing by all sorts of trails that looked all sorts of super. But daylight was waning and beer was calling. One highlight on the way out was Hayride. It's a CRAZY switchbacked trail down a crazy long hill. They thing about it, though, is that it's all through a short-mown hayfield. So weird just switchbacking back and forth ad infinitum when you could just go straight down.<br />
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At the end of the ride, we'd ridden 11.3 miles according to BG's wheel and climbed 1,703 feet. Great start to a great five days of riding.<br />
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Here is the <a href="http://www.strava.com/activities/90334236" target="_blank">Garmin track of our ride</a>.<br />
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We awoke Thursday morning at the Barn after having had a few too many fabulous Vermont brews while watching the Sox the night before and headed over to Stowe to hit some of their super singletrack with our new Stowe friend, Scott Espey. This ride was Scott, BG, Mark Dupuis, Dave Violette, Brandon O'Neal and me.<br />
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It was about an hour and a half trip across some scenic back roads to Stowe. We met at iRide there and found Scott waiting. He'd been boasting of some new trails that had been cut since last time we rode there.<br />
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We set out to get in a bunch of miles, a task that was completed with weary smiles by day's end. We headed right out of iRide up the existing trails to a new trail called Connector off from Cady Hill Road. While the trail did carry us over to the Bear's/Squirrel Land/Green Chair area, it did so much more than that. This trail, which Scott insists was brand new, seemed like it had been there forever. It was super hard packed. It was flowy. It was fast. It was outrageously fun. Berms, bridges and bumps. Booyah!<br />
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We then swooped down to the lower parking lot at the bottom of Bear's on some new trail and climbed back up to Green Chair. Everyone seemed to be feeling great.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQws3kp086A5O9keCipEDq8aoYlplOABrK6r5X_0uST61EucFDClcg3vBhbGABVUiy-POV6mNNjL4jRZ5tbZ5YyfD-SNpSC6Qu3BBIp01D1czoStlxPi9qBCTIrUS8QQwkQPdbv2Swiug/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQws3kp086A5O9keCipEDq8aoYlplOABrK6r5X_0uST61EucFDClcg3vBhbGABVUiy-POV6mNNjL4jRZ5tbZ5YyfD-SNpSC6Qu3BBIp01D1czoStlxPi9qBCTIrUS8QQwkQPdbv2Swiug/s400/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoga Marc!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEYjOBwJsTNYAPgrCnGF2BuMYs_ORj-qTVe7qbi2tIVZ_qd2wLv4oLV5krgx5cWChOvonA5rCXy56BaargOIDpm0oW4WPJb3hTEeZ7VSJIoC5NVlDEExJGF9YYOQ8XHMo82oTH5BBJ2A/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEYjOBwJsTNYAPgrCnGF2BuMYs_ORj-qTVe7qbi2tIVZ_qd2wLv4oLV5krgx5cWChOvonA5rCXy56BaargOIDpm0oW4WPJb3hTEeZ7VSJIoC5NVlDEExJGF9YYOQ8XHMo82oTH5BBJ2A/s320/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+023.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Chair Face Feeding</td></tr>
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Scott then showed us Inner Schween Haus or, as he liked to call it, Dick House.A rugged, ancient trail (by comparison), replete with gnarly roots, rocky climbs and blind turns. Love it!<br />
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On the way up to the high school we took Pebble Beach. I saw no pebbles. No beach. It might have been more aptly named Slippery Root, About Face or Oh Shit. It was brutal! But we somehow managed and made it up to the school.<br />
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After that the quintessential climb up Pipeline. A 1.1 mile climb gaining 336 feet. Somehow it still feels fantastic. Stowe trail builders know how to take the bite out of climb.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1b-Bxzx_xZYpXbWpDpAn3BJ6hsE4nhC6AQN9dIZvQjSx5xsScjTc_e3JcXliXLfYmGiCeFdlNGs9XkZ4LH4aYzavpL9BDH4dFtfPN8hZa_Xp2L4LkcfvMqnmP7zxj6r-zXWtgRTWjBSo/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1b-Bxzx_xZYpXbWpDpAn3BJ6hsE4nhC6AQN9dIZvQjSx5xsScjTc_e3JcXliXLfYmGiCeFdlNGs9XkZ4LH4aYzavpL9BDH4dFtfPN8hZa_Xp2L4LkcfvMqnmP7zxj6r-zXWtgRTWjBSo/s320/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1fX_BNwnl_oGc7fokbmJpC4lSbP9bkaL0-RITTmenT38I4FvOTSRSal6N6XfrfFm3vfRmknt4DQShfziYm3ooXuEEHh9CCtKw4JuPJpWCXEbmv8kKEVa5yddxR_YKsSGUuLuDHgfUZo/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1fX_BNwnl_oGc7fokbmJpC4lSbP9bkaL0-RITTmenT38I4FvOTSRSal6N6XfrfFm3vfRmknt4DQShfziYm3ooXuEEHh9CCtKw4JuPJpWCXEbmv8kKEVa5yddxR_YKsSGUuLuDHgfUZo/s400/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+025.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goofball O'Neal</td></tr>
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After passing through Trapp's, we headed toward Kimmer's. Scott has the brilliant idea of taking Hardy's down, climbing Kimmer's and then taking Kimmer's down before climbing back up Hardy's. This likely sounds like gibberish if you aren't familiar with the area. Both Hardy's and Kimmer's are phenomenal downhills. They are also huge climbs. Dave was beside himself. With despair. But he soldiered up and slogged on. Those two climbs combined for a 946' gift for downhill Dave. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPScq_0wT3IJJE-MmWXikq9dipJUL13ZP9z2bqz726J881GmoYbGomGE0bg9KOeTzfP5wMeWrtafRd_9Oo0-qBMeIR8LxqICNLiYv90YQOpxR0-40SeaslwKVjthWPqkjc6nbcxgjzlhA/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPScq_0wT3IJJE-MmWXikq9dipJUL13ZP9z2bqz726J881GmoYbGomGE0bg9KOeTzfP5wMeWrtafRd_9Oo0-qBMeIR8LxqICNLiYv90YQOpxR0-40SeaslwKVjthWPqkjc6nbcxgjzlhA/s400/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+032.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Konquering Kimmer's Klimb</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Brandon over the skinny to the boulder</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Espey Makes It Look Easy</td></tr>
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After our now traditional stop by Trapp's, where we enjoyed an Oktoberfest and some delicious curried popcorn, we headed down Pipeline and out on the road and rec path.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJ-PGTVCb33p2kQdFG5J7UKHIT6hRk4HLnTDCwANin0JNudynf801YY7CqomT09RSQH1CU2p5DxQxafWuDIpwLhA8fFPXfe0IrGpN4sW_vxRuW02eMHKrxIIcsEeMZZdx4STfBNQ33ag/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJ-PGTVCb33p2kQdFG5J7UKHIT6hRk4HLnTDCwANin0JNudynf801YY7CqomT09RSQH1CU2p5DxQxafWuDIpwLhA8fFPXfe0IrGpN4sW_vxRuW02eMHKrxIIcsEeMZZdx4STfBNQ33ag/s320/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trapp's and Trek</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-ride Sustenance and Libations at Rimrocks.</td></tr>
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All told, we rode 24.1 miles according to the <a href="http://www.strava.com/activities/90335647" target="_blank">Garmin</a> and climbed 3,138 feet Thursday. Whew! Only three days of riding to go.<br />
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Friday was <a href="http://millstonetrails.com/" target="_blank">Millstone</a> day. And our numbers were growing. Friday we were our original five (BG, Dave, Marc, Brandon and me) as well as BMA, Zimma, Jess, Fixie Mark, Chris LeClair, Bill Peck, Bill Lawless and Pat Royer. It had rained pretty steadily overnight and I was a little concerned heading over to Barre. We grabbed our trail passes at the store, we headed in.<br />
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The trail starts off with a decent climb and the few roots along the way quickly showed themselves to be slick. The good news is that the roots are something rarer than rampant. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4SPe3sOMKVcXr3zp5xR7buFHQYNqnZCthv_xus2kIz8wwblNI6VxIZSKIKuSiiWpj2HAaVk4LkXHXe7tnZdqpU7938XKkwSWwQ-POr-Ypwezygn5XSefT5mMT4N1xsUvWtJ6fWu5kGw/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4SPe3sOMKVcXr3zp5xR7buFHQYNqnZCthv_xus2kIz8wwblNI6VxIZSKIKuSiiWpj2HAaVk4LkXHXe7tnZdqpU7938XKkwSWwQ-POr-Ypwezygn5XSefT5mMT4N1xsUvWtJ6fWu5kGw/s400/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+054.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Reunion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We did the requisite climb up to the overlook, where we gazed upon what I've been told is Canada. But I can't be sure. I couldn't make out anyone playing hockey or receiving socialized healthcare. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMLdfywjhAGhsibZcx3v9N1jksr3XFNu_ScBVQ4HzErXLR_X9oARrMmGg3uVo2u2d-rTJJT0XbEdcEePei-n2phyphenhyphenwQyc8hIR83Qm24uU9rhmSeZYDRWbhuHcEs9K_Gs_deMn8w4nEQx0/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMLdfywjhAGhsibZcx3v9N1jksr3XFNu_ScBVQ4HzErXLR_X9oARrMmGg3uVo2u2d-rTJJT0XbEdcEePei-n2phyphenhyphenwQyc8hIR83Qm24uU9rhmSeZYDRWbhuHcEs9K_Gs_deMn8w4nEQx0/s320/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millstone Bike Stand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After that it was Screaming Demon. Awesome name for an even awesomer trail. Screaming Demon is a pretty techy steady descent. It cruises over bridges spanning boulders and dives down fractured granite slides. This is where some of our group make known their mettle. Jess, Pat, BMA and Dave ate this stuff up. I held my own, but hot damn, those guys are good at this type o' terrain.<br />
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Then we started riding the ridges through Harrington. The granite here forms spines that are the trail. The crest is fairly narrow and the sides drop sharply, although not always very far. This is where I started to realize that despite the previous night's rain, the granite was grippier than the gob of goo in Lester's glove.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEFbX5SnXc4BJ4XKwhIcjqYbnkiy_Y5U1HEZhcvuE21BIdqsqyzhMnps5hj3mzBH2OuoHoexBZVaU8ZTKL_MfXaR0d46KT9NqWX2eeSpMoLX2KEZl8DSEpmyx_DJ0hZaBki1PNy1L74c/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEFbX5SnXc4BJ4XKwhIcjqYbnkiy_Y5U1HEZhcvuE21BIdqsqyzhMnps5hj3mzBH2OuoHoexBZVaU8ZTKL_MfXaR0d46KT9NqWX2eeSpMoLX2KEZl8DSEpmyx_DJ0hZaBki1PNy1L74c/s640/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+065.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BG Bikes the Balance Beam </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After Harrington we climbed up the the new Millstone trail - Vortex. What a blast. Sharp ups, tight turns, bridges and rocks. The trails just twists and turns, packing one fun feature on top of another. Do yourself a favor and ride Vortex next time you ride Millstone.<br />
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We wrapped this side up and took the road out to lunch back at the cars before heading back in to do the other side. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvU_5VvAh7HPVUbwAcvGAHyFr6cMb5C85qa3yzGvQ7psHsH68qCjhfyTc3HksQf67zAObmJ3cpdmEiJgz6DyP6KD7nIxe6PTna_OcFB0Vwz6SHi45uH2_-VVj3hjRvlxg4MzKjYW1JaG0/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvU_5VvAh7HPVUbwAcvGAHyFr6cMb5C85qa3yzGvQ7psHsH68qCjhfyTc3HksQf67zAObmJ3cpdmEiJgz6DyP6KD7nIxe6PTna_OcFB0Vwz6SHi45uH2_-VVj3hjRvlxg4MzKjYW1JaG0/s320/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+066.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's for the sandwiches, Schofie!</td></tr>
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After refueling, it was back off to ride the other side. I think most of us were ready for some flowier, rollier terrain after the technical treachery of the Demon, Harrington and Vortex.<br />
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The south side of Church Hill Road was refreshing. We did the Fellowship of the Ring loop and lingered at some of the lookouts.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOFtjj4wwsc3IURIj-Ix9C_p9lAtGLR8RdS7CHRoaoZ6-YtMoOWeDd7lXF3F5FiX7VnihTeRzobQqwPm8EKgvxaX_7wlTK61oDHZtlznZUD3qj80b7-xqSF2qBd0iFEjIjkyFdL6n1yY/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOFtjj4wwsc3IURIj-Ix9C_p9lAtGLR8RdS7CHRoaoZ6-YtMoOWeDd7lXF3F5FiX7VnihTeRzobQqwPm8EKgvxaX_7wlTK61oDHZtlznZUD3qj80b7-xqSF2qBd0iFEjIjkyFdL6n1yY/s400/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+069.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandon Victorious!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsINOEdUEBXwP2YKAUSvWpGJKUIdrQ1rrjhHKBpGUEE2N-A-DmEL1jxN5lXab_M346vDdJhw0UaVoDohsN8ay8ROSYFmCdOhf9xrFd7MXuSA6WHkknc6ArcfBuo8xDu9fGBCqAe-wzks/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsINOEdUEBXwP2YKAUSvWpGJKUIdrQ1rrjhHKBpGUEE2N-A-DmEL1jxN5lXab_M346vDdJhw0UaVoDohsN8ay8ROSYFmCdOhf9xrFd7MXuSA6WHkknc6ArcfBuo8xDu9fGBCqAe-wzks/s400/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+071.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A man, his bike and a smile.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pBNNDHa5gSHNzPfycOyrcNH1DzVu8xQZFOeQzm11oHFXhk0wtXPumPJ6k72c24V2LA7DH7_-aFhwu786X2KGq6zUJzx1t2amqqe54hvMojUZ7XxAfLa7OOxPis8XueBs3XK4tbeIX-I/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pBNNDHa5gSHNzPfycOyrcNH1DzVu8xQZFOeQzm11oHFXhk0wtXPumPJ6k72c24V2LA7DH7_-aFhwu786X2KGq6zUJzx1t2amqqe54hvMojUZ7XxAfLa7OOxPis8XueBs3XK4tbeIX-I/s640/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+075.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never Inviting the Bums Again.</td></tr>
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On the way out most of us crossed over and rode out on Roller Coaster for one last adrenaline rush.<br />
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All said, we rode <a href="http://www.strava.com/activities/90335631" target="_blank">13.1 miles at Millstone and climbed 1,796 feet</a>. Another solid day of riding and still waiting for Kingdom come.<br />
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By Friday night, our full complement of riders was present and Saturday we were 22 riders. Adding to our numbers were the Bryan Quach Express, Erica Daigneault, Mike LaPlante, Brett and Jake Russ, Monique Trammell, Michelle Renae, Scott Espey and Matt Chandler. Holy big ride!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCzniIeB9fSDZ7T6DF6kLgxeWQaUSwVJJPSwvvslQFzNCVrYwdwC0qvYZ0-8tBhO50v44BjYBHXfuQ64q4XSFEZ6XYJfZ813Jx-jgEP5fS_TjuadcVje1R-N5cDcqsdKCV8dwmSMY-QE/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCzniIeB9fSDZ7T6DF6kLgxeWQaUSwVJJPSwvvslQFzNCVrYwdwC0qvYZ0-8tBhO50v44BjYBHXfuQ64q4XSFEZ6XYJfZ813Jx-jgEP5fS_TjuadcVje1R-N5cDcqsdKCV8dwmSMY-QE/s640/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+088.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday Crew</td></tr>
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We got a little mixed up and lost Dave and Brandon off the bat, but eventually bumped back into both. Our ride started into town on White School and Herb's down to town. Then we headed over to grab Burnham Up. Which led to Millie's (up) to Trillium (up) to Magill Fields (up). That's about 4.5 miles of straight climbing totaling 805'. On the fourth day in a row of riding. It felt like some sort of Sisyphean hell where my bike was the boulder.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ08YdRtBuVBn0COe1l13vEMAGUqNKTM3GcxGYAWx-N3WiOfBDizm-xhPCnvvzwkPikmPZg35nGvgZ4r_gRS48qibHVwJAJ2Ncefh7PeVFokNXUkeAQfOa3qgsrUZRjOvKnY3Wbxuhtgo/s1600/sisyphus.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ08YdRtBuVBn0COe1l13vEMAGUqNKTM3GcxGYAWx-N3WiOfBDizm-xhPCnvvzwkPikmPZg35nGvgZ4r_gRS48qibHVwJAJ2Ncefh7PeVFokNXUkeAQfOa3qgsrUZRjOvKnY3Wbxuhtgo/s320/sisyphus.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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At least I was on a real bike. Fixie Mark decided to live up to his name, riding a fixie cross Independent Fabrications Saturday. And he rides a crazy hard gear.<br />
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After passing the largest unknown pile of fecal matter I have ever seen, we started down Moose Alley. Two miles of singletrack sweetness dropping delightfully down for what seemed forever. I hear that somewhere in here Fixie showed those around him how to somersault on a cross bike. I missed it, but sounds like it was spectacular.<br />
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We cruised through a bunch of trails I'd not yet experienced on our way back to the Barn for lunch. Farmjunk and Skydive were way cool. Plus we found Brandon and Dave out in this area somewhere.<br />
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Lunch was a feast of sandwiches, leftovers, soup and beer. I almost didn't want to go back out. Almost.<br />
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Post lunch was devoted to Darling Hill. The group started together, but slowly splintered. It's kind of all a blur, but I think we started on Harp over to Poundcake, where Jake took a HARD headfirst digger. Thinking of calling 911 hard. But he eventually got up and shook it off, although he and Brett didn't stick around much longer that day.<br />
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There was more crazy climbing up Coronary followed by a scream down Troll Stroll.<br />
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After Troll Stroll, we continued down River Run and splintered even further before it was just a handful of us finishing up in the group I was in. A nice climb and descent through Old Webs. I really like this singletrack. Smooth and well switchbacked up. The downhill just ripped. Hard-packed sand with only one sketchy corner. Woohooing and grinning all the way down.<br />
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With energy levels waning, we went after Jaw next. Jaw starts innocuously enough, but then gets bridgey. An easy bridge or two. Then a couple of higher bridges, but still easy. The last bridge though, wow. It starts wide enough, but it's long. And as it gets further along, it narrows. Multiple times. By the end it's probably eight inches wide. I cleaned it just fine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVPE6wvoMW-Zwp91MGFCz6NgkTwMGpAt3VMLwtQCBgfkkgmLFyWLei4IO3Qs9L46hDNCPSqRAafTknikkXUEmC27545zHfTSmhxBod9XIBLgD1Z3fHmZRD6i4hrqCx2voeLKA2zhWbVU/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVPE6wvoMW-Zwp91MGFCz6NgkTwMGpAt3VMLwtQCBgfkkgmLFyWLei4IO3Qs9L46hDNCPSqRAafTknikkXUEmC27545zHfTSmhxBod9XIBLgD1Z3fHmZRD6i4hrqCx2voeLKA2zhWbVU/s400/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+103.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monique Did Not</td></tr>
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From there we wended our way over to Kitchel through various and sundry trails. Kitchel, as always, was a hoot. A fast, gravity-defying three minutes. <br />
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By the time we were back, I had 26.2 miles on the <a href="http://www.strava.com/activities/90336729" target="_blank">Garmin</a> with 3,352 feet of vertical. BG had 29+ on the wheel. Long day of riding!<br />
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Followed by a long night of Oktoberfesting!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbMiFtMVcaF1BvQGCkQgU2U3ZMCgly8lsFiZuZQL5TTCsJxkyD313ZwlbsOQn9Tw72rhsQ7XUiFvBOCK1H-MYZJrfCS8F0sVjUL9CIu0mxh2PAL9Th-EkVHKDCunz-BT2wHjfLebQEMU/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbMiFtMVcaF1BvQGCkQgU2U3ZMCgly8lsFiZuZQL5TTCsJxkyD313ZwlbsOQn9Tw72rhsQ7XUiFvBOCK1H-MYZJrfCS8F0sVjUL9CIu0mxh2PAL9Th-EkVHKDCunz-BT2wHjfLebQEMU/s640/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+110.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesstoberfest</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KQZlJ1GRNlMIekqmTF3Q11ChGHtt_34CsS9XKD-1igjb4q6Hnl5Wt4T1UgM9ptIxTRUUDEzbIIHfsxW4wPSIM5iHyvQS4rkajKQdBut0OQPvHJigN_Z7q9FrvS7i0Tbq41a6IsxKmNI/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KQZlJ1GRNlMIekqmTF3Q11ChGHtt_34CsS9XKD-1igjb4q6Hnl5Wt4T1UgM9ptIxTRUUDEzbIIHfsxW4wPSIM5iHyvQS4rkajKQdBut0OQPvHJigN_Z7q9FrvS7i0Tbq41a6IsxKmNI/s320/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+112.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What the hell, Pat?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfJcBcT2HH9HDLjrZn4WeZnQspn0bYaeUauB6OOSl2ZpEnfmIlNCQudvMOtjg-hkCa8_aOhbntypLziWhNqT3nPZjVpUzlXDAGky0xqfVuTIUAp3qmog0rRzLtwX2cD3iLVKtXFQQbDU/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfJcBcT2HH9HDLjrZn4WeZnQspn0bYaeUauB6OOSl2ZpEnfmIlNCQudvMOtjg-hkCa8_aOhbntypLziWhNqT3nPZjVpUzlXDAGky0xqfVuTIUAp3qmog0rRzLtwX2cD3iLVKtXFQQbDU/s320/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+113.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple Crisp!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uBzJv0FeAK3dJ5TvsSeB0IYTacwDOa_ZtulPeJd9r147hA4Px86FigL5Hb32KpO95pHWvpVoxN6qaeygUyaQFhN4qsS-_6Ci4NZaGhyphenhyphen0-lrftIXr45Q8iW8p6N76euCr7f_Xgj6wjJ4/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uBzJv0FeAK3dJ5TvsSeB0IYTacwDOa_ZtulPeJd9r147hA4Px86FigL5Hb32KpO95pHWvpVoxN6qaeygUyaQFhN4qsS-_6Ci4NZaGhyphenhyphen0-lrftIXr45Q8iW8p6N76euCr7f_Xgj6wjJ4/s320/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+118.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ping Pong Beatdown</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqQ0zwgt6C3norP4uirEtGVOOffOcGxepYQfHfpwiryQkeXU78-x0s5NsQt6sOeP7LZjNo2PdrAcWHqADn_tIR5tS9kaaUfriYLtB264_3kKaWyb4x2RWa8qGMjribeNNO8jUvYBQUts/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqQ0zwgt6C3norP4uirEtGVOOffOcGxepYQfHfpwiryQkeXU78-x0s5NsQt6sOeP7LZjNo2PdrAcWHqADn_tIR5tS9kaaUfriYLtB264_3kKaWyb4x2RWa8qGMjribeNNO8jUvYBQUts/s320/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+123.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ping Pong Spectators</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEn0V7164gabMw4uVdWNfl-Vj0Y5X6PWjdfRqadMuF3Iz7acbNDtv7biEoQ2ItXHmuKrChTH0anPK0YDmtvKkcGd33gzdDwx659ovXSSSGcIHUamzs7E9O4Jis1rmnHGyv3ZE6NVfSwA/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEn0V7164gabMw4uVdWNfl-Vj0Y5X6PWjdfRqadMuF3Iz7acbNDtv7biEoQ2ItXHmuKrChTH0anPK0YDmtvKkcGd33gzdDwx659ovXSSSGcIHUamzs7E9O4Jis1rmnHGyv3ZE6NVfSwA/s320/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+124.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a trim, please.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJNaVbsba_V7d-_DRTJN2y3HJQLnats3QD00c3gcFHEfSgW6cpvqQvp4THcgWQ7Gg8t-DGJKTkzmKpZMzBtp1YKoZKnflEy0qmOoFkP2BnvdsgrlOQM2zwejEakPWBTmCVeitjPM-rMU/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJNaVbsba_V7d-_DRTJN2y3HJQLnats3QD00c3gcFHEfSgW6cpvqQvp4THcgWQ7Gg8t-DGJKTkzmKpZMzBtp1YKoZKnflEy0qmOoFkP2BnvdsgrlOQM2zwejEakPWBTmCVeitjPM-rMU/s320/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+130.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our furry friend</td></tr>
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Sunday morning was bittersweet. First order of business was to clean and pack, but we still had one more ride in front of us. Well, most of us did anyhow. We were on the trail by around 10 am and fifteen of us headed back to Darling Hill. <br />
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We splintered off pretty quickly, with just me, Matt Chandler, Mark Schofield, Brett and Jake in our group. Brett took the opportunity to some trailside fathering and we headed back down Poundcake, hoping Jake wasn't the cake getting pounded again.<br />
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Sunday was much more slippery than Saturday. And we seemed to find our share of roots to mess with my mojo. I was riding conservatively I had made it through four days without getting hurt. The last day at Kingdom was not going to take me down.<br />
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Everyone's legs were drained and mine were no exception, having ridden the previous four days straight with a mountain of vertical. But knowing this was the last chance to ride VT this year, I managed to dig pretty deep and muscle through.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jq-kSKqeFhGjmshirS39qzVQstX982yFqLlizdgziL39qVvfFxk6kVSjwf7beZG0u5QkCWkKf2CGisKNtCV9d1H6EeAJrZrYep2BU5Upx9mvCg5CyyNELNwT1A2wiO3G7QcS0by5UH4/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jq-kSKqeFhGjmshirS39qzVQstX982yFqLlizdgziL39qVvfFxk6kVSjwf7beZG0u5QkCWkKf2CGisKNtCV9d1H6EeAJrZrYep2BU5Upx9mvCg5CyyNELNwT1A2wiO3G7QcS0by5UH4/s400/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+132.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark gives up on biking. He's now into trail-sitting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGc0QpzS9ETT_jEA7v3a2zuZ8r3mjAoNVxHwnzVgsP9BUDCwq3Sn2jkOgV2PTK8mBMbtc9EjPbGQxX6fyVkO-t616ec5C6XOyC5sN4WCJYSqn88cjq-_cX7fzxq8YCoRUYH6XSYCkmSKE/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGc0QpzS9ETT_jEA7v3a2zuZ8r3mjAoNVxHwnzVgsP9BUDCwq3Sn2jkOgV2PTK8mBMbtc9EjPbGQxX6fyVkO-t616ec5C6XOyC5sN4WCJYSqn88cjq-_cX7fzxq8YCoRUYH6XSYCkmSKE/s400/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+133.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chandler is up to the challenge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuXRmnbe_VjsYrDstinTITkoKSkWZcraIjfRF2wT0_eg8PxNhFiSK96CQTTn9dQyYb_LXSgW6LXoBRFW85hUeTY_S6WB1ylEYQeEHgoLcMhCVGLc5MtCH5hiQv3bznE5V82-_DB_moRs/s1600/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuXRmnbe_VjsYrDstinTITkoKSkWZcraIjfRF2wT0_eg8PxNhFiSK96CQTTn9dQyYb_LXSgW6LXoBRFW85hUeTY_S6WB1ylEYQeEHgoLcMhCVGLc5MtCH5hiQv3bznE5V82-_DB_moRs/s400/VT+Oktoberfest+2013+134.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jake and his new brain bucket.</td></tr>
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We did hit Tap and Die, which we had missed the day before. Very similar to Troll Stroll, starting and ending in almost the same place. After that we split from Brett and Jake, who were talking about going back up the hill (that's a tough hill) to do Troll Stroll. <br />
<br />
Matt, Mark and I headed out on West Branch and the Sidewinder reload. Then over to Jaw and a few other trails off from VAST before wrapping it up.<br />
<br />
That day we rode <a href="http://www.strava.com/activities/90336713" target="_blank">16 miles and climbed 1,722 feet</a>. <br />
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That brought my week total to 89.1 miles and 11,711 feet. I honestly have to say, this mountain bike trip was one the best trips I've had. Great people, great place to stay, great food and great trails. Can't wait to do it again! <br />
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<br />Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-44427526820913340252013-09-29T23:03:00.002-04:002013-09-29T23:03:24.889-04:00All Out at Moody Park 2013<b>The Fall Out at Melancholy Park</b><br />
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<br />
Listen with attentive ear and you shall mark<br />
My tale of joy become woe at Moody Park.<br />
A fantastic finale to a spectacular season end,<br />
Laurels near grasped, but lost to a friend.<br />
Let us now on this sorrowful saga embark.<br />
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<br />
It starts with Vermont and Boves and camping,<br />
Ere to the Vermont Fifty they all went a tramping.<br />
That night I spent comfortably in an Elemental bed,<br />
With dreams of superhuman riding racing through my head<br />
Sandwiched betwixt nasty nightmares of legs a cramping.<br />
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Up and at 'em the next morn with dawn's first light<br />
No other car in the Moody Park lot to meet my sight.<br />
Lucky triple ones to adorn the front of my bike.<br />
That's a number I could get used to, a number to like.<br />
Things were looking up, my future looked bright.<br />
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The pre-race meeting was under way at five minutes to nine.<br />
Racer sizing up racer sizing up racer, up and down the line.<br />
Directions had us doing a parade lap around the field,<br />
And then into the singletrack each of us wheeled.<br />
A little early misdirection, but it was going to be fine.<br />
<br />
So instead of third I was eighth hitting the hole,<br />
Passing all I could my immediate goal.<br />
Now caught behind seventh in a Claremont Bike kit<br />
Slower than I'd like, but great lines he knew to hit.<br />
And once it opened up, right by I did roll.<br />
<br />
Some climbing ahead, rooty and washed out,<br />
But tire to ground contact left little doubt<br />
Traction was going to be just fine on the course.<br />
Clear to proceed to pedal full force.<br />
So happy I just wanted to shout.<br />
<br />
After crossing the park's main thoroughfare<br />
A cacophony exploding in front made me aware <br />
A rider up front had made a wrong turn<br />
A mistake from which I was able to learn.<br />
Looking ahead now the riders a mere pair.<br />
<br />
The fellow in the front let number two and me by,<br />
And we stepped it up a little, beginning to fly.<br />
I managed to stay glued to his tail,<br />
But for me to pass by, there wasn't enough trail.<br />
So I settled in and for now followed the guy.<br />
<br />
The trail turned then into some more technical stuff<br />
And I was sick of following, I'd had quite enough.<br />
A bobble in front replete with a quick dab<br />
And then I was by, first place did I nab.<br />
First place? What? This must be a bluff!<br />
<br />
I knew at this point Robertson was close behind.<br />
Time to kick it up a notch and try to grind.<br />
I cleared the tech section, made it pretty well.<br />
Now some wide smooth hardpack for a short spell,<br />
Trying to gap more with bike slightly inclined.<br />
<br />
Back to singletrack with the steepest climbing to come. <br />
But still feeling great, riding like a Bum.<br />
Another glimpse of John, but a little further back<br />
And nary a hint of the rest of the pack.<br />
Onward and upward I steadily did drum.<br />
<br />
Before I knew it I was back at the top<br />
Two more laps to go before I could stop.<br />
All alone still and feeling more'n good<br />
I rode lap two as well as I could.<br />
And 'fore I came round again by three novices I did hop.<br />
<br />
Okay this was it, just stay upright through one final lap.<br />
And then all of a sudden stop with a SNAP.<br />
What the hell was that, I'm afraid to look down.<br />
And then I see the hanger sheered off and begin to frown.<br />
A race ending mechanical. Friggin' crap.<br />
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<br />
I decide to continue onward as I push and I run.<br />
But now the race has become significantly less fun.<br />
Three minutes fifty seconds later Robertson flies past.<br />
He was certainly the first, but far from the last.<br />
Three miles before me, my hoofing just begun.<br />
<br />
Dangling derailleur I zip tied to the frame<br />
Which made me only really slightly less lame.<br />
Push and shoulder, shoulder and push.<br />
Only on downhills does the seat hit my tush.<br />
Within ten minutes I'm out of the game.<br />
<br />
But finish I did with a forty six minute last lap.<br />
As opposed to twenty seven before, just call it a wrap.<br />
The results showed me as a respectable fifth in my class,<br />
But it's only five deep, I was handed my ass.<br />
My performance today all over the map.<br />
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I stuck around to see the start of the next race<br />
Steve Segenchuk looking prepared to set a fast pace.<br />
And catch the awards, however much they hurt.<br />
Great to see Robertson hit his paydirt,<br />
Finishing his last Vet II contest all the way in first place.<br />
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<br />
And so ends our tale of joy and woe.<br />
First to DFL is assuredly a tough row to hoe.<br />
But all in all, I felt great at Moody<br />
Despite my results looking like doody.<br />And next year I'll be back to give it another go.<br />
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<br />Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-14368720846596019452013-09-20T21:04:00.002-04:002013-09-20T21:23:19.381-04:00Peak 6 Hour Mountain Bike Race, Green Mountain Trails, Pittsfield, VT<!--[if !mso]>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little background.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For the past several years we’ve spoken of doing a 24 hour race with a
four or five man team. Various incarnations of that team have surfaced and
melted away, but the idea has been there. The race that seems to have had the
most traction is Great Glen, but various factors (cost not being the least of
these) has barred us from entering.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So last year when Peak announced they were doing the Peak
6/12/24 hour race on 9/14/13 and were offering 50% discounts on registration
for signing up ridiculously early, we jumped on board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The team was going to be Bryan Gareau, Jess
Bly, Brandon O’Neal and me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As it turns out, when we tried to sign up we were advised
that the only relay they had for 24 hours was a two man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After some brief discussion, we decided we
would sign up for two teams of two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
since we’re not as stupid as some of you may think, we decided to compete in
the 12 hour relay rather than the 24 hour relay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was to be Brandon and me (formerly known as Team Tight
Shorts at our similar appearance at the Pat’s Peak 12 hour relay a couple years
ago) on one team and Bryan and Jess on the other team, presumably under the
name Team Droopy Drawers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
So that was last November, I think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fast
forward nine months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I‘ve had a pretty
good biking season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brandon was biking well coming into the
race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things were going to be just fine.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I checked the event site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And noticed that they were no longer using
Bike Reg for registrations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was now
directing to Eventbrite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the
Eventbrite page didn’t have a category for two-man twelve hour relays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What the what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Bike Reg page was still up at this point and accepting
registrations, but there were no additional 12 hour relay teams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there was nothing linking to Bike Reg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it wasn’t looking like much competition.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Bewildered, stymied and perplexed, I contacted the race director, Andy
Weinberg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said they didn’t have much
interest and had pulled the category, but that we could still race that
category or switch over to six hour solo registrations if we would rather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we remained as 12 hour relay teams, it
looked like we’d just be racing each other though.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
We discussed and decided we would switch to the six hour solo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a little bummed about this, but there
wasn’t much to be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What started as
a four man 24 hour race was now four individual six hour races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as Robert Burns one so eloquently said,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The best laid schemes of mountain bikers<br />
Go often awry,<br />
And leave us nothing but grief and pain,<br />
For promised joy!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The great thing about the 12 hour race was that it was going
to be starting at 6 am, so no lights required.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The six hour race was starting at noon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Which was okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plenty of time to
get around in the morning and get ready.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two days before the race we received an email.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All races were now starting at 8 am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if people had to absolutely start at 12
pm for the six hour, they could contact the race director.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the barbecue was canceled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What the what?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were camping at Gifford Woods on Friday and Saturday
nights, so the 8:00 am start wasn’t problematic for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just unexpected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So Friday morning we trekked up to VT, stopping in Swanzey
for breakfast along the way, with an eye on pre-riding the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we got into the mountains, it started
raining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than a little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We remained optimistic because the forecast
looked decent for the weekend. Possible showers Friday morning, but clearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then partly sunny and in the sixties for
Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If y’all have ever been in the mountains before though, you
know mountain weather is a fickle creature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It does what it wants, wholly disregarding your laughable little Doppler
radar maps and other farcical forecasting contraptions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As it turns out, by the time we got to the campground, it
was indeed letting up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was still
concerned to know what it had done to trail conditions at the race venue
though.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After setting up and having the single requisite setting up
beer, we headed north on 100 a little way to get up to the trails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mind continues to be blown at the amount
of damage that this little town endured as a result of Hurricane Irene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are still houses askew where the
normally mild mannered Tweed River ripped them from their properties and
deposited them downstream.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Gsv-i4zeZ3baFe8I2qV5CduwHbgXUdjLe8P7pNG0xYzRGdajbKG-mmcyiWHSkyjkKbcUk4y_cRDSaC-S2-Sj_uH8MmrdzgIj3blUQAljb4iFBX9VRLb35bcJGz0wWuKfFK28wOFTMZg/s1600/irene+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Gsv-i4zeZ3baFe8I2qV5CduwHbgXUdjLe8P7pNG0xYzRGdajbKG-mmcyiWHSkyjkKbcUk4y_cRDSaC-S2-Sj_uH8MmrdzgIj3blUQAljb4iFBX9VRLb35bcJGz0wWuKfFK28wOFTMZg/s320/irene+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvVyExYk7jgizZRaBBGOOkeTvNvoTmh3rO9dRfzlUES9cSfBc6jYxPDEDtpX6ZO9E3lnHuHFiOVFGospead95Lpx0eXPV3Z56OAn_eVks5IHbT01Sc8lIo8kmqpV5xOxS3jRitxuEYeo/s1600/irene+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvVyExYk7jgizZRaBBGOOkeTvNvoTmh3rO9dRfzlUES9cSfBc6jYxPDEDtpX6ZO9E3lnHuHFiOVFGospead95Lpx0eXPV3Z56OAn_eVks5IHbT01Sc8lIo8kmqpV5xOxS3jRitxuEYeo/s320/irene+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unlike years’ past, the 2013 Peak Mountain Bike Race was
starting further up the hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took
the right onto Tweed River Drive just before the covered bridge and headed up
hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we continued to take turns
toward the parking area, the road became increasingly narrow, all the while steadily
rising.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eventually we came up to the area that was set up for the
event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunSaNibqz6GWnw1Jio98i_XyxQFlCFxJt7rsSyCe5lrsqfb4zhyphenhyphenC1RFxLpO8yjrfAraZqIU5I4mm7MkcTKGXgk1O55AhgmpYySvkzTiX9mevJ6Rc3UHfscLSt4bBp8B8H6eATAaLtpOI/s1600/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunSaNibqz6GWnw1Jio98i_XyxQFlCFxJt7rsSyCe5lrsqfb4zhyphenhyphenC1RFxLpO8yjrfAraZqIU5I4mm7MkcTKGXgk1O55AhgmpYySvkzTiX9mevJ6Rc3UHfscLSt4bBp8B8H6eATAaLtpOI/s400/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race Ready</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We weren’t super clear the direction the course was
traveling, but definitely saw signs of course markings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After quickly changing up we started in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The clearest markings had us heading up the
course on Warman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We dubiously pedaled
up. Through Warman and into Labyrinth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was my first time pedaling up these trails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had you asked me beforehand, I would have
told you pedaling up Warman was wonky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As it turned out, the bermed switchbacks that make Warman such a
pleasure to ride down make it a pretty sweet route to the top as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the summit hut, we confirmed a sneaking suspicion that
had been gaining traction in each of our minds with each upward pedal stroke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were riding the course backwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course we were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dumb asses.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we about-faced and rode back down Labyrinth and Warman to
where we had parked and headed up what basically would have been the road had
the road not ended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were now firmly
on course.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The course went up Green Trail and Zebedee. Some of the
marking tape was down and in one place it was put back up incorrectly by
someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But between the four of us, we
have half a brain and were able to figure it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By this time, we were rather enjoying
ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The climbing wasn’t
horrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trails were fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The course was looking pretty good.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then we hit Upper Fusters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Upper Fusters?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upper Fusters, my friends, is a new
trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A wide swath of a trail heading
ever down, sweeping through high banked berms and riddled with newborn earthen jumps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Single jumps and twin jumps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most all offered a way around at no
penalty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upper Fusters, my friends, is
singularly stunning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A trail that
transports you back to the joy you experienced the first time you felt the
freedom of a mountain bike betwixt your legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Transcendence attained.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3b1uHmCq_I8KR6DD1CV69BMqWxCiv7Ke0e3gtZch528ilEIzn-kKEIAD-Q71p6XCV0H1P_2aodilS4ibG1nBdkvSVMN6OKsdqH6PlssUNfk-vrbmxDk2uIGL5N4LtW2yTPJ-T_dRpIQ/s1600/maslow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3b1uHmCq_I8KR6DD1CV69BMqWxCiv7Ke0e3gtZch528ilEIzn-kKEIAD-Q71p6XCV0H1P_2aodilS4ibG1nBdkvSVMN6OKsdqH6PlssUNfk-vrbmxDk2uIGL5N4LtW2yTPJ-T_dRpIQ/s320/maslow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And as you might guess, Upper Fusters leads into…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FUSTERS!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Holy hallelujah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you kidding
me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>This</u> spectacular specimen of
a mountain bike trail leads into yet <u>another</u> equally spectacular trail
that lasts seemingly forever?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pshaw!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ludicrous, I say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, it’s true!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
We continued down Fusters’ hairpin turns, shrieking with fear and delight
rolled into one overwhelming sense of sheer exhilaration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My god!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This trail alone is worth a trip to the Green Mountain Trails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure exactly how long it lasts, but the
total downhill (Upper Fusters, Fusters, Stairs, Riverside Run) was just about
five miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My face was aching from
smiling so hard for so long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost as
much as my arms hurt from hanging on so tight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, as Bryan Gareau was overheard saying, “All good
things must come to an end.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the
bottom of Riverside Run we caught the switchbacked climb up Crazy Mazie to
Noodles Revenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That took us to a short
piece of jeep road and then dumped us onto Upper Noodles and that onto Luvin’
It.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These trails, combined, were about 4.3 miles, climbing 848
feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That averages out to be a 4.4%
grade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s just about the grade of
Heartbreak Hill, but for 11.5 times longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was definitely feeling my legs by the time we reached the summit just
after the end of Luvin’ It.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had
agreed we were taking it easy through the course, with the race being the next
day, but as easy as you can take it, climbing a mountain is still climbing a
mountain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkF-fvJZLDR2R2cqslDQmkgP58X1QJzrthjyZtkLtuHU1_f_WlLG9dQhcnp5sBw2F1xQXwfCkt6FLEi8XQ2IWi8pnkvAG9tJXd9K02cnEI7-7ncNk4WDyaNm3zaMnqT_5LI4GazPXW3Q/s1600/cliffhanger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkF-fvJZLDR2R2cqslDQmkgP58X1QJzrthjyZtkLtuHU1_f_WlLG9dQhcnp5sBw2F1xQXwfCkt6FLEi8XQ2IWi8pnkvAG9tJXd9K02cnEI7-7ncNk4WDyaNm3zaMnqT_5LI4GazPXW3Q/s320/cliffhanger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We finished our pre-race reconnaissance mission with a
second trip down Labyrinth and Warman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of the ride, BG’s cyclometer read that we had
completed 15.98 miles of two-wheeled bliss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Taking it easy, we were out about 2:06.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone still felt pretty good and we had a leg up, knowing the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Success!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As far as trail conditions, I was amazed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except for two short stretches where we
followed the path of some heavy equipment, the trail had handled the rain
unbelievably well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those two stretches
combined were maybe 30 yards long, but were full of gloopy, gloppy, soupy,
sloppy mud.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also encountered one downed tree on Warman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as luck would have it, we met a fella
with a chainsaw who was seeking said tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By the time we hit Warman a second time, the tree was clear.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Race route engrained in our heads, we headed down to the
farm where the main trailhead is, now called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sweetgeorgiapsCSA">Sweet Georgia P’s</a>, to see
if we could borrow their hose to de-gloop, de-glop, de-soup and de-slop our
bikes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxGZ8dMM1zAlNv6abOvGr0Uabv_pr6t1VKqeZgy0XJmC_khEtDZWhVWYsGM-mEWCyFPa9q5n3IE50bTbx4X2QwRm_qP9sikwy3FTDqqbZkyLldeiv-WI5_zbVfzPGP4dzlciXAzGvXiY/s1600/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxGZ8dMM1zAlNv6abOvGr0Uabv_pr6t1VKqeZgy0XJmC_khEtDZWhVWYsGM-mEWCyFPa9q5n3IE50bTbx4X2QwRm_qP9sikwy3FTDqqbZkyLldeiv-WI5_zbVfzPGP4dzlciXAzGvXiY/s320/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+010.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The folks running the farm were
most hospitable, welcoming us to their water and talking bikes, farms and life
with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We noticed they had a great
supply of wood stored on the backside of the barn and they were kind enough to
sell us a bunch of it for our campfire back at Gifford Woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKZU3zCG-YScY60_t_xXedhRq1cB71qyzkfK2CxLKA4VQgjxKh3HJ5I6gxoiv5Wu_mKXty2yt3jzfMTgr4V836K3ELQuyUyOQS-pZ7tX9_GAtpTi6abQIcZGiDaN-pCjZ_xbIBG_DMNM/s1600/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKZU3zCG-YScY60_t_xXedhRq1cB71qyzkfK2CxLKA4VQgjxKh3HJ5I6gxoiv5Wu_mKXty2yt3jzfMTgr4V836K3ELQuyUyOQS-pZ7tX9_GAtpTi6abQIcZGiDaN-pCjZ_xbIBG_DMNM/s320/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheels and wood.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They even gave me this super tomato!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqd0SS56ahE-ACE7-HvkQpAhiR-gn09-6rnrY_a2K4EMeKnnEs0YhdbkxZmkgFTnJY1bc3Yg8f9AQt76SB42THooBsONbI0G1jgoHaK-Z4fXXy6ZOI5F0_BNl9chSwiWEUIygE5bBps8o/s1600/tomato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqd0SS56ahE-ACE7-HvkQpAhiR-gn09-6rnrY_a2K4EMeKnnEs0YhdbkxZmkgFTnJY1bc3Yg8f9AQt76SB42THooBsONbI0G1jgoHaK-Z4fXXy6ZOI5F0_BNl9chSwiWEUIygE5bBps8o/s320/tomato.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heirloom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the way back to the camp we hit the Pittsfield General
Store for some supplies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, mostly
for some beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I would argue beer is
most definitely a supply when camping.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We all went through our bikes, making ready for the big day
Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last vestiges of the mud
were removed and drivetrains were wiped clean and lubed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
For dinner we feasted on pasta and sauce with meatballs, sausage and pork
courtesy of April Gareau (thanks again, April!) along with a salad and some
bread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And beer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Modig met us right around dinner time, but his mom packed
him dinner, so he did his own thing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNB2oG7wXHblwijHFf7KlUnQrwqW992uDKUuhq_SK3NFlu-KXvBLOGKlmTGJIbVb1NYj6OPxacCdkcvXvwPyVJKwDiYZqTMxgctNZI8v9h9HHnsmqStpF5LpologrKC6Ybg24l8bHigg/s1600/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNB2oG7wXHblwijHFf7KlUnQrwqW992uDKUuhq_SK3NFlu-KXvBLOGKlmTGJIbVb1NYj6OPxacCdkcvXvwPyVJKwDiYZqTMxgctNZI8v9h9HHnsmqStpF5LpologrKC6Ybg24l8bHigg/s320/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoes are dry. Good fire.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After along car ride, a solid pre-ride, big meal and a few
beers, we were bushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all turned in
pretty early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The four old men slept
under the lean-to side by side on various air mattresses and thermarests while
the young whippersnapper threw up a small tent on the back side of the lean-to.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next morning we arose to the sounds of Jess lighting a
campfire and starting to cook breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think most of us were up around 5:30 and getting our gear together.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Breakfast was perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bacon from the General Store and scrambled eggs. Also some everything
bagels cooked on the griddle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And a cup
o’ joe, o’ course.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Registration for the race opened at 6:30 am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived shortly after 7:00 am, chuckling
aloud as we saw Brian Spring’s big rig for work parked at the base of the last
narrow stretch of road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too much truck
for so little road.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We grabbed our numbers and t-shirts and socks (yes, cycling
socks!) and then got geared up and ready to roll.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42Ni9hGLqXGlmNwmMM0GRHwKqpK98NK0M3EsMroMVwwTq0BFlkvfiDWd3j5c_-Va80QYHiWP4dXJ3Ee09c8f7uq3SNsDwxPLGsYG8OYYFjOeuu3lLRtX_ZsosAiRNDl1V8pCNuGYj1CE/s1600/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42Ni9hGLqXGlmNwmMM0GRHwKqpK98NK0M3EsMroMVwwTq0BFlkvfiDWd3j5c_-Va80QYHiWP4dXJ3Ee09c8f7uq3SNsDwxPLGsYG8OYYFjOeuu3lLRtX_ZsosAiRNDl1V8pCNuGYj1CE/s320/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race Prep</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was a quick race meeting about 10 minutes before the race started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We learned that after a storm on Thursday,
there had been 14 trees down and that every single one had been cleared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kudos Peak!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also learned that one guy was responsible for the
maintenance of existing trails and building of new trails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matt Baatz apparently spends countless hours
working these trails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it shows!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The race format, as with years’ previous, was that we would
all take off on a lemans start at 8:00 am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After a brief run down the hill, around a bucket and back up, we would
head out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The goal was to do as many
laps as you could in six hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long
as the clock hadn’t hit 2 pm when you came through, you could go out for
another lap.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had talked the day before about being okay with three
laps, but that we’d be happy to get four.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Modig was gunning for five.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So with the go command, we took off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually Jon took off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brandon not far behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BG and I trotted, but did not run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jess and BMA (Brian Spring), walked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe a minute or two later we were back at our bikes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BG and I started riding up the hill
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were in the latter portion
of the pack having not run very hard, but were gaining places immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone was pretty cool and we were able to
pass in tandem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of people were
even a little chatty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was my first time intentionally racing with someone on
a course and I was enjoying it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
definitely made the race less of a head game as there was always someone with
whom to chat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every once in a while we
would even catch a glimpse of Brandon somewhere ahead on a place where the
trail cut back in on itself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By the time we had summited and were coming down Upper
Fusters into Fusters, we were pretty much alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three quarters of the way through Fusters we
came into some traffic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were four
guys in front of us piled up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not an
easy place to pass either since Fusters is bench cut into the side of the hill.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqEP6oC4jugrE9IT8vj44vntrT1r4njSYOux37HErh7V7VTZdEa7Jrs9Oip4poiCuv2wdKYTqsaQO1LDXpSozpgeqxqRhIwOLKtBIzBCDPJKf8fTh6UVw-e_wbqI38bghO3L5BuZ-mXw/s1600/Race+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqEP6oC4jugrE9IT8vj44vntrT1r4njSYOux37HErh7V7VTZdEa7Jrs9Oip4poiCuv2wdKYTqsaQO1LDXpSozpgeqxqRhIwOLKtBIzBCDPJKf8fTh6UVw-e_wbqI38bghO3L5BuZ-mXw/s640/Race+Pic.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Fusters (photo credit to Matt Baatz)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eventually we got by all of them and one even came with us for a while on our
tail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we started climbing we were
seeing people up the hill at various levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Switchbacks like these are fun in a race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They really let you see the people in front
of you who you are trying to catch and also the folks behind you chasing
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
We kept steady through the climb and passed a couple more people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By this time I was feeling like we were in
the top 50%, but had no way of being sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eventually the passes become less frequent as people fall into their
places.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SHVkzFTAD_60p5IJT1q53eEoYs-_5KqDl3kGqOxYArh1MVoCRqB1iZQT0zSFyxBjc09py_94RgRRbrqFsKEh8wIp5olwn54jAVY2_y_QMcCzsW77OJLxxRCR1gJCYx8DmfcElGVRNKE/s1600/jess+race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SHVkzFTAD_60p5IJT1q53eEoYs-_5KqDl3kGqOxYArh1MVoCRqB1iZQT0zSFyxBjc09py_94RgRRbrqFsKEh8wIp5olwn54jAVY2_y_QMcCzsW77OJLxxRCR1gJCYx8DmfcElGVRNKE/s640/jess+race.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice view, eh Jess? (photo credit to Peak Races)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the first lap we grabbed a quick bite and a drink and proceeded on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second lap was harder, but I was still
feeling pretty good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I laid my
bike down once in lieu of crashing coming down Fusters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had my best effort at clearing the stream
crossing on Fusters this lap, but still dabbed as I was coming out of the
stream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time we reached the
bottom, I could feel that BG was holding back a little to stay with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was still looking super strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said he was happy riding with me
though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we proceeded on and up the
switchbacks again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part way through I
dropped my chain into my spokes in the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was able pull it out pretty quickly and catch back up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A short while later on this same lap, I
snapped a spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably a correlation
coefficient of about 1.0 to my previously mentioned mishap.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiG-eQOIZ9ue1XmWSRT-FERDh2kqsu2lMI3wHU4JUeBN2Zzzv04wkQrO765g6hXnUeUtwReCU3vGQ5hVelMlOw11IAIkQYqHIe_0lejejUeA-LOme1Y0OTGaUunaTPB54YlEpObyhPPk/s1600/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiG-eQOIZ9ue1XmWSRT-FERDh2kqsu2lMI3wHU4JUeBN2Zzzv04wkQrO765g6hXnUeUtwReCU3vGQ5hVelMlOw11IAIkQYqHIe_0lejejUeA-LOme1Y0OTGaUunaTPB54YlEpObyhPPk/s320/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had too many spokes anyways.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wrapped the spoke around the other spokes and kept
going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up and up and up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BG was definitely riding stronger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the end of that second lap, I couldn’t see
him ahead any more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he was in the
pit stop at the start/finish when I came in again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After refueling and filling up my Camelbak, we headed back
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was somewhere on Fusters, I
think, where I lost BG on the third lap and never caught him again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That made me feel better from a guilt
standpoint, but I was saddened to lose his company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to know that I had most certainly lost
him because I was losing steam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
finished up the third lap, stopping part way through to grab a PowerBar and
watching a couple of people I’d passed earlier pass by me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At this point though, my new goal was just to keep moving
forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finished the climb and came
into the pit stop for my third and final time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was at about four hours and 37 minutes at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fourth lap was going to happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ate a sandwich, a handful of grapes and had
a Wild Cherry Pepsi and was off one last time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I made it through the initial climb again, but this time feeling a
little woozy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I started coming down Upper Fusters, I realized I was no
longer riding well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cornering one of
those big, switchbacked berms I mentioned earlier, I simply lost all steam and
just fell over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back up and at ‘em, I continued on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fell at least twice more on Fusters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once was nearly spectacular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This time, on what I knew would be my final ascent to the
summit, I used my granny gear up front for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d made the first three laps in my 36 tooth
big ring, but no way, no how I was going to make it up again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I did make it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
I did make it back down Labyrinth and Warman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The last stupid little climb up the fire road to the start finish was
about as hard as anything I remembered thus far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had zero legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, no one passed me riding this
last part.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end, BG and Brandon were there to meet me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had both completed four laps and Bryan
had almost caught Brandon, coming in only a minute behind him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were both in from four laps at just
before six hours and could have both gone out for another lap, but wanted no
part of it.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brian Spring was also at the finish line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had stopped at three laps, but was
planning on racing the Freetown 50 the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nutter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Modig came in right after me, finishing five laps in just a
little longer than it took me to do four.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hard to believe I knew this kid when he was on platform pedals and fell
apart at every hill and every rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
a long way he’s come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awesome Modig!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jess came in about 20 minutes after me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it turns out, that stream crossing I
mentioned ate his lunch on his second lap (I think).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took it high (how, I have no idea) and
crashed hard, dislocating or breaking his pinky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said it was bent 90 degrees out and he had
to pop it back straight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He finished his
lap (with all the climbing) before he was back at the pit stop and was able to
tape it to the ring finger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he
finished two more laps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s some
spunk!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QyUaG9PXUvZw_p2WPaqwqgQcs_xfOJnzFowQCZOOI_UfkVk7KEiO4JCqHSAIfkOZo-JDOaXDOwfwqIfwRfIN1fwxteArIK3H8ujZqDgo-u3_S2A9GeKaZLdL14LQQg2xZEG1AHvhRBM/s1600/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QyUaG9PXUvZw_p2WPaqwqgQcs_xfOJnzFowQCZOOI_UfkVk7KEiO4JCqHSAIfkOZo-JDOaXDOwfwqIfwRfIN1fwxteArIK3H8ujZqDgo-u3_S2A9GeKaZLdL14LQQg2xZEG1AHvhRBM/s640/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-Race Smiles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We hung around and had a Heady Topper, courtesy of BG, while talking race with
anyone and everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had an
opportunity to speak with the trail builder, Matt Baatz, at length. It’s nothing
short of amazing that he does all this by hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On top of that, he rides his bike up that godforsaken dirt road hill
every day before he starts working on the trails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hats off to you, Matt Baatz.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also spoke with a guy named Matty from True Wheels bike
shop on the Killington access road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was a pretty cool guy and gave us some good pointers for our planned recovery
ride the next day at Pine Hill Park in Rutland.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We did notice as we were hanging about that while there had
been no other pre-registered 12 hour relay teams, as I pointed out earlier,
there were apparently five teams that registered in this category day of. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We totally could have raced this category
after all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before we left, we were able to get our finishing places
from the race director.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it turns out,
these places changed later on in the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They let out a second wave of riders at noon for the six hour race and
added them to our results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do take
slight umbrage with this for the following reasons.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The riders starting at noon:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Did not have a lemans
start – they were able to get right on their bikes and go</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Enjoyed drier conditions
as the day progressed</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Enjoyed warmer
temperatures than our frigid start</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Did not have the same
large mass of people to pass at the beginning of the race</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That said, I guess it didn’t change my race at all, just my
results.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are the results of the folks I knew:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="background: yellow; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Name</b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: yellow; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"># Laps</b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: yellow; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Miles</b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: yellow; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Time</b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: yellow; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Place w/o<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>noon racers</b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: yellow; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Place w/ noon
racers</b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
Jon</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
5</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
62.5</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
6:28</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
2</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
2/46</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
Brandon</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
4</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
50</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
5:57</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
5</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
6/46</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
BG</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
4</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
50</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
5:58</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
6</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
7/46 (3 way tie)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
Rob</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
4</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
50</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
6:22</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
10</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
14/46</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
Jess</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
4</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
50</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
6:43</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
11</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
15</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
BMA</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
3</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
37.5</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
6:05</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
??</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
32</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also tracked my lap times (which, oddly, add up to two
minutes faster than my official time):</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="background: yellow; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
Lap</div>
</td>
<td style="background: yellow; border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
Time</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
1</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
1:22:05</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
2</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
1:31:37</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
3</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #00B0F0; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
1:46:05</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
4</div>
</td>
<td style="background: #9CC2E5; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
1:40:34</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background: yellow; border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
Total</div>
</td>
<td style="background: yellow; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal">
6:20:22</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And here is the elevation graph from BG’s Strava (which
shows the race about 7.5 miles shorter than it was due to all the switchbacks):</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QVJUlM99MQxU4zLmuNyM3IwJKfEa_GP5qz5hEytacy5RILiINvJFtlG0zWHLCw1V-acElf6usLFnvPNNd785Ehh33jzeho8EH2jKgrPimIE-f2dAeYqi9cMWNtjiKuUJ64tjcFprnmk/s1600/elevation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="63" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QVJUlM99MQxU4zLmuNyM3IwJKfEa_GP5qz5hEytacy5RILiINvJFtlG0zWHLCw1V-acElf6usLFnvPNNd785Ehh33jzeho8EH2jKgrPimIE-f2dAeYqi9cMWNtjiKuUJ64tjcFprnmk/s320/elevation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All in all, a great day mountain biking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while the race had its issues this year,
it’s still a great race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trails are
superb and the people were great!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many, many thanks to all who worked so hard to make this
race happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially Andy Weinberg,
Matt Baatz, the DeSena family and all the volunteers who helped with
registration, marking the course and clearing the course after Thursday’s
storm.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can’t wait to do it again next year (hopefully hiccup
free).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a dinner at the Clear River Tavern, we headed back to
the camp site, showered up and enjoyed some celebratory beers before calling it
a night.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next day, the five of us met up with Dave Violette and
Ron Erickson at <a href="http://www.pinehillpark.org/php/Pine_Hill_Park_Welcome.html">Pine Hill
Park</a> in Rutland for a recovery ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Great place to ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Small, but
chock full of great terrain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xxAOUj5esInWE9Qya3nhfDvtDcr0IyGW5FunasqH-DtPV6out2v-dg8S4fPh47VVgi8_tOO863UPr_nfLedvVolcV6oK1_bm0F7ljKLKmJSshUgcFyLQJX6WvjWmbp9hLr7RVtJGdAU/s1600/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xxAOUj5esInWE9Qya3nhfDvtDcr0IyGW5FunasqH-DtPV6out2v-dg8S4fPh47VVgi8_tOO863UPr_nfLedvVolcV6oK1_bm0F7ljKLKmJSshUgcFyLQJX6WvjWmbp9hLr7RVtJGdAU/s320/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pine HILL Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpz6oMhBm7byEzQg8q0meTGaMsDQYI2bbjz8-fzpCd3djAWx7K1sLxBXU7Sy9BbRCVf5IF7JoU9Yml7vw1w-Vcj4FAbRcR__wdGtw45MJr6u4FRh0b1W_sWUZgjKkzIk808kp9B8NhGs/s1600/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpz6oMhBm7byEzQg8q0meTGaMsDQYI2bbjz8-fzpCd3djAWx7K1sLxBXU7Sy9BbRCVf5IF7JoU9Yml7vw1w-Vcj4FAbRcR__wdGtw45MJr6u4FRh0b1W_sWUZgjKkzIk808kp9B8NhGs/s640/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you go, you have to try to hit all of the ridiculous
bridges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you MUST ride
Halfpipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a blast.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-v9VHD7GrPr9HbdvKN51ctsZ-C5_EnPiAeza36xet_MqSMqJtyFULkeidYvZUTkl0UQ_iEVfUftgKP0UWJgvCuUmcEmm7It3yWn1ycNp-ZaGeUhPxjW5461n-88br990gbwZ89UNiN3U/s1600/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-v9VHD7GrPr9HbdvKN51ctsZ-C5_EnPiAeza36xet_MqSMqJtyFULkeidYvZUTkl0UQ_iEVfUftgKP0UWJgvCuUmcEmm7It3yWn1ycNp-ZaGeUhPxjW5461n-88br990gbwZ89UNiN3U/s320/Peak+MTB+Race+weekend+037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BG, Jess and Brandon rode the first five or so miles with us
before cutting out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jess’ finger was,
understandably, killing him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jon and I rode another six or so miles before calling it a
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our legs were cooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s <a href="http://www.strava.com/activities/82734703">Jon’s GPS track</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
And Dave and Ron continued on from there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For all I know they still may be there today!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this little gem for those of you who read till the end.</td></tr>
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Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-81705596072218017902013-09-09T20:31:00.000-04:002013-09-09T20:32:20.272-04:00The Flattest Century in the East 2013Hi. Remember me? It's been awhile since any Paton other than Rob has talked about biking. Well, I'm back and I've been doing some biking.<br />
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The Flattest Century in the East is put on by the Narragansett Bay Wheelmen and has been on my bucket list for many years. I learned of the event about three years ago, but I was too busy doing triathlons to devote any real training for a century. And last year I went on a bike tour of Italy which required a different type of preparation than the training required for me to get ready for the century. But this year. This year I had nothing going on and needed a goal.<br />
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So why the Flattest Century in the East? Well, let's not kid ourselves. When choosing to ride your bike 100 miles for the first time, it is really appealing to have the word "flattest" in the title. And this is a beautiful route that is near and dear to my heart. It starts/finishes at UMass Dartmouth and goes through my old neighborhoods in Westport. It also goes super close to my parents new home in Lakeville. It offers tons of views of the ocean, rolling farm land and stone walls. I'm sure other people have different criteria for choosing a century, but mine are easy. I want flat and pretty.<br />
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Once I had registered, it was time to get down to the business of training. As it turns out, the way you train for a 100 mile bike ride is to ride your bike. Rocket science, right?! So in May, my bike came off the trainer and made its outdoor debut. In May, my longest ride was 20 miles. Little did I know that in the next coming months 20 miles would be the short ride done multiple weeknights. Here is the breakdown of my May-September numbers:<br />
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May: rode a total of 7 days for a total of 82.69 miles. Longest ride was 20 miles.<br />
June: rode a total of 9 days for a total of 152.29 miles. Longest ride was 30.03 miles.<br />
July: rode a total of 13 days for a total of 232.99 miles. Longest ride was 46 miles.<br />
August: rode a total of 14 days for a total of 378.96 miles. Longest ride was 75.69 miles.<br />
September: rode one shake out ride of 14.56 miles and then rested up for the century!<br />
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Things I learned while training:<br />
*I need to eat every 20 miles.<br />
*My favorite flavors of Luna Bars are peanut butter cookie, carrot cake and blueberry bliss.<br />
*My favorite flavor of Gatorade is blueberry/pomegranate.<br />
*By the end of a long ride, I hate Gatorade.<br />
*Co-workers think you are crazy when you ride to/from work.<br />
*Co-workers think you are insane when you tell them you are training for a century. Especially when you tell them that a century is a bike event in which you ride your bike 100 miles in one day. <br />
*It is possible to find some flat roads in the Quiet Corner. You just have to ride some hills to get to them. And more hills to get back home. <br />
*I have fantastic friends (including my husband) who were willing to ride on my schedule, my distance and at my pace.<br />
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On the day of the century, Rob set the alarm for 4:50. As it turned out, we both got up at about 4:30 to start the day. I had some oatmeal and packed all of our water bottles and nutrition while Rob loaded up the bikes and packed our gear. We were on the road by 5:20 which seems ridiculously early when you know you are about to exercise for the next 8 hours straight! We arrived at UMass Dartmouth at 6:30, parked the car, registered, found our friends and hit the road.<br />
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The Flattest Century is a rolling start that happens between 6:45 and 8:30. We rolled out at just after 7:00. Right from the start, we were with a large pack of riders and it never let up. I have never ridden with so many other bikes. Ever. It is so much fun. You are passing people, people are passing you, pace lines are flying by and everyone is super friendly!<br />
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The first section flew right by! I felt like it was all downhill or flat. I was seeing good numbers on my bike computer, high teens, low 20's. I was super happy. I followed my plan and stopped at the first 20 mile mark and had a peanut butter cookie Luna bar. Soon after, we got passed by the Quinebaug Valley Velo group. They were riding in a pace line and sounded like a freight train coming through. I could could hear "go QVV go, go, go" coming up behind me and then heard Liz Bove calling out some words of encouragement to me. And then I saw a blue bullet train just race on by. And just like that, they were gone. This section brought us through Dartmouth, Freetown, Lakeville, back into Freetown before ending at the rest stop at mile 31. Rob told me that we were averaging just over 16 MPH, which is fantastic for me!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling like rockstars</td></tr>
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We stopped just long enough to take care of business. Use the facilities, refill the water bottles and grab a quick bite to eat. No dilly dallying. We didn't want everything to tense up when there was still 70 miles to go. But I saw a useful piece of information: 17 miles to the next rest stop. In my head, I thought, "I've got this. What's 17 miles? Why is the next one so close? They totally should've spaced it out better."<br />
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Well that just shows you how these people know what they are doing. Because those next 17 miles were hard. Immediately out of the rest stop, there was road construction. You know the kind of construction where they rip up a section of the road every 20 to 30 feet for about a mile. Ugh. It is not fun to ride over the mounds of dirt or crushed stone or whatever it is they use to cover it up on your road bike. But eventually it ended and we rode into Fall River, Dartmouth, Westport and then crossed state lines into Tiverton, RI. In addition to the road construction, this section included some hills and some twisty turny roads. I was really hungry and ready for the next rest stop.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had the honor of riding with Marc Cerrone for the whole course. It was nice to have the company!</td></tr>
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And there it was! I devoured a PB&J sandwich, a banana and some grapes. While in line for the facilities, I was talking with other girls about how the next section promised to be the most beautiful. Someone mentioned that within a few miles there would be an ocean view and things would be pretty for the whole section. Oh good! I was getting really excited. So we wrapped things up at the rest stop at mile 48 and headed out.<br />
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Once we started up again, I was feeling a little creaky. My hips and knees were not liking it. And we all know that spandex is never pretty, but after 48 miles of pedaling, you are definitely starting to feel a little wilted. But then something strange started happening. People that were passing me started throwing me compliments. "I like your shirt." "Cute top." "Great shirt, I have matching socks." They kept coming. It puts a little spring in your step, or power in your crank, as the case may be. I must've gotten a half dozen compliments from strangers who must've known that I needed a little boost. And then I went by a farm that was picture perfect. It even had a farmer out haying the field. It looked scripted. And then I turned left, went down a steep hill and then saw it! The ocean! Woo hoo! The camera came out and Rob and I started taking pictures while still pedaling along. And we may have even stopped for a picture or two.<br />
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After that, we were back into a neighborhood. Maybe we were in Little Compton? I'm not sure. But I do know that a mother and child in the neighborhood thought that it would be fun to stand behind some tall ornamental grass and jump out to scare bikers. They got the group in front of us, who had to swerve out to the left to avoid them. Rob called out "that's not cool" because there was a car coming in the opposite direction and tragedy could easily happen. I'm not sure what the mother was thinking. We kept pedaling on. I had no idea where we were. Pedal, pedal, pedal. And then we came into Acoaxet. I could tell by the way that people were watering their tennis courts and enforcing the "residents only" signs on the beaches. I caught a glimpse of Elephant Rock and kept pedaling. Truth be told, my feet were starting to hurt. I unclipped and they felt a little better but I desperately wanted to take off my shoes. When will get to the next rest stop??<br />
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And then there it was! At mile 71. What a welcome sight. First thing I did was take off my shoes and helmet. I walked around and got some food in my socks. It felt so much better. I stretched out my back, neck and shoulders and rubbed my feet. It felt heavenly. I ate some grapes, orange slices and a banana. I took a Powerbar, but didn't eat it. After using the facilities, I learned some bad news. They were out of water. What?? Now let me just say that this event was really well organized. They thought of everything. Police stopping traffic at tricky intersections, flaggers pointing the way at random turns, plenty of nutrition (including bananas, grapes, orange slices, PB&J sandwiches, Powerbars, gels, etc) as well as water and Gatorade at every stop. Ample port-a-potties. But they did run out of water at the last rest stop. I think they quickly restocked, but we went on our way with just one water bottle each, hoping it would be enough for the last 30 miles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9Rj3nl-6dC0px1UdLxlY9upt8b3DG43f1sJHX4XIBR_R1feWO_skLTrLKk-ny5CEPYLJUBimJtnd9rU0xJuj8oAG7j4wDBLJ_QwIFgARH1yLtUi8P3fApE41mdiqVCcvZZ7f_ZvKOWo/s1600/TFCE+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9Rj3nl-6dC0px1UdLxlY9upt8b3DG43f1sJHX4XIBR_R1feWO_skLTrLKk-ny5CEPYLJUBimJtnd9rU0xJuj8oAG7j4wDBLJ_QwIFgARH1yLtUi8P3fApE41mdiqVCcvZZ7f_ZvKOWo/s320/TFCE+026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling a little rough at this point!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D6yvGNSfPZnY9qXAJ9F2Mu6Uf28vyzunN1UyNOtvy0nGnxWd0xYSVQZhNyKkPy0NSB76QX6axso_uaHELkZ3Yk3LGKzGgev3E2hwPOLrEqkTNd56Is2xJMs8HqR18vTuoj_XGrvqM0w/s1600/TFCE+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D6yvGNSfPZnY9qXAJ9F2Mu6Uf28vyzunN1UyNOtvy0nGnxWd0xYSVQZhNyKkPy0NSB76QX6axso_uaHELkZ3Yk3LGKzGgev3E2hwPOLrEqkTNd56Is2xJMs8HqR18vTuoj_XGrvqM0w/s320/TFCE+027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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These last miles were the ones I was looking forward to the most. Up Main Rd, down (and I do mean DOWN) Handy Hill, across Hix Bridge, by the Westport Rivers Vineyards and then a right turn onto Horseneck Rd. Ahhhh, home. We stopped at the end of Cummings Lane for a photo op.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did not turn down the lane. No side trips today.</td></tr>
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I waved as we passed Pettey Lane. Smiled as we passed the strawberry fields (that are no longer there) where I had my first job. It was a quick and easy 10 miles. When we made the left to continue on Horseneck Rd, there was an immediate hill. I passed a girl who was miserable. I jokingly asked who put this hill at mile 80 and she growled something about just wanting it to be over. Oh boy.<br />
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20 miles to go. I was still feeling pretty good. My foot issues were gone. My knees and hips were still willing to work. Bumps were starting to hurt more. Suffice it to say, I could've used more padding. Around mile 85, we stopped at a beautiful bridge for our last snack. We went through Padanaram, Gulf Hill, Russells Mills and I never fully understood how we were getting back to UMass Dartmouth.<br />
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I was really starting to feel it around mile 90+ but it wasn't until mile 98 that I really wanted to be done. Between 98-100, I was pretty uncomfortable. But then we made a right turn onto Old Westport Rd and I knew that the end was just around the corner. I called out that this is it and started passing people up the hill to make the right turn into campus. <br />
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When we rolled into the parking lot, my computer read 101.23! Cross that one off the bucket list. I finished with an overall average of 13.44. I'll take it. Done.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Done!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A celebratory rootbeer float.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And seafood. All long rides should end with seafood.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6KGyQENcDq1df9AZJt5pr25oy_TUUJkKeec_V9_NMi4YcfS7GnCDbaO99lYqrrvW8ielKgbTL8Udog6wUIjSNC4EFn5kq_sJ_mJlTO1IXjlQ5kOAi_y60G6tOlqvBtPXbODHkIGD93c/s1600/TFCE+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6KGyQENcDq1df9AZJt5pr25oy_TUUJkKeec_V9_NMi4YcfS7GnCDbaO99lYqrrvW8ielKgbTL8Udog6wUIjSNC4EFn5kq_sJ_mJlTO1IXjlQ5kOAi_y60G6tOlqvBtPXbODHkIGD93c/s320/TFCE+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you to the Narragansett Bay Wheelmen and all the fine volunteers for putting on a great event!</td></tr>
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<br />Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-50515774859630095012013-09-03T22:36:00.000-04:002013-09-17T10:16:30.544-04:00Vermont Mountain Biking BonanzaMeant to get to this a little earlier, but we all know how that goes. All too often it seems my mountain biking gets in the way of my writing about mountain biking.<br />
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But don't fret, I'm working on cloning myself. So far my foray into human cloning has primarily involved experimenting with craft beer consumption. Closest I have gotten is seeing double. I'm not one to give up though.<br />
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Anyhow, back to the story at hand. A few weeks ago I was part of a road trip to Vermont with the express purpose of riding some stupendous singletrack. My partners in climb were Bryan Gareau, Jess Bly, Brandon O'Neal and Dave Violette. And I'm sincerely pleased not to need to put an R.I.P. after Dave's name. More on that later.<br />
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<u><b>Green Mountain Trails, Pittsfield, VT </b></u><br />
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We headed up on a Friday. Ron Erickson day-tripped with us, but headed home after our first ride. After grabbing some grub at the Swanzey Diner, we made our way up to the <a href="http://www.greenmountaintrails.com/Green_Mountain_Trails/newhome.html" target="_blank">Green Mountain Trails</a> in Pittsfield, VT. This is where Brandon and I will be competing in the two-man, twelve hour <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/409878035750361/" target="_blank">Peak Mountain Bike Race</a> on September 14th. Jess and Bryan are teamed up for the same race.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOyk53nu-xEKNlMWy53Yd_APSAETLikJnivdyhcFATlVm3ZoG7BsprIUwP83JhpCNaKt5kjvfx11UFbgOtRg3muBVqO-oSdxPlTeBid5jqKm48gUxZddNiyU-8mhdiAUz4EDY3rL6c0g/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOyk53nu-xEKNlMWy53Yd_APSAETLikJnivdyhcFATlVm3ZoG7BsprIUwP83JhpCNaKt5kjvfx11UFbgOtRg3muBVqO-oSdxPlTeBid5jqKm48gUxZddNiyU-8mhdiAUz4EDY3rL6c0g/s400/MTB+VT+August+2013+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jess could care less about his noggin.</td></tr>
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So, having failed to read anything about the trails beyond knowing they'd been doing some serious trail work, we ventured into the trail system. The beginning down to the river is a super fun, fast double track with a few jumps off the right side.<br />
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And then you hit the river. There used to be a bridge here, but Irene wiped it out (along with a lot of Pittsfield itself). But no worries, last time I was here, there was an I-beam that we would cross. It was a little balance-beamy for my taste, but better than having to ride through the river.<br />
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So imagine my surprise and dismay when we hit the river and there was no way across. Jess was the first, as usual, to say screw it and just ride across. The rest of us meandered back and forth on the Rte 100 side of the river, like... Well, like a bunch of mountain bikers not in the mood to ford a river.<br />
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Eventually we all bit the bullet and made our way across at disparate crossing points. None better than the other, from what I could tell.<br />
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And with wet feet all, we began to ascend. Up the Stairs. Up Noodle's Revenge. Up Luvin' It. Notice a theme? Green Mountain Trails are the kind of trails that go up. But as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK62tfoCmuQ" target="_blank">Blood, Sweat and Tears</a> taught us (sorry, Mr. Newton), what goes up, must go down.<br />
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It was as we were climbing that I realized that my drivetrain was not interested in climbing. I'm not sure I was super into it either, but I sure as hell didn't want to skip to the top like my bike apparently did. That kind of behavior out of your bicycle gets in your head and how. I got through it all, but it warn't perty. <br />
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Once we arrived at the top, we encountered a few other mountain bikers sunning themselves on the rocks atop the mountain. The peak is wide open with a gorgeous stone hut sitting atop it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxjdnNwCB2zdgUCBNdoUg79y_mhtYu1Vo7HmAUtQJdFTlhN1sejFZRHLJYg5Q8__FCkwHH2UsApF3iLqcfJR4PVJquuNIwQEzJNLaA-ZGUhIBDxGbwhsCf3GZV-xIGqxehvGih8Rkv9c/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxjdnNwCB2zdgUCBNdoUg79y_mhtYu1Vo7HmAUtQJdFTlhN1sejFZRHLJYg5Q8__FCkwHH2UsApF3iLqcfJR4PVJquuNIwQEzJNLaA-ZGUhIBDxGbwhsCf3GZV-xIGqxehvGih8Rkv9c/s400/MTB+VT+August+2013+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the top.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0d8H6cf-x7PGXY4xLI_KnaxcEDOe6ypC26OGHxFPm4eeF1Lb7KWVNdE3BIJlV8a6auKI5TqV7Q1-IvwFyhZtXLqkgIsgLMhOZoc16P0ME2xqcngfNQRbB5KDG_Ifu1GB3iiKW29aHbuM/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0d8H6cf-x7PGXY4xLI_KnaxcEDOe6ypC26OGHxFPm4eeF1Lb7KWVNdE3BIJlV8a6auKI5TqV7Q1-IvwFyhZtXLqkgIsgLMhOZoc16P0ME2xqcngfNQRbB5KDG_Ifu1GB3iiKW29aHbuM/s400/MTB+VT+August+2013+008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiling. Because we don't have to climb any longer.</td></tr>
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After we left the summit, we ran into some minor difficulties. There was a newly bulldozed trail up the back side that left me flummoxed. After some back and forth, we finally managed to get onto Warman. Just as fun as I remembered it. Fast, tight switchbacks piled atop one another. And that led into Stone Wall, which was even more fun than I remembered it. These are longer switchbacks with the trail beautifully benchcut into the side of the hill. One false move and you will most assuredly be falling for longer than you'd like.<br />
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Someone flatted on Stone Wall. I think it was Brandon. But back up and rolling in no time at all. At the end of Stone Wall we had a decision to make. We could continue down to the bottom and climb the whole mountain again. Or we could climb back up Luvin' It and then cut over to Fusters. We opted to do the Fusters option. So back up Luvin' It. They do a nice job with the switchbacks up and this time we only had to go about halfway up to grab the Fusters Connector.<br />
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Once we got on Fusters, the permasmiles came out. This is a super long, super fun downhill. They use the grade well, taking it slowly down to get the most distance out of the trail. It was here that I realized Dave Violette is a better downhiller than me. He was on my tail everywhere we were descending. Hot on my tail. I let him by at the crazy stream crossing where I missed the line. Awesome Dave!! Probably when I am as old as you I'll worry less about dying, too.<br />
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Once Fusters dumped us out at the Escalator, we decided to continue down. This was due in large part to my petitioning to split so we could try to get my bike in the shop up at Stowe. I couldn't deal with these drivetrain issues all weekend. Ron understandably kept on riding to make his day trip worthwhile.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgVKkkfESVSnCceWvyPrsCK-zjBj-ejtwh-lur-eMjFl6hPbk2WEPJFALlVa7-b67B2iabW8lHNRkUF0HMDpeFLuxljTs0HTYdHiYC4mWnwK1xUEd3HjFkpa7zpHMcHxCX_khbJ9kIdk/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgVKkkfESVSnCceWvyPrsCK-zjBj-ejtwh-lur-eMjFl6hPbk2WEPJFALlVa7-b67B2iabW8lHNRkUF0HMDpeFLuxljTs0HTYdHiYC4mWnwK1xUEd3HjFkpa7zpHMcHxCX_khbJ9kIdk/s400/MTB+VT+August+2013+012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bike is the trailer park trash second from the right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We took the advice of the guys we'd met at the top and when we got down to the base, we headed down the river further on Riverside Run and came out at Riverside Farm, where we were able to cross the river on a bridge. Much better than trying to ride across it again. And that only left us with a short road ride back to the cars.<br />
<br />
Here's the <a href="http://www.strava.com/activities/75778362" target="_blank">GPS track</a> for Friday. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtWuKfkENQ2hcLeBUBa8_Kh0K_44CPW1HbWi9M0IL-jaugsLJUhQpe2yB4yRnD87HG6OzHodg_TvFMJyFCBn78EIUl2FbkcVY6pElso4tEL_Za4vUDEYOf96UA8SK9H2s3pAmmlXQah8/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtWuKfkENQ2hcLeBUBa8_Kh0K_44CPW1HbWi9M0IL-jaugsLJUhQpe2yB4yRnD87HG6OzHodg_TvFMJyFCBn78EIUl2FbkcVY6pElso4tEL_Za4vUDEYOf96UA8SK9H2s3pAmmlXQah8/s320/MTB+VT+August+2013+009.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice picture. "How can I ruin it?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1m3IbKGO-5VpQPhOXJgfqKGqw7rYZLY_c1Iwg8LnMe-R1AbXEHWaEVXmdv7GFqOoPwiG7AXsZ2SNpR27sx-eKiGK3N4GIh8qDw5oSjc3HtPhGKk2yxrxPotl5_ccO6Fl-b7spRgE5woA/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1m3IbKGO-5VpQPhOXJgfqKGqw7rYZLY_c1Iwg8LnMe-R1AbXEHWaEVXmdv7GFqOoPwiG7AXsZ2SNpR27sx-eKiGK3N4GIh8qDw5oSjc3HtPhGKk2yxrxPotl5_ccO6Fl-b7spRgE5woA/s320/MTB+VT+August+2013+010.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, Brandon...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a quick bite at the <a href="http://www.vermontsoriginalstore.com/" target="_blank">Pittsfield General Store</a>, we headed up to Stowe to set up camp at <a href="http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/smugglers.htm" target="_blank">Smuggler's Notch State Park</a>.<br />
<br />
On the way up, I called ahead to iRide in Stowe. A guy named Ron there said they were only open until 5 pm, but when I told him my GPS was putting me there about ten minutes later, he said they'd be around when I arrived. Bryan, Jess and Brandon headed up to camp to check in and set up (after a fruitless search for Heady Toppers).<br />
<br />
Dave and I swung into <a href="http://www.iridevt.com/" target="_blank">iRide</a>. Ron threw the bike right up on the stand. He could have tweaked it to hope for better performance, but with no promises. After some consideration, I decided to have him do the drivetrain. He said they opened at 9 am the next day and asked when I'd be looking to pick it up. I suggested 11 - 12ish. He said it would be ready by 11 am. Yes!!! Maybe it had something to do with the Imperial Oatmeal Stout I gave him, but honestly, I get the sense it may have happened anyhow.<br />
<br />
As we were leaving, we started a conversation with a guy doing some bike business of his own. He was admiring Dave's new Pivot Firebird 650b. His name was Scott Espey and he was local. He said he might be able to meet us at 11 am and show us around. Things were looking up.<br />
<br />
As we were still setting up camp a little while later, I received a call. It was Ron. At iRide. My bike was all set. I could pick it up first thing in the morning. I looked at my watch. It was 6:30 pm. This is an hour and fifteen minutes after I dropped it off. And it wasn't a little work. It was a new cassette, middle chain ring, chain, cables, housing, rear derailleur and bushings in the rear shock. Holy bike repair! I was stoked.<br />
<br />
The evening went pretty much as you'd expect. We dined on some stupendous steak tips, corn on the cob and grilled apple pie, compliments of Brandon O'Neal. Yes, grilled apple pie. Then we drank too much beer, were reprimanded by the ranger multiple times and were in bed before 11 pm.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPCKHs5zniGU5edo67nHRInEaB0qCfaYxwMMepF1-ZxI6ogN5J48gicFO-DdWFvzGtyscty-XIte7r7f6cpdCQ_RlAb7WQXdI4ndb8NIOfjOJ_HqtoMc99cMgGiLWO25h5BjYaSpFG7E/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPCKHs5zniGU5edo67nHRInEaB0qCfaYxwMMepF1-ZxI6ogN5J48gicFO-DdWFvzGtyscty-XIte7r7f6cpdCQ_RlAb7WQXdI4ndb8NIOfjOJ_HqtoMc99cMgGiLWO25h5BjYaSpFG7E/s320/MTB+VT+August+2013+014.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper? Kindling? No thanks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Next morning we were up and at 'em early. After breaking our fast at McCarthy's, we headed across the street to the bike shop. The bike was ready, as promised. Ron wasn't there because he was off doing trail work at the Perry Hill trails (Waterbury). As we were riding there the following day, I was liking Ron more and more.<br />
<br />
Before heading back to the campground, we detoured to Bingham Falls for a quick hike. Gorgeous as always. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSh5h9UkYbyyKSSvq1X9ZnY7IN_Rf6fvbyQVptqjMiDgA4cdRjro2fQPp7q8CtIQNgGeiBPjat7P9IGvtyb9kQ0_lGQjlJo267qRSDb_QFgxQqFMDxi-fJh4VSuy54sA3eChyphenhyphendkkAVB0/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcJbsnwaQYBUK9AehXNKok0jX9LYXViA-_43vVf0xMY4SiFL_rewYCXwv6grXq4SW3WZnLJfi0hRnfhc6N7PKuSGbN3sSVxiV8h2GHlrzNbOhfnS8Z7qlDhilOZ1CQ2O2TRRVr-hlU7E/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcJbsnwaQYBUK9AehXNKok0jX9LYXViA-_43vVf0xMY4SiFL_rewYCXwv6grXq4SW3WZnLJfi0hRnfhc6N7PKuSGbN3sSVxiV8h2GHlrzNbOhfnS8Z7qlDhilOZ1CQ2O2TRRVr-hlU7E/s320/MTB+VT+August+2013+020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandon, Jess and Dave living on the edge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKqF8fNM7CcRrcs5f1UluT268lo5nQtJSb-uxC8VBW3APKD706zFpbjX-Ykgv50sCoYCBzO0wgVu6gn7v2x1-TsasNpx7d-6xPkxi5OvRsphNbrWhTgDrpYuNo_sFkTCjWufMFo2PURA/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKqF8fNM7CcRrcs5f1UluT268lo5nQtJSb-uxC8VBW3APKD706zFpbjX-Ykgv50sCoYCBzO0wgVu6gn7v2x1-TsasNpx7d-6xPkxi5OvRsphNbrWhTgDrpYuNo_sFkTCjWufMFo2PURA/s320/MTB+VT+August+2013+021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The falls faithfully fail to disappoint.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNW73qsSy2l91klgHb2aqffRtj0a6adrZS-fVs54Fyibpjc5a9aPopHeyosnftqG-h2MdE9zt9NqUFLYOZaWJFmfpFSHlYaDIvnyxyAG0YUfsYEEBh-PtFeAAn0sZRrUI0egrtES-SauM/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNW73qsSy2l91klgHb2aqffRtj0a6adrZS-fVs54Fyibpjc5a9aPopHeyosnftqG-h2MdE9zt9NqUFLYOZaWJFmfpFSHlYaDIvnyxyAG0YUfsYEEBh-PtFeAAn0sZRrUI0egrtES-SauM/s320/MTB+VT+August+2013+031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock art.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Stowe Town Loops, Pipeline and Kimmers, Stowe VT</b></u><br />
<br />
We headed back up to the campground and geared up to ride. We decided that Bryan, Brandon and I would ride down the hill to the <a href="http://www.stowe-village.com/BikePath/bikepath_map.html" target="_blank">Rec Path</a> and Jess would drive down with Dave. This way when the ride was over, we wouldn't have to ride our bikes up the hill on the road.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivd0awSH7V970spohy_uSdbM91DtjbsZTlaT6amxiZwF0stb_UbGkiz9KuzXZX4eEZr36URp697ctYMgux7ulumi0iidyWIGKsMrrrOW6l0aaXeW8PUmPrEMFwFqVyNog66WQG7ZBU8zg/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivd0awSH7V970spohy_uSdbM91DtjbsZTlaT6amxiZwF0stb_UbGkiz9KuzXZX4eEZr36URp697ctYMgux7ulumi0iidyWIGKsMrrrOW6l0aaXeW8PUmPrEMFwFqVyNog66WQG7ZBU8zg/s320/MTB+VT+August+2013+034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rec Path rock art.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After doing a few miles down the Rec Path, we cut into the trailhead across from the Catholic church where Bryan and April were married last fall.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-3l2IZ0vSN8vCQ4byogWeEQPcgokizIdGfk7sM_SIr5WDZNeAu0zJc4iVjnWnb0Wui0Rf-hPqACjgVj0akJFkv3fXEW0n3cADNdTQagNvW8uu8O0898WxYWyPPD1P1b59cvfEn8jku4/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-3l2IZ0vSN8vCQ4byogWeEQPcgokizIdGfk7sM_SIr5WDZNeAu0zJc4iVjnWnb0Wui0Rf-hPqACjgVj0akJFkv3fXEW0n3cADNdTQagNvW8uu8O0898WxYWyPPD1P1b59cvfEn8jku4/s320/MTB+VT+August+2013+035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailhead.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNsjTAvmIgzaaCGFkuftqhOfAyIr5uc3dd5rMjXu7BT5lpo60sCzJHwsgBq8w-MrqtOJ7ks05LhR9jObv1j2GrgngmVBvRXGszUXW2Okyutkrw9b6Ep1yx-g5_wJVGCIvOs6nNEj5JiM/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNsjTAvmIgzaaCGFkuftqhOfAyIr5uc3dd5rMjXu7BT5lpo60sCzJHwsgBq8w-MrqtOJ7ks05LhR9jObv1j2GrgngmVBvRXGszUXW2Okyutkrw9b6Ep1yx-g5_wJVGCIvOs6nNEj5JiM/s320/MTB+VT+August+2013+036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now with 100% less sugar-coating.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From the trailhead, we began to climb. A steady up for maybe a mile and a half. Part way through the section we came to the overlook on the Green Chair trail.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvdCd1cQYEJZK4l_h3kAFGiFv80lzPJ-2pPP0ic4ZrfgayLwSO77VOWBvWGUQSL-oKZB_Z1iKDyOT6v0rbbxrFoeB-t85vDPOhrt_gy3CYlNYIGbixcMTe4oXsF95yuXNG9VgWPFwA8w/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvdCd1cQYEJZK4l_h3kAFGiFv80lzPJ-2pPP0ic4ZrfgayLwSO77VOWBvWGUQSL-oKZB_Z1iKDyOT6v0rbbxrFoeB-t85vDPOhrt_gy3CYlNYIGbixcMTe4oXsF95yuXNG9VgWPFwA8w/s320/MTB+VT+August+2013+041.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey, that's not a quad!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Somewhere in the middle of this section, another rider came up on our tail. It
was none other than Scott Espey, the guy we had met at the iRide parking lot the evening before. I didn't expect to see him as our start
point wasn't what we had discussed. But I can't begin to tell you how
happy we were to see him. So nice to have someone who knows the trails riding with you.<br />
<br />
We quickly outlined what we hoped to see in Stowe. Sphincter would be nice, but it was closed. I guess Sphincter can't always be open. So we discussed wanting to get from Cady Hill (where we were) to the high school and then up Pipeline to Kimmers. We also discussed stopping into the Trapps' brewery for a beer. Scott let us know that Pipeline had been closed the week before as Trapps was blasting in preparation for a new brewery. We thought we'd try anyhow.<br />
<br />
So we finished up the lower trails at Cady Hill and then rode up Cady Hill Road to starting piecing our ride together. Cady Hill Road is a climb all the way and it dead ends into a trail which continues upward. This climb is brutal, ascending 300 feet in 0.6 miles. <br />
<br />
The climb is followed by a pretty nice descent that ends near the high school. Crossing the road, we determined Pipeline was not closed. This was my first time on this trail. And if I thought Cady Hill was climby, this made it look like an ant hill. It was switchbacked nicely, so there was that. Once we hit Trapps, we kept climbing all the way to Kimmers. Just shy of 1000 feet in about 4 miles. Yikes!<br />
<br />
It was at the top of Kimmers that we ran into a group of four riders about to head down. Lo and behold, it turned out that one of these guys, Jason Plouffe, was actually a transplant from our neck of the woods and knew several of the Bums.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-HrDFV9_LYsy7uWvrGLkfSvshiMEmtLPEXo7MCPDnTCCNlTWb_jrlHaF0A1Tav9UPE7HT5LJPN1cDYKos9TBCj4B8L7U3vnexaIhGtEHgfNj6wBmGXE3ZB2dR0XNEpyfYxtliMCsLFs/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-HrDFV9_LYsy7uWvrGLkfSvshiMEmtLPEXo7MCPDnTCCNlTWb_jrlHaF0A1Tav9UPE7HT5LJPN1cDYKos9TBCj4B8L7U3vnexaIhGtEHgfNj6wBmGXE3ZB2dR0XNEpyfYxtliMCsLFs/s400/MTB+VT+August+2013+045.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quintessential VT.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After chatting to Jason a bit, we headed down Kimmers after their group. Kimmers make you forget all that climbing and how. Nearly two miles of huge grins and hands cramped from hanging on so tight. Lots of fun stuff off the sides of the trails, too.<br />
<br />
After Kimmers we headed back up (yes, up) Hardy's Haul. Everyone was doing well. Dave's good-natured complaints about the climbs were becoming comical. All was right.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAm4H5J-NItKsZXaoWfxqsua5bkDYNiJegFK3hMQSkIjhOZMhs2H5EvnC15aoNs3jPkICNe8ehW79CNmzCVti38FwMlPcOqAdgAjPPpnq1JZMJKojVBC446b5QDINz-Ulm9RX1Thq2Sw/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAm4H5J-NItKsZXaoWfxqsua5bkDYNiJegFK3hMQSkIjhOZMhs2H5EvnC15aoNs3jPkICNe8ehW79CNmzCVti38FwMlPcOqAdgAjPPpnq1JZMJKojVBC446b5QDINz-Ulm9RX1Thq2Sw/s400/MTB+VT+August+2013+050.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outstanding bridge work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpujsIB3Sp3I9SGXOsFFsgthrYMUIGf9-EZjEKWRWbYRxZoGaJdC3m0uP7RB5d_5ykbSVKuVyWgvDObgLeND2VlM0ugzbR65Ap_d40iqtKVkx3qrezmHxYckd3oDf5wEd1GH2szbCrxCI/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpujsIB3Sp3I9SGXOsFFsgthrYMUIGf9-EZjEKWRWbYRxZoGaJdC3m0uP7RB5d_5ykbSVKuVyWgvDObgLeND2VlM0ugzbR65Ap_d40iqtKVkx3qrezmHxYckd3oDf5wEd1GH2szbCrxCI/s400/MTB+VT+August+2013+051.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotta stop surprising Dave on the bridges.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At the top of Hardy's we cut over to Trapps again, this time heading to the brewery in full cycling regalia. If you don't know Trapps, then I should take a minute to explain it is probably one of the most upscale establishments at Stowe. It's the place run by the Trapps from the Sound of Music. Simply spectacular.<br />
<br />
So maybe showing up in full cycling regalia is somewhat unorthodox. This may be the single-most self conscious I've ever felt in my bibs. Beer made it better though. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAEWLPiabvVZ_vj88b0jBOg5XLLi9btedatmYgUlBjzgbVAaLE92CTuxZgR4Z2W5ShaVWBuxt97lea1Qjiov505zIAcPrK6VCgD013bygT-jb2A4VUZF-nf8QOX8aUCKJCIV2BwkxaqY/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAEWLPiabvVZ_vj88b0jBOg5XLLi9btedatmYgUlBjzgbVAaLE92CTuxZgR4Z2W5ShaVWBuxt97lea1Qjiov505zIAcPrK6VCgD013bygT-jb2A4VUZF-nf8QOX8aUCKJCIV2BwkxaqY/s320/MTB+VT+August+2013+052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mid-ride beer!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dunkel!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbz-fK1m6rxcfQYJ8grU1T5UIEsKwbwVUXDtQihJSrDjTYvF5_S7tYxx-RxCccgdpTmiy1VNbRBsOSNDF3NgNdMIXkHk9ac5bOdRqlLPXIDFSP1jxjXlyyvnPhaxK2tg6znI1JxPzlkw/s1600/MTB+VT+August+2013+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbz-fK1m6rxcfQYJ8grU1T5UIEsKwbwVUXDtQihJSrDjTYvF5_S7tYxx-RxCccgdpTmiy1VNbRBsOSNDF3NgNdMIXkHk9ac5bOdRqlLPXIDFSP1jxjXlyyvnPhaxK2tg6znI1JxPzlkw/s320/MTB+VT+August+2013+057.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahhhhh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After probably the best mountain bike break in my life, we continued on our merrier way. From here that was most immediately down Pipeline. A fine chuckle was had by those slower than Brandon when we came across him lying in the bushes off the side of the trail. Probably not entirely due to the one beer we enjoyed, but maybe not unrelated.<br />
<br />
After Pipeline, we had a decision to make. Conversation was brief. It was time to head back to the cars and pick up somewhere for another beer.<br />
<br />
A few more miles of trail and rec path and we were out.<br />
<br />
All told, we did <a href="http://www.strava.com/activities/75778359" target="_blank">29.3 miles and nearly 3000' of climbing. </a><br />
<br />
A post-ride beer and some apps at O'Grady's and then a swim at a local swimming hole known to Scott rounded out the day beautifully.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Perry Hill Trails, Waterbury, VT </b></u><br />
<br />
Our last day, we packed up camp and headed down to Perry Hill in Waterbury. I'd been here a couple times before and was super looking forward to it. Especially since my last time I had my drivetrain blow up. <br />
<br />
As is the way with Waterbury, we headed into the trail and did a little climbing. Straight up. None of that pansy switchback stuff those so-called trail builders all over the rest of the state give you. No siree. Straight up. But only for a little while. Two miles. 734 feet. By the time we got to the top, we were all breathing like Dave Violette.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then we hit Joe's down. Lots of fun, but occasionally outside my technical skill comfort zone. The rest of the guys were eating it up, but I was definitely sloppy. Sloppy Joe's.<br />
<br />
After Joe's we came into something more to my liking. Campfire is a super fast, fun singletrack through mostly hardpack terrain. We just fell in and flew through these trails. We looped in long swoopy lines, slowly and steadily sliding down the slope. Sweeping smiles splashed across faces.<br />
<br />
At the bottom of Campfire we found ourselves most of the way back down the hill. Knowing we wanted to hit the other sets of trails off to the right of the climb, we soon found ourselves grinding grannies upward once more. This time a 700' climb over 2.5 miles. Yikes!<br />
<br />
The trails we were looking at this time were Permission, Burning Spear and Rastaman. As we started to descend, the trails again got pretty technical. I was feeling pretty good overall and was getting through <u><b>most</b></u> of it. <br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
This is where we almost lost Dave. The first instance (yes, there was more than one) occurred when he came up behind me on a bridge where I had stopped at the end looking at a drop that I had opted out of at the last second. I most assuredly would have been off the bridge on time, but Dave decided to handle it by going across the ravine without the bridge. Dave versus gravity. Gravity wins.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why does Dave look so small?</td></tr>
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Dave was mostly unharmed and still laughing, so we continued on. It was a short time later when we were following along a bench cut trail that was climbing and Dave stopped before a tree root system at the top. He put his left foot down only to find it wasn't terra firma underneath - just some sticks and leaves. Dave, as in shape as he may be, is too fat to be held up by sticks and leaves.<br />
<br />
I have seen many a fall over my nearly twenty years of mountain biking, but I have never seen a fall like this. All kidding aside, I must have yelled Dave's name three times while he continued to plummet head over teakettle straight down what was practically a cliff with his bike rolling along with him. Worst case I thought that Dave could have died. At the very least he would definitely have some serious broken bones.<br />
<br />
I was trying to figure out what I was going to tell his wife when I looked back down and saw movement. His fall was broken by a fallen tree about 25 - 30 feet down. And he was alive. Definitely banged up, but mostly whole. I hopped over the bank and scrambled down to see what assistance I could offer. About the best I could do was carry Dave's Pivot back up to the trail. I was literally lifting it straight over my head to get it on the trail. Holy big fall. <br />
<br />
Dave, with only a strained ankle to show for it, was still able to ride. He took one more less dramatic tumble off a lower bridge a little while later where he snapped the platform off his Crank Brothers Mallet pedal. It just wasn't Dave's day.<br />
<br />
We got to the end of Rastaman and Dave and Jess decided to pedal out while Brandon, Bryan and I went and hit Campfire one last time.<br />
<br />
All in all, we did 11.8 miles on Sunday and just about 2,000 feet of climbing. My legs were cooked!<br />
<br />
We headed over for a craft beer and a taco at the Blackback Pub and Mad Taco. Great end to a great trip!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super tacos!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So long, farewell!</td></tr>
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Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-6141728225297550462013-08-25T23:11:00.002-04:002013-08-26T06:45:11.309-04:00Treasure Valley Rally 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was abashedly uninvolved in the pre-TVR work this year. It just snuck up on me, even more so because I was on vacation the week leading into it. That said, I recall years' past thinking whatever help I offered must give me some good karma. Last year that good karma came in the form of a flat and an 8th place finish. Maybe if I were Buddhist?<br />
<br />
So this year I did manage to show up at 8 am and drink my coffee while watching Mike Tonry pound massive tent stakes into the ground. He's quite good at it. Almost as good as I am at drinking coffee. Everything in its place and all was right with the world. <br />
<br />
As race time drew near, I did actually help out by parking cars. It was pretty nice getting a chance to chat to the racers as they pulled in. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and spirits were generally high.<br />
<br />
About 30 minutes before go time, I wrapped up and headed over to grab my number and change up. My front brake, a mechanical disc, had been rubbing and driving me nuts. Just an occasional high pitch squeal. The kind that doesn't slow the wheel, but gets in your head and slows the motor. After fumbling with it and attempting to employ a local bike-shop boy hero to no avail, I asked Bill Dakai to look at it. Bill knows bikes. Problem solved. Thanks, Bill!!!<br />
<br />
I learned as we were about to start that numbers were down this year. We were 128 racers between the various classes today, but still ended up 14 deep in my Sport Vet II category. As usual, we were the largest group out there.<br />
<br />
After a quick pre-race meeting where Brett Russ explained each category's lap schematic, we were over to the staging area. I was able to have some pre-race banter with a bunch of guys I was racing against, including John Robertson and Colin Johannen. I didn't have an opportunity to pre-ride, so John was offering some advice on the new section of the course, which I greedily gobbled up. He then asked when the last time I was on the podium. I thought. And thought some more. All my thinking led me to realize I've never been on an EFTA series race podium. Hmm. That isn't very confidence-inducing. John makes me sad sometimes.<br />
<br />
After the Elites and Experts were off, the Sports went out. There were a couple of smaller and shorter in the tooth classes in front of us. I super liked the new staging layout. We queued up in the shade instead of the sun. Since we were waiting about 15 minutes by the time we got off, the shade was super-appreciated.<br />
<br />
One of the nice things about the start of the TVR is that the course follows some pretty wide open trail before funneling into the single track. Plenty of room to jockey for position so no need to kill oneself right out of the gate. A group of five or so of us went out in front, including me. Not my style. I usually play catch up, but today felt pretty good. Might have something to do with the inordinate amount of riding I had done on vacation. I had passed by John Robertson on the climb up the double track and took that as a good sign, since he showed me what was what at Stowe at my last race.<br />
<br />
By the time we hit the single track, there were only three guys in front of me. Colin, some guy I didn't know and Rich Blair. I was riding well and the course was in remarkable shape. There was a new little section of trail early on that was pretty fun. I was having a little trouble seeing with the sun filtering through the leaves onto unfamiliar terrain, but to no detriment to my race in the end. I followed a couple guys across the second stream crossing on a right side line I'd never seen before and it worked well for me.<br />
<br />
Then across North Field and the real climb began. As we climbed up the dirt road, I gained on Rich and eventually passed by him. I was in third! Hallelujah! Part way up the dirt road, a new trail cut into the right. Single track. It was a little soft, but much gentler than the dirt road climb. Plus singletrack trumps dirt road every time. Somewhere in here I passed by a guy with a flat. Wasn't sure who he was, but there was a <u>chance</u> he might have been the guy in my group I didn't recognize. Fingers crossed, I pressed on.<br />
<br />
John had warned me that Rich's Achilles' heel was his climbing. So it was no surprise when we hit Sampson's Pebble and started the descent that he caught up with me. I let him by and did my best to hang on to him, with some success. It was in the techy section of the downhill that we came up on the Expert women. The train of guys in front of me got through them together, I think, but I was far enough off the back that I didn't make it. Not too concerned because I knew the trail would open up shortly down at the pond and then have a wide climb back up to the Pebble.<br />
<br />
I made it by the Expert women, all of whom were looking strong and headed up the hill of suck back to the Pebble. I had forgotten how many separate climbs there were on the way up. Every time I thought it was over, there was yet another climb in front of me. Just brutal. But I put my nose down and climbed and climbed and climbed. And then I climbed some more.<br />
<br />
It was on this hill I got past Rich again. This yo-yo thing was interesting. Back and forth between third and fourth. Unless that other guy with the flat was out of it. Also passed a Vet I here - Joshua Barber, who I've seen out at every EFTA race I remember riding this year. Like Samson, I have the feeling that his strength comes from his hair. Crystal Gayle would be jealous.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah, Crystal Gayle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I finally made it up to the Pebble, soaked in a few encouraging words from the course marshals stationed there - Mike Tonry, Bill Dakai and Charlie Bradley, then headed into the technical stuff.<br />
<br />
I made a decent run through the rocks, but was passed again pretty quickly by Rich Blair. We were awash in a sea of Novice riders, who had cut out the descent to and climb back out of the pond. Most were great about moving as I approached, but not all, despite Brett's pre-race instructions. This is pretty much akin to putting a pace car in front of us. I quickly found myself riding Rich's wheel as we worked to gain passage by these riders. Rich was blunter than I would have been as we came up to a few riders, but his bluntness was nothing short of effective. Rich blundered once and I got by yet again.<br />
<br />
As we came to the rocky power line crossing, I was trying to ride across the top of the rocks, but a couple of others were walking it and walking up the only real line across. I tried to pass on a non-line, but it wasn't meant to be.<br />
<br />
After the power line there is a bunch of great single track with a smattering of tech sections and a couple short hills. I got caught up behind a Landry's guy and riders were piling up behind me through the singletrack at one point. I think it was Rich behind who was yelling at the Landry's guy to make way. He didn't for a long time though. I eventually got by and opened a gap.<br />
<br />
That gap was short-lived though. Within five minutes or so, I heard a rider coming on me. I was pretty sure it must be Rich. I pulled over to let him by and it was Rich, but he was still behind the Landry's guy. I let them both by and Rich then passed the Landry's guy. That was the last I saw of Rich. I knew he was ahead, as well as Colin. Unsure of the other guy.<br />
<br />
I eventually came out to the water and followed it back to the start/finish area. Still feeling pretty good, but definitely knew I had a tough lap under my belt with eight miles left to go.<br />
<br />
I passed through the start/finish and headed back out. This time I had to climb to the Pebble, but would skip the descent down to the pond and the climb back up. That was some consolation. As I crossed the streams and came out into the field, the marshals there - Russ Stearns, Pat Royer and Mike LaPlante - let me know I was coming up on Jim Nydam, a fellow Bum racing the Expert 50+ category. That gave me something to shoot for.<br />
<br />
Just as I was coming off the dirt road onto the singletrack, I caught a glimpse of Jim. I was gunning for him, but the incline and spongy conditions on the new singletrack were eating my lunch. Every time I would get close, Jim would pull away. As I came up to the Pebble, I still hadn't caught him.<br />
<br />
Because Jim was a glutton for punishment and signed up for the Expert race, he had to go back down to the pond. I happily turned away from the pond trail and headed into the technical single track. Right on Beaupre's tail. John had just done his second climb out of the pond and was still in front of me. And he came to the race recovering from a pretty serious injury. That just goes to further prove my theory that John Beaupre is not a human being. Maybe an android or alien or something. Or maybe he's one of those hologram people. Not quite sure yet. I'll keep you all posted.<br />
<br />
I hung onto John for a few minutes, but he opened up a gap that I could do absolutely nothing about. Nothing. Really. I was soon passed by another Expert racer. I'd just like to say how nice it was to get passed by this guy. I believe his exact words were, "How you doing? Could I get by when you have a chance?" Absolutely, friendly biker.<br />
<br />
After being passed by that racer, I entered the land of solo riding. I really like the point of the race when I can ride alone and do my own thing. I am more comfortable and usually ride better. I was feeling good that I couldn't see anyone behind. I was holding my 3rd or 4th place position.<br />
<br />
I did eventually come up on the Landry's rider and got by him, never to see him again. I was riding cleanly and well when I came to the power line crossing. This time there was a guy walking it again and I gave it a go again. I held the line and the hike-a-biker scooched. I cleared the whole thing and was stoked.<br />
<br />
I finished the race worried I would hear someone coming up on me, but no one ever did. The fear of it, though, made me ride it out pretty hard.<br />
<br />
After I crossed the finish line, I checked the results screen. THIRD PLACE!!!! My first ever EFTA series podium. I was beyond elated. Rich Blair had finished 58 seconds in front of me. Colin finished 4:49 in front of me. Glad to hear he's pushing to move up to Expert next year. He's been on fire. John Robertson ended up taking fourth, just 1:16 back. All in all a great race.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFP04UzpuMAglC6CKjhrx69uL3qVerkkayjMgtZtFO0HYy20qlBB6EuBrO7QSA5PlLzdA3aBNrW6yvKbvuiGu8JqFi6C9jglqJSpzKn4qqt4X2exPos8_RMdQv0M1ytGPWJaeSNysfh4E/s1600/TVR+2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFP04UzpuMAglC6CKjhrx69uL3qVerkkayjMgtZtFO0HYy20qlBB6EuBrO7QSA5PlLzdA3aBNrW6yvKbvuiGu8JqFi6C9jglqJSpzKn4qqt4X2exPos8_RMdQv0M1ytGPWJaeSNysfh4E/s640/TVR+2013+006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I earned a pallet position!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbV9nhFfaWdnSMwYHxl0ogyzNfo3QdlrBFBFbbp38qT_O1XG0oxlquUMPloTV_xfQWwRjTz_Dawh84AhPaPt8hN5K6-UOGEz_6LFGKJ6OrwjV8kL2Ey4iiNpgkvzYlPdPYpFNBWRAZVy0/s1600/TVR+2013+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbV9nhFfaWdnSMwYHxl0ogyzNfo3QdlrBFBFbbp38qT_O1XG0oxlquUMPloTV_xfQWwRjTz_Dawh84AhPaPt8hN5K6-UOGEz_6LFGKJ6OrwjV8kL2Ey4iiNpgkvzYlPdPYpFNBWRAZVy0/s320/TVR+2013+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A major award.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWadJ6-ojsgaTS8QxCq15MTZbR7B1Te5QOlJ1Nt9dZ0sCWmQiYZwCmnaUD5MznIWleioLF5j-rWZ8OcERjCvL5uXVkUyaL5M6hQcUEhvC4r9TqzjSLzRh839HyOjjvZFuNUKWQ1muxjE/s1600/TVR+2013+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWadJ6-ojsgaTS8QxCq15MTZbR7B1Te5QOlJ1Nt9dZ0sCWmQiYZwCmnaUD5MznIWleioLF5j-rWZ8OcERjCvL5uXVkUyaL5M6hQcUEhvC4r9TqzjSLzRh839HyOjjvZFuNUKWQ1muxjE/s640/TVR+2013+008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt Chandler takes 3rd in Expert Vet I.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAL3YYi_7CknCKDtGeUtS9VfoknX_ZniWiX7-gdEPS4OaiPZ4j6NqK-D6UePtkOIVXAci6QbniFBn_j32GAsXAtCqYie-DdJCH-i38fT0_wQdW_vD9ghCQVd3l3Or9qjRjulktJoroypE/s1600/TVR+2013+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAL3YYi_7CknCKDtGeUtS9VfoknX_ZniWiX7-gdEPS4OaiPZ4j6NqK-D6UePtkOIVXAci6QbniFBn_j32GAsXAtCqYie-DdJCH-i38fT0_wQdW_vD9ghCQVd3l3Or9qjRjulktJoroypE/s640/TVR+2013+011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaupre takes the silver.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FP82bXH5WQ1c7Q3eoLWVtE39gb87SjXCbUThtd5WT9tH3nYO9-pAW2D_cQkVls0wNrudx1ECpWckM0CuGo160F6Ty8T1t9WihJVHyWxWbj3Pw32WymMkEgkn3oXn_j1DKa0uHDVOyz0/s1600/TVR+2013+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FP82bXH5WQ1c7Q3eoLWVtE39gb87SjXCbUThtd5WT9tH3nYO9-pAW2D_cQkVls0wNrudx1ECpWckM0CuGo160F6Ty8T1t9WihJVHyWxWbj3Pw32WymMkEgkn3oXn_j1DKa0uHDVOyz0/s640/TVR+2013+026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alby and Modig take 4th and 5th, respectively.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmEdrXrQPH1JdJve305y8m_kO9v19lklfs5OR1ast8_QEOWHqYZoBC8eG-ar9y31znDTKRetrQ6xfJIzqJtAgjNZCKi8YYQ9-_fZrKspKsjwdj6RuSHfCiyg4atjZi3Ss6fIRpFgV_M8/s1600/TVR+2013+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmEdrXrQPH1JdJve305y8m_kO9v19lklfs5OR1ast8_QEOWHqYZoBC8eG-ar9y31znDTKRetrQ6xfJIzqJtAgjNZCKi8YYQ9-_fZrKspKsjwdj6RuSHfCiyg4atjZi3Ss6fIRpFgV_M8/s640/TVR+2013+027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potter wins and Liz Allen takes 3rd. She's so pissed, she's decided to stick her stomach out in protest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Additionally:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Max Beaupre wins the Junior Novice race over Scott Johannen by three seconds. That's right, three seconds! </li>
<li>Jim Nydam takes 8th in the Expert 50+ race.</li>
<li>John Miranda takes 1st in the Sport 50+ race, beating my time by nearly four minutes.</li>
<li>Don Greenwood takes 3rd under the nom de plume Jack Meough in the Clydesdale race. On a fat bike.</li>
<li>German Rob Schultz raced, but I think took the longer course when he should have taken the shorter. Not sure of his finish. </li>
</ul>
Here's the <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/365106245" target="_blank">GPS track</a>. <br />
<ul>
</ul>
Great race. Great weather. Great people. Great day. Thanks to everyone who made it happen! <br />
<br />
One more race left in the series. The All Out in Moody Park has been rescheduled to the end of September. Looking forward to it.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading.Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-23944266064176456152013-07-01T22:52:00.001-04:002013-07-01T22:52:14.470-04:00Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museum Epic Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAca00pAmD6MyqiwevNeCNe9tHGTLePg_T0xT5THj5as_lkkYS35DCP0QagjYsq4gP9A8vHIGvF4Krme6vZvQBdL7-dij7eA0l-5pthD8dm1r70TufHo_wFvOryJPPUjR0GjXIXfq2l8/s1600/Stowe+June+2013+076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAca00pAmD6MyqiwevNeCNe9tHGTLePg_T0xT5THj5as_lkkYS35DCP0QagjYsq4gP9A8vHIGvF4Krme6vZvQBdL7-dij7eA0l-5pthD8dm1r70TufHo_wFvOryJPPUjR0GjXIXfq2l8/s200/Stowe+June+2013+076.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8MoRAJixdC36fB30BltstFG60itLcOD17gOUmBsxcz_Qf0844vKWH14lelq0DVMpmP2JLLN_vp03_BtuA3A7X80dyTS3R3hMK04YgBBSt7wniaD0uSzvxZEnQaCu05xHseRSwuksO7s/s1600/Stowe+June+2013+077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8MoRAJixdC36fB30BltstFG60itLcOD17gOUmBsxcz_Qf0844vKWH14lelq0DVMpmP2JLLN_vp03_BtuA3A7X80dyTS3R3hMK04YgBBSt7wniaD0uSzvxZEnQaCu05xHseRSwuksO7s/s200/Stowe+June+2013+077.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOAsp9RG7lQqHh9ODs_F6bYnFD9Rv2wln_q1OVRJEyUgyaDvmLxffeNQnt6-7XHRZWmWLwao80eRGIHK0e6BJgDdl0vD6ay5uNGhtVfs5Jxuti9OTiZnnk8PjHESBIMZiqC5ErBmhHdY/s1600/Stowe+June+2013+084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOAsp9RG7lQqHh9ODs_F6bYnFD9Rv2wln_q1OVRJEyUgyaDvmLxffeNQnt6-7XHRZWmWLwao80eRGIHK0e6BJgDdl0vD6ay5uNGhtVfs5Jxuti9OTiZnnk8PjHESBIMZiqC5ErBmhHdY/s200/Stowe+June+2013+084.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Eight inches. That's how much rain Stowe has received in the past week. To put that in perspective, if it were snow, it'd be somewhere around six and a half feet. In a week.<br />
<br />
Like so many other racers, I watched all week. I watched as area trails slowly closed down. I watched as we kept getting promising reports from Trapps. I watched as the course was cut short from two 12.5 mile laps to two 7.5 mile laps the day before the race. And cutting out Kimmers.<br />
<br />
I was getting worried.<br />
<br />
We had decided to make a weekend of it. Cori, Harry and I took Friday off and headed up to Stowe. We spent the weekend eating great food, drinking great beer and hanging around with great friends.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAURGjehwhYUy-0LnnCycrlTS7hnOCvOo6vH2tkbJgkHPT4io-VTnv-BfOm52wdGb5383Yk1vlleG2n1lWBz3-k5gTkJJYnOFQtlDyWdTQUhJsupj1eKNi7mxH7HupPefPYQMDMLNtrw/s1600/Stowe+June+2013+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAURGjehwhYUy-0LnnCycrlTS7hnOCvOo6vH2tkbJgkHPT4io-VTnv-BfOm52wdGb5383Yk1vlleG2n1lWBz3-k5gTkJJYnOFQtlDyWdTQUhJsupj1eKNi7mxH7HupPefPYQMDMLNtrw/s320/Stowe+June+2013+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paton family ride down the Stowe Rec Path</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqaHYMLrr1PW7w_oUAvTsqXAKlRfJQ14-Brj-jOMZ73OvS_P-jrSZVMBybZFJLBp33pcuSHHK5od9mF0Wl01-nXLu7XFB9fMR6NxiW37EIUje4aZVBGgj4vR0eSSlwYkLBTtM9Dxa8n4/s1600/Stowe+June+2013+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqaHYMLrr1PW7w_oUAvTsqXAKlRfJQ14-Brj-jOMZ73OvS_P-jrSZVMBybZFJLBp33pcuSHHK5od9mF0Wl01-nXLu7XFB9fMR6NxiW37EIUje4aZVBGgj4vR0eSSlwYkLBTtM9Dxa8n4/s640/Stowe+June+2013+027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Cruz demo day at Cotton Brook</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjun-hl0Ux-_ohrXUnYhvsNYzJdj7sk8Y528AZ6tEu5u8-r74Vu-U9uFmpgmoPkzm9uymtbvCa9mPPQsmTO2CpFp5aj7Fj_w1PiT8SCOyjwmuqyY3NI57oIZJ4dzsL9iw9ZCoLrcJ_Gbiw/s1600/Stowe+June+2013+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjun-hl0Ux-_ohrXUnYhvsNYzJdj7sk8Y528AZ6tEu5u8-r74Vu-U9uFmpgmoPkzm9uymtbvCa9mPPQsmTO2CpFp5aj7Fj_w1PiT8SCOyjwmuqyY3NI57oIZJ4dzsL9iw9ZCoLrcJ_Gbiw/s200/Stowe+June+2013+025.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max falling in love with full suspension. Notice the air under the tires.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdghXMct_uY2ttuVpLEneNO6rDMlrceMlwH8kJty1VWCS3HDX393SCGXGE1PYav8y6eRZDe8NIyHZ_nwOeAoQPpbu77lrr5aPjumqlepyTF9kNNWAX3HzBIz1dp-jgr7lFreqKCt_XuM/s1600/Stowe+June+2013+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdghXMct_uY2ttuVpLEneNO6rDMlrceMlwH8kJty1VWCS3HDX393SCGXGE1PYav8y6eRZDe8NIyHZ_nwOeAoQPpbu77lrr5aPjumqlepyTF9kNNWAX3HzBIz1dp-jgr7lFreqKCt_XuM/s200/Stowe+June+2013+035.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The burger the fine folks from Santa Cruz grilled me.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQT_zjwWsaj-rJy9j8AHYUM5mM9KfEA_cHkpqgBgVMHumDle_Q90TPhDx16faTs_-Nz2FEP5qxfTX4KjA0zUiNJzXTtwfupuPASbqeBkPDvtUd2Eea35fPNII1UyY30JSVsswlEZU5Zk/s1600/Stowe+June+2013+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQT_zjwWsaj-rJy9j8AHYUM5mM9KfEA_cHkpqgBgVMHumDle_Q90TPhDx16faTs_-Nz2FEP5qxfTX4KjA0zUiNJzXTtwfupuPASbqeBkPDvtUd2Eea35fPNII1UyY30JSVsswlEZU5Zk/s320/Stowe+June+2013+038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini golf at the Sun and Ski Inn</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEWUVLiAaPPy25FtDFDCeYx7I3TxUHCQ3tLiDQCbbPoN3Z3YgLRGg3KA7YFOWRHSnNkXI3v4Eyz_D-u01XsGTd_are8p2oB-MP6t0IQ1pTo2b_xvjyIAwn_qA4ARQxWRPYOitPwCQgmA/s1600/Stowe+June+2013+059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEWUVLiAaPPy25FtDFDCeYx7I3TxUHCQ3tLiDQCbbPoN3Z3YgLRGg3KA7YFOWRHSnNkXI3v4Eyz_D-u01XsGTd_are8p2oB-MP6t0IQ1pTo2b_xvjyIAwn_qA4ARQxWRPYOitPwCQgmA/s200/Stowe+June+2013+059.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bingham Falls was RAGING!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbows were a dime a dozen.</td></tr>
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I arrived at the venue around 8:30 Sunday morning. It had rained like hell when we were stupidly walking back to Cove's condo from Bingham Falls Saturday evening and again on and off throughout the night, but Sunday was clear. Sunny and warm. Maybe even a wee bit hot.<br />
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I grabbed my number and went out for a short warm up and reconnoiter. The mile and a quarter I did was a mixed bag. The grassy areas that were wet were really tough to push through, but the single track had some promise.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-v115dqPeuygXqvbLmZg0htXNgeQeMV6Y9vos5fc3UZ0IQjRMZJShXRzKWxH5ZLTUpbcUwfumHC8bRHvfz-Cz2GrZ5biwRfOK6jjSKFAA4gWHTGB_-oTPHOqfTUqavgJIN5lGFZJUiJk/s1600/Stowe+June+2013+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-v115dqPeuygXqvbLmZg0htXNgeQeMV6Y9vos5fc3UZ0IQjRMZJShXRzKWxH5ZLTUpbcUwfumHC8bRHvfz-Cz2GrZ5biwRfOK6jjSKFAA4gWHTGB_-oTPHOqfTUqavgJIN5lGFZJUiJk/s320/Stowe+June+2013+071.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sporting my brandy new DAS jersey. Must be pre-race - you can still see it.</td></tr>
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After a quick racer meeting, we were queuing up and heading out. Elites, experts, sports, novice and clydesdales. All within ten minutes of each other.<br />
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Potter and Beaupre heading out</div>
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Sporty Start</div>
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Beriau Start</div>
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Max beating a bunch of grown ups off the line</div>
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The first two miles were a pretty steady climb. Some fire road and a super section of switchbacky, gradual climbing. Then another mile of singletrack descent before hitting the real climb. Some singletrack that was in mostly good shape, although some of the corners were REALLY muddy. We were already spread out by this point, so most of the dabs I had through here (although not all) were my own doing.<br />
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The killer was when you started climbing the wide grassy trail. I climbed this trail last year while up at Stowe when it was dry and it was brutal. Had I not seen them for myself, I would not even begin to fathom how muddy the conditions were. I did my best to push up it, but in the end, wound up pushing up it. This particular climb, all told, was about 500' in 1.5 miles.<br />
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Once we peaked, we hit an equally grassy, wet downhill. It was so wet I wouldn't have been surprised to see a fish swim by. It was actually hard to gain speed, even downhill. But whatever speed I did get was great for flinging mud all over me. I quickly gave into this mud flinging and eventually came out on some harder pack double track. Well, mostly harder pack. It was peppered with crazy mud bogs. It was here I learned to stay with the flowing water. While obviously deeper, it was much more likely to have a firm base. The stuff to the sides of the flowing water was just wheel-sucking, foot-mucking, mother-loving mud. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the drier sections</td></tr>
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After this, a quick trip down Haul Road before heading down a crazy, everlasting switchbacked singletrack. Lots of places to play, but not without a loss of time. This trail was awesome!<br />
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A grueling, wet climb back to the Trapp's and lap one was done. I would be lying if I said I didn't think about dropping out part way up that climb on lap one, but I headed back out for round two.<br />
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The ascents were a little tougher. The descents a little less fun. The mud a little deeper. The head game a little tougher. I walked up more of the grassy singletrack, but didn't lose all that much time to the guy grinding up it in front of me.<br />
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On the way back down my front tire started doing its own thing in the mud. Its thing, as it turns out is sliding sideways and then sliding out from under me. I was down. The good news is mud is really soft. Back up, turn the handlebars back around and start heading down. There was a corner onto the hardpack just in front of me and it was here I realized front brakes were a think I used to have. The super awesome downhill was going to be super interesting. <br />
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Before I got there though, I had to get through the mud pits. I was very happy with my performance through here. Somehow ground it out and got by a rider who was sloshing through like some sort of hiker.<br />
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As we hit the downhill after though he passed me. And then another guy. Rear brakes only really took me out of my comfort zone. I did still make it down just a few seconds slower than my first lap time and without dying. So there's that.<br />
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On the final climb I managed to pass a couple more riders. I think one was in my age division. <br />
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Total time for me was 1:55:20, placing me a very mediocre 9th out of 14 finishers. It was a tough place to end, but it was a tough race. Today I can honestly say that just finishing was an accomplishment in itself. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhEWYUtkxAag9upm2xjPKst0iJ1jviSiioREgmsTDOLg40N5WyKsM28j9GLBwm5798uo4Z1wu6UDoMIwXUd56CLgabW6RPiJhUrOrw698UdU28IGh3aet_gHpIBegGmQkEfaU9FihUKA/s1600/Stowe+June+2013+101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhEWYUtkxAag9upm2xjPKst0iJ1jviSiioREgmsTDOLg40N5WyKsM28j9GLBwm5798uo4Z1wu6UDoMIwXUd56CLgabW6RPiJhUrOrw698UdU28IGh3aet_gHpIBegGmQkEfaU9FihUKA/s640/Stowe+June+2013+101.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little bit muddy.</td></tr>
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In friend news, Karen Potter won the elite female race. John Beaupre won the master expert division. Max won the novice junior. <br />
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Other than myself in Sport vet II, Colin Johannen took third. I'm growing more and more impressed. And John Robertson opened a can of whoop ass on me, taking 6th and besting my time by about five minutes. Brian Spring finished the race (just finishing was an accomplishment in itself).<br />
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Chris Beriau, apparently the only one with a shred of intelligence, did the smart thing and dropped out part way through.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFM4ISNfsjbm13yNjrELtFHLoTJKs2a6m27jBLzG8sm7X7b36BRDFm1dTPI_Y_rR2OnA0Jev_YkiHsFmXU6TDYTQvriXC60DQo0l2aCEmGsM6P_BcbeYvVOpNMOvxLQcpVLqnXUvwsgFo/s1600/Stowe+June+2013+107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFM4ISNfsjbm13yNjrELtFHLoTJKs2a6m27jBLzG8sm7X7b36BRDFm1dTPI_Y_rR2OnA0Jev_YkiHsFmXU6TDYTQvriXC60DQo0l2aCEmGsM6P_BcbeYvVOpNMOvxLQcpVLqnXUvwsgFo/s320/Stowe+June+2013+107.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little bit cleaner.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlmdBgxajN72AOdWKymckKmtKybJ8ZjpGhVRkmpoz3goOI8GUlp25nnnqI51H46S86scqI6xCwHE2j_4UI2zAYlMD0m_Ndx9rNihZQf1jPMOJBH_59BPS1qxTNLki7Dm7PHkncVsIKKQ/s1600/Stowe+June+2013+112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlmdBgxajN72AOdWKymckKmtKybJ8ZjpGhVRkmpoz3goOI8GUlp25nnnqI51H46S86scqI6xCwHE2j_4UI2zAYlMD0m_Ndx9rNihZQf1jPMOJBH_59BPS1qxTNLki7Dm7PHkncVsIKKQ/s320/Stowe+June+2013+112.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whole lotta muddy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJ_IhafjfC8MlAYdevoIk8ovLvELxemNGt6ucComIY6MxKp5qAMDK8bu4GaSkg87wYvjjY72zsx5BoBYmpINsITX6Y8dXzb5SPgi4xNIhge5ewmKyVcbtPIUt9b7Tnh-KNHojlMQDtS8/s1600/Stowe+June+2013+122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJ_IhafjfC8MlAYdevoIk8ovLvELxemNGt6ucComIY6MxKp5qAMDK8bu4GaSkg87wYvjjY72zsx5BoBYmpINsITX6Y8dXzb5SPgi4xNIhge5ewmKyVcbtPIUt9b7Tnh-KNHojlMQDtS8/s320/Stowe+June+2013+122.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Congrats to Colin Johannen, taking third in Sport Vet II!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking fairly familiar.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCvt9zkby5PjZYSpqv_oxaIPBKegbXbRin_73vvyZMw_Fljd0S9UvvfntRZbr4eb3FqAXasYTvjTXEvP4Gi-oCbCVBWYuEhGazFOCockDYDRpsrrcB7G45eeg0zTzPX557bnJiLXyzrs/s1600/Stowe+June+2013+133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCvt9zkby5PjZYSpqv_oxaIPBKegbXbRin_73vvyZMw_Fljd0S9UvvfntRZbr4eb3FqAXasYTvjTXEvP4Gi-oCbCVBWYuEhGazFOCockDYDRpsrrcB7G45eeg0zTzPX557bnJiLXyzrs/s400/Stowe+June+2013+133.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potter podium picture? Perchance pedestrian?</td></tr>
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All in all, a great weekend. Look forward to hitting those trails again sometime when they're dry. Thanks to all at the Trapp Family Lodge, EFTA and the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum for making this race happen, despite the obvious obstacles. <br />
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Here's the<a href="http://app.strava.com/activities/63936054"> Strava track</a>.<br />
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Still deciding whether I'll make the Moody park race next week. It's a long haul from New Fairfield, CT, where I'll be for most of the long weekend. Time will tell.<br />
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Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />Rob "Pedaler-in-Chief" Patonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17796305099576717360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-30467385288677865972013-05-19T20:54:00.005-04:002013-05-20T22:03:51.753-04:00Glocester Grind 2013 Race RecapWell, the <a href="http://www.efta.com/content/view/36/48/" target="_blank">2013 Glocester Grind</a> is in the books. The chatter on the Interwebs before the race was all about how dry it was going to be compared to years past. Last year was a deluge of biblical proportions the day before the race. It was so crazy muddy. Today should really probably have been named the Gobi Grind.<br />
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So I woke up at 5:30 this morning as I've been doing for the several weeks. My god-damned cat can't seem to kill those flippin', squawking blue jays. Anyhow, I somehow managed to drift in and out of sleep for another two hours, which is unheard of.<br />
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Out of bed at 7:30 am. Rested and ready. Feeling like a million bucks. <br />
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I decided to get to the race earlier today and doing a full lap pre-ride. Great idea! I'd know the shape the course was in and warm up the ol' gams. Today, I was a race genius. Only problem was once I arrived I learned that they weren't allowing folks to pre-ride because the novices were already on the course. Doh!<br />
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Speaking of which though, I did catch the eensiest-weensiest glimpse of Max Beaupre heading in for his race. He had two laps in the novice category and we were all hoping for good things for him. He's been riding crazy strong. Mad strong. Mad Max.<br />
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One thing I noticed in the parking lot is that I'm definitely in the right sport.<br />
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It's like two whole worlds there, what with the eight Elements and all. For a minute I thought I was in Burlington, VT. Geesh. <br />
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Another thing that was pretty cool was the number of people I knew racing Glocester. It's stupid close to my house. Less than 12 miles as the crow flies, but since I'm not a crow, it was more like 17 miles. Still exponentially better than my next race in NH, 121 miles away. This close to home, all the racers I knew were out - Potter, Beaupre (x2), Segenchuk, Spring, Modig, Dunn, Beriau, Simoes, Chandler, Allen, Nydam, Miranda and all sorts of other racers I've gotten to know as of late. Even <a href="http://www.bikect.com/about/about-the-owner-pg56.htm" target="_blank">Donnie Dauphinais</a> was there. I couldn't turn around without saying hi to someone.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNihays4xQVcuYYwYOz4G8nDgmArY0os6fR7VMroVkmG0cdVEkvQhJZDxIk36oIWdeXxGBajoylj9u932eacxC__EfwCskV5k-Fhg1tqEJ6l0-XrZMPAL5mjLWoTKSle1yAtFUh-c4W_0/s1600/Glocester+Grind+2013+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNihays4xQVcuYYwYOz4G8nDgmArY0os6fR7VMroVkmG0cdVEkvQhJZDxIk36oIWdeXxGBajoylj9u932eacxC__EfwCskV5k-Fhg1tqEJ6l0-XrZMPAL5mjLWoTKSle1yAtFUh-c4W_0/s320/Glocester+Grind+2013+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race Karen Potter</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race John Robertson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWheJ3CbovpRVv8Qu_WMPJbyAPdo_YA_9mZO67GIFKyFbrUdtNq4Vzl5ALYdxvOvCVRcXQYrW_NtFi3Af1LrkNO2o6XV8FIv0jyu7dGPYc8XdcFgzhKUiYGNb_oCRjF3t1nuYEZ-iteA/s1600/Glocester+Grind+2013+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWheJ3CbovpRVv8Qu_WMPJbyAPdo_YA_9mZO67GIFKyFbrUdtNq4Vzl5ALYdxvOvCVRcXQYrW_NtFi3Af1LrkNO2o6XV8FIv0jyu7dGPYc8XdcFgzhKUiYGNb_oCRjF3t1nuYEZ-iteA/s320/Glocester+Grind+2013+019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race Jim Nydam</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvampU64XzeyosomKXufev3YVOf_ubEthuZ-LSXal2nOFT5HGDDyzPzZAG30gzaqj22hm25cBAMkRi9fCztmWSTZf0ISmVlxUv_c9-RiMy_u2eoJXJdtsM4uOtr4ySCL10j73B-vN0MkU/s1600/Glocester+Grind+2013+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvampU64XzeyosomKXufev3YVOf_ubEthuZ-LSXal2nOFT5HGDDyzPzZAG30gzaqj22hm25cBAMkRi9fCztmWSTZf0ISmVlxUv_c9-RiMy_u2eoJXJdtsM4uOtr4ySCL10j73B-vN0MkU/s320/Glocester+Grind+2013+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian and I grabbing some pointers from Max after he grabs first.</td></tr>
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So I happened to be around when the racers meeting went off and stayed to listen. Along with at least six other people. There was nothing new to hear. Sport and Expert, three laps. Elites, four. Drier than usual. Still some muddy spots.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoz8SBtMWmLuR3Ji9KOSDnDQ3qlUPobuhN0363xE_W5zSFOcfFIpAb1YXsbqd5FvL_bnWRrX0kxi3e29Fw2w-MZO3bsyBxLQEB76xBWt-ACxYdNRuP9tAOQEBtGDbCb7fEWeMr8HZUS4/s1600/Glocester+Grind+2013+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoz8SBtMWmLuR3Ji9KOSDnDQ3qlUPobuhN0363xE_W5zSFOcfFIpAb1YXsbqd5FvL_bnWRrX0kxi3e29Fw2w-MZO3bsyBxLQEB76xBWt-ACxYdNRuP9tAOQEBtGDbCb7fEWeMr8HZUS4/s400/Glocester+Grind+2013+021.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donnie attentively listens to the pre-race meeting. Not really.</td></tr>
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After the racers meeting, I was able to hand the camera over to Cori to capture all of the action. She was happy to have Regis Murphy (Chandler's better half) to hang around with for the duration of the race.<br />
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At 11 am, we began to queue up. And literally before I knew what was going on, someone said go. And we were off. The course was the same as last year, riding clockwise for what we were told was 5.35 miles per lap. I was measuring 4.75 on the GPS, so 5.35 wheel-measured seems likely.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyc-yC0EmvhXfujmbB6JHK_TV-q_9YDKSiZAtpMOQbvnoN_zQeTCFEuDKUzmkZFPN8G7UmK3F59L2wCzNYOEQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Expert Master Start (Beaupre and Nydam)</div>
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Sport Vet II Start (that's me, if you wait long enough) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAkoHfw16CmspAAYaiaAJA6LxlAmLWEYVr5gU1FlsdE3TdmRRT4fOyFnIBNnjoRyvzLFOannJtEXimgmD7uV937trinAy13tAvLZhVVW0C7Ta_VOiKsqSufFg8_jzTZGfXFW5AJx36SU/s1600/Glocester+Grind+2013+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAkoHfw16CmspAAYaiaAJA6LxlAmLWEYVr5gU1FlsdE3TdmRRT4fOyFnIBNnjoRyvzLFOannJtEXimgmD7uV937trinAy13tAvLZhVVW0C7Ta_VOiKsqSufFg8_jzTZGfXFW5AJx36SU/s400/Glocester+Grind+2013+030.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt Chandler start - he looks slower because it's a still photo.</td></tr>
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Unlike some other races, this course heads straight into some rooty, rutted trail. Not a roadie course. Not a cross course. A real mountain bike course. Less the mountain, of course. What the course designers missed in elevation, they made up for in rocks, roots and mud.<br />
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Oh, remember that Gobi Grind comment earlier. Never mind about the Gobi Grind. I've often heard Jay Peak was in its own climate zone. Jay is not alone. Apparently it rained 40 days and 40 nights in Glocester leading up to the race. At least that is how muddy it was. Really?<br />
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The course starts twisting and turning through a pine forest. Tricky roots, but rideable. I was, as per my custom, still a little slow out of the gate. Maybe 8th of 16 into the woods, but within the first 1/4 mile had gotten by someone who had dabbed on the roots. Stupid sport racer! I was feeling great. Until I slipped on a root maybe 30 seconds later. Stupid sport racer!<br />
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Really though, I was quickly falling into a solid pace and riding some solid technical. Early on I did get caught up following another guy who took a turn wide and botched it. Some jerk got by on the left. I think he was with ZZ Top. Oh wait, it was Brian Spring. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPovoYcklwpjBf6fkw05UCtYvAzlrnxR7svbCRsOUiX3S2wEEIvyZr4rNlfNZPcz2kvvUdYxEzxhTDGcxmraeGy0nEk-iYsxYXpAiqcnkq7Ctz6P9fhrseI_CAOzxsa5qpWOVkc-sCSE/s1600/ZZ+Top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPovoYcklwpjBf6fkw05UCtYvAzlrnxR7svbCRsOUiX3S2wEEIvyZr4rNlfNZPcz2kvvUdYxEzxhTDGcxmraeGy0nEk-iYsxYXpAiqcnkq7Ctz6P9fhrseI_CAOzxsa5qpWOVkc-sCSE/s200/ZZ+Top.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcEy6MzLuaKFCOhFggZH_76GyPc-5PHy6nx5tGxi3r1dWpztVpapPky0Dj8RrdNc1jZRjVDrGN-gL_3Tmv3hGIF_qrCZbXtaYX0WxbzpunnhrW7RzN74j9967peRwOd_Xg4AMz1onxus/s1600/Spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcEy6MzLuaKFCOhFggZH_76GyPc-5PHy6nx5tGxi3r1dWpztVpapPky0Dj8RrdNc1jZRjVDrGN-gL_3Tmv3hGIF_qrCZbXtaYX0WxbzpunnhrW7RzN74j9967peRwOd_Xg4AMz1onxus/s200/Spring.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
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I regained that position pretty soon after and then came up to the bridge that last year was before the big winding mud pit. This year the bridge was not so great. It was a pair of parallel planks, except they were anything but intact at the entrance, trying to force wheels into a crack up the middle. I made it across the first two times and got caught up my third lap. After the bridge though, the trail just hit a little of the omnipresent mud before veering off last year's course and around the majority of the mud.<br />
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Cori was at her tried and true photo shoot place as I came up to the sharp rock climb. This year, without rain having made the roots raking the rock unrideable, I climbed up and over with the greatest of ease.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climb stupid sport rider, climb!</td></tr>
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By the time I'd finished the first half lap, I had gained a handful of spots and was comfortably tailing Colin Johannen. As it turned out, Colin and I spent a fair share of the day together. Quite nice actually. He's pretty personable for a redhead.<br />
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That first half had a number of tricky rock gardens. Big rocks with a little space between them. Often not big enough to get a wheel through. Some tried to deceive you into fitting your wheel through, but if you looked a little more carefully, you'd see you couldn't fit a wheel and a derailleur through. So you went over if you could, around if you couldn't go over and walked if all else failed.<br />
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Speaking of walking, I was really happy with my hike-a-bike sections today. I grabbed the bike by the rear shock and ran most of these places. While I've been doing a fair share of trail running, I've been admittedly remiss in doing it in Shimano shoes, carrying a 30 pound bike through mud pits. I think I'll practice more for that next year.<br />
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The second half of the course was tougher than the first. Early on there is a stream crossing with a bridge to the left side, but I learned last year from Pete Dunn that the line was through the stream on the right. The bridge was a trap. The on/off bridge access was waiting to throw you from your bike. I streamed it all three laps. <br />
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The second half also included numerous other rock gardens and crazy mud pits. There was one unavoidable mud pit which sprayed mud everywhere. I was coated up to the bottom of my bike shorts and then some. The best was when you finally hit dry ground and picked up some speed and the mud started flying off your wheels EVERYWHERE. You quickly learned to breathe through your nose in these spots.<br />
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As always, the bridge dropping you into the mud pit was waiting for us all three laps. Here's a video I took after I had finished up. It's a little funny. Unless you're Cait Dooley. But don't worry about her. She was fine.<br />
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And right after that was a mud pit.<br />
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Followed by another mud pit leading into a stream crossing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_vPnzvLIS0Lt5laHmMe2kNqYQKZHFd-m_6wKflb_MIdt4FGrrhkS_w42yLebQoXoX07rI0LXIyHb8OnFgttPbByFDR92V_Y0xy9iOv74o7tHY50xCdscmzjKtA32abmDIX50ZH6LAJg/s1600/Glocester+Grind+2013+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_vPnzvLIS0Lt5laHmMe2kNqYQKZHFd-m_6wKflb_MIdt4FGrrhkS_w42yLebQoXoX07rI0LXIyHb8OnFgttPbByFDR92V_Y0xy9iOv74o7tHY50xCdscmzjKtA32abmDIX50ZH6LAJg/s640/Glocester+Grind+2013+050.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liz Chabot Allen hits it with wild abandon.</td></tr>
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After that a quick trip back to the start/finish and then out for another lap.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6dOeJQmacB3R8hS8EkKM0jxGK4oBusgwq4hzFez3Hp6FsRtHA3CRqM__ofH3yK_HrcIr2akWBpWiGhftiWvPBxLKlog-7N698nzMbh83n9QvCtSOqi40057wNjDhci9GCJKPlF2JWBM/s1600/Glocester+Grind+2013+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6dOeJQmacB3R8hS8EkKM0jxGK4oBusgwq4hzFez3Hp6FsRtHA3CRqM__ofH3yK_HrcIr2akWBpWiGhftiWvPBxLKlog-7N698nzMbh83n9QvCtSOqi40057wNjDhci9GCJKPlF2JWBM/s320/Glocester+Grind+2013+044.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One down.</td></tr>
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I had lost Colin somewhere in the second lap, but caught up to him again heading through the first half of the second lap. I kept catching glimpses of him. When I finally caught up to him he was cursing like a sailor. The rock garden was having a little fun with him for a few minutes. I got by again for a little bit a few minutes later, but that pass was short-lived. Colin was riding his new Hei-Hei like a rock star.<br />
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I also kept catching glimpses of John Robertson somewhere behind me. Not sure how close though. <br />
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I passed a couple of guys lap #2, but was only sure one was in my group. #218 - Sean Godley. It's hard to look back at number plates to see if other folks are in your group. After I had gotten by Sean, I passed Colin again in the expansive clear cut region as he was tightening his handlebars. Before I was very far both he and Sean were chasing though and I was getting worried. I held Sean off and started gapping on him, but wasn't long before Colin was back by me again.<br />
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The last lap was pretty uneventful. I was riding alone a lot more, had changed places back and forth with Colin one more time, but lost him on the clear cut never to be seen again.<br />
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I finished the three laps in 1:44:38, good enough for sixth place, or so I thought. I caught up with some other folks and took in their experiences on the course. All positive. Beaupre had crashed pretty hard, tearing his knee up pretty good, but still had a great race.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJplJuDZngoq1JoyOyZHpw03HSRNmWazI8mdPkbJjxCEiZVZJiZ1hphPXtK-fOeUIfzbqoKIwEFZ1NULKsnbP-OJoizuMcwCvgz_-9WFyuiq_OlJCbwvi3SK91vl1H6DYbjL_rzstY0Y/s1600/Glocester+Grind+2013+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJplJuDZngoq1JoyOyZHpw03HSRNmWazI8mdPkbJjxCEiZVZJiZ1hphPXtK-fOeUIfzbqoKIwEFZ1NULKsnbP-OJoizuMcwCvgz_-9WFyuiq_OlJCbwvi3SK91vl1H6DYbjL_rzstY0Y/s640/Glocester+Grind+2013+046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the Bums representing at the Grind.</td></tr>
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When they posted the paper results I heard the guy who took first in my age group saying that he should have been Vet I (30 - 39 years old). That moved me up into fifth. For my third fifth place finish this year. I was 4:45 out of first, 1:35 per lap. I was pretty happy with that.<br />
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Lots of folks I knew did great. Here are the results from Sport/Expert/Elite.<br />
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All in all, another great day at the Grind. But not dry. If cleanliness is next to godliness, I'm pretty sure I was riding with the devil. I was not clean in so many ways.<br />
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Next up? Pinnacle Challenge on Father's Day. And a 5K next weekend in Waterloo, NY, my hometown and birthplace of Memorial Day.Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-42946469558253560672013-05-16T22:08:00.000-04:002013-05-16T22:08:44.051-04:00Cunningham Park, Queens, NYWhen I think mountain biking, I think Queens, right? Um, no. For me, Queens elicits images of endless blocks of houses filled with Bunkers and Meatheads.<br />
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Little did I know.<br />
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I spent last week in Garden City, NY, on business and brought my mountain bike with me with the hope of locating something akin to mountain biking in Long Island. The way I figured it, mountain bikers are the best people in the world, so it stands to reason
Long Island mountain bikers are the best people in Long Island. I should get with them. <br />
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With almost no searching, I came across the <a href="http://www.climbonline.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=57" target="_blank">Concerned Long Island Mountain Bikers (CLIMB) website</a>. And before I knew it, I had SO MANY mountain bike trails at my disposal. <br />
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Having arrived on the Island Monday and worked the afternoon and still not checked in to the hotel, I decided to ride the closest place I could find. And that was Cunningham Park in Queens.<br />
<br />I was, as I think I may have already expressed, a little circumspect. Queens? Mountain biking? No! I left the office, fought traffic for 40 minutes to get 10 miles and found myself at Cunningham Park. I was parked along the street with ball fields all around. Hmm? I recall the website mentioned black diamonds. Did they mean baseball diamonds? Crazy Long Islanders!<br />
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So I stripped in my Element, as is my wont. Less good idea in Queens than in Sutton. Seems to be more pedestrian traffic trying to sneak a peek. Having successfully maintained my privacy, I pulled my Gary Fisher Hi-Fi from my car and started riding up the sidewalk with a map tucked in my spandex. <br />
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I looked here. I looked there. Everywhere. But was having a hell of a time finding a trail. The park was bisected in on direction by 73rd Ave and the other way by the Clearview Expressway. Poking around was not working, so against my better man-stincts, I swallowed my pride and pulled out the map. After consulting some feller who had no idea about any mountain biking trails, I hit him up for basic directions to get a handle on the map. Knowing the direction of the LIE, I now had enough reference points to figure out the map and was off. <br />
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If you go, the answer is to park as close to the intersection of 210th St and 67th Ave. That is the trailhead.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Promised Land</td></tr>
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I met up with a guy from Philly as I was about to head in. He had just finished up riding, but explained the layout. Go in and take the first left. It's a directional trail, so that was really the only option. He told me the trail would be blue, but wherever I saw a black diamond, I should take it and it would go through some cool terrain before dropping me right back on the blue. So easy even Bryan Quach could ride it without getting lost.<br />
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And I was off. The trail was firm, hard-packed dirt. Super firm, super grippy. It was immediately obvious countless tires had been over it. And that it might be the best maintained trail system I've ever ridden. It kind of felt like going to the zoo. Or Disney. Where everything looks real. But you know it's man-made. Lots of obstacles. All rideable. <br />
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The course twisted and turned, making great use of limited space. And the black diamond offshoots were tons of fun. They were challenging without being impossible. Flowy and fast with some log piles -- some of which were optional, others which weren't. About halfway through the east side loop, I came across a wide open area with a whole mess of dirt jumps and a nice skinny up the middle.<br />
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After this the trail headed on along the Clearview, often coming within 10 - 20 yards of the nutzo traffic. While you wouldn't think it relaxing riding almost in rush hour traffic, it was somehow very peaceful, knowing it was right there and I was right where I was. I passed by a pedestrian overpass arching the Clearview as the trail seemed to keep going on the east side. A lot more great stuff. Strategically placed logs and obstacles that made you want to go back and hit them again. Not bony. Not too rooty. Just some solid mountain biking. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyFLHVLYwgFlxcYWrNUb1MBw07Rv9qrHRzf8BK1W65C_XdD6Sr7UwpTVDFLU7Me6JgCoMW2xxUOEbgJxTq9sQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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The trail, after about three miles, came back to the beginning. I still had some daylight to burn so I hit it again with an eye on crossing the pedestrian bridge over the Clearview. I cruised through the first half of the east side, this time making much better time and enjoying hitting it at speed. <br />
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I crossed over the Clearview, stopping to gaze down at the traffic and quickly moving on to regain my hidden utopia. The west side was immediately climbier. And there were finally some rocks. Ah, more my style. Less than a mile in, I saw my car through the woods. I can't believe I had no idea the trails were right in front of me when I was in my car. Amazing! <br />
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I was getting through some pretty techy stuff. Roots, rocks and trees forcing my line as I went, but getting through it all. After a particularly hilly section, I cruised down a hill and by a tree which reminded me I was in Long Island.<br />
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There were a few more cool obstacles along the west side, including this piece of awesomeness. <br />
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And before I knew what happened, I came out at the craziest looking dirt jump area I've ever seen.<br />
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I looked at it. I thought about me. Then I moved on to continue on the singletrack. Within a mile or two I was back to the car with almost zero daylight to spare. <br />
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9.90 miles on the Garmin. I would have gone in and ridden it all over again. It was that fun!<br />
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Bottom line, if you are ever in the area, you NEED to go to Cunningham Park in Queens, yes Queens, NY. <br />
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Here's the <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/player/310772400" target="_blank">Garmin track</a>.<br />
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Woo hoo!<br />
Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-53310056417003532422013-05-12T21:01:00.001-04:002013-05-16T22:19:23.417-04:00Weeping Willow 2013 Race RecapWell, another Weeping Willow is in the books. For me, that book was a little longer than I wanted it.<br />
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I was away the week leading into the race on a bit o' business, but managed to get a little riding in preparation. After 17 days straight of riding or running, I took Friday off all together and felt as if I was in good shape.<br />
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I arrived alone around 8:20, just over an hour before my race. My number one and number two spectators decided to sit this one out. I'd hit some spitting rain on the way up, but nothing too bad. The forecast was not promising though. <br />
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As I pulled in, I was directed to park in a field that was pretty high with some sort of plant/weed. I headed over and picked up my number and then returned to my car to get everything ready. Still dry and it actually looked like the sun was starting to poke through.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I see a shadow!</td></tr>
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The night before the race I had pulled my Fisher out of the car after having it in there for a week traveling with me and found the rear tire a little soft. Not flat, just soft. I had decided I'd put some air in it and if it was soft again the next morning, I'd change the tube. Tubes are how we used to keep air in tires back when we used to store music on these little round, silver discs. When I checked the tire this morning though, it was still good. So I didn't change it. <br />
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The course this year was different than last year and had us going in the out door. I checked out the beginning of the course during a quick three mile warm up ride. It went in for about 7/8 mile before getting to some singletrack, but even the singletrack wasn't too technical. I did note some slipperiness to some of the roots and made a note to myself to ride lightly over roots not perpendicular to the trail.<br />
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After warming up I headed back to the starting area and listened to the pre-race meeting instructions. Nothing earth-shattering. Basically letting us know the starting order and to have fun. You know the drill.<br />
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Unlike last year, this year they let the 19 - 29 year olds out first, followed by the 30 - 39 year olds, the 40 - 49 year olds (my group) and then the masters. As I cued up I ran into Nathan Elder on the starting line. He's the guy who always seemed to beat me by a place or two last year. Spoiler alert: he did not beat me by a place or two this year!<br />
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After watching the first two age groups go off, we were up to the starting line. My group was sold out at 50 riders, which is just nuts. I was about three and a half rows back. Not exactly pole position. <br />
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Before I knew what was happening, we were off and pedaling. And you could almost feel the power off the line. It was going to be a hammerfest. Before I knew what was going on, I'd dropped a bunch of places.<br />
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I worked to regain some places before we hit the singletrack, but to little avail. I don't know if there were a lot of roadies signed up and killing this fast, smooth course or if maybe they all were doping or what. Because I felt fast, but was somehow slower than everyone else. <br />
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By the time we hit the singletrack, I was pretty deep back in the pack. I don't know exactly how far. And I'm not sure I wanted to know.<br />
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And we were really still in a bunch. Like so many bananas. And it turned out that the bananas in front of me couldn't ride semi-tech. My favorite dessert - banana slips. I did manage to stay on my bike and gain a couple of spots, but for every time I did, there was another time that I managed to stay on my bike and just keep my place because the guy in front didn't move over. Oh well, at least I didn't lose any places.<br />
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The first six miles of the course was just super fast. A couple of small tech areas. And still no rain. Slippy was becoming grippy. Even the roots. We were still grouped up pretty tight, but I was definitely gaining some places and was pretty sure I was getting by some 30 - 39 year olds.<br />
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The only hill that was pretty tough came at mile six. It was just over 100 feet in 4/10 miles. It took a lot out of me, but I climbed it. After that some fast single track and double track before heading around to the start/finish and heading out for lap number two.<br />
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Things finally started to spread out a little, but I was rarely alone. I was starting to be overtaken by some 50+ riders. They were all super cool and passed in places that were good for passing. Even sometimes letting me know they were 50 - 59 age groupers. I think that was supposed to make me feel better, although I'm not sure it did.<br />
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The second time up the hill at mile six I lost momentum and ended up walking the last little bit. I was a little disappointed, but didn't lose any ground. I was trying to figure out where I was and was guessing top fifteen, but hoping top ten. I knew Colin Johannen and Nathan Elder were both in front of me. <br />
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I finished up in a time of 1:35:44. And took first! Out of people racing my class from CT. Of which I was the only one. In reality I was eleven minutes and eighteen seconds out of first. I was eighteenth. Seven places behind Nathan Elder. Ugh.<br />
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I threw my bike on my car and changed up before heading back to the start finish area. I was a little in the dumps with my placement, but cheered up quickly when I realized Baxter Brewing was there. And <u><b>giving away</b></u> super duper canned beer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baxter Brewing Superstars!</td></tr>
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I had a Stowaway IPA and then headed home to catch up with my family, who I hadn't still really seen in a week. On the way I stopped at Cumby's for gas and watched some old lady with a handicap placard crash her minivan into the poles that are put there to keep her from driving right into the store. She hit that pole hard. I figured she, too, was disappointed with her finish at Weeping Willow.<br />
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I'm going to say I'm obviously not thrilled with my finish, but felt I rode well and still was in the top half of the class. Going to have to pick it up for Glocester Grind this weekend.<br />
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Here's the <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/311144472" target="_blank">GarminConnect map of the course</a>.<br />
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Others had a better day on the course. Potter took second in the womens' elite race. Beaupre and Segenchuk took first in their respective races.<br />
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<a href="http://www.efta.com/PDF/results/2013/willow13-1.pdf" target="_blank">Full results here.</a><br />
<br />Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-35913059427438743072013-05-11T19:26:00.004-04:002013-05-11T20:37:10.879-04:00Battle at Burlingame 2013 Race RecapWell, the first race in the EFTA series is in the books. This was my first time checking out the <a href="http://www.barttiming.com/summer/results13/bburlg13-1.pdf" target="_blank">Battle at Burlingame</a> in Charlestown, RI. This was also the first year I'd ever visited the park period, but the Battle was my fourth time there since January.<br />
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After figuring out that the 2:30 pm Sport start would enable me to attend both the Kentucky Derby party to which we had been invited in Westchester on Saturday and make the race start on Sunday, I signed up. <br />
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So I went to bed pretty early - midnight - for being at a party and was up and at 'em shortly after 6 am. I herded the family into the Element and we were off to Rhode Island. <br />
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Along the way we stopped in Greenwich, CT, for breakfast at a place called <a href="http://www.melimelogreenwich.com/" target="_blank">Meli Melo</a>. Not super traditional breakfast fare. I had the omelet with ratatouille and parma ham. It came with a small salad and some bread. Cori and Harry both had smoothies and croissants (Cori's chocolate, of course). As we ate we looked out the windows at Porsches and Lambourghinis driving by. Greenwich is pretty ritzy. And breakfast was good, but pretty pricey, about $40 for an omelet, two croissants and two smoothies. Yipes!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes! </td></tr>
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After breakfast we headed onward, stopping at the market just before the event venue to grab some water and a sandwich as well as some snacks for Cori and Harry to spectate by.<br />
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We pulled into the main park entrance, which is different than the other three times I'd been here. I actually felt for a moment or two that maybe I'd somehow missed the race. It felt like when Shrek and Donkey showed up Duloc to find it seemingly deserted.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi139SfDw8dniFgiNxvr51l_uupF5iWy726S-EjmjdF6c-ueRXZcQWzHrM-2qW5UCPKq9zENrZSX8QG123TFKiMdgecMOso7gLuO97ypOq-fEq8khfOrmUn4KNwJpH2Z0aaByJunOCjBZ8/s1600/saddsssda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi139SfDw8dniFgiNxvr51l_uupF5iWy726S-EjmjdF6c-ueRXZcQWzHrM-2qW5UCPKq9zENrZSX8QG123TFKiMdgecMOso7gLuO97ypOq-fEq8khfOrmUn4KNwJpH2Z0aaByJunOCjBZ8/s400/saddsssda.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought the Battle at Burlingame was today?</td></tr>
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As it turns out, just like in Shrek, everyone was at the melee. We finally go down into the area near the lake and the place was teeming with sport riders preparing, experts and elites in progress and spectators galore. <br />
<br />
I headed over to registration with Cori and Harry and grabbed my number, using my flashy new EFTA license for the first time. I was lucky #473, just three away from the #476 I had worn the day before at the Jog with Judy 5K in Woodstock, CT.<br />
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Max Beaupre was tooling around like he does on a teeny, tiny litttle Specialized kid's bike. Just jumping stuff and pulling wheelies. He had done his first Cat 3 race and won it as a 13 year old in a 13 - 18 age group. Well done Max!<br />
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Cori met up with Beckie Beaupre with whom she would spend the bulk of the remainder of her day. Harry went off with Jack Beaupre and that was the end of him. So nice to have them at the race. Spectating has the propensity to bore you something fierce, but throw a little chit-chat in and it becomes at the least tolerable and mayhaps downright pleasant.<br />
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I downed half my turkey sub and stuffed myself into my Bums kit as race time drew near. I managed a little pre-riding around the park. Nothing technical. Just opening up the legs a bit. I did see a few friends racing the classes before me come through the start/finish/lap area - including John Beaupre, John Modig, Karen Potter. Liz Allen and Steve Offiler. They all looked great. Liz seemed to have some confusion as to how many laps she had left. By the time her conversation was over, I too was confused. It was somewhere between one and two. And probably an integer. That narrows it down.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlqgSgexSCQGQjLE3iWsettWQ19VBzSZUECFILrJTUIGThkywbcKqw_H6f_7XFxwFdI5Dy0nmauYtnQaG-Jv0fQ1KDg_NbnJc-sR3Sa_SQy5GIJUTESG9A_zYu1C4M_VyS-kag6nOcUU/s1600/Derby+Day+and+Battle+of+Burlingame+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlqgSgexSCQGQjLE3iWsettWQ19VBzSZUECFILrJTUIGThkywbcKqw_H6f_7XFxwFdI5Dy0nmauYtnQaG-Jv0fQ1KDg_NbnJc-sR3Sa_SQy5GIJUTESG9A_zYu1C4M_VyS-kag6nOcUU/s400/Derby+Day+and+Battle+of+Burlingame+022.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potter cleaning up!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPCSu-0eNNbmw-nJAuOcNJY8TNXXBCFhDRUKL70GrN0PSIrIOVutpWvt9Rl6zqsKG-SuC8DPqJEY9gXZl51ss0Bb77eM3XErjhdq7OoUyagKpHznxcqWk_BAPkGmujYG5VWoHoJ00v-4/s1600/Derby+Day+and+Battle+of+Burlingame+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPCSu-0eNNbmw-nJAuOcNJY8TNXXBCFhDRUKL70GrN0PSIrIOVutpWvt9Rl6zqsKG-SuC8DPqJEY9gXZl51ss0Bb77eM3XErjhdq7OoUyagKpHznxcqWk_BAPkGmujYG5VWoHoJ00v-4/s400/Derby+Day+and+Battle+of+Burlingame+023.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liz Chabot Allen!</td></tr>
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Ultimately, I saw a bunch of folks finish the expert race or just after they finished. Modig jumped up to the 19 - 29 category again and took first. Beaupre took second in the Expert masters race. Potter took first and Liz Chabot Allen second in the women's elite class. Alby took 4th in Elites. Those guys are so fast. Geesh.<br />
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<br />
I had initially thought my race went off at 2 pm, but as I got to the starting line and queued up, something felt weird. Mostly because I was the only one there. As it turns out, it started at 2:30, so I had to wait a while longer. Which meant I had to go and rescue Cori from standing at the spot she had walked to so she didn't have to wait in the middle of the woods wondering what the hell was going on. With my rescue mission accomplished, I tooled around a little more to bide my time.<br />
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Just before 2:30 Cori and I ran into Dan Bove. We chatted a little. He knew the importance of the hole shot on this one. As it turns out, having the knowledge and doing something about it are two different things for me.<br />
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At 2:30 I headed back to the start. There was no racer meeting to speak of. Just a count down as each class went off. As we lines up, I looked around and saw my cat was, as usual, ginormous. I used all twenty fingers and toes and then couldn't count any higher. Why can't these guys just get a sports car like a normal mid-life crisiser?<br />
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I managed to get a spot on the front row and was soon engaged in conversation with the guy next to me - Eric Olds. He was super nice and had driven 5.5 hours from Belfast, ME, to do the race. Five and a half hours?!?! I knew this guy must be crazy and that I should probably get in front of him before he did something insane in front of me.<br />
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So sans much fanfare, we were off, chasing guys ten years younger then us that went off two minutes before. The course followed up some campground roads, but quickly turned into a dried up ditch that had some trickily placed rocks that I'd heard had the propensity for chucking bikers over their handlebars. I fell in like a good boy and took the one safe four inch wide line through the middle.<br />
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Having stayed on my bike through the first minute and a half of the race I had big ol' smile on my face. And then I started getting passed. By the likes of Dan Bove, Eric Olds and John Robertson. And they had seemed so nice. Geesh. They passed me like I was standing still. I looked down and saw my tires were still moving, so I guess I wasn't standing still, just not pedaling fast enough.<br />
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The course is a mix of campground roads and singletrack. For me, it was three laps of 5.5 miles each. I knew I wasn't winning this race in the first five minutes, but there was a very real possibility of blowing up and losing the race. So I settled in and paced myself. <br />
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The course had a pretty sizable log to get over early on. It was at the upper end of my comfort zone, but what with this being a race and all, I had at it. With success. Woo hoo.<br />
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A couple of miles into the course there is a left that brings you into Bridgeland. There are seventeen bridges one after the other after the other. And then a small breaks and three more bridges. Most have roots interspersed between. Some have turns in the bridges themselves. One particularly tricky one has a 90 degree turn right before getting onto the ramp onto the bridge. The bridges are fun, but they pretty much ensure you stay in your place while proceeding through them. <br />
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About half way through the lap there is a climb up onto a ridge that is about is tech as the course gets. It climbs up and then dips down the side a little and pulls back up top several times. I definitely was still in a string of riders my first time through and dabbed with those dabbing before me. As you across the ridge, you can see the riders in front of your down to your right at the bottom. At the end of ridge, there's a tough left around a rock that tries to throw you off another rock and down off the ridge. I found if you cut hard enough left there was another line that was far more comfortable for me.<br />
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I came off the ride and kept pushing through the singletrack. Some super fun stuff that eventually crosses a road (with a few terrific, enthusiastic volunteers). There were a couple more log crossings and even a full on log pyramid to get over. Only a couple of short steeps. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfq7QMW2jHjTdVXRcuY1jU5Naa9RL4KCnJofrP7WlYAEPjsSQbBcaAJ6UIkobzOEXtAc8kTRRkgb2XP47mZlNVpZ4C8VaYeCQKX-Yr2o6-KKWd_N7Rj3uk06YXELnNEvgZdwfrYwPpz0M/s1600/Derby+Day+and+Battle+of+Burlingame+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfq7QMW2jHjTdVXRcuY1jU5Naa9RL4KCnJofrP7WlYAEPjsSQbBcaAJ6UIkobzOEXtAc8kTRRkgb2XP47mZlNVpZ4C8VaYeCQKX-Yr2o6-KKWd_N7Rj3uk06YXELnNEvgZdwfrYwPpz0M/s400/Derby+Day+and+Battle+of+Burlingame+039.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">33% there!</td></tr>
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I was still feeling good toward the end of the lap when we busted back out into the campground area and hopped a few more logs before heading through the start of the race and heading out for lap #2.<br />
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I wasn't quite sure where I was for placement any more, but was feeling pretty good. I was gaining on the technical stuff and trying to hold my ground, with some modicum of success, on the roadie stuff. I still couldn't find Dan Bove anywhere, but whatever. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I may not have seen Dan Bove, but Cori sure did.</td></tr>
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Somewhere on lap two I managed to pass Eric Olds. The group was definitely thinning out and I found myself alone here and there finally. Just out for a Sunday ride. That's all. <br />
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Lap three I managed to pass another guy or two. Up on the ridge I eked by John Robertson. And then I was passed by someone towards the end. I was hoping he was younger than me, but couldn't be sure. He looked young. But maybe he was just well-preserved.<br />
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<br />
I finished the race in 1:26:05 and took fifth. I was very happy with that. Dan ended up finishing in 1:24:35 and grabbing a third place podium spot. John Robertson came in the sport behind me and Eric Olds the spot after that. We had 23 finishers in our group and one DNF.<br />
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Here's the <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/308417937" target="_blank">GarminConnect of the course</a>. <br />
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Loved the course. Loved the people. Definitely would do this one again! Next up, Weeping Willow.<br />
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<br />Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-68744236097962312122013-04-28T21:52:00.001-04:002013-04-29T08:26:26.410-04:00BSTRA 2013 RecapWhat a glorious day for a race. Woke up this morning to cool temps, but knowing we'd get up to around 70 degrees.<br />
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Today was the second Bay State Trail Riders Association Ride-Roll-Run Relay, although to be fair, this year would be better named the Ride-Run-Roll Relay. I had been the runner on the "Ready, Set, Go" relay team last year with a disappointing result. If you like sad stories, you can check it out <a href="http://pedalpushingpatons.blogspot.com/2012/04/bstra-ride-roll-and-run-relay.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Major goal this year: try not to get a DQ. I've managed to make it a year without anyone else throwing me out of the results. I was hopeful.<br />
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Everything that went wrong with the race last year, went right. And everything that went right went righter. Hell, if it went any righter, I'd be going left.<br />
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This year Rick Nelson was away and couldn't be my rider. I decided to try the race anyhow and the race director, Jill Duhaime, connected me with her mother, Gloria, to be my horse rider. In a brief lapse of sanity I signed on to do the running <u>AND</u> biking legs.<br />
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Jill was awesome in listening to feedback from last year's race. We met a time or two over the year and talked trail routing. She even came out mountain biking with me once!<br />
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One thing I was super stoked to see was the addition of some significant single track for the mountain biking leg. Specifically, the course would incorporate the Laurel Trail (AKA the Eagle Bridge Trail) from the Schmidt (sorry, no AKA, but let me know if you have any ideas) and take the left on the single track up to Rte 16, basically a solid portion of the Douglas TT in reverse, sans the Eagle Bypass (AKA the Intestine).<br />
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Also notably, the transition area moved from the field on Wallum Lake Road to the upper lot up in the park. This meant this year the start, transitions and finish were all in the same place. Much better for spectating!!!<br />
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This year I also had a bigger role to play in prepping the course. I had taken it upon myself to clear one section on the other (east) side of Wallum Lake Road. I had also previously cleared the Laurel Trail for the Douglas TT series. Just before the race I made the one wet passing through the Laurel Trail passable without getting wet. And then Jill let me mark the mountain bike course also. I feel comfortable saying I've raced enough mountain bike races to know what folks need in a well-marked mountain bike course.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKf8QuRUi7VI6Rd0eAMG1tghDkj-VW1Odw-e8tEhBH5QDzLdK64Y7m7_aJihMoLUjQP374wTASkwbKJIxvI6sd_FZXx4bnnXP7Iciq8KvdyAaF832FKctAlXee0c2UXFjeAkBggjII4Q/s1600/BSTRA+2013+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" lwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKf8QuRUi7VI6Rd0eAMG1tghDkj-VW1Odw-e8tEhBH5QDzLdK64Y7m7_aJihMoLUjQP374wTASkwbKJIxvI6sd_FZXx4bnnXP7Iciq8KvdyAaF832FKctAlXee0c2UXFjeAkBggjII4Q/s400/BSTRA+2013+041.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't say where to go, but tells you how to get there!</td></tr>
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All that said, I never actually pre-rode or pre-ran the course. And I only did one true brick practice run/ride before the race. I have been riding and running a fair bit though. Including some trail running at lunch through Douglas. Douglas demands you watch where you put your feet. Mistakes are usually rewarded with hot rock on bone action.<br />
<br />
So I arrived at Douglas pretty early. 7:30 for a 9:00 am start. Jill and crew were already there, offering munchkins (donuts, not wee people) to people who wanted to start putting the calories they were about to burn off back on before they burnt them off. I graciously accepted a single glazed gob of goodness and found some will power I didn't even know I had and walked away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNTGCEl7akkCxot6IfLSQiHX6S0DjpTHxeUwJAyjDs9TXLKRjCS5yowFSCEfCCCwcn9YLovLrCKg0MF1D1ln6epfRNFWfMkg6eJjwUK9q586Yqpf_CDZA_jo86PM9DnuxMf_vj5iqEpM/s1600/donut_sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" lwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNTGCEl7akkCxot6IfLSQiHX6S0DjpTHxeUwJAyjDs9TXLKRjCS5yowFSCEfCCCwcn9YLovLrCKg0MF1D1ln6epfRNFWfMkg6eJjwUK9q586Yqpf_CDZA_jo86PM9DnuxMf_vj5iqEpM/s320/donut_sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I took the liberty of speaking with Jill to see what spot her mom might want to start. They were starting horses four minutes apart beginning at 9:00 am. Jill said her mom had wanted a top five start, but not first. As I was the first racer there, I had the pick of the start-time litter. I took 9:08, third horse out.<br />
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I grabbed my numbers, one for the shirt for running and one for the bike, and headed back to ye olde Element to get ready. There I began bumping into familiar faces. Not literally. That's not how I roll. I saw Cori's co-worker, Jason Johnston, and a few minutes after a guy I had ridden with once before, Bill Peck. I went to introduce the two of them only to come to find out that they are neighbors who traveled to the race together. Apparently my introduction was not needed. Gosh-darned mountain bikers all know each other. Practically incestuous. Get out of the gene pool!<br />
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Also bumped into a feller named Ken who won the mountain bike leg last year. He was riding a hard tail 29er, which was a sweet bike for today's course. Despite the added single track, still plenty of fire road to be found. 100% less pavement though.<br />
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One of my first impressions of the mountain bikers arriving is that they seemed to be on much more serious mountain bikes than last year. No beat up Murrays. No kick-standed MGXs. Instead, Pivots, Specializeds and Motobecanes. Serious bikes. Serious riders. Uh oh. <br />
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So I got my stuff together and headed over to transition to drop my bike. I've been torn for the last day or two how I was going to handle the two legs. Thoughts ranged from full on change of clothes (shorts and all) to wearing the same exact thing. The biggest problem with the latter is that it had me running in biking shorts. And since I don't have baggies, it's running in spandex. Now I know you are begging me in your heads, even though you know it's already over, to not run in spandex. Well next time you should beg louder. And before I come to a decision. Spandex and I rocked it today. I have a pair of Pearl Izumi shorts that have a pretty light chamois, for days when you don't need a big beefy pad.<br />
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I did lay out a jersey with pockets stuffed with various accoutrement for changing a tire or fixing a snapped chain or whatever else might come up. Laid out my Shimano shoes - well, what remain of them. Laid out my cap, helmet, glasses, gloves and Powerbar Energy Blasts, too. All on a swell green towel. Right next to my Gary Fisher Hi-Fi Plus with it's brand new rear wheel (thanks again for handling the warranty, Ben Stone).<br />
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Cori and Harry arrived shortly after 8:00. Smart to marry your #1 spectator. That way she has to come see you race. I think. Right, Cori? <br />
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I met my teammate just before the pre-race meeting. She was very kind and offered me whatever assistance she could for my transition. I explained I'd thought it out pretty well and thought I was in good shape. Super friendly!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoQxgk4aTlqsrzaVJh4K60ZDeU4Iu76BiQxMdYNMGO9cDV5XzR48dWo-Jvm9RAlN71xd4wB8FbylOgNwEHNfhtgWC_VOd-fkhptJDyA3Rf75-tlY_Xk59d-ZMIuXubTGG4WzLzpytzCA/s1600/BSTRA+2013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" lwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoQxgk4aTlqsrzaVJh4K60ZDeU4Iu76BiQxMdYNMGO9cDV5XzR48dWo-Jvm9RAlN71xd4wB8FbylOgNwEHNfhtgWC_VOd-fkhptJDyA3Rf75-tlY_Xk59d-ZMIuXubTGG4WzLzpytzCA/s400/BSTRA+2013+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Reins, Chains and Leg Pains!</td></tr>
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The pre-race meeting went down at 8:30 after a few sharp whistles and some extraordinary shouting by Karen May Fleming. I'm glad she wasn't my mom. Her lungs are to be feared.<br />
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Jill did a great job explaining the course to the racers. She laid out etiquette and expressed some of the concerns with horses and other athletes sharing the trail. I hadn't mentioned it yet, but I believe the fact that we have, do and will continue to share the same trails is a big part of this race being put together. Great idea!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPANGFhRlc3HeHY-zuBMispiVHVn9XXTBFNu2r4q_ntWMYmpp_wdqDLVMKZMn3qgER8i9NXV19Rbe0M-TjX8-9A82R5rUyhHjvG-Yncs1w8QHCfQ1o1H4lhcjllN55fsxFlgQydxMX-rM/s1600/BSTRA+2013+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" lwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPANGFhRlc3HeHY-zuBMispiVHVn9XXTBFNu2r4q_ntWMYmpp_wdqDLVMKZMn3qgER8i9NXV19Rbe0M-TjX8-9A82R5rUyhHjvG-Yncs1w8QHCfQ1o1H4lhcjllN55fsxFlgQydxMX-rM/s400/BSTRA+2013+010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jill Duhaime will tell you what you need to know</td></tr>
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Before the race we took some time to get some photos with a couple of Flat Stanleys - Flat Harry Potter and Flat Draculaura. These fine folks flew USPS all the way up from Jersey to visit us. The twin children of our friends the Benthins, commonly called the Bentwins, have asked us to entertain them for a spell as part of a school project. We gladly oblige any request as fun and awesome as this.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_8VZTbgF00WTrRC_nGGWeTb4M47nhf6syDL9de0RpH0Lc-AtYVbktrYmSI2ZEX5-tz0-3b_a38GUt5cY_qrgEJHOxx_lfjeJmwITeM6zXs-PPnFQhkHzZv0XMcW26CDcA42pdqMaOMg/s1600/BSTRA+2013+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" lwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_8VZTbgF00WTrRC_nGGWeTb4M47nhf6syDL9de0RpH0Lc-AtYVbktrYmSI2ZEX5-tz0-3b_a38GUt5cY_qrgEJHOxx_lfjeJmwITeM6zXs-PPnFQhkHzZv0XMcW26CDcA42pdqMaOMg/s400/BSTRA+2013+013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giddyup, Flat Harry Potter and Flat Draculaura</td></tr>
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Cori, Harry and I headed up the Coffee House Loop, which is where the horse (and runner) leg of the race starts to see some of the horses, including ours, head out. We lost Harry to a sunny, warm spot in a field along the way and continued up a pretty tech section of trail to get our pics and video.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGGnYuD6wtyDwnlaMPvE9jHgujkwu5WkQGY_pA4wwwT7rADBmLxcFk745cdjOk12mu3Mqp5s8Pe52hh9Uyex_vWWm7FR8PlTPdpfkwKCBokGlDdD5Fui7vLqKbQ4s5MMV3zyy-penWVM/s1600/BSTRA+2013+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGGnYuD6wtyDwnlaMPvE9jHgujkwu5WkQGY_pA4wwwT7rADBmLxcFk745cdjOk12mu3Mqp5s8Pe52hh9Uyex_vWWm7FR8PlTPdpfkwKCBokGlDdD5Fui7vLqKbQ4s5MMV3zyy-penWVM/s320/BSTRA+2013+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early rider.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNU-8SDbQnGIE3GZCemcYEIjD47tL6wWjl-Ht3xsveIBkuegkjuDoYzRCkNqx10DRvCyUrElV1nNTQ89bqcOouYLVR_7sspKsAHji0OhlzmpLRsRM5acMfbx4UA-hKwja5M7PloLWfhp8/s1600/BSTRA+2013+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNU-8SDbQnGIE3GZCemcYEIjD47tL6wWjl-Ht3xsveIBkuegkjuDoYzRCkNqx10DRvCyUrElV1nNTQ89bqcOouYLVR_7sspKsAHji0OhlzmpLRsRM5acMfbx4UA-hKwja5M7PloLWfhp8/s320/BSTRA+2013+017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think your bike is missing it's pedals?</td></tr>
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I have a video of Gloria and her horse, Hudson, coming up from the start, but Blogger is acting up, so I'll load it up later sometime.<br />
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After seeing the first several horses take off, we wended our way back to the start. I dropped my shorts to leave myself to mill about in basically nothing while I dreamt of my horse coming in. Cori and Harry took off up the trail again to get some shots of runners going by. They did the Cedar Swamp Trail while they were at it as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqMtYjhzlCVThB61lWAFOQWuy-RCP4jYfKlvICzbmeUNFoyq3VUZOGtwZPN1AuyL8drqMIqnTDv9fpSMis-hywuESBkPAowL4-1cqh9nv9OMIAQWd70ZxeJsHTrmfzvmTpIXnwCA43GQ/s1600/BSTRA+2013+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqMtYjhzlCVThB61lWAFOQWuy-RCP4jYfKlvICzbmeUNFoyq3VUZOGtwZPN1AuyL8drqMIqnTDv9fpSMis-hywuESBkPAowL4-1cqh9nv9OMIAQWd70ZxeJsHTrmfzvmTpIXnwCA43GQ/s400/BSTRA+2013+026.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top o' the Rock</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tozqgcwdpCLv6bLEetb3UMaW802eSDBev_zeTXh6ZGiAPdnhpWJL80QJvj0EYv3atd9tAIq2vSinKYxxCr-ZjkEyKz-S8Bb54ogfd_26c8rGo0zk4tKDRSkFIeoGgRYNhchJzYf8IXY/s1600/BSTRA+2013+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tozqgcwdpCLv6bLEetb3UMaW802eSDBev_zeTXh6ZGiAPdnhpWJL80QJvj0EYv3atd9tAIq2vSinKYxxCr-ZjkEyKz-S8Bb54ogfd_26c8rGo0zk4tKDRSkFIeoGgRYNhchJzYf8IXY/s400/BSTRA+2013+028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What rock did you crawl out from under, kid?</td></tr>
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The first horse, as I'd mentioned, took off at 9:00 am. As I was back at my car for a minute around 9:25, I heard a biker on an early team mentioning to the runner that they'd better get back over to the transition because their team mate could be coming in any time. What the what?<br />
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I also headed over. And waited. And waited. I think those guys were off on their expectations. Gloria had told me she expected around an hour and a quarter for her to finish. The first horse probably came in around 50 minutes or so and was the second horse out. They didn't see the first horse out on their way through the course. That means either horse and rider donned an invisibility cloak or they'd made a wayward turn. My money was on the latter.<br />
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The first horse out did come in next. I was right. Like I said, things were just going right. My thinking was even winning! I managed to ask the rider if he happened to see Gloria, but he hadn't. It was still much earlier than her prediction though. No worries.<br />
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Another few horses came in. There's an expression that a watched pot never boils. Well a watched trail similarly never spits out a horse rider. Less catchy, but you get the idea. And if you all start saying it, it'll probably catch on.<br />
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All the runners and riders watching the trail felt the same. Minutes felt like hours. I don't know what it was, but the waiting was killing me. And the stupid thing is that we were still well within the time frame Gloria told me she'd be in by. I think Gloria came in as the fifth horse in around five minutes faster than predicted! Rocking horse!<br />
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I was off. The runner before me had a pretty big lead on me. I didn't have a lot of faith that I could gain enough to reel her in. We had talked before the horses came in and she was dropping some event names that were pretty serious. I specifically recall being impressed by her Reach the Beach recounting.<br />
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So I took off hot. Straight into the bony Coffee House Loop. But Douglas is my first love as a mountain biking venue. I seriously know almost every rock on this trail. I know where the hills are. I know where the wet spots are. Bo may know baseball, but Rob knows Douglas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpTBqnBqNwB-dTZZPtWntJsTu46ZjFzjS1VD-_YUOKKa_PgjaHd_qFYXqG-rzpm4lkxF-THrVJpTp89yL6uq1R-SZYbGYHPsh8xi5I7p2aRzKHaEUZb1QPQ40DL4Josw0j8_XGicZqkw/s1600/Bo+Bikes+Bama.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpTBqnBqNwB-dTZZPtWntJsTu46ZjFzjS1VD-_YUOKKa_PgjaHd_qFYXqG-rzpm4lkxF-THrVJpTp89yL6uq1R-SZYbGYHPsh8xi5I7p2aRzKHaEUZb1QPQ40DL4Josw0j8_XGicZqkw/s320/Bo+Bikes+Bama.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bo Know Bikes?</td></tr>
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I passed by a very patient Cori and Harry on the Coffee House near the super sketchy mountain biking bridges and boosted by their fanfare, I barreled on. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg5eTt_HcxJh3mvdN-9b867pZYtMFAqxfP2SZvU_DxsCq8eapbYLZtsU1Lw4MyUIA_a-AnmmXN50fACnJXwjRF-23TeGPfTycFcVkHG0CWCanJGO6hokQ-j5aDYfEg7ZHQa8rtmrsdDM/s1600/BSTRA+2013+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg5eTt_HcxJh3mvdN-9b867pZYtMFAqxfP2SZvU_DxsCq8eapbYLZtsU1Lw4MyUIA_a-AnmmXN50fACnJXwjRF-23TeGPfTycFcVkHG0CWCanJGO6hokQ-j5aDYfEg7ZHQa8rtmrsdDM/s400/BSTRA+2013+030.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've ridden it, but never run it before. First time for everything.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVbgnDgYoepz_jIFNXwH6CCNnfQzs4aGdGBv6Yl9BEqSWdhpeTt3InWE26Al8mjqeyu4V6Xzj9LqZOHHRyN0-d74nHgzhJdD2r7ozcCHyNHHdPWPsvxh8Oj-fUXuIpbcIy_eF-jEv6u0/s1600/BSTRA+2013+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVbgnDgYoepz_jIFNXwH6CCNnfQzs4aGdGBv6Yl9BEqSWdhpeTt3InWE26Al8mjqeyu4V6Xzj9LqZOHHRyN0-d74nHgzhJdD2r7ozcCHyNHHdPWPsvxh8Oj-fUXuIpbcIy_eF-jEv6u0/s640/BSTRA+2013+037.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jason Johnston's runner, Joanna Anderson, cruising over a real bridge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehbDAbhD7pjUp9gi761s2hyphenhypheno7v2EFXlsf6Xg_jvMYZ7sAvzLc_O-llUaaz2zKFqC9UPygJR_oro7wCJTDcJlck9jCuXN3cB4X_rp-f1yl1VuKSiWCUzJOSPdP09V75aCFCJg_Vgt8bvc/s1600/BSTRA+2013+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehbDAbhD7pjUp9gi761s2hyphenhypheno7v2EFXlsf6Xg_jvMYZ7sAvzLc_O-llUaaz2zKFqC9UPygJR_oro7wCJTDcJlck9jCuXN3cB4X_rp-f1yl1VuKSiWCUzJOSPdP09V75aCFCJg_Vgt8bvc/s320/BSTRA+2013+036.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous park!</td></tr>
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I had just crossed over the SNETT when I saw the first runner out, Jeff Hattem, running back at me. He had to be three miles or so in front of me. One less person I needed to worry about catching. I had spoken with him while waiting for the horses earlier as well and quickly determined he was a dead serious trail runner.<br />
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A little while after the SNETT crossing the run takes a left turn up what we used to call the Hill of Suck - a wide, sandy fire road purpose-built for sucking your energy. Although that's now how it got it's name. I'm still running up the same trail that I'll run back down in another couple of miles. But no one else running at me. That's good.<br />
<br />
Halfway up the Hill of Suck we took a left toward White's Highway (AKA SW Main St). After a bit more climbing I was across White's (where traffic was stopped for me - or would have been, had there been anyone scurrying from Thompson to Douglas or vice-versa) and descending for a short piece on a scrabbly fire road before banging a right and climbing through beautiful section of forest and up onto the Midstate for a brief spell before hanging a right and following parallel to White's Highway. That's probably a run-on sentence on running. That's where I passed the only runner I was destined to get by on the course. She heard me coming a ways back, presumably because I sounded like I was going to blow up. And she stepped aside as I came by so better not to get covered with my innards when I did explode. Thanks runner girl! After that piece of trail we ran back across White's Highway.<br />
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This is where the water station was. With smiling water sirens. I strapped myself to my mast of dehydration and sailed on by. Back down a sandy, rocky fire road and back against outgoing running traffic. I saw a runner working her way up the hill and offered some words of encouragement as I plunged down. Around the bend were a few more. All looking good, although maybe wishing they could be heading downhill like me. Soon enough folks!<br />
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Just before hitting the SNETT again, I came across two hikers coming at me with backpacks on. Turns out they were just the bellwethers. As I rounded the bend there were about 12 - 15 more. All young and appeared to be absolutely enjoying the gorgeous day. Or maybe they were just smiling because my advanced age reminded them how young they are. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.<br />
<br />
As I made a left onto the SNETT I saw a rider going out further up the same trail. I still had about a mile left to run and then to ride all the way back that mile and change to catch that guy. Eek.<br />
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I ran hard up the rail bed flat section of the Coffee House and took the right onto the paved road to the upper lot. I cranked into the transition to the sounds of all sorts of cheers. Great spectators today!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5st0OziUtkkY4OzkOWGWl34QaaFEqyhNh-HFBNDOgaBZN_iQ8BkjMz1H3eTI9kMIGUcvCwIfVCuQu8gZaapv67ABGnrwkRuuHz30K3B4OqmiUOJ7nusrGl4EyL80NYFzjNkvjJUx9vTk/s1600/BSTRA+2013+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5st0OziUtkkY4OzkOWGWl34QaaFEqyhNh-HFBNDOgaBZN_iQ8BkjMz1H3eTI9kMIGUcvCwIfVCuQu8gZaapv67ABGnrwkRuuHz30K3B4OqmiUOJ7nusrGl4EyL80NYFzjNkvjJUx9vTk/s320/BSTRA+2013+043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metamorphosis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the last section of trail, I abandoned my plan to change into my bike jersey and instead kept my running short sleeve shirt on. My thought process was that the course wasn't too techy, so I wasn't likely to need much to fix the bike. I risked not having the tools in favor of less weight and less transition time. Changed the shoes, donned the helmet and gloves and was off again!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxj5wtVKSHQxtVlZkOquv2SIBJPi9KG6DWwJtGpzsnDF3Tuxa1cO_m-KUPhJpg_MYWKNGafIVJG4_hwxJq8aRWP4XT1FHXHStXFuMEbP89yDJDQst16RGxFIxW2Hw_wcr084smLVhfm5I/s1600/BSTRA+2013+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxj5wtVKSHQxtVlZkOquv2SIBJPi9KG6DWwJtGpzsnDF3Tuxa1cO_m-KUPhJpg_MYWKNGafIVJG4_hwxJq8aRWP4XT1FHXHStXFuMEbP89yDJDQst16RGxFIxW2Hw_wcr084smLVhfm5I/s400/BSTRA+2013+046.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joanna hands the team bracelet to Jason</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The bike course headed back out against the runners end and I saw the runner I'd passed earlier. She was looking great and only had a little ways to go. I got up to the end and took a right onto the SNETT. The course followed about a mile and a half up the SNETT. Flatter than Flat Stanley, but sandy and a couple of wet spots. Hard going and my legs were taking their time warming up. No one in front and the guy who that girl was handing off to was not in sight behind. In for a lonely bike ride.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.snett.org/home/ownership_and_history_of_the_snett" target="_blank">SNETT</a> is a really nice trail that goes forever. Well, assuming from Douglas to Franklin is forever. Is from nowhere to nowhere forever? Along the way there were a couple of nice views. Here are the shots I took a little after the race.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij89GcrDMdOZy2LGSFEmG3VceR6egeFJJ92udy8o_yLUEQG4bciC3FAI_ZyvkcGRxCESI81BhjT4xnSjcghv58vEKhAlJEH60NQVl1pkgxojRYaxfI29RNeTB7y_IZj2mwWsjNC6zLlNw/s1600/bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij89GcrDMdOZy2LGSFEmG3VceR6egeFJJ92udy8o_yLUEQG4bciC3FAI_ZyvkcGRxCESI81BhjT4xnSjcghv58vEKhAlJEH60NQVl1pkgxojRYaxfI29RNeTB7y_IZj2mwWsjNC6zLlNw/s320/bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wallum Lake Road, Over the SNETT</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAWGKvogj_jU4aqcGAGgxtYFPmPlcd17cxVErYBrYIurZNgvEpUDD62KowQ3PwQudaZlyKdm-Xh_yBoyhWTz3ZHuu47Il6_5ZW77dLkDg9yxEAgLdk0Xv3GzjRzqjf_LEK15gdRLhuKI/s1600/view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAWGKvogj_jU4aqcGAGgxtYFPmPlcd17cxVErYBrYIurZNgvEpUDD62KowQ3PwQudaZlyKdm-Xh_yBoyhWTz3ZHuu47Il6_5ZW77dLkDg9yxEAgLdk0Xv3GzjRzqjf_LEK15gdRLhuKI/s320/view.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic New England Scenery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Eventually, after passing under Wallum Lake Road, we took a left onto a trail that followed back up to Wallum Lake Road. Gradual incline, but pretty fast still. There is one wet section here that I had spent some time working on before the race. It's the same section I had leaf blown in preparation. I made it through without issue and continued across Wallum Lake Road and back onto some fire road and up the Streeter Trail (also fire road) until the next intersection, where we took a right up the hill back to White's Highway. This section was BRUTAL. It's the same sandy, rocky area I had mentioned in the run, but now uphill. And, as it turns out, passing by that group of backpackers again. They had the better line. I dug up, knowing I had some singletrack in my future.<br />
<br />
As I entered the Laurel Trail, I was feeling pretty good. I was getting through the rocks clean and fast. I thought this was my biggest advantage in the bike race. I ride Douglas rocks regularly. And my full suspension rig, while not well-suited to the fire road, soaked this stuff right up. Still no one in sight though.<br />
<br />
As I finished the singletrack, I came out to the Schmidt again. And three pretty good sandy climbs. I'd like to meet this Schmidt character. He's killing me. I got through this, passing the backpackers for my third and final time. They were super supportive!<br />
<br />
I cruised back across White's Highway and down the hill. Back on some wide technical trails I finally had another biker in my sights. The same one I had seen way back when I was running and he was already riding. I pushed hard, knowing I wasn't too far from the end and got by him. <br />
<br />
As I took a left onto the SNETT, I saw another rider. He saw me too and stepped up his game. I was riding strong and got by him as he took a right line around a swamped area and I took the left line. I put down the hammer (or whatever hammer I had left) and cruised up the last piece of singletrack to the finish line.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUi1NN6rIh3avV64dHTOzegzXskgFbYUgLCtQwhLUKpdirqd-trDD98QGKo1mbqce4PXV578CjuxHHobNWWxeUG3SgLfuN8yTJg_0uEduEzGB8lw5hFC-mntmzYpLi-_HPcY9xB5bmN8/s1600/BSTRA+2013+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUi1NN6rIh3avV64dHTOzegzXskgFbYUgLCtQwhLUKpdirqd-trDD98QGKo1mbqce4PXV578CjuxHHobNWWxeUG3SgLfuN8yTJg_0uEduEzGB8lw5hFC-mntmzYpLi-_HPcY9xB5bmN8/s640/BSTRA+2013+051.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I somehow managed to be the second one in. Stoked since I was the fifth out when I started. The first place team was, as I had suspected, well ahead of me and simply out of reach. I can't begin to describe how awesome it felt to come across with so many cheering spectators. <br />
<br />
After the race I chatted with a number of other riders and runners. All seemed to have a great time today. I don't have the official results yet, but I think I was told that I'd managed to eke out first in the run and first in the bike ride. Woo hoo hoo! Our team ended fourth overall. A gajillion percent better than last year's DQ!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-keMV4dAME1_VQGakcu3wgjKOPoFyUoqC4TB4GhVtaigqVCbkHNK6K_xopZ6SufwD_KxBaInxFX3ldqAy7qNmsaYk99l2zA6ft31jQVYGD44CIRrWruZNQLG6kkEy0la3g5dalcv49U/s1600/BSTRA+2013+064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-keMV4dAME1_VQGakcu3wgjKOPoFyUoqC4TB4GhVtaigqVCbkHNK6K_xopZ6SufwD_KxBaInxFX3ldqAy7qNmsaYk99l2zA6ft31jQVYGD44CIRrWruZNQLG6kkEy0la3g5dalcv49U/s400/BSTRA+2013+064.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reins, Chains and Leg Pains takes home 4th!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWPhdz2J7tI7eMuEE3mwqFOsiG4uG9W3WBjw8l2TubWV9CFuurbibTzv8v2pjOkG1nzYlf05_nbB2UMB49AaZIMDQErIQmiqRxfIYtHe5-GfyGuwQTc0EFnoQqzlu0c9tAbgDKPQNz70/s1600/BSTRA+2013+061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWPhdz2J7tI7eMuEE3mwqFOsiG4uG9W3WBjw8l2TubWV9CFuurbibTzv8v2pjOkG1nzYlf05_nbB2UMB49AaZIMDQErIQmiqRxfIYtHe5-GfyGuwQTc0EFnoQqzlu0c9tAbgDKPQNz70/s400/BSTRA+2013+061.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jason Johnston's and Joanna Anderson's Team Take Home the Pink (again!). </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here are my Garmin tracks:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/304762510" target="_blank">Run</a><br />
<a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/304762481" target="_blank">Ride</a><br />
<br />
Delicious pizza and snacks awaited all at the finish line! I was so hungry I could've eaten a horse. Probably a good thing they got the pizza then! <br />
<br />
After the awards, replete with a VERY NICE expression of gratitude from Jill to me for the assistance I was able to provide (thanks Jill!!) and a thank you to fellow Team Bums rider and event sponsor, Mike Cove, we wrapped it up.<br />
<br />
Before leaving I walked part of the SNETT and pulled down some mountain bike plates and ribbons. Nice just to relax and talk a walk on such a great sunny day.<br />
<br />
Just one more note. There were volunteers at every major intersection along the way. Volunteers who knew where they were. And where I was. And where I was going. You, without the horse or bike, take a left. You, pushing those pedals, go straight. I know who you are. I know what you want to do. I want to help you get there. And yes, I am smiling. Because I'm happy to be here and helping you, racer.<br />
<br />
You, my volunteer friends, were absolutely astounding!<br />
<br />
Thanks to all who did such a wonderful job with this event. Especially Jill Duhaime. Your hard work and dedication really showed! Looking forward to next year already!<br />
<br />
<br />Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-17364431474676964752013-04-21T19:54:00.001-04:002013-04-23T20:14:50.289-04:00WMBA Chain Stretcher 2013I raced the <a href="http://www.wmba.org/" target="_blank">WMBA</a> Chain Stretcher today at Blue Mountain Reservation in Peekskill, NY. And it has provided me with plenty of material for reflection.<br />
<br />
We drove down yesterday and spent the night with our friends, the Bradleys, in Ossining, NY. A mere 15 minutes away. Super easy. Not the Bradleys. The commute. <br />
<br />
I got out and pre-rode one lap of the course Saturday afternoon as it looked to be running differently than last time I did the race in 2010. Most noticeable was that it was running clockwise as opposed to counter clockwise. I think the trail selection was a bit different as well.<br />
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I parked at the lot off Washington Street instead of going into the park. Wasn't sure if they were charging to get in and the lot at the Corner of Montrose Station Rd and Washington St is free and puts you right onto the trail system. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhci8Lyxp4nK0RVNQu4aT-1XkFi9tsoWI3quhGz1ajtQ8eG1RXgt45GJORenbRz-UC9fAZ-uHddWmKGaDYt1lAU7xIfFucAhAAXp1yLarsjTtRJyiaHXzXETbGHuSexJkhHlGC0Mjac7aQ/s1600/2013+Chain+Stretcher+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhci8Lyxp4nK0RVNQu4aT-1XkFi9tsoWI3quhGz1ajtQ8eG1RXgt45GJORenbRz-UC9fAZ-uHddWmKGaDYt1lAU7xIfFucAhAAXp1yLarsjTtRJyiaHXzXETbGHuSexJkhHlGC0Mjac7aQ/s320/2013+Chain+Stretcher+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If it's free, it's for me. And these other guys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I pretty quickly met up with a guy named Gunnar from Norwalk and we rode together for a bit. He had done the race as a Cat 2 last year, but was stepping it back down to Cat 3 this year. That'd bring him down for a two lap race top a one lap race. Super nice guy and great to ride with someone. <br />
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As I said, I had started from a lot away from the main parking area, so when we got back to the main lot, Gunnar wrapped up his ride I continued on. <br />
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I was really surprised how tech the course was. I remembered it being tough last time, but this course had tough climbs, some serious rock gardens and a boatload of log piles. I was really glad I went and checked it out the day before. It was pretty obvious someone else was not pleased to see the course.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gZ6WiB-hOQXTAgelCGqyafw_yiJJq14haNqvO5y0jZDZ5HvjyJbwgeM7-jC3Ya9_74-P2378U7jA6IhyCHF8EVlPv8etrqbtZpel32aHpm_3sakYtbYbd8aIRW2Kzs4YGYOYKAAPF_0/s1600/2013+Chain+Stretcher+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gZ6WiB-hOQXTAgelCGqyafw_yiJJq14haNqvO5y0jZDZ5HvjyJbwgeM7-jC3Ya9_74-P2378U7jA6IhyCHF8EVlPv8etrqbtZpel32aHpm_3sakYtbYbd8aIRW2Kzs4YGYOYKAAPF_0/s320/2013+Chain+Stretcher+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of countless race arrows someone ripped down.</td></tr>
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<br />
Part way through my second half of the lap a guy came up on me pretty hard. We talked a little as we rode. Igor had traveled over from Oakland, NJ, and this was his third or fourth pre-ride of the course in the past couple of weeks. He was riding Cat 2, but the 30 - 39 year old group. Not my competition. He was a super solid rider and seemed to be a super solid guy as well.<br />
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The trails were in great shape despite the heavy rains the night before. I pulled off back at my lot half way through the course and Igor kept on.<br />
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After pre-riding the course, I met up with Cori, Harry and the Bradleys for a walk around a lake in Teatown Park. Gorgeous park boasting 15 miles of trail, but I get the sense they may not allow mountain bikers. We found three geocaches for the kids while we hiked. Then Jack and I went and played 19 holes of disc golf at FDR. That's three parks that afternoon! And maybe more exercise that one should do the afternoon before a race.<br />
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<br />
I also undertook an experiment. How many beers the night before a race is too many?<br />
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Now I'm not actually sure of the answer, but I have learned that six is probably a little much. Especially when they are Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter (9.2%) and Victory Yakima Glory (8.7%). Next time I'll have five or less and see if that works better.<br />
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And on top of a little too rough a night, I started having a lot of trouble breathing. For some reason my cat allergy was acting up a lot worse at our hosts' house. I was wheezing and coughing like crazy most of the night. Ugh.<br />
<br />
Up at 5:30 when I couldn't sleep anymore and out of the house at 7 am. A quick stop for breakfast and coffee and we pulled into the park. My Cat 2 race was the first Cat going off with a 9 am start. It was still pretty chilly and I wasn't quite sure how to dress. I went with bare legs and arm warmers. Two pair of socks and my summer shoes. Turned out I would be fine.<br />
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Registration was in a trail lodge with a nice big fire burning in the fire place. Very welcoming. I did a brief warm up climb just to get the legs working and was then about 15 minutes from start.<br />
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They sent the age groups out in a strange order. Singlespeeds, 30-39, 19-29, 40-49, 50+ and juniors. We went out at two minute intervals. The 19 - 29 group in front of us was one of the more entertaining things I saw today. First, there were only about six of them, yet one guy still managed to crash. And then some spectator holding one of the racers dogs totally lost it and the dog went sprinting off with that heat with the woman chasing the dog up the trail.<br />
<br />
My heat was considerably larger. We were 22 pre-registered. Not sure how many actually raced. One great thing they did at this race was to have participants write their age category on their legs (like triathlons). It's great to know what category someone is when they are passing you or you them. The race started right up a fire road called Dickey Brook Trail that quickly turned into a rocky climb with better lines up both sides. It was full on walking by the time I got there with someone up front having bobbled on both lines and no one moving over. I tried to just chill out.<br />
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We were back on and riding a short while later and cut into Dr. Jekyll about half way through it. It's a pretty nice single track, but techy and tight enough where we were literally lined up in places waiting to move forward. Ugh.<br />
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Here's a video of one of the climb/low branch/log crossing/log pile in succession that I took on my pre-ride (walking with my camera). I cleaned this both laps. Woo hoo!<br />
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And here is another tricky area that takes you around a tree, between a another tree and a sapling turning onto a rock that takes you through a stream. Tough stuff. I got caught up behind the rider in front of me on this the first lap, but cleaned it the second lap. <br />
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We did start to thin out as little and came up to a trail called Ned's Left Lung. Holy hill. Two lines up through it. On the pre-ride, I took the right, newer line that leads away from the way the race heads, but is rideable. I took this line again and gained several spots over guys walking the other line. Once the climb levels out, it continues up around another bend.<br />
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The next section of the race proceeds though a series of trails called Stinger, Middle Stinger and Lower Stinger. Great sections with some fun technical stuff. Climbs with large rocks you have to maneuver through. Rollers and drops. One great line up a really steep rock that throws you up and over versus taking the trail around to the left. By now I was pretty much back and forth with the same small group of 40 - 49 year olds. We were also picking off some 30 - 39 year olds and one or two singlespeeders.<br />
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Saw Cori and Harry up on top of a rock with a great view of a lot of the surrounding area. I think the trail here was called 2 Crew Live. Here's the video they took. You'll note I missed a turn. Not a great move when you are trying to go as fast as you can.<br />
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After that we came down a cart road and onto the paved road to pass through the start/finish and out for lap two.<br />
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I finished the first lap in 43 - 44 minutes. I was pretty happy. The race director had said that laps were running 45 - 50 minutes.<br />
<br />
I had been noticing a rattling from my front end and stopped quickly to make sure my break rotor didn't need to be tightened. Nope. I did let the two guys I was riding with pass me here while I was checking the bike.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSicgVJUfNDs57OvjXSVRPE7km2ccB_RYKqIopAiC2dMReOJt1watrx89P8YYnxlSacFZ7RvbrfYqPajisrdWXIxaodiZUpHpEOIhZM_VIvaVwrw8RTaigg9s5GCnyPdv5yEtsZtA0vS0/s1600/2013+Chain+Stretcher+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSicgVJUfNDs57OvjXSVRPE7km2ccB_RYKqIopAiC2dMReOJt1watrx89P8YYnxlSacFZ7RvbrfYqPajisrdWXIxaodiZUpHpEOIhZM_VIvaVwrw8RTaigg9s5GCnyPdv5yEtsZtA0vS0/s320/2013+Chain+Stretcher+051.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The culprit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I continued on with my broken spoke and cleared the rock climb on Dickey Brook. I also had a great run through Dr. Jekyll, clearing most everything. When I hit Ned's Left Lung, I didn't have it in me. It is brutal. 218 feet in just under 3/4 of a mile. I walked up the first part.<br />
<br />
Then I remembered something. While I usually only ride my 32 tooth ring up front, I do still actually have a little ring. And that's easier. I used my atrophying left thumb to flick that rapid fire and next thing I know, I'm headed up hill and not dying all at the same time! That was the only climb I used it on.<br />
<br />
I should mention at this time the pros pre-riding the course passed by me on my race lap. Does wonders for ones self esteem. <br />
<br />
After Ned's Left Lung I started catching glimpses of the the guy in the Campmor kit I had been back and forth with on the first lap. I managed to get by him and one other guy who had passed me a long time before. Not sure if he was bonking or if something went wrong. I guess maybe something went wrong when you are bonking. Forget it.<br />
<br />
With everything I had left, I threw my fork into the locked position and cranked up the road to the finish, managing to hold off the guys behind me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFVK88_heVzpRie2d-jmw0ZaXE7_mLdCSXl2czrTVRXY4fTwj7e6n60j2AchRTpJHCXRoXGOIZ3CIDqsPEomKjo9TaIvhWOwk2iKAiG07Y0pa6pXS5C3gba-ytwb-sr6b4OyI1DF1Qh8/s1600/2013+Chain+Stretcher+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFVK88_heVzpRie2d-jmw0ZaXE7_mLdCSXl2czrTVRXY4fTwj7e6n60j2AchRTpJHCXRoXGOIZ3CIDqsPEomKjo9TaIvhWOwk2iKAiG07Y0pa6pXS5C3gba-ytwb-sr6b4OyI1DF1Qh8/s640/2013+Chain+Stretcher+036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish Sprint!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_D-XWuMOUhjpPwjJP1I1JL467xm0J1Cx04tq42Sv8Zs6AEnHfmMHUJF4ifc5L4MB2v5tkeDkDkUOVFFgwml_GOdoFLkjCn1pT0E8CddEwfKdRemAJWZVZ-pYdh8-txxr3M547aMMgEcs/s1600/2013+Chain+Stretcher+036-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
I finished my second lap a minute or so faster than my first. Great! After the race, we had a lot of time to hang around waiting for results. I could have gone out for pizza and come back and still not had results. We waited for an hour and a half after I finished and results still weren't posted. I still don't know how I did. I remember that last time I did this race it took FOREVER for them to post results. The only complaint I have really. Other than there are way too many people in the 40 - 49 age group.<br />
<br />
We did get a chance to speak to some folks after the race and everyone LOVED the course. Great set of trails. Great course. Well thought out. Well marked. Well manned. Nice work!!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncvXbYI6Q905RaRZy-xwNzfBnR5zGqxVuSnLkE81dun_d89DKUYgXMGKW7pNlQoUMwPg07UAQ_gIMDynVlkyIgMZv52rjXAiqYZ1R5W-WICt3qmG2dD1C0rc8B4AWjhEz8GmghsrcDYM/s1600/2013+Chain+Stretcher+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncvXbYI6Q905RaRZy-xwNzfBnR5zGqxVuSnLkE81dun_d89DKUYgXMGKW7pNlQoUMwPg07UAQ_gIMDynVlkyIgMZv52rjXAiqYZ1R5W-WICt3qmG2dD1C0rc8B4AWjhEz8GmghsrcDYM/s320/2013+Chain+Stretcher+038.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my two favorite fans after the race!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YwuAE3pSYmPM0fID-wZZm-S2FPNKV_oQgTt7QgzpL-89IsyL7TGLhRzyPijktOwEQNlp7IwoUMDn9fuipi2RDQ9vEkscxnBgDZkWIWcdOETIv6cN2Glury6sSyWHgHlvvRWQwYRyksk/s1600/2013+Chain+Stretcher+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YwuAE3pSYmPM0fID-wZZm-S2FPNKV_oQgTt7QgzpL-89IsyL7TGLhRzyPijktOwEQNlp7IwoUMDn9fuipi2RDQ9vEkscxnBgDZkWIWcdOETIv6cN2Glury6sSyWHgHlvvRWQwYRyksk/s320/2013+Chain+Stretcher+046.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 WMBA Jersey Design</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoFU3R2v9tHML7A7QRWGr5GaUhMA5HdFtDQ3Yr4758ob8G6vWcn2PswvAJpNtM30GSQehRHMl3XJtcSqGANIBPuO-mvASNsXU-FkhgcyfpiJ1UyZHDJuwkS_8NJfJp3gc0WRFRMhcicg/s1600/2013+Chain+Stretcher+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoFU3R2v9tHML7A7QRWGr5GaUhMA5HdFtDQ3Yr4758ob8G6vWcn2PswvAJpNtM30GSQehRHMl3XJtcSqGANIBPuO-mvASNsXU-FkhgcyfpiJ1UyZHDJuwkS_8NJfJp3gc0WRFRMhcicg/s640/2013+Chain+Stretcher+047.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Course Map</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlEvHBFotTcbRSIN7erklie5BXH53dwP1nCZtH-epgxtDGcpgsakXcwdxuaXCq2YP0WkjQeM1eU3Jc_M-hX0nZ_dMRW0Ysd2Ihsu9t6qiLlvAv_qdAS-Nfu1x_Gqr2VGW1kbDJ9ZzzBM/s1600/2013+Chain+Stretcher+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlEvHBFotTcbRSIN7erklie5BXH53dwP1nCZtH-epgxtDGcpgsakXcwdxuaXCq2YP0WkjQeM1eU3Jc_M-hX0nZ_dMRW0Ysd2Ihsu9t6qiLlvAv_qdAS-Nfu1x_Gqr2VGW1kbDJ9ZzzBM/s320/2013+Chain+Stretcher+048.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cori warming her hiney by the 1933 CCC built fireplace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwJQbpFKobyK6zFWsgFW_pu0_07XuvtBbqnBnZQbf6McvLSBmtYwSJuUENVZb1TMWwkqoQeCpR3mLAEMJt51HJebfknndcSe83RC0kp8cgnFv0LBU94r37ykvvK2c71DhbStHWXGPsWY/s1600/2013+Chain+Stretcher+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwJQbpFKobyK6zFWsgFW_pu0_07XuvtBbqnBnZQbf6McvLSBmtYwSJuUENVZb1TMWwkqoQeCpR3mLAEMJt51HJebfknndcSe83RC0kp8cgnFv0LBU94r37ykvvK2c71DhbStHWXGPsWY/s320/2013+Chain+Stretcher+052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cori uses her newly warmed hiney to squish our kid.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxktyzr49YSiVQMAF17jKenI2w3_gxvA0nJjUGmGPL_yo4DIKFmcPBIYLGkRAVFFAOFbL41_EkayAE0d2rNGPLAm9-hmpTuoZilnVDl9Ox7Xirm4ah41DuzYr7xlpAzzEsmM1Flp_lAk/s1600/2013+Chain+Stretcher+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxktyzr49YSiVQMAF17jKenI2w3_gxvA0nJjUGmGPL_yo4DIKFmcPBIYLGkRAVFFAOFbL41_EkayAE0d2rNGPLAm9-hmpTuoZilnVDl9Ox7Xirm4ah41DuzYr7xlpAzzEsmM1Flp_lAk/s320/2013+Chain+Stretcher+053.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a fat tire division.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjZ60otvRKzAxJDN4v7wzRkPZGidEXypNkfI5BRcB75Mdo6z58yc0A6v23bi49PwQw4HI9KE_xrLke0oKgrUD3P68q0BMSjLyGIssmVhuz9KoI4qH7DzN962swChd5sqdE5-H16IofGo/s1600/2013+Chain+Stretcher+059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjZ60otvRKzAxJDN4v7wzRkPZGidEXypNkfI5BRcB75Mdo6z58yc0A6v23bi49PwQw4HI9KE_xrLke0oKgrUD3P68q0BMSjLyGIssmVhuz9KoI4qH7DzN962swChd5sqdE5-H16IofGo/s320/2013+Chain+Stretcher+059.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I expect Alby King has these too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'll update with results once I have them.<br />
<br />
For now, here's the <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/301233048" target="_blank">GPS track</a>.<br />
<br />
Next up, the <a href="http://bstrarelay.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">BSTRA Relay</a> next weekend in Douglas State Forest. I'll be doing the trail run and mountain biking legs!<br />
<br />
UPDATE: Results are in. I took 5th out of 32 starting in my Cat 2 40 - 49 division!!! Super happy with that result. I honestly had no idea, but didn't expect anything that good! Three of the 32 DNF'd. <br />
<br />
And a couple of pictures I meant to post, but forgot...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb487JfBVfON2VVPZ37G6533ZDzNr6d4o5WIrfAEhaNvMmvZa0Jmvtyc7j6bgd0xX0_tIjyE9o6gApyr0g3boSP5WGL4Aqbnuj7E4i6QjTB4Tmc7hZRrBdQSjH2isYujHTQkgsQjn0yKI/s1600/2013+Chain+Stretcher+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb487JfBVfON2VVPZ37G6533ZDzNr6d4o5WIrfAEhaNvMmvZa0Jmvtyc7j6bgd0xX0_tIjyE9o6gApyr0g3boSP5WGL4Aqbnuj7E4i6QjTB4Tmc7hZRrBdQSjH2isYujHTQkgsQjn0yKI/s400/2013+Chain+Stretcher+012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headed up to the start. Harry walking in front.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGl3VV-w75RtzYBh9FHQOW5Mq3FKKlOQCSdM2BIBhzx2rGsvlavH5Q0iQm27LFvLhUy0njhI4QWoO1p0G0jUhGXJzAu4UB47J3QyzAX1-nQHH5iPF_3uFQO9puYlpjF3ErfDsmG5P8A0/s1600/2013+Chain+Stretcher+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGl3VV-w75RtzYBh9FHQOW5Mq3FKKlOQCSdM2BIBhzx2rGsvlavH5Q0iQm27LFvLhUy0njhI4QWoO1p0G0jUhGXJzAu4UB47J3QyzAX1-nQHH5iPF_3uFQO9puYlpjF3ErfDsmG5P8A0/s400/2013+Chain+Stretcher+014.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anticipation!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCHTK-9k-NpYZl4095zfphnAjG4qnv55bxN6-9RZOmYQjzInKgVvrtMkPgO12TQDCaYivk4UKfM2m7yKV7IvPejWfbLxgzdXJB7vUl4R-wG1_B9yJs7rLv3jMOwqAXkLjx7EI6KdbZaU/s1600/2013+Chain+Stretcher+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCHTK-9k-NpYZl4095zfphnAjG4qnv55bxN6-9RZOmYQjzInKgVvrtMkPgO12TQDCaYivk4UKfM2m7yKV7IvPejWfbLxgzdXJB7vUl4R-wG1_B9yJs7rLv3jMOwqAXkLjx7EI6KdbZaU/s320/2013+Chain+Stretcher+016.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">40 something. None of your friggin' business.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6sjfwOUEutaE585ZmWZhFhNrImj2IjEA8kJpUpe3_fEMZLs-9Xzo0kaJGPz6VkRH4xzRnY6KW5pR1J7eRXCVXzCJ6SBHazrfQlfcEjG6B1MkyP1m98l6iKW64ROzJyNDCDLen80MeY8/s1600/2013+Chain+Stretcher+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6sjfwOUEutaE585ZmWZhFhNrImj2IjEA8kJpUpe3_fEMZLs-9Xzo0kaJGPz6VkRH4xzRnY6KW5pR1J7eRXCVXzCJ6SBHazrfQlfcEjG6B1MkyP1m98l6iKW64ROzJyNDCDLen80MeY8/s400/2013+Chain+Stretcher+019.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Cat 2 40 - 49 getting ready to start!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-58797115994027989412013-04-14T20:43:00.002-04:002013-04-15T05:55:23.694-04:00Big River - Exit 7 StartSo today I finally got back to Big River in Rhode Island. It has been almost a year to the day since I was there for <a href="http://pedalpushingpatons.blogspot.com/2012/04/big-river-management-area-rhode-island.html" target="_blank">my first time</a>.<br />
<br />
In an effort to let Johnny Cash roll over in his grave (his back must be sore by now), I put the following into my email to the troops announcing the ride...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now I taught that Gary Fisher how
to fly, fly, fly<br />
And I showed those wheels how to roll that blue Hi-Fi.<br />
And the cheers that I cry for that trail are gonna fill you Big River.<br />
And I'm gonna ride right there until I die.</span></span>
</div>
<br />
My creative efforts must have fallen short. We were a mere six riders today: Jess Bly, Jim Nydam, <a href="http://www.necttrails.com/" target="_blank">Tony Chabot</a>, Chris LeClair, Amar Clark and yours truly. <br />
<br />
This time we started from the Exit 7 park and ride. I thought it was still a little chilly when I left home at 8 am, but arriving in Big River at 9:00 am, it seemed considerably warmer. The trails from the Exit 7 lot start in the back right.<br />
<br />
And they are a BLAST! Fast, smooth and flowy with only some short ups and downs for the first half dozen or so miles. Definitely a great place to start. It gives the legs a nice chance to open up before hitting anything too techy or climby. There were a few small switch-back climbs that were pretty nice.<br />
<br />
I also quickly remembered that just because I'm riding behind Jess, I shouldn't follow his line. He likes going over things. And you never know whether it's a roller or a launch. I prefer not to launch. And I like my rollers to roll, if you know what I mean.<br />
<br />
Just before coming into Sidewinder, we ran into Steve Offiler, Freddy Bassett and someone I hadn't met before named Sil, who I think have figured out to be Sylvain Loize. They were riding an A+ ride and takings home some KOMs on various Strava segments. Caught up a few minutes. Listened to some gibberish that was allegedly directions and continued on our merry way down Sidewinder. Great trail, but always goes by too fast. By always, I mean the two times I've been on it.<br />
<br />
After riding by the end of Tarbox Pond, we started climbing up Hopkins Hill Road for a short stretch before cutting in to the left onto the trail again. That trail heads uphill over root, rocks and downed trees. When we'd waited a little too long at an intersection, we knew something was up.<br />
<br />
Somehow in the process of shifting, Chris got his chain caught between the little ring and the frame. Not a little caught. Irremovably caught. We had to pop the quick link to take the chain out and then put it back together again. I say we because I have the important job of holding the jockey wheel forward to remove the tension on the chain.<br />
<br />
Anyhow, back up and at 'em and we headed up to the parking area off Exit 6A, which is where we started last time I rode Big River. Amar had actually parked at the 6A lot and Jess had grabbed him and his bike and brought him to the start.<br />
<br />
Amar had the option of calling it here or continuing on until we crossed back to the lot later on. He did the right thing and kept riding. Kick ass Amar.<br />
<br />
We crossed over Hopkins Hill Road down a super fun, jumpy fast downhill. It leads down to a stream and out a major climb up to a road that looks to lead to some sort of quarry. This is all stuff I did last time I was here. We followed some really fun trail that had great flow. At one point over here there is a great little feature someone put in. It's a bunch of maybe eight foot lengths of lumber that start with 10" plank and gets narrower and narrower with each 8' length.<br />
<br />
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The Skinny and Skinnier and Skinnier</div>
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Jess Nails Those Boards</div>
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We also came across a pretty cool string of rocks and boards that were put together for adventurous riders.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9YT0NOlcgMWhuRnSapibvNiSnyejuU8H2nuy4qYx_eFKQb5IQCu0HvBkB8zs-AxVxEAxzxo8ngKTcBvio1-yfLDx4SokGez6ataQ_5zaVbqsFAxbmZ2HbypnZOhOaY_CHu81EzUwTxo/s1600/Big+River+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9YT0NOlcgMWhuRnSapibvNiSnyejuU8H2nuy4qYx_eFKQb5IQCu0HvBkB8zs-AxVxEAxzxo8ngKTcBvio1-yfLDx4SokGez6ataQ_5zaVbqsFAxbmZ2HbypnZOhOaY_CHu81EzUwTxo/s640/Big+River+010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tony Gives It a Go</td></tr>
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The Ol' Bly Try</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amar Hits the Bridge</td></tr>
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And after that, we moved on to Alan's Ave and climbed up Elephant to take a break at the overlook. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nD1-9IArg574-P7nywhQtfeOlgoBiaWqEcx6gNvK251-qx-rj_B8OlX91zPCm0cwc797HeWxSD4GeaZndlZQC_-fcWfPq4GrGTK3ZsqPo8tglfpTAuw_eRerzNyQNIAJySASNedKcVE/s1600/Big+River+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nD1-9IArg574-P7nywhQtfeOlgoBiaWqEcx6gNvK251-qx-rj_B8OlX91zPCm0cwc797HeWxSD4GeaZndlZQC_-fcWfPq4GrGTK3ZsqPo8tglfpTAuw_eRerzNyQNIAJySASNedKcVE/s640/Big+River+012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Grinds Up Elephant</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN00JC0bLnXkvLTYUBmw53c51Qr-NlXNALjpssaJNbD1o2VwDREIRKaaD1ilNanfS9vPSI9idBVa1InuoUSADcMRfy27-_CHbqyYhM4oTwJJZ05F83ef_yIUpgCS-r8AFjizk3CWIamRs/s1600/Big+River+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN00JC0bLnXkvLTYUBmw53c51Qr-NlXNALjpssaJNbD1o2VwDREIRKaaD1ilNanfS9vPSI9idBVa1InuoUSADcMRfy27-_CHbqyYhM4oTwJJZ05F83ef_yIUpgCS-r8AFjizk3CWIamRs/s640/Big+River+014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tony Keepin' On Keepin' On</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7A5De5JlY_bbPxA-roH_i9EeGB8ZOoQqpA1nIGzJ-Yw8PAb0X9ZqfknLWbjt-47ytF8u4fYebMNaiA22xJF0eWlQHFFk3GemSZTgoi017iVtE02NPwUyk2BrM3BAyIkAtdUGoHZKUgVk/s1600/Big+River+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7A5De5JlY_bbPxA-roH_i9EeGB8ZOoQqpA1nIGzJ-Yw8PAb0X9ZqfknLWbjt-47ytF8u4fYebMNaiA22xJF0eWlQHFFk3GemSZTgoi017iVtE02NPwUyk2BrM3BAyIkAtdUGoHZKUgVk/s400/Big+River+021.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to Make Sure Everyone Makes the Turn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4wgifylW1dZwftbQ-Yi6SZSMs0-UlEMWYMQoXcEIz-6OSuG8m3KGasVui8_I0fPDUtatb8wQ-QSujRgV0tWNbh5eO3gJm3kbmCg1JajCtwrjJjCKoGA0egQ7q-c93rwwun9VHy76Cbo/s1600/Big+River+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4wgifylW1dZwftbQ-Yi6SZSMs0-UlEMWYMQoXcEIz-6OSuG8m3KGasVui8_I0fPDUtatb8wQ-QSujRgV0tWNbh5eO3gJm3kbmCg1JajCtwrjJjCKoGA0egQ7q-c93rwwun9VHy76Cbo/s640/Big+River+023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amar Slaying the Elephant (I'm pretty sure that's illegal)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUEqTCn-XlDOYRQiO-j4_NoP-11T0kp2xWME3o8Fc_uofekIjN4PinFnvEfK9IVR1BtLNe8tVgMvH6BsY3TFyr8K69LWfH8o4BS_R20QGN7iU6TLz3Tak2vACsPzYrm-UowAqmS1PgEs/s1600/Big+River+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUEqTCn-XlDOYRQiO-j4_NoP-11T0kp2xWME3o8Fc_uofekIjN4PinFnvEfK9IVR1BtLNe8tVgMvH6BsY3TFyr8K69LWfH8o4BS_R20QGN7iU6TLz3Tak2vACsPzYrm-UowAqmS1PgEs/s640/Big+River+025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday Morning Riders (not to be confused with Wednesday Night Riders)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iHhTooQ-Y5hurYe7tPkkA_RcyzMZCUFyWHZ3kpBWPq7xUghIu1oQVJIEFSwY8sB_YhTZj8o5kNycqYKrJlnpXESZYICm8eRo0C-QKGI1-6Hoq-hdEM4dEIba_M31xNqb4ZKImnTF2sw/s1600/Big+River+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iHhTooQ-Y5hurYe7tPkkA_RcyzMZCUFyWHZ3kpBWPq7xUghIu1oQVJIEFSwY8sB_YhTZj8o5kNycqYKrJlnpXESZYICm8eRo0C-QKGI1-6Hoq-hdEM4dEIba_M31xNqb4ZKImnTF2sw/s640/Big+River+024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is Tony Ralphing?</td></tr>
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After the Overlook, we headed down and rode Azorian. Well, Jess rode Azorian. The rest of us dabbed. Nice work Jess! First time cleaning it and now in the illustrious annals of history with the likes of John Beaupre.<br />
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We hit a few more trails on the North side of Hopkins Hill Road - I See Dead People and some other stuff. Chris took a huge digger following Jess down one of his "rollers." That bruise is going to be there for a while. There was also one super tight squeeze aptly named Lemon Squeeze.<br />
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Just before crossing back over Hopkins Hill Road, Chris over-torqued his chain and snapped it. After a repair, we crossed back over Hopkins Hill Road and bade Amar farewell. Amar rode like a champ today. 14 or so miles and the end was super techy and climby. Way to go Amar!<br />
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After we parted company with Amar, we decided to hit some of the terrain on the south side of Hopkins Hill Road before heading back to the fast, flowy stuff out. We almost immediately found ourselves faced with a water crossing. Didn't look too bad. Just stagger-pedal my way through, right? Not right. What started as fairly shallow quickly turned foot-drenchingly deep. At least it wasn't freezing out.<br />
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Jess, our generally geographically gifted guide, missed a turn here somewhere. We still hit some great stuff. Rode along the top of a crazy rock ledge that dropped a good 40 feet or so. Came face-to-tire with Jess' rear wheel as he headed over his handlebars at one point. Rode some obviously new, spongy fun trail. But in the end wound up back at the water crossing. We picked our way along the edge this time rather than splashing through. From there, we started heading back from whence we'd come.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksoZyvR4jxFPk2ZGGTn3ovm5vplO7NEKYnqKQ1YNdlOt_V-fKSHRIv7CrmZDxOQDME6PT7Hb6Tjdem9mQBQedfa3ILJ1KAxy4oz2g2nD-opQq_j85LfI2NQfQ_B81YZvXfEM_lSBNpts/s1600/Big+River+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksoZyvR4jxFPk2ZGGTn3ovm5vplO7NEKYnqKQ1YNdlOt_V-fKSHRIv7CrmZDxOQDME6PT7Hb6Tjdem9mQBQedfa3ILJ1KAxy4oz2g2nD-opQq_j85LfI2NQfQ_B81YZvXfEM_lSBNpts/s640/Big+River+032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tony Tackles the Tree </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SemreSxo3OcJVBHP1AJuCCTY22YD4gcbj6izEUPnnl943zwem-HWedK5xa13jxgZ-X7GB6O4Es45a6WHJCzc4xWnj0My4Rx39sG9jtLRKCiFKUQYKDekozhvqy4As6s36L9yzhZPSuU/s1600/Big+River+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SemreSxo3OcJVBHP1AJuCCTY22YD4gcbj6izEUPnnl943zwem-HWedK5xa13jxgZ-X7GB6O4Es45a6WHJCzc4xWnj0My4Rx39sG9jtLRKCiFKUQYKDekozhvqy4As6s36L9yzhZPSuU/s640/Big+River+033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tree Fights Back</td></tr>
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The fast, flowy stuff that was so great as a warm up was just as great as a cool down. We arrived back in the parking lot at 2:00 pm sharp, a mere five hours after we started.<br />
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In the end, we rode 25.82 miles (wheel measured) and climbed 1,655 feet over those 26 miles.<br />
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Here's the <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/298027907" target="_blank">Garmin track. </a><br />
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Great ride. Great company. Great day. Looking forward to the next time! Next up, the <a href="http://www.wmba.org/" target="_blank">H2H Chain Stretcher</a> next Sunday at the Blue Mountain Reservation in Peekskill, NY. <br />
<br />Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-50050336934707573742013-03-24T20:13:00.000-04:002013-03-25T10:57:17.486-04:00King of Burlingame 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today was the King of Burlingame. It's a race in Charlestown, RI, completed in a time trial format and was my first race this season. That means that it's not a mass start. Each person starts in succession, thirty seconds apart. My goal? Don't get passed. Thirty seconds is not a lot of time.<br />
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While the winter has been great for skiing with 20 days on the hill this year, it did not do much for my mountain biking endurance. You know what goes great with skiing. Drinking beer. And eating fatty foods. I'm a solid five pounds heavier than I was in November.<br />
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I had ridden once in all of February and that was way back on February 6th. After that I didn't get on a bike until March 5th. This did not bode well for a March 24th race. But enough about me being out of shape.<br />
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Coming into this week I had managed to get a ride in down at Burlingame last Sunday. That's the smartest thing I've done in a long while. More on that later. And then I did a quick night ride down at Bluff Point in Groton, CT, on Thursday night. As it turns out, you can't do a night ride at Bluff Point and my accomplices and I ended up getting an earful from the park police and the town five-o. But that's a subject for another blog that will never be written.<br />
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My sport class race was set to go off at 10:00 am. I woke up this morning after a solid night's sleep, which is practically unheard of for me the night before a race. I had gotten my riding stuff together the night before and just had to throw everything in the car and get a bite. I still haven't quite dialed in my pre-race nutrition and tried something new this morning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WKXZ8QPtogfpFaz5rCsJGF0TIROjwRBHpSvoI7XOtZRVvrSIdM-reoWqp0Sn9WpbGrJ_z11YplAfjuv3JCjFVf7f2CHIpUFT5MmoRm116MBfcALKR86aLiI2PQ3ldP3foO7eXUaU7eA/s1600/KOBTT+2013+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WKXZ8QPtogfpFaz5rCsJGF0TIROjwRBHpSvoI7XOtZRVvrSIdM-reoWqp0Sn9WpbGrJ_z11YplAfjuv3JCjFVf7f2CHIpUFT5MmoRm116MBfcALKR86aLiI2PQ3ldP3foO7eXUaU7eA/s320/KOBTT+2013+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oatmeal!</td></tr>
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Healthy, filling and seemingly non-threatening to my stomach. Yes, oatmeal folks. I was pretty pleased how everything went today including my energy levels, so I think I may stick with it.<br />
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I arrived at the race at 9:00 am, an hour before my race was scheduled and at just the time the expert level race was scheduled to commence. I saw a bunch of them, including Karen Potter, Liz Chabot Allen and Liz Bove, heading to the starting line as I was pulling in.<br />
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As I was in line to grab my number, Matt Danis came up behind me in line with his family. We chatted for a while (the line was sizable). After I worked my way to the front of the line I paid my additional $10 license fee (more than 50% of the race fee I had paid of $18). My destiny was to be lucky #535.<br />
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Matt scored #506. A good solid number and maybe the highlight of his day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXEYit7z0kBGFjubfGMoRqUBW_rbwpimnxcz-tCalC3ImxgcU59gHvoKEUl637hOoAxmrpUksId-4w2om5-Dn1fihpEv1G435nkxu4dplGyZmHtCBEK-3n6qyCNPD64o4BRTlOz5GAKw/s1600/KOBTT+2013+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXEYit7z0kBGFjubfGMoRqUBW_rbwpimnxcz-tCalC3ImxgcU59gHvoKEUl637hOoAxmrpUksId-4w2om5-Dn1fihpEv1G435nkxu4dplGyZmHtCBEK-3n6qyCNPD64o4BRTlOz5GAKw/s320/KOBTT+2013+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danises? Danii? Danimals?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After getting my biking costume on, I headed the mile ride to the start of the race with Matt. We were there about 15 - 20 minutes before the 10 am start. All the experts were off already, so it was a bit of milling about. I took the opportunity to ride down the dirt road and get my first real glimpse of the lake that the Burlingame trail system circles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsbRaRQFYuVDzPSY9yBlIlNu0ETqletEKcI3-L9xqxisEbvcQeMh9wJrTQuG2WB_XVLcBLHUS7lVGkVNyuYK5Th_YrPRhrp8atChnh5sSuuSnzfumKJVEeF5l-c1OJ23JeA9D16SXmRU/s1600/KOBTT+2013+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsbRaRQFYuVDzPSY9yBlIlNu0ETqletEKcI3-L9xqxisEbvcQeMh9wJrTQuG2WB_XVLcBLHUS7lVGkVNyuYK5Th_YrPRhrp8atChnh5sSuuSnzfumKJVEeF5l-c1OJ23JeA9D16SXmRU/s320/KOBTT+2013+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watchaug Pond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
They did a pretty good job getting the races started on time and we were started based upon our race numbers. One rider every 30 seconds, starting with rider #501. That meant with lucky #535, I had about 17 minutes to wait. I watched Matt go off a few minutes after the hour. He had opted to ride his single speed with an 18 tooth gear in the back. He said he ran the same gearing last year and was pretty happy with how it treated him.<br />
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I sidled up to the starting line as my start became imminent and had the opportunity to talk with rider #534, bedecked in a green NEMBA jersey. He asked me my name and told me his was Josh Burgel. He promised to remember my name so when I passed him he could offer some encouragement. As it turns out, he may as well have forgotten it. Maybe he did.<br />
<br />
I finally was at the starting line. Three, two, one. And I was off. Sort of. It must have taken 15 seconds to get clipped in. It felt like 15 minutes with all the other riders behind me watching me. But I got clipped in eventually and was off.<br />
<br />
Anthony Chabot picked up some <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tYMDpouWkHY#!" target="_blank">video footage of me near the start</a>. I'm in the first 10 seconds. <br />
<br />
As I had mentioned earlier, I had pre-ridden the course last week. Twice. The second time was well worth the beat-down it gave me. I learned a handful of line choices that were going to come in handy. I also learned that the first part of the course was brutal. Lots of short steep climbs. Nothing too sustained, but there were a lot of them. I also knew they wouldn't go on forever.<br />
<br />
At the 1/2 mile mark I came across Matt Danis. Walking against traffic pushing his bicycle. I couldn't quite gather what had gone awry, but I'm confident things weren't going according to plan. Bad news, Matt. Tough way to start the season.<br />
<br />
So I went out gangbusters. Things were looking promising. I passed my first rider (other than the dispirited Danis) at just about mile one on the nose. Then another rider with a mechanical right after. Then I started hitting the hills. I wish I was a little stronger on this point of my riding, but given the shape I'm in, I was feeling good. I was cleaning the tech, so even though the hills were hell, I was not as worried as I might have been.<br />
<br />
By the end of the hills, I'd passed another couple of guys and was still not passed by anyone. Still making my goal, but a lot of race to go. I apologize to the guy who let me pass only to have me bobble and dab
almost immediately. He was kind enough to let me stay in front.<br />
<br />
I did a lot better on the short steeps than I had on my pre-ride the week before. Some of them are super tough. Already climbing when you hit a 14" drop, except it's only a drop on the other direction. It took a lot of oomph. As much as I had.<br />
<br />
By the time the worst of the hills were by, maybe 2.5 miles in, I was gasping, but smiling knowing I was in the clear. After cruising down an extended wide track to the lake, there is a pretty long dirt road climb before getting back into the single track. If I'm reading my Garmin correctly, it's about 75 feet in 0.8 miles. I saw a rider up, but I also took the opportunity to look over my should to see a rider back. Egad! I worried about this. Before the race started. I knew long dirt road climbs on my Hi-Fi (a 21" full suspension 29er) were a danger area. I managed to fend off the rider back and close on the rider fore.<br />
<br />
When you get into the single track again, it quickly turns into a series of drops off water breaks. Super fun. There are a few techy sections that I cleared. But only because of the pre-ride. Thanks to all who took us out last week, especially Steve Offiler and <a href="http://wheninspirationhitsliz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Liz Chabot Allen</a>. <br />
<br />
Oh, and while I'm thanking people, I'd like to take a sec to thank the race volunteers. These folks selflessly donate their time to make this event a success. The course was well-staffed, with numerous volunteers at a number of key intersections. All were very encouraging. Great to see so many smiling faces. The intersections were also all clearly marked and everything was well signed. These guys did a great job putting everything together. I took a couple shots of what the rest of the park looks like and you can see what the folks who cleared these trails must have had to do to make this race happen.<br />
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Just after mile five, I hit the only mandatory dismount on the course as I entered onto Buckeye Brook Rd for a few tenths of a mile. I had just passed another guy just a little ways back. It took him a minute to pop out of the woods behind me, but once he did, he came on pretty hard. I still managed to keep him off until I entered back into the woods. There are a bunch of bridges through the next section and a couple super-technical rocky areas. I managed to keep clipped in and eked them all out. Again, I would say how important it was that I pre-rode. There was one series of bridges in particular that would have had me off the bike. It's a pair of bridges end to end, but the second bridge pops you onto a tough rock off which you need to make a 90 degree left onto a third bridge. Damned near impossible. BUT, I knew that skipping the second bridge and taking a wide berth around would allow me a straight shot onto the ramp of that third bridge. It did just that.<br />
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Getting close to the finish. Just one more technical section and then a series of easy bridges and a long slow uphill and I'm done! But the tech section first. Yikes! The one thing I hadn't gotten either time on the pre-ride was a log pile that was definitely out of my comfort zone. I was having a good ride though and had just passed another guy when I came across it. I decided I'd try instead of unclipping and running over it. It was like some other guy was riding the bike. Up and over, smooth. Wow!<br />
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I came through the last section without knowing how close the guy behind me was. I just cranked with everything I had left. I crossed the finish line. And I wasn't passed! Mission accomplished.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC7IQYubQiNb6OTZfQ659vlvClKHuknqzarKsXDFHuQWV4mFVELFmDORyokpHmGJrWDQlOPV8C5LH9_feeI9qoM8b_StK9QcbDmi2-VQsF_q3I5TKEnzHlgbt1qYnG0Kupq16fz1XdoE/s1600/KOBTT+2013+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC7IQYubQiNb6OTZfQ659vlvClKHuknqzarKsXDFHuQWV4mFVELFmDORyokpHmGJrWDQlOPV8C5LH9_feeI9qoM8b_StK9QcbDmi2-VQsF_q3I5TKEnzHlgbt1qYnG0Kupq16fz1XdoE/s320/KOBTT+2013+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some guy who finished shortly after me</td></tr>
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<br />
After the race I spoke with a few of my fellow sport racers. All smiles all around. The guy who had been gaining on me, as it turns out, was the same NEMBA guy I'd passed a lot earlier.<br />
<br />
I rode back to the parking lot and checked out the event tent, but only the expert results were up. <a href="http://karenpotterbikeracing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Karen Potter</a> won the women's race. Liz Chabot Allen took third and Liz Bove fifth. I overheard someone muttering about Potter winning when this isn't even her strong suit. I mean, she's an endurance racer for crying out loud. Turns out she broke the women's course record. Potter!!! I also saw Beaupre finished respectably with 5th in a large age category (40 - 59).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIx6AbgERJCa8aFqyo0RUJESxU7Nd_HvTSEM3pzpM-K8Y4Q9gblwEIiUGFnkSysiHADeBmwhyYpjj4g3qS5aPF90Le8f0LzAgqw8Thqg3SDEpYiR46f933esO2yFL50TcA4K2wDTSF84U/s1600/KOBTT+2013+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIx6AbgERJCa8aFqyo0RUJESxU7Nd_HvTSEM3pzpM-K8Y4Q9gblwEIiUGFnkSysiHADeBmwhyYpjj4g3qS5aPF90Le8f0LzAgqw8Thqg3SDEpYiR46f933esO2yFL50TcA4K2wDTSF84U/s640/KOBTT+2013+015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expert Women</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWc0DeRTUZMIzZb0Tw-BX8Of0F3sQnOYIDv_M6JHp9EO7NRJdJehPJmGIqaOFOz5iorHujkNst9jNoFq8lRdYfwQyLJZQ2XeS6uf2s6On_zktU8DqZqIafzQkoLQD4zwrZDFc9D09M8s/s1600/KOBTT+2013+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWc0DeRTUZMIzZb0Tw-BX8Of0F3sQnOYIDv_M6JHp9EO7NRJdJehPJmGIqaOFOz5iorHujkNst9jNoFq8lRdYfwQyLJZQ2XeS6uf2s6On_zktU8DqZqIafzQkoLQD4zwrZDFc9D09M8s/s640/KOBTT+2013+016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaupre is in here somewhere.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After tooling around a little more, the results finally came up for my sport race. I ended up 15th out of 39 with a time of 52:40. Not my best race, but honestly better than I had hoped. And I didn't get passed!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rrki8rzfGQhRNc1b10JdDJPg1R_30hIWTCXKdVZuGJRt7cJrziM2JMpAmmLb8v1jQvC-37xDob-9tEhMr11-R13HkMIv_VX7Qri0sTHDknFN5mJU33_iaK6SuPnePEnXH7XDWEcfLb8/s1600/KOBTT+2013+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rrki8rzfGQhRNc1b10JdDJPg1R_30hIWTCXKdVZuGJRt7cJrziM2JMpAmmLb8v1jQvC-37xDob-9tEhMr11-R13HkMIv_VX7Qri0sTHDknFN5mJU33_iaK6SuPnePEnXH7XDWEcfLb8/s640/KOBTT+2013+023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sport men 40 - 49, Page 2. I'm second from the top.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDtBhUfeTZFCpuqaaecmYDx3volzyAyQv0vAAv_B2LfxIpqBSo1bI6ZMjyuLqrW_JYGJMu49uLkFsRnvrriO8MyFfMOrZBzl0KelN6d01_5vyKfJPMOSiAh0IOF3ttR3e8S7nhEism3w/s1600/KOBTT+2013+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDtBhUfeTZFCpuqaaecmYDx3volzyAyQv0vAAv_B2LfxIpqBSo1bI6ZMjyuLqrW_JYGJMu49uLkFsRnvrriO8MyFfMOrZBzl0KelN6d01_5vyKfJPMOSiAh0IOF3ttR3e8S7nhEism3w/s640/KOBTT+2013+024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top of my class. Note that Josh Burgel took second on my class. He must have thought I was going to win.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Great race. Definitely would do it again next year. Here's a shot someone (Glenn Anderson) took of me.<br />
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Next up, maybe the <a href="https://www.bikereg.com/Net/18614" target="_blank">Chainstretcher</a> in Peekskill, NY. If not, Battle of Burlingame to kick off the <a href="http://www.efta.com/content/category/8/26/48/" target="_blank">EFTA series</a>.<br />
<br />Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-81526602061090330802013-01-13T19:07:00.000-05:002013-01-14T10:17:49.977-05:00Bluff Point, Groton, CT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7md0uUtQHxNZ8YbQSa4-ae7XjTyn0wdLv6n3_XWe4Mgt0LhKxfx-280jdrVq181j_KCxB1t_RdS7uATq1qkbPFf8MyNe2hTwp48SSG5hbPJgC_bfHzoK_F26TI2HhH0RmbQyXIkBiAw/s1600/Bluff+Point+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7md0uUtQHxNZ8YbQSa4-ae7XjTyn0wdLv6n3_XWe4Mgt0LhKxfx-280jdrVq181j_KCxB1t_RdS7uATq1qkbPFf8MyNe2hTwp48SSG5hbPJgC_bfHzoK_F26TI2HhH0RmbQyXIkBiAw/s320/Bluff+Point+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So I bailed on a previously scheduled Big River or Burlingame ride last minute to latch onto a Sunday morning ride with Uncle Norm and the gang at Bluff Point State Park in Groton, CT. I'd never ridden it before and recalled what a great time my first time at Burlingame was last week. Thinking maybe my first time riding somewhere has a positive correlation coefficient with the fun factor, I thought, "What the hell, I'll do it."<br />
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The ride was scheduled for 8:00 am and I pulled in at 7:57. There were a number of riders gearing up in the parking lot, but our group, as it turned out, was small today. Just Norm, Norm and I.<br />
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I had read and heard a little bit about the park in the past couple of days and the recurrent themes seemed to be small and fast.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qnednOq8m6Nyt0ZzGqWM7iu-7tdW_fNEBU_VXvwzpUOgsjZDzPIYAAy36u7JTnL4p4URvchJMx1Ed683mtjOfHpJqalAXPP5aYvMwlHdmdTv3KAMxH3cJ31XHv9XXH0V_DwTrxmx3OY/s1600/Speedy+Gonzales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qnednOq8m6Nyt0ZzGqWM7iu-7tdW_fNEBU_VXvwzpUOgsjZDzPIYAAy36u7JTnL4p4URvchJMx1Ed683mtjOfHpJqalAXPP5aYvMwlHdmdTv3KAMxH3cJ31XHv9XXH0V_DwTrxmx3OY/s320/Speedy+Gonzales.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluff Point - Arriba, Arriba!!</td></tr>
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I wanted to get a good ride in, so was prepared to go back and do some repeats once the group ride was over.<br />
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The great news was that it was pretty warm in Groton already at 8:00 am. Temps were already hovering in the mid-40s with the forecast calling for 54. This was my first ride without my booties on in a couple of months. <br />
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While temps were warm, the ground was still wet and the air was still thick with moisture. Would it be slippery? Time would tell.<br />
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We headed into singletrack almost right out of the lot. I was a little concerned as Norm Sr was booking with Norm Jr, replete with brandy-new drive train and rubber, hot on his tail. I managed to keep up and after a few turns we started climbing. Not big, but it was a climb.<br />
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I was paying attention so that when the ride was over, I could try to do it again if needed. Within a quarter mile I stopped trying to pay attention. Theseus couldn't have found his way out of this labyrinth with a Tom Tom, never mind a ball of string. Turn after turn after turn after turn, ad infinitum.<br />
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We came down a gnarly descent to a fire road with a couple of small drops onto exposed rock and with a 90 degree right in the middle of it. This was the slip test. And my tires passed, with flying colors. I was successfully able to slow down without sliding out coming down exposed wet rock to make the right hand turn. This definitely added a new level of comfort to my ride.<br />
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We crossed the fire road and the fast, flowy singletrack continued. We came down by the water and started following a pretty nice trail. We stopped to grab a video at a cool little bridge.<br />
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Something that quickly became apparent was the sea of anti-bike vegetation. It was generally cut back pretty well, but did encroach on the trail here and there.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivU75xlmqW7tGH-Co3s8lJDSwdGzC9l-Gf8PeiJHqOtHlbxqaWAO7tqWXh-2ZwP3H6aULCdKVnbv3A3pTd_tymAfjMZt4fWmmwQ4MLk8I57UqiBSmqk4pVBBxoxxtr26AeatXEDyHOJEs/s1600/Bluff+Point+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivU75xlmqW7tGH-Co3s8lJDSwdGzC9l-Gf8PeiJHqOtHlbxqaWAO7tqWXh-2ZwP3H6aULCdKVnbv3A3pTd_tymAfjMZt4fWmmwQ4MLk8I57UqiBSmqk4pVBBxoxxtr26AeatXEDyHOJEs/s320/Bluff+Point+018.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me so thorny. Me love you long time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After a few pretty tricky rock gardens we climbed up and came to the quintessential Bluff Point photo opportunity.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBHdaUSXv3kCJTbRit5N2J5ACoGGIBEVmp2OsoHGIMqtmqRsKgvauuX9V96bcLe78A8FNX8X2GyNi3etcPg09l2RtphFDnysiMP4khSkTznjdQ5hUwbPBrRGo9DKLd3SWH7AdpQBnsPc/s1600/Bluff+Point+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBHdaUSXv3kCJTbRit5N2J5ACoGGIBEVmp2OsoHGIMqtmqRsKgvauuX9V96bcLe78A8FNX8X2GyNi3etcPg09l2RtphFDnysiMP4khSkTznjdQ5hUwbPBrRGo9DKLd3SWH7AdpQBnsPc/s640/Bluff+Point+009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't Step Back</td></tr>
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We did a bunch more single track that continued to be more maze like than I could have imagined, but super fun. The singletrack was in great shape. Not overly eroded. Clear of leaves (mostly). And it did a good job using some of the natural features of the landscape. Thanks to everyone who works on these trails. Your dedication is most appreciated!<br />
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<br />
After getting a lot of what Bluff Point had to offer, we followed down the tracks for a while until we came to an obviously haunted bridge that we crossed to get into Haley Farm State Park.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRLB_6X1JKk5f11xTafgO4ouTdwB8l1cBWx8PQz9uRiYvF9qQ-mg_n-UYYlQoKZMR3BxDq5Zb21rOoNk-9S0AjbdVSQmtryWokLQv49AusJIyqYrEydQl4kt1SoEc7WpUlo_btQ4cmok/s1600/Bluff+Point+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRLB_6X1JKk5f11xTafgO4ouTdwB8l1cBWx8PQz9uRiYvF9qQ-mg_n-UYYlQoKZMR3BxDq5Zb21rOoNk-9S0AjbdVSQmtryWokLQv49AusJIyqYrEydQl4kt1SoEc7WpUlo_btQ4cmok/s640/Bluff+Point+013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pair-a-Norm-al Experience</td></tr>
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Haley Farm was okay for a few extra miles, but pretty mundane. I was hoping for a little more out of it. There was one pretty nice extended, slight decline that was a hoot, but that was definitely the highlight.</div>
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After we came back over to Bluff Point, we hit another few segments of single track, including a really nice, long downhill, before coming back out to the parking lot.</div>
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At the end of our ride together, we had logged 12.15 miles on the Garmin, but that's usually about 10% shy, so I'd guess closer to 13.25 - 13.5 miles.<br />
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I decided that despite the solid miles we'd already put in, I'd head back out and try to log a few more miles. I took off down the fire road paralleling the shoreline. Flat, fast and uneventful. I was looking for a left in up the hill, but before I came to one that looked promising I came to some ocean across the trail. I would have turned around and went back another way, but some stupid guy was there with his toddler and for some reason, I felt compelled to keep going. I made it through by stutter pedaling without getting my feet wet, but my brakes were never the same. Banshees should be so screechy.<br />
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I found a fairly eroded double track and took that up to a fire road that lead to the old homestead of Gov John Winthrop Jr. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4Gw5pKkrKH3IV06x8BD7a74AWys0xh7YN8B2sSZ5k4sOqFPGbmb-m3bbccA2ScpBVs2F_EaCAohiBfoinnC1SUblmtf7U8-0IKoEyQ7YSkNIMr0hZ62tyrI0YvLyIbIe4EsEYeHXfag/s1600/Bluff+Point+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4Gw5pKkrKH3IV06x8BD7a74AWys0xh7YN8B2sSZ5k4sOqFPGbmb-m3bbccA2ScpBVs2F_EaCAohiBfoinnC1SUblmtf7U8-0IKoEyQ7YSkNIMr0hZ62tyrI0YvLyIbIe4EsEYeHXfag/s400/Bluff+Point+020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently the Governor used to live in this hole. I assume he was a hobbit. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I saw a couple of guys pass by me as I was examining the Winthrop foundation and jumped on my Fisher and grabbed a wheel. I figured they must know where they were going, right? I never really found out. The guy in the back was a decent enough rider, but his buddy was slower than molasses. I squeezed by and ventured out on my own.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-_jjVYaXbkNk08xPkJD5Jja2BBcBddOj-56TBfTBb7C5QZIKQ0eOl9lJ5vcCIw0BbENJTokA6h9bBEMMqsZuenPiWqX5dLjdi4hLhT7NhXCTfVTfCSsuq7_CXpeioD9TS5E4jbra_8k/s1600/Bluff+Point+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-_jjVYaXbkNk08xPkJD5Jja2BBcBddOj-56TBfTBb7C5QZIKQ0eOl9lJ5vcCIw0BbENJTokA6h9bBEMMqsZuenPiWqX5dLjdi4hLhT7NhXCTfVTfCSsuq7_CXpeioD9TS5E4jbra_8k/s640/Bluff+Point+021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does the look on my face properly convey the "where the hell am I" sentiment?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I definitely got mixed up. Not a little mixed up. More than that. Things looked familiar. And completely foreign. Eventually I found the track that followed along the water again. I grabbed a couple of shots of some of the more technical sections.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiKvOs5daORyxExTlQ7SJX-OtEJGrvf4ZmQUU1yVoMBgtuiGIsUUV9vUmgsWiWSHXOnmia-wqjeW1aDSSeJbd2UZbuyELaOIKdToawfFtVmQLW_U-zd-D_S5srHzXfsaDI5HNxIGQxZw/s1600/Bluff+Point+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiKvOs5daORyxExTlQ7SJX-OtEJGrvf4ZmQUU1yVoMBgtuiGIsUUV9vUmgsWiWSHXOnmia-wqjeW1aDSSeJbd2UZbuyELaOIKdToawfFtVmQLW_U-zd-D_S5srHzXfsaDI5HNxIGQxZw/s640/Bluff+Point+027.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's like Where's Waldo. Except Waldo's a trail.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlW-GUWFm7-yRl1A3Tsh19CpW38ileFC56FwVY789vwNy4uC2F8TR7hM5C6bR54rpSy7lYK2KRkHLEihGKHhWyOJ-dG9NN-opqF6KuYRSyhHC0q3gSW695hGsXroObI8h5aPy-9p7E6Vg/s1600/Bluff+Point+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlW-GUWFm7-yRl1A3Tsh19CpW38ileFC56FwVY789vwNy4uC2F8TR7hM5C6bR54rpSy7lYK2KRkHLEihGKHhWyOJ-dG9NN-opqF6KuYRSyhHC0q3gSW695hGsXroObI8h5aPy-9p7E6Vg/s320/Bluff+Point+024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently there are no lumber yards in Groton.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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I wasn't able to find the overlook again, but I did make it down to a trail that dead-ended at a nice, secluded beach.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmiKhU2qoUYO8vSUaRFESsqt3ob38CjOOunElpKDMlBTQizsALn7jDJttsVOuoWXsSDTKU2_7SSBaSfnZJqi-QD6WTWK017N77nmZWaQeZ-Zu7U2PRn5wOjyVT-twKTEtgVJnLF9cUwQ/s1600/Bluff+Point+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmiKhU2qoUYO8vSUaRFESsqt3ob38CjOOunElpKDMlBTQizsALn7jDJttsVOuoWXsSDTKU2_7SSBaSfnZJqi-QD6WTWK017N77nmZWaQeZ-Zu7U2PRn5wOjyVT-twKTEtgVJnLF9cUwQ/s400/Bluff+Point+028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solitude.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcv1fWRVBec3hOqyGBuN49jBoXR9V-KnA_7bD7JcQxUk-wpyLIP66Ec6I4IbQiOnE98gEoNpcVYj3J3b1k2ZgdbbhJAvnP2gAEEJMq48LpYTjYfOF4fKQ2wHjH-FtvAodna9qnxPq_7Q/s1600/Bluff+Point+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcv1fWRVBec3hOqyGBuN49jBoXR9V-KnA_7bD7JcQxUk-wpyLIP66Ec6I4IbQiOnE98gEoNpcVYj3J3b1k2ZgdbbhJAvnP2gAEEJMq48LpYTjYfOF4fKQ2wHjH-FtvAodna9qnxPq_7Q/s400/Bluff+Point+038.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seashells got something to say. Listen to the seashells.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I climbed out of the beach area and finished up with some of that super-sweet, flowy singletrack. When I made it back to the lot I had another 8.93 miles on the Garmin for total of 21.08; probably more like 23 miles. Here's the track:<br />
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http://connect.garmin.com/activity/261765367<br />
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And to top off my four course riding feast, I was served up some dessert in the form of this guy:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqJOrjwBzTjZrzcRHL6rZJyIt1ov42o7hqAMmN8RhMlJTRnuS7wBFvSNCleNzepfsHhNZCuzOjN-O7zySmv4SwiO_JtAvG1vpABqDjjkldahNdqxo-DplRqdUqt_DLN0MG8YG7LA2k-M/s1600/Bluff+Point+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqJOrjwBzTjZrzcRHL6rZJyIt1ov42o7hqAMmN8RhMlJTRnuS7wBFvSNCleNzepfsHhNZCuzOjN-O7zySmv4SwiO_JtAvG1vpABqDjjkldahNdqxo-DplRqdUqt_DLN0MG8YG7LA2k-M/s640/Bluff+Point+044.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard to see, but he's wearing some sort of crazy-assed snuggy.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All in all, a great day of riding. I'd definitely hit Bluff Point again. Fun and fast. Maybe a little small, but jam packed with all sorts of great singletrack. If you haven't done it, you should. It's notoriously good when the rest of New England is snow-coated. Go. <br />
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Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-45179723063870930092013-01-06T18:47:00.000-05:002013-01-06T19:55:27.991-05:00Burlingame State Management Area, Charlestown, RIHmm. A blog post? I think I remember how. Bear with me if the words fail to flow from my penny pencil with such feverish fluidity as that to which you have come to expect.<br />
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So what happens when nearly every mountain bike ride in a 50 mile vicinity is coated in several inches of snowshoer's delight? Burlingame!<br />
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<img height="475" id="il_fi" src="http://www.rinemba.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/burlingame-aerial-photo-mtbk-map.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="572" /><br />
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Charlestown, RI, today played host to a throng of trail hungry cyclists. After making the hour plus commute with Ron the Piano Tuner Erickson, we met up with 17 other riders at 10:00 am this morning to ride Burlingame for the first time. We were a big group, but we were but a drop in the proverbial bucket of riders converging on Burlingame today. I'd guess there were 40 or so cars in the lot when we arrived and many people, like myself, appear to have carpooled.<br />
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If I remember our group properly, it was Freddie Bassett, Alby King, Mike Cove, Jim N (from the Bums), Ron Erickson, Dave Violette, Pete Dunn, Paul Simoes, Chris Beriau, Laura Zimmer, Pat Royer, Russ Stearns, Matt Danis, Stacey Jimenez, Liz Bove, Tony Chabot, Ben Burdick, John Young and me. Whew! <br />
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We woke up to a fresh dusting of snow here in Thompson and as Ron and I approached Charlestown, it started to look like it was a little whiter there, but not awful. The roads had been covered and when we arrived, I was a little surprised to see what Ron's Subaru had done with my Fisher.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvtOmDrOxyeeTt8MYlX2jz5g8UswvybkgLfwxRMpY1tJ_L-qh5KBMvGjIlGuocJUxxe2Yc5BJo9nr_BPyXckPmXyV8KxKk-VQDDjO8kOQvntl1eR99r_MuhQzFZL-gR_fQQ0L2A0HFc0/s1600/Burlingame+RI+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvtOmDrOxyeeTt8MYlX2jz5g8UswvybkgLfwxRMpY1tJ_L-qh5KBMvGjIlGuocJUxxe2Yc5BJo9nr_BPyXckPmXyV8KxKk-VQDDjO8kOQvntl1eR99r_MuhQzFZL-gR_fQQ0L2A0HFc0/s320/Burlingame+RI+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The slush accumulation came off as I bounced around the lot waiting for our group to be ready. Our group was an interesting mix of <a href="http://www.bikect.com/" target="_blank">DAS</a><a href="http://www.bikect.com/" target="_blank"> riders</a>, <a href="http://www.teambums.com/" target="_blank">Bums</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/167381079987868/" target="_blank">Wednesday Night Riders</a>.<br />
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Before we got into the trails, we were down one man. <a href="http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249636-2012-SSUSA/video/652092-Paul-Simoes-Fastest-Pedaling-Guy" target="_blank">Paul Simoes</a> had taken off to ride on his own. Probably for the best. We didn't want him holding us up anyway.<br />
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I was a little leery when we left the lot by the same route we had entered in our car and started riding the road. It was probably 1/2 mile or so on the road when we got to the first trailhead. And then the fun began. The first piece of trail was a great section of singletrack, sometimes fast and flowy, sometimes technical and tricky.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxIglIorYqrG7csvEYljlbw2fhRwqDsOUW74n0WgoZyxSxth9wFDRQ2AS4qixsQkjPgS5DpmNtpZEXXLIVora38KrlXscPJDcwhspye2XHw0lEYMYbXCR_87MpOO5f_CahgK0NciA5_0/s1600/Burlingame+RI+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxIglIorYqrG7csvEYljlbw2fhRwqDsOUW74n0WgoZyxSxth9wFDRQ2AS4qixsQkjPgS5DpmNtpZEXXLIVora38KrlXscPJDcwhspye2XHw0lEYMYbXCR_87MpOO5f_CahgK0NciA5_0/s640/Burlingame+RI+004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ride Leader Freddie Bassett, of Casters Bike Shop, offers encouragement to Matt Danis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikr9qt9FVWe48pxviAuDEzLXIbqiu-3sOOS54kPZxZct0C4Zwn5e4nx4qoB8qQouN4MLj9oyLlVQ8ZHS1d9NZgZiHCl3kp8gXd9nMmqwfnLRRHzhaemVVPcqu3Pkh6RgR1N21P7ZoEGPE/s1600/Burlingame+RI+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikr9qt9FVWe48pxviAuDEzLXIbqiu-3sOOS54kPZxZct0C4Zwn5e4nx4qoB8qQouN4MLj9oyLlVQ8ZHS1d9NZgZiHCl3kp8gXd9nMmqwfnLRRHzhaemVVPcqu3Pkh6RgR1N21P7ZoEGPE/s640/Burlingame+RI+005.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When you head down south, don't forget your short pants.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-u0_aYpucgd63Z5EaHVh58M9INGqRs3JKS4G5ZxlNDejgj6m2fr21j7mAYTax9gOc5L-0946vFREsb-NBmTfF6Ec4Ouou_9yXY_-oKhlBo71hyphenhyphen0bu_iV4uKDWklkaRfr_anQ1EVozy4/s1600/Burlingame+RI+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-u0_aYpucgd63Z5EaHVh58M9INGqRs3JKS4G5ZxlNDejgj6m2fr21j7mAYTax9gOc5L-0946vFREsb-NBmTfF6Ec4Ouou_9yXY_-oKhlBo71hyphenhyphen0bu_iV4uKDWklkaRfr_anQ1EVozy4/s640/Burlingame+RI+006.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bad ass Liz Bove, working hard not to fall. And not to get shot.</td></tr>
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By the third or fourth mile, the group subdivided into a couple of different level rides. And we made a couple of folks do their own ride (sorry Ron and Chris B). I was very impressed with the number of people we had in our group who were riding at such a consistent pace.<br />
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The trail offered a couple of really nice areas that made use of the ledge rock. It was a little trickier coated with snow, but still very rideable. There were also a couple pieces of trail that made a nice descent over innumerable small drops. Okay, maybe they were numerable. But it was a big number. Like 15.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRn92fgp4yb2ihwk7Ey3izW6_xSQNbzmCMckDZU4f6leVOlkPdKtW6om7GiroIfp76fEuDHVtnlu42GZcnOi_Q2NjZu76gF3Hgt11kkrlMjKtKVg_8r0MtFt8TEZZaYZEVCBXjKDSBuQ0/s1600/Burlingame+RI+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRn92fgp4yb2ihwk7Ey3izW6_xSQNbzmCMckDZU4f6leVOlkPdKtW6om7GiroIfp76fEuDHVtnlu42GZcnOi_Q2NjZu76gF3Hgt11kkrlMjKtKVg_8r0MtFt8TEZZaYZEVCBXjKDSBuQ0/s640/Burlingame+RI+010.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where's the Speedo, John?</td></tr>
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The highlight of the ride had to be, without a doubt, the bridges. Scores of them. Mostly short, but some were a little longer. Some with gradual ramps. Some with sharp ramps. Some with shingled ramps. Some with super slick plain wood ramps. Some straight. Some zigging and zagging.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrpMUDIErPkeVRj6bpE6tOsGI2MeZ4qnSjkjbTZNJZAhDEqKaPQTyuXLKaEBK6UCFAsP6NhpYTjLh0jyygzDu5qZ-FYVMBU39YcUVpIg5z35RGAz8zBQPKVCk1MN8Xlb_6UapeciIzxE/s1600/Burlingame+RI+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrpMUDIErPkeVRj6bpE6tOsGI2MeZ4qnSjkjbTZNJZAhDEqKaPQTyuXLKaEBK6UCFAsP6NhpYTjLh0jyygzDu5qZ-FYVMBU39YcUVpIg5z35RGAz8zBQPKVCk1MN8Xlb_6UapeciIzxE/s640/Burlingame+RI+011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Must be going to grandmother's house.</td></tr>
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Back to the bridges. Some running through the woods, some running through a covered bridge for trail-weary hikers and bikers. What? Yes, I said that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGl6pHmDYLcbSQAYh4yGB8_6rFJF1y8EJbd2UqQeVKCF6SAtbDWGT2C0XjUfbxufqSNgoXsPoIxUMyfuaDm7eXpwO_f5Q1VK57-DdDcOYcboPJ_owwoT6BzxNGVFMGi1CR2Y8evbP7s90/s1600/Burlingame+RI+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGl6pHmDYLcbSQAYh4yGB8_6rFJF1y8EJbd2UqQeVKCF6SAtbDWGT2C0XjUfbxufqSNgoXsPoIxUMyfuaDm7eXpwO_f5Q1VK57-DdDcOYcboPJ_owwoT6BzxNGVFMGi1CR2Y8evbP7s90/s640/Burlingame+RI+017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This place is beyond awesome!</td></tr>
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Ridiculously, right after this photo was taken, I realized that my CamelBak strap was seemingly inextricably entwined with my front wheel. I called it mechanical then, but in retrospect realize it for what it really was - idiocy. It took Tony Chabot and I five minutes to get the strap removed from the wheel. By that time I'd lost my riding group and had to ride like hell to catch up. Up and over more slippery bridges and log piles two and a half feet high.<br />
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Came across Liz Bove, Matt Danis and Ben Burdick stopped at one bridge in a sea of bridges. Matt had gone head over teakettle on the bridge and his handlebars were apparently pointing the wrong direction. Can't believe they stopped for such a little thing.<br />
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Once I caught up to the pack and Liz, Matt and Ben came up behind, we headed up this great trail that ran along a snow covered ridge. Fun, technical, precarious. What's not to love?<br />
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That lead us through a little more single track and double track and before we knew it we were out. My Garmin measured 14.42 miles in the end. Adding the usual 10% that it doesn't pick up, I'd call it around 16 miles.<br />
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Here's the <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/258961590" target="_blank">Garmin track</a>.<br />
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All in all, a great ride. I'd love to catch the race (The Battle of Burlingame) here, but it's Kentucky Derby weekend and mint juleps call. I'd definitely ride here again and may try to do the time trial they have here if they do it again.<br />
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Thanks to all who made this trail system the great riding area that it is!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCf4fJWS2yMWAr0BrtkkwobsoGwU-baPow4Yaw1gHmh23NjAZBhoqToPXNUITaMU-sWBHAU4LnLh2qLs0l_JurKMegfbElv5K_ZwRmtjy74FCO_fnnuWioO7IYBxq6ShWp0lSegG0Vv1k/s1600/Burlingame+RI+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCf4fJWS2yMWAr0BrtkkwobsoGwU-baPow4Yaw1gHmh23NjAZBhoqToPXNUITaMU-sWBHAU4LnLh2qLs0l_JurKMegfbElv5K_ZwRmtjy74FCO_fnnuWioO7IYBxq6ShWp0lSegG0Vv1k/s640/Burlingame+RI+020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike Cove often likes to pretend he's a tyrannosaurus rex trying to get a bike off his car.</td></tr>
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<br />Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-51675854332124490012012-09-30T21:49:00.000-04:002012-09-30T21:49:11.770-04:00Green Mountain Trails, Pittsfield, VT<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>2012 Summer Vermont Mountain Biking Extravaganza</b></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Part I: <a href="http://www.greenmountaintrails.com/Green_Mountain_Trails/newhome.html" target="_blank">The Green Mountain Trails</a>, Pittsfield, VT</b></u></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnIKuMQXvK6SGDR2RlCpbYx7KuuXt4mxUhwXjKuz8qnWsPfUwTFGIE36AmowmQjJ1uP3DrPWUcy1Ez1JF-Dk8C0OnJr8pXp_uYXmJZfgE6xJOOEf6Cedm4f2AHFrQKMDzo1eGO1ncAWE/s1600/vermontbiking+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnIKuMQXvK6SGDR2RlCpbYx7KuuXt4mxUhwXjKuz8qnWsPfUwTFGIE36AmowmQjJ1uP3DrPWUcy1Ez1JF-Dk8C0OnJr8pXp_uYXmJZfgE6xJOOEf6Cedm4f2AHFrQKMDzo1eGO1ncAWE/s400/vermontbiking+020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailhead Parking for the Green Mountain Trails</td></tr>
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As our departure for the Stowe trip approached, we finagled our calendars to take off Friday as well so we could hit the Green Mountain Trails in Pittsfield on the way up. The weekend weather looked iffy, but we set out with all the optimism we could muster. Pittsfield is just north of Killington and boasts some fantastic stuff. I'd been a couple of times to do the Vermont 666 race and adored the course, but had never made it up to hit it recreationally. We pulled into the lot in the early afternoon and chatted with one of the guys at <a href="http://www.ameefarm.com/" target="_blank">Amee Farm</a>, where the trailhead is located.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI560zQcRzoh0zjLHOCIFCbu2lC6jRdjo67JMlFrdPyblVJMUJ6SWXsiHus_TQOdXHi7VrKSgsWXSU_Lc10yJQ4DXnAflzztkUbNXBKmp5sXsEw0L3h9Wzw21nNNWwzB6ryHLg10QcAcU/s1600/vermontbiking+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI560zQcRzoh0zjLHOCIFCbu2lC6jRdjo67JMlFrdPyblVJMUJ6SWXsiHus_TQOdXHi7VrKSgsWXSU_Lc10yJQ4DXnAflzztkUbNXBKmp5sXsEw0L3h9Wzw21nNNWwzB6ryHLg10QcAcU/s320/vermontbiking+021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Barn at Amee Farm</td></tr>
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Gareau and I were pleasantly surprised to hear the trail conditions, despite some recent precipitation, we outstanding. We were also delighted to receive a handful of squash compliments of the farm. He called the spiky ones, appropriately, Lisa Simpson squashes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbHs3qNomxGwKHpKh1nls5AIG8zL_9QkJfb3zfq0c791TJwOI-t2pVc6EkaZPrU6Un3A1nbHdeQdWWhQTPlAFu3DXrQ7lnoSrr4D3STjaQBPvUSjfljIYbit9aWSWhQwkPw2yO8xOn8s/s1600/vermontbiking+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbHs3qNomxGwKHpKh1nls5AIG8zL_9QkJfb3zfq0c791TJwOI-t2pVc6EkaZPrU6Un3A1nbHdeQdWWhQTPlAFu3DXrQ7lnoSrr4D3STjaQBPvUSjfljIYbit9aWSWhQwkPw2yO8xOn8s/s320/vermontbiking+033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gift of Squash</td></tr>
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We headed out to the trails after I'd forewarned BG that we'd be doing a significant amount of climbing right out of the gate. The farm lies at 880' above sea level and the trails make their way up the side of a mountain to an elevation of 1820'. Damn near a thousand feet of vertical. As we came to the river crossing a little ways out from the farm, we were faced with a balancing act across an I-beam instead of the six foot wide bridge I was used to seeing, courtesy of Irene, which devastated Pittsfield a year ago.<br />
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After walking across we made our way up The Stairs to Noodles Revenge to Luvin' It (misnomer, by the way). The nice thing about getting to the top in Pittsfield is that it is swictchbacky as all get-out. At the top, we were greeted by a newly built, gorgeous stone hut that replaced an existing more dilapidated building.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FKcpWoskZ13FiL1Y_c0Aj4Jdqzi8Pewk_t4vvBl_LPBTVPEMEmb8UOhsEk8bVUPCxPQn_2Dvh62Qz93EFLWW-A2ypJ9kNwENxiwizU2cee6H0AJgRhxtIvlHqKBQA9elKzTGfJJASVA/s1600/vermontbiking+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FKcpWoskZ13FiL1Y_c0Aj4Jdqzi8Pewk_t4vvBl_LPBTVPEMEmb8UOhsEk8bVUPCxPQn_2Dvh62Qz93EFLWW-A2ypJ9kNwENxiwizU2cee6H0AJgRhxtIvlHqKBQA9elKzTGfJJASVA/s400/vermontbiking+008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gareau has a thing for stone huts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMAsAU2o8OV9N65NSxRa65YuLvMs45GwvnZGH4hBhM2PdbXxfT4dLtve6oDKTBzGQclHvcTWwMkuynyEfSlIYlIHKHEH6-5BS87BKh4nGUFzBCDK_x0TtBIzx5VR0AGLOJVBYu0dcZEM/s1600/vermontbiking+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMAsAU2o8OV9N65NSxRa65YuLvMs45GwvnZGH4hBhM2PdbXxfT4dLtve6oDKTBzGQclHvcTWwMkuynyEfSlIYlIHKHEH6-5BS87BKh4nGUFzBCDK_x0TtBIzx5VR0AGLOJVBYu0dcZEM/s400/vermontbiking+013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the summit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwry1vHXITENtiMHGJpcY52fZ8SlWvb5KxUj7pd-Dn8KZup1GJQPNPbQz5KtOZMZ7yh_myKrsKYK34kWPTBEVgARUV_twj7qEpv2FY6mBEA4-cXpyXv9niI6axANYGwUVdoVX6Mqj-0g/s1600/vermontbiking+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwry1vHXITENtiMHGJpcY52fZ8SlWvb5KxUj7pd-Dn8KZup1GJQPNPbQz5KtOZMZ7yh_myKrsKYK34kWPTBEVgARUV_twj7qEpv2FY6mBEA4-cXpyXv9niI6axANYGwUVdoVX6Mqj-0g/s400/vermontbiking+016.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail we didn't take.</td></tr>
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We skipped Devils Throat, opting instead for Labyrinth, which is a super-gnarly, rooty, tight, twisty single track on top of the summit that led us down to Warman, which I would consider the signature trail of this system. Warman is a series of 20 short switchbacks with high-sided berms that just scream down the mountain. What a hoot! Warman dumped us into Stonewall, which was just as fun. The switchbacks are strung together with longer stretches of singletrack, much of which is benchcut into the side of the mountain with sharp drops off down. Here's BG getting a little Stonewall.<br />
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As we hit the bottom of Stonewall, we did a quick cost-benefit analysis and decided to schlep up Luvin' It one more time. Double Luvin'. BG, mostly because he's a prick, pulled away from me like I was a cootie-infested third grade girl. Looking back, I'm able to forgive him. That's how big I am.<br />
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As we hit the top there was a dialogue about the route. I was pushing for Devils Throat. It just sounds awesome. Who doesn't want to be ingested by Beelzebub? Gareau threw some logic into the equation though. This was day one of a three day mountain biking trip and maybe plunging ourselves down Mephistopheles' pie hole wasn't the smartest plan. Plus Gareau promised April he wouldn't die before the wedding.<br />
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So we hit Zebedee instead. That's the blue intermediate trail that somehow is 100 times longer than Labyrinth, which goes to pretty much the same place. Lots of fun and totally worth the second trip up to the peak. We did Stonewall again and then climbed Luvin' It again. A third time. Triple Luvin'. You know, menage a trois. It'd probably sound hotter if it weren't just Gareau and I.<br />
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We only climbed partway up Luvin' It this time before catching the Fusters Connector. Guess where that took us? If you guessed Fusters, you're right. If you didn't guess Fusters, don't worry. You can read this blog entry again and guess Fusters next time.<br />
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Fusters is one of the trails that I've heard about at the two races I've been to, but which the races don't hit. It's also the only black diamond trail we hit all day. Labeled as 3.3 miles and losing 760' of elevation, this one was a ton of fun. There were definitely some fast entrances into hairpin turns that I wasn't sure I'd make, but somehow I eked all of them out. I would definitely recommend anyone coming here make this part of your route. So worth it.<br />
<br />
Off Fusters we caught The Stairs again and switchbacked our way back to the bottom.<br />
<br />
A great day one of this three days of mountain biking. 16.9 miles and no appreciable rain. Plus we made it back in plenty of time to finish the trip up to Stowe and set up camp in preparation for day two. More on that to follow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRc5T5XC-Xu9s5ES7dT5UFMb4Yb9NFCWOVN5xpgXwKQAicNrudtsuaE5Ls_m9NI715Jip3DScNzIFPDTxxeqtbZXFdtr5vvQE5Av04nZKf8Spku3ByOE1pNDu-vlhyb1-NqF-0Q3MefQ/s1600/vermontbiking+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRc5T5XC-Xu9s5ES7dT5UFMb4Yb9NFCWOVN5xpgXwKQAicNrudtsuaE5Ls_m9NI715Jip3DScNzIFPDTxxeqtbZXFdtr5vvQE5Av04nZKf8Spku3ByOE1pNDu-vlhyb1-NqF-0Q3MefQ/s640/vermontbiking+007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Between Luvin' It and the summit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-67406218634722341662012-09-30T21:11:00.003-04:002012-09-30T21:11:51.739-04:002012 Vermont Mountain Biking Summer ExtravaganzaPure ecstasy. Adrenaline-pumping, goose-bumping, perma-smile
inducing, unadulterated joy. I had the mountain biking summer of my
life and without hesitating, I would tell you and anyone else who would
listen that Vermont mountain biking is <u>the</u> holy grail of New England riding. The end-all-be-all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mooove to VT and ride bikes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It
all started with learning that Bryan Gareau would be getting hitched to
April Warren on September 22nd. That was some fantastic news. Made
better when I learned Bryan selected me (yes, me) to be his best man and
that the wedding would be in Stowe, VT. I can't begin to tell you how
much it meant to me that Bryan asked me to stand by him as he promised
the rest of his life to April. I <u>can</u> tell you what it meant for me and mountain biking in VT, however. It meant three separate trips to Vermont in which we rode some of the best terrain around.<br />
<br />
Back
in August we took our first trip up to VT and staying a couple of
nights in the Smuggler's Notch State Park Campground. Apparently to
take care of some wedding odds and ends in Stowe. When I look back, I
think most of those wedding odds and ends were stopping for a drink at
the places the wedding weekend would hit. I super like wedding odds and
ends, as it turns out.<br />
<br />
Then there was Part Deux of the Gareau bachelor party. Which doubled as a Oktoberfest. This trip led me through three rides in three days.<br />
<br />
The final trip was the wedding weekend itself, where Bry and I managed to tie together some sweet single track up at Trapp's before he tied the knot with April. <br />
<br />
I hope to, over the next week, put together some of the highlights of my summer forays into Vermont and the mountain biking that ensued. <br />
<br />Stay tuned...<br />
<br />Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-50167812741611637922012-09-11T20:34:00.002-04:002012-09-12T05:28:43.289-04:00Rally in the Valley of the Treasure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Woo friggin' hoo. TVR time again. This was going to be year three for me and I was pretty stoked. I was a week off the Hampshire 100 and was looking forward to a mere 17 miles of the most technical terrain in the area.<br />
<br />
And the weather. I know it's been a rough year for lots of folks with not enough water, but it's been a dream come true for this mountain biker. Last year the whole race was postponed a month and a half due to Irene. This year, with no hurricanes looming on the horizon, we were clear for take off. <br />
<br />
I took a couple of days off after the H 100, but had a solid 14 mile ride through Uxbridge Wednesday night with the gang and then did a hard 41 mile road ride Thursday night. Two more days off and ready for the race. <br />
<br />
The pre-reg list grew quickly at the end of the week leading into the race. I think my Cat, Vet II Sport, was up to 15 by closing. Including <a href="http://pedalpushingpatons.blogspot.com/2012/06/pinnacle-2012-race-recap.html" target="_blank">Nathan Elder</a>. Another chance to try to edge him out.<br />
<br />
Brett Russ and his team of dedicated Bums put a LOT of time and effort into getting this race off the ground every year. Brett works tirelessly. Trails are cleared, bridges are constructed, intersections are ribboned and trees are arrowed. On top on the trail work there are logistics to work out with the scout reservation, shirts to order, sponsors to line up, volunteers to coordinate and registrations to handle. Thanks Brett! And even more, thanks to Kelly and Jake. It must be hell living with you as the race draws nigh.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chandler Directing Traffic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bodybuilder Directing Traffic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The course is on the <a href="http://www.doubleknot.com/treasure-valley-scout-reservation/29747" target="_blank">Treasure Valley Scout Reservation</a> with proceeds from the race going to the same. The full course is not open outside of race day, so I always get pretty stoked for some local riding at different venue. Plus the course is really varied. There's grueling climbs, super gnarly technical, grueling climbs, super gnarly technical, grueling climbs and super gnarly technical.<br />
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I arrived at the race venue with my son, Harry, around 8 am to help out in whatever capacity I might be needed before the race. My wife, Cori, was off doing the swim leg of an <a href="http://www.sunmultisportevents.com/Cranberry_Trifest.htm" target="_blank">Olympic distance triathlon</a> that had been canceled last year due to Irene.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry race-ready!</td></tr>
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After assisting with some set up for a bit, I got Harry together for the 10:00 start of youth race. The race was a two mile lap and whoever made it around in under 25 minutes was able to head back out again for a second lap. After Brett provided some instruction to the future of the sport, they were off. The kids race follows the beginning of the regular TVR course. Harry should have experienced some nice single track and a pair of pretty serious stream crossings before climbing up to North Field and then cutting out the lung busting climb up to the Pebble.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, that doesn't mean winner.</td></tr>
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<br />
That would have him following more sweet singletrack that would eventually lead him down along the pond and back to the start/finish area. Hmmm? Sweet singletrack? No lung busting climbs? I think I know which race I'm signing up for next year!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDHzoia2HtebacLAEKaiM9_jyb7k96xkyCRc7GyE5ufx6WCi8gsd8SSSiUxnppz4u56DDegTQCpfGIKp-wz3rd_L1480Gfb_4-wjI4GkipfvpjjT5sSCGGFgBbPSIYHZ1PBdQmfQhsM0/s1600/TVR+2013+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDHzoia2HtebacLAEKaiM9_jyb7k96xkyCRc7GyE5ufx6WCi8gsd8SSSiUxnppz4u56DDegTQCpfGIKp-wz3rd_L1480Gfb_4-wjI4GkipfvpjjT5sSCGGFgBbPSIYHZ1PBdQmfQhsM0/s640/TVR+2013+037.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry coming up the hill.</td></tr>
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<br />
Harry came through looking happy and strong, but just over the 25 minute limit. He took third place in the one lappers. Awesome job Harry Paton!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry Paton (3rd) and Jack Beaupre (1st) on the podium!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max Beaupre takes 1st in the two lap race! Someone give that kid a sandwich.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So while Harry was doing his race, I was getting on with my race preparations. I suited up in my best Bums kit, popped the bladder out of the cooler and into the CamelBak and did some minor pre-riding, much of which consisted of running around trying to get a glimpse of the boy.<br />
<br />
As I was riding around, it seemed that my rear tire was a little low. It was pretty close to race start, so I had to make a decision - put a little air in the tire or swap out the tube. I chose the former. But as we are to find out, I made the wrong call. This is not surprising. I am often wrong. You would know this if were were married to me. Not that I'm proposing. Someone was already dumb enough to say yes.<br />
<br />
The beneficent Beckie Beaupre had graciously agreed to be in charge of Harry while I did my race. That was super and Harry was stoked because he was able to hang out with Max and Jack Beaupre. Thanks (again) to Beckie and her family!<br />
<br />
So it's 10:45 and we're taking in the racers' meeting. Nothing surprising here. Follow the arrows, listen to the volunteers, turn around if you see a "W", hold onto your hat if you see an "X". Next thing we knew, we were queued up and waiting to go.<br />
<br />
Once the elites and single speeders were off the experts took off. I'm not sure who exactly was in the first group of experts, but there were a lot of them. Maybe too many.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3MP_856cAsPYfzaRDT8EOmzZHnTV5O8L_Yig3bboETIQvarT5Wrn1MFTwbNWZSi_Zgfp-KxaXDZ4dHFDvdqtwtx08rIjiHbGhQUh2F_6aR_7SN30n7YSZh1BIElR6K1k5vZmnYM994k/s1600/Car-Crash-33642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3MP_856cAsPYfzaRDT8EOmzZHnTV5O8L_Yig3bboETIQvarT5Wrn1MFTwbNWZSi_Zgfp-KxaXDZ4dHFDvdqtwtx08rIjiHbGhQUh2F_6aR_7SN30n7YSZh1BIElR6K1k5vZmnYM994k/s320/Car-Crash-33642.jpg" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expert Race Start</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once these guys disentangled themselves from one another and were able to get going, things ran pretty smoothly. Category by category I drew closer to the starting line. As I looked around at the competition, I did a double take to a guy in the back line of my field. Holy moly. I'm used to all sorts of folks at a race, but I think this is the first time I've ever seen someone in a t-shirt and Chuck Taylors in a Sport race. As it turns out, these particular Chuck Ts were not SPD compatible. Straight platforms. Not even toe cages. I talked to him following the race and he was a pretty cool dude. More on that later.<br />
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Next thing I knew, we were off and racing. The course starts through a short path away from the lake and across the entrance road to Treasure Valley. I was, in typical fashion, not out front of the pack. Probably somewhere in the middle, but closer to the rear. As we hit the first couple of climbs by the park restrooms and up until we made the left onto the singletrack, I was gaining a few spots. I was ramping up speed and cadence slowly and by the time we hit the double stream crossing, I was feeling really good. The streams were running, but were not bad to cross this year. I made them without even getting my feet wet.<br />
<br />
After that it's a climb up to North Field, where I managed to take two more places. That was boosting my confidence and my head was in a pretty good place. I soak in some words of encouragement from the race volunteers stationed there -- Russ Stearns, Mike LaPlante and Pete Dunn -- as I pass through the field. Those guys are okay.<br />
<br />
Out of North Field there is a pretty long schlep up and up and up to Sampson's Pebble. I was still picking people off, but by this time wasn't 100% sure if they were my Vet II group or the laggards of the group in front of me. Everyone was super cool and just looked happy to be racing.<br />
<br />
At Sampson's Pebble the Sport group hangs a left and heads down to the water. I say <u>down</u> to the water, but the track is so technical that it does not feel like down at all. As I'm headed down I saw at least three folks flatted on the side of the trail. Those rocks were just eating up tires and spitting them out. I managed to negotiate my way through somehow on the rear wheel of another racer who is making it, but barely.<br />
<br />
As we empty out onto a short stretch of double track, I make my move and am by him as well, but as these things go, he is hanging on to my wheel as we head right back into some more techy single track. Great. Now I can feel like a complete jerk when I crash in front of him and screw him up after having just passed him. But that's not what happens. I ride clean and well and he fades into the distance behind me. As we get to the bottom at the water, we take a left on a double track. I thank a couple of volunteer emergency personnel standing there waiting to carry my carcass away should my carcass need carrying and manage a quick look back over my left shoulder. I'm alone.<br />
<br />
I drop it into a bigger gear and hammer to the left hand turn that takes me back up to Sampson's Pebble. I say <u>up</u> to Sampson's Pebble but I mean straight up. How can that last piece of trail brought me this low without me having noticed it? The climb is sandy, steep and never-ending. But I'm having a good race and I'm making progress. A pass by a couple of racers, but I'm obviously in mixed category company now as some of these riders are riderettes. As I get back up to the Pebble, I see the Novice group that had started after us was now making their right at the Pebble. They don't have to do the descent to the water and climb the hill of suck. So now there are some racers from the Novice class in front of me as we head into another pretty technical section.<br />
<br />
What I find with the Novice class is is that they are some of the classiest racers on the course. They are there to do the best they can, but most of them carry the mountain bike spirit with them. Not only do they pull over and let me pass when they can, but they seem to be saying things like "Have a great race" and "Looking strong." I think we could all learn something from these folks and I'm trying to reciprocate the best I can. I am, after all, wearing the Bums jersey and feel I'm somehow an ambassador of the club.<br />
<br />
At some point I realize I've caught another Sport rider and that we are passing Novices together. Pretty quickly I realize that it's none other than Nathan Elder. I've been chasing this guy all season and losing to him by one or two places. In the last couple of races I've done I've watched him pass me as we head into the home stretch and just edge me out. I'm hoping maybe today will be the day that maybe I edge him out. We exchange some niceties and keep on pedaling.<br />
<br />
At some point I get by him when he gets caught up on a short steep passing a young racer and I manage to get by on a different line. I realize after I pass that the young racer was Brett Russ's son, Jake, who is racing Novice for the first time today. He was looking super good out there.<br />
<br />
Now I'm in front of Nathan Elder. This has got to be good. Nathan's strong and I'm in front of him. Today is the day! I'm just going to keep on pushing while I soak it in.<br />
<br />
A short time later I begin to realize that my rear tire feels a little too squishy. No!!!!! I ride a little while longer, trying to work out how to deal with this. The tire feels softer. <br />
<br />
Eventually I decide that my best bet is probably to try to handle it now and hope that it holds through the rest if the race. If I don't do it now, I'm undoubtedly going to pinch flat sometime very soon. I pull over and pull out the only CO2 cartridge I have. It's only 12 grams. A 29er tube usually takes a little more than 16 grams, but my tire doesn't need to be fully inflated. As I hit it with the CO2 I am passed by at least six riders. Probably closer to 10. Including, of course, Nathan Elder. Many of those who passed me though may have been some of the Novice group I'd recently passed. I just don't know. If they were nice they would have yelled out their age and category as they passed by. Bastards.<br />
<br />
I'm back up and riding well. I'm passing people, but they are likely a mix of people I'd just passed and Novices I had not yet passed. I am impossibly confused as to where I stand in relation to my category, but know that all I can do is keep riding as well as I can and hope for the best.<br />
<br />
After a little while I hear some yelling ahead and come up to a spot on the trail where there are about eight bikers completely stopped. I can't figure it out. Nathan is one them. I learn that at a bridge crossing ahead someone has stirred up a hive of bees and people are getting stung. Somehow we have the understanding that some folks may have been stung a lot of times. Double digits. No one knows how to proceed. A guy that has come up behind me decides he's going to go ahead and risk it.and I follow behind him. I've passed Nathan again, but this doesn't seem right. As we approach the bee bridge we see a riderless bike abandoned on the trail just after the bridge and several folks bushwhacking around to the right.<br />
<br />
The guy in front of me doesn't bother bushwhacking and heads straight over the bridge. No screams. No cursing. I follow him over the bridge. Both of us made it without getting stung. A little more single track before we pop out at North Field again. I let the guys know about the bees, but they are already keenly aware and working on it.<br />
<br />
I pop back in the single track and start swooping my way back to the start/finish area hoping to have a strong second lap and regain position. As I'm heading down my rear tire goes completely flat. Oh no! There's nothing for it. No CO2 left. I pull the wheel off, yank the tube out, get another in and start working my handheld pump. It's a process, but I get it aired up and am back on my way. I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the number of places I lost though. I do know that that was the last time I saw Nathan Elder during this race. 2013.<br />
<br />
My race is run, but I'm going to keep going and enjoy the ride. I have a moment of elation as I clean the power line crossing. It's a 40 yard section of large, uneven, super-challenging rocks. I'm happy to have made it.<br />
<br />
I come back through the start/finish area and head out for my second lap. I feel good and it's pretty uneventful. After climbing out of North Field and up to the Pebble I am feeling thankful that the organizers decided to cut out the descent to the water and the climb back up for the Sport group on lap two. I hit the singletrack out of the pebble and ease into a nice rhythm. I'm still riding well and still gaining back places, but know that my two tire issues have taken me out of contention.<br />
<br />
When I arrive at the bee bridge there is a re-route and Pete Dunn is standing there making sure everyone goes the right way. I almost make the re-route while Pete heckles me that Matt Chandler made it. Of course Matt Chandler made it. Of course I dabbed once I hear that. Just hearing the words Matt Chandler is enough to make a Sport racer dab. <br />
<br />
I make the power line rock crossing a second time. Probably because Pete wasn't there to tell me Matt cleaned that too. Then I just sit back and enjoy the flowy single track that wends its way toward the finish line. I edged one guy out sprinting into the finish line, but as it turns he wasn't in my class. I still felt good when it was all over. Just a little disappointed with my mechanical issues.<br />
<br />
The results show I took eighth place. Two spots and less than three minutes behind Elder. There were 19 folks in the Sport Vet II, but two were DNFs. All in all a good day of racing.<br />
<br />
<br />
As I was wandering around after the race, I came across the guy I'd mentioned in the Chuck Taylors. Turns out this was his first race. He was from up in the Keene area and was used to doing about 15 mile rides up there, but he was astounded by the technical terrain here in Treasure Valley. Astounded by it, but not ready to hang up his racing career over it. He said he managed to finish in just over three hours, about twice as long as he was used to doing his 15 milers back home. He loved the challenge and was looking forward to more races. This guy epitomized the spirit of the sport.<br />
<br />
I went for a quick swim with Harry after the race and was happy to wash the dust and grime off. Great lake and the water was like bathwater.<br />
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Harry and I grabbed some grub at the barbecue being dished up by Cub Scout Pack 306 after the race. I had a cheeseburger and Harry had the pulled pork sandwich. Great grub and a complete meal for around $5.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Beaupre enjoys a sandwich made of the hearts of his defeated competition. </td></tr>
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Here are the results of other riders I know:<br />
<br />
Karen Potter. 1/2. Female Elite.<br />
Paul Simoes. 3/11. Male Elite.<br />
Chris Beriau. 2/3. Female Vet.<br />
Jon Modig. 3/6. Male Junior Expert.<br />
Matt Jalbert. 5/12. Male Vet I Expert.<br />
Matt Chandler (flatted). 9/12. Male Vet I Expert.<br />
John Beaupre. 1/13. Male Master Expert.<br />
Nathan Elder. 6/19. Male Vet II Sport.<br />
Brian Spring. Wrong turn. Male Vet II Sport. <br />
Bill Lawless. 5/12. Male Master Sport.<br />
Mike Tuttle. Wrong turn. Male Master Sport. <br />
Kes Roberts. 1/1. Open Touring Division. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeQhgFZYDknSuMGTw2Ln_p5yyU0sHjHt_FLFqBHDXyZQ1zOO5pMGW8hK9qRZbDBJiuu-A47O67QAhShiK_ivqPqXiuS1MbcKlVLWFyIP5oVw09_56zs8nnzNef_n2dMc0lvZlJ9q9vFI/s1600/TVR+2013+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeQhgFZYDknSuMGTw2Ln_p5yyU0sHjHt_FLFqBHDXyZQ1zOO5pMGW8hK9qRZbDBJiuu-A47O67QAhShiK_ivqPqXiuS1MbcKlVLWFyIP5oVw09_56zs8nnzNef_n2dMc0lvZlJ9q9vFI/s640/TVR+2013+056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modig!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv62Nic1-Sa3xrfBAmJnELPv7oi3kf4jXjxs7MbmUaL6hIzBuIl6DM_MNmQ4XXowfXJBmG3ux2cV4VwnWsncNP6dmUCYwxMZg58SR959iuBSg4EjG-R8sYYho5KhAkY2YcFgxx6L7ub2w/s1600/TVR+2013+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv62Nic1-Sa3xrfBAmJnELPv7oi3kf4jXjxs7MbmUaL6hIzBuIl6DM_MNmQ4XXowfXJBmG3ux2cV4VwnWsncNP6dmUCYwxMZg58SR959iuBSg4EjG-R8sYYho5KhAkY2YcFgxx6L7ub2w/s640/TVR+2013+057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beriau!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEkTfLi01kdmSDHXoCjKVpXftf8vOJRGvZbEs6_m8pktk_I0upCDt04mnWTNKsHSActzCRO8fRixX4jG7ubGxINeRLh1GTEtEpbBLk9PiBxIxnr2e6GzHADdAMyf6SpeFsxqNjEzf4Ic/s1600/TVR+2013+060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEkTfLi01kdmSDHXoCjKVpXftf8vOJRGvZbEs6_m8pktk_I0upCDt04mnWTNKsHSActzCRO8fRixX4jG7ubGxINeRLh1GTEtEpbBLk9PiBxIxnr2e6GzHADdAMyf6SpeFsxqNjEzf4Ic/s640/TVR+2013+060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaupre!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8nYQsqPyVvV1Sk5FWSWgKN0oc4vr5h3eD1NEH0eh8D5NqAtYrI-iq1A_hbEC99Z875UF4SEE4Jq4vs96wr-usDznjCXqsi3aRVsiIwfrlgy_tUBisyq_DeAuZ5bseUmT6MhCgv01p-4/s1600/TVR+2013+061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8nYQsqPyVvV1Sk5FWSWgKN0oc4vr5h3eD1NEH0eh8D5NqAtYrI-iq1A_hbEC99Z875UF4SEE4Jq4vs96wr-usDznjCXqsi3aRVsiIwfrlgy_tUBisyq_DeAuZ5bseUmT6MhCgv01p-4/s640/TVR+2013+061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">O'Neal!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDES9yZLYkXRjEWpR-yhg0h_h-Jz4mMlX2gmS2pgbliMno_7yLGkdv-qitW-m1v6TsyPjNXuFJBf6LPGxuMK_qkf85ZYWEP4rq9OlwSl6EN3r6mNHPeGxDWsEfph2b7rvEG_ZOuxI7iE/s1600/TVR+2013+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDES9yZLYkXRjEWpR-yhg0h_h-Jz4mMlX2gmS2pgbliMno_7yLGkdv-qitW-m1v6TsyPjNXuFJBf6LPGxuMK_qkf85ZYWEP4rq9OlwSl6EN3r6mNHPeGxDWsEfph2b7rvEG_ZOuxI7iE/s640/TVR+2013+063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potter!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NaoCCavP3oBlLzGTpBgYX_P3r98seq8QS_0qL3wLACiM1xdNzEDq1zc3DsJF8RSq6XsiBj2LsIPk9dQ0lXtZiFzhyphenhyphenPjD-kgF-5q89MUY1JEuy8XQ92go01IqViMo1iem4G_voZuyA_k/s1600/TVR+2013+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NaoCCavP3oBlLzGTpBgYX_P3r98seq8QS_0qL3wLACiM1xdNzEDq1zc3DsJF8RSq6XsiBj2LsIPk9dQ0lXtZiFzhyphenhyphenPjD-kgF-5q89MUY1JEuy8XQ92go01IqViMo1iem4G_voZuyA_k/s640/TVR+2013+066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simoes!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Next up: Millstone/Kingdom Trails Road Trip!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-41697513286359928892012-08-25T11:13:00.001-04:002012-08-26T17:53:35.177-04:00Hampshire 100 Hurt-fest<br />
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<br />
It seemed like a good idea. The <a href="http://www.hampshire100.com/" target="_blank">Hampshire 100</a>. Back in May. When I signed up. I'd raced 50 miles through Wompatuck last year at the Landmine Classic. I've done the Pat's Peak 12 hour two man twice. The Pittsfield VT six hour race twice. How hard could it be? I was going to find out.<br />
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<br />
The day after we did the Vermont 30 (AKA the 666 race) last year Karen Potter, Steve Segenchuk and Brian Spring all took off to NH to do the Hampshire 100. I was very impressed given that the <a href="http://pedalpushingpatons.blogspot.com/2011/08/race-review-vermont-30-mtb-endurance.html" target="_blank">Vermont 30</a> alone was a testament to ones mountain biking wherewithal. It's six hours climbing and descending the <a href="http://www.greenmountaintrails.com/Green_Mountain_Trails/Map.html" target="_blank">same mountain</a> as many times as you are able.<br />
<br />
I now realize that very impressed was not nearly impressed enough. These nut jobs live in their own world. I think it may be some form of damnation to the Underworld. Tantalus has his grapes. Sisyphus has his rock. These guys have their bicycles. It makes you wonder what they did to deserve this. I have some theories. Ask me sometime.<br />
<br />
I didn't train for this race as hard as I should have, I have plenty of rides under my belt this season, but most in the 12 - 18 mile range with a handful into the 20s and one 36 miler. Oh, and I live in Connecticut and this race, as it's name would suggest, is in New Hampshire. We have hills, but they are bumps compared to what this race has to offer. The Hampshire 100 had two options for 2012 - 100 miles or 100K (62 miles). I was signed up for the 100K. As it turns out, it was more like 64, but whatever.<br />
<br />
Anyhow, I was super stoked to see all the familiar names signed up. Karen Potter, Matt Chandler, Jon Modig, Brian Spring, Steve Segenchuk, Chris Beriau, Paul Simoes, Brandon O'Neal, Liz Chabot Allen and Dan Biscup. Why, it was just like going for a ride right here at home.<br />
<br />
It had rained overnight Friday into Saturday. The weather looked like it would clear and things would dry up for the Sunday race, but there was still a chance of showers on the weather report when we left home Saturday. As it turns out, the weather held the rest of the weekend and race day was absolutely gorgeous. <br />
<br />
The racer's meeting was 6:15 am Sunday with the first of five waves going off at 6:45 am and all five waves on the course by 7:00 am. That didn't seem to leave much of an option as to whether to arrive the day before or the morning of. I wisely elected to take advantage of the free camping Saturday night and was joined by my two favorite spectators, Cori and Harry. I showed up around noon on Saturday and was pleased that registration
was already open, two hours earlier than publicized. I signed the waiver, picked up my schwag bag (which included both a race t-shirt and a pint glass!) and then we headed up to the Peterborough Diner to grab a bite.<br />
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<br />
After lunch we came back and set up camp. We were there early enough to have a nice selection of sites. We grabbed one on the tree line and were set up in no time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lap of Luxury</td></tr>
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We started seeing folks we knew pull in shortly thereafter. I spent the evening talking with other racers, going through my bike one last time and enjoying the $5 pasta and salad meal available on site. I only brought two beers with me lest my prudence leave me with the last sips of a second beer. After the two beers, I went to bed around 9 pm.<br />
<br />
Saturday night was downright cold. Cori and I were set up with two sleeping bags on our air mattress, but laid out as blankets one on top of the other. My toes were frozen whenever they'd pop out the end. Despite this, I got a decent night's sleep. I awoke at 5:10 am with the sounds of riders getting ready. I lay in bed until 5:30 and then got myself up.<br />
<br />
There was a pretty nice breakfast buffet included for the racers replete with fresh fruit, bagels muffins, pastries, donuts, coffee and juice. I had my fill and next thing I knew, the racers' meeting had started.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Should I be wearing riding clothes yet? YES!!!</td></tr>
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As I was taking in the racers' meeting, I started noticing nearly everyone already dressed for the race. Everyone except me. I wasn't super worried at first, because the meeting was a half an hour before the race went off. But then the meeting started taking a worrisome long time. Before it was over, I bowed out and went to get my riding clothes on. Good thing I did. I got back to the start line with less than one minute to spare before my heat (the fourth) went off.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haven't I bummed around enough?</td></tr>
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I like to think of the sport class as a lot of pretty experienced racers who simply don't have the time or conviction to put in the hours needed to take the leap to Expert. Now I think maybe sport is biker code for bumbling idiot. Before we got out of the opening field, the front runners had made a wrong turn and we were all backed up to the point that we were practically stopped. Oh man.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I'm off!!!</td></tr>
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We sorted ourselves out and continued on. The first eight miles or so were pretty much all on dirt road, steadily downhill. The roadies in the group were having a field day. I'm geared two by nine so don't have a big chain ring. I spun as well as I could, but was definitely losing more spots than I was gaining. I decided it was a long race and blowing myself up on the open road sections in the beginning would not be a wise long term strategy.<br />
<br />
Between all the waves, there were 378 people who showed up for the races (100 mile and 100K combined). There were also 43 DNS entrants, including, unfortunately, Mr. Segenchuk, who was laid up with a stitched toe from a swimming mishap a week before the race.<br />
<br />
Rising along a disused railroad track I caught up to Chris Beriau and had the pleasure of her company for little while. It's super nice to have a familiar face with whom to converse at an event like this. After a little bit we parted company and I was on my own again.<br />
<br />
Because the beginning was a spin-fest, by the time we made the first trail, we were all pretty cohesive still. At one point pretty early on, we took some infrequently used jeep roads up and up. At some point during that I saw a rider who must have just passed me who looked form behind strikingly similar to Dan Biscup. Seemed impossible since he was in the mens' 100 mile open three waves before me. As sit turns out, I heard rumor that Dan was one of the many dawdlers who started about 10 minutes or so late.<br />
<br />
Next thing I knew, I was passing the top of a chairlift on my left. We had climbed to the top of one of <a href="http://www.crotchedmountain.com/trail_map.html" target="_blank">Crotched Mountain</a> ski area's lower chairs. I think it was the triple that services their terrain park. <br />
<br />
As we came into the woods just after I was amazed to see that because we were still so tight, we were actually STOPPED waiting our turn to hit the new singletrack down the mountain. The trail was awesome, but technical. All those guys in front of me who had superior road technique were now dabbing like crazy on all the tech. Ugh. I then realized it was up to me to try to take as many spots as I could back on the roads and fire roads so that I wasn't caught behind these guys on the singletrack. Not a thought that I relished.<br />
<br />
We caught some more road and rail trail after that. The rail trail went on. And on. And on some more. Countless road crossings (assuming you can't count higher than maybe eight or ten). Every one with a volunteer helping the racers safely cross. Toward the end of our stint on the rail trail, we came into a sandy area I'd read about before the race simply called "The Beach". It sapped a bit of energy and worked it's way into the drivetrain a little bit, but wasn't horrendous.<br />
<br />
Finally we hit a crossing that wasn't manned by a volunteer. We kept going across. Thirty seconds later we saw a couple riders coming back at us on the road paralleling us to our right and realized we'd missed the turn off the rail trail. My small group (we were finally thinning out a little) turned around and headed back,<br />
<br />
That's when we hit the real climbing. The first test was up Hedgehog Mountain and then Wolf Hill. 3.25 miles gaining over 700 feet of elevation. The first section, Hedgehog Mountain, was pretty loose and rocky and very few in the group I was riding with, including myself, were willing or able to expend the necessary energy to make it up. Maybe with fresh legs and without 42 more miles in front of me I would have tried harder.<br />
<br />
After that we rolled through several more hill sections and even started to hit some really fun singletrack. I was felling pretty good, although the miles were catching up with me.<br />
<br />
I had blown past the first aid station and the first self-serve water stop, still having enough liquid to keep me going in my Camelbak. I tried something a little different than usual this time and was filling my Camelbak with <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/heed-sports-drink.he.html?gclid=CIDWovfrgrICFYWo4Aod2yEAlg" target="_blank">Heed</a> to make sure I was taking in not just hydration, but also some nutrition and electrolytes. Heed and water were provided at the start and all aid stops by the race. It probably wasn't the smartest move on race day as I hadn't tested it before, buy, hey, you only live once. I stopped at the second full aid station and was pretty impressed. Fresh fruit, some sort of pre-fabbed PB& J product, trail mix, cookies, soda, chips. Everything. I tried one of the PB&J things, but only ate the edges as mine was still frozen. Filled up the Camelbak and was off to the races.<br />
<br />
I don't recall all of the details of the full route, but remember hitting some really techy stuff and making it through quite a bit of it. I definitely got caught up behind some folks here and there, but for the most part was able to get by them, although sometimes only to be passed again and then caught up behind them at the next tech spot.<br />
<br />
One of my less favorite highlights was around mile 36, where I had just climbed a pretty good hill and made a right at a self-serve water station. I didn't stop and passed a few guys who did. I went to grab a drink out of my Camelbak by putting the hose in my mouth with my right hand only to realize that there was an immediate left I hadn't counted on. My previously occupied right hand did not make it to my brake as quickly as my left hand. I ended up jacking the front brake with my left and going down hard. So rookie. Especially since I did it right in front of all the guys I'd just passed at the water stop.<br />
<br />
Somewhere, and I can't be sure where, I came across the "Caution - Babyheads" sign. Babyheads, for any non-mountain bikers reading this, are typically a sea of small rocks the size of a baby's head covering the trail. In this case, however, I was actually greeted by a sea of ripped off dolls heads planted across the trail. I'm pretty sure I laughed out loud. Until I came across the rocks. That stopped my laughing.<br />
<br />
So the miles went on. Endless power line climbs followed by endless jeep road climbs followed by endless road climbs followed by endless singletrack climbs. All interspersed with some awesome singletrack rolling trail and downhills and some great descents on road and jeep trail. At one point I was doing 41+ mph down the road on my bike.<br />
<br />
Somewhere around mile 45 I flatted in the back tire. I was having one of my rare moments of feeling pretty solid when it happened and was somewhat discouraged. I half expected it as I hadn't had the opportunity to check my tire pressure before starting out due to my previously mentioned rush to the start line. It took me 11 minutes to change. I'd guess 1 - 2 minutes of that was spent fiddling with a CO2 cartridge that refused to dispense. As it turns out, if they already dispensed they don't do it a second time. You should remove used CO2 cartridges from your Camelbak before you race. If you want a quick test to see if your CO2 cartridges are spent or not, here goes. Look at the top and see if it has been punctured. You'll know because there will be a hole in it. Idiot.<br />
<br />
I have to say that I was beyond impressed with the number of people passing by making sure I had everything I needed. My admiration for this sport grew three sizes last Sunday. <br />
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Maybe it was around mile 50 or so that I met with a pretty serious water crossing. Maybe 30 or 40 yards long and from what I could tell of the people walking their bikes through it in front of me, about 3/4 of the way up the shin to the knee. I decided to give it a crack on the bike. My feet were still soaked as the water was well over the lower circuit of my pedal stroke. But I did make it through. And with cheers from my fellow racers. Probably my proudest moment of the race. And I did gain a bunch of positions as well as enough of a confidence boost to successfully climb the steeps coming out of the water crossing. For a <u>little while</u>, it even seemed to help my drivetrain, which had been coated in mud, dirt and grime.<br />
<br />
Just before one of the last road crossings and just after what I thought was the hardest climb of the race, I started to experience a stomach malady. I tried to ride through it, but it worsened and I had to pull over and just let it settle for a few minutes. Maybe the Heed. Who knows? As I was sitting there, I was passed by a couple of my fellow racers and then by a guy who FLEW by. Turns out he was doing the 100 mile race and had already completed my full circuit, gone back out and done an additional 30 miles. That's enough to make you realize where you fit in in the food chain. Chum. That guy finished 100 miles 20 minutes before finished the 100K.<br />
<br />
I was up and riding again when the only other 100 miler that passed me went by. None other than <a href="http://www.tinkerjuarez.com/" target="_blank">Tinker Juarez</a>, mountain biking legend from the 90s. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tinker coming out of Pit Stop Row at mile 64.</td></tr>
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<br />
I'm okay with Tinker passing me. I probably would have been okay if he punched me in the face when he passed by. Thanks for being Tinker, Tinker.<br />
<br />
I was definitely feeling some minor cramping toward the end of the race. There was some awesome singletrack, but I was too tired and delirious to appreciate it. So tired that I was walking up hills that I should not have been. I really began to wonder how delirious I was when I crossed a bridge and was seeing dozens of stuffed animals hanging in midair all around me. Did someone slip something in my Heed? Nah, the babyhead gang was playing with my head again.<br />
<br />
I finished the race and literally threw my bike and then myself to the ground. And then I lay there. Nearly teary eyed from having slain this Goliath. For some reason, emotion runs deep in me as I come to the end of these endurance events.<br />
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<br />
I ended up finishing 17th of the 30 finishers in my class. There were 34 who started in my class, four DNFing. Smack dab mid-pack. And proud of it. Here's <a href="http://www.strava.com/rides/19245184" target="_blank">Brandon O'Neal's GPS track</a> of the course.<br />
<br />
Results of other folks I know:<br />
<br />
100 miles:<br />
<br />
Karen Potter. 3/7 finishers - female open. 9:21:09.<br />
<a href="http://wheninspirationhitsliz.blogspot.com/2012/08/new-hampshire-100-miles-holy-hell-that.html?spref=fb" target="_blank">Liz Chabot Allen</a>. 5/7 finishers - female open. 10:14:38.<br />
<a href="http://www.bikeman.com/team-bikeman/race-reports/2735-hampshire-100-miler-2012" target="_blank">Paul Simoes</a>. 19/56 finishers - male open. 8:47:06.<br />
Dan Biscup (late start). 43/56 finishers - male open. 10:44:42.<br />
Brian Spring. 54/56 finishers - male open. 12:07:33.<br />
Alby King. DNF.<br />
<a href="http://brandononeal.blogspot.com/2012/08/national-ultra-endurance-nue-series.html" target="_blank">Brandon O'Neal</a> (single speed). DNF. Finished the 100K.<br />
Steve Segenchuk. DNS. <br />
<br />
100K:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bikeman.com/team-bikeman/race-reports/2733-hampshire-100-2012?utm_medium=fbshare.me-facebook-post&utm_campaign=&awesm=fbshare.me_o2mh&utm_content=fbshare-js-large&utm_source=facebook.com" target="_blank">Chris Beriau</a>. 2/4 finishers. Expert Vet Women. 8:16:04.<br />
Jon Modig. 3/3 finishers. Expert Junior Men. 6:35:58.<br />
Matt Chandler. 3/11 finishers. 6:11:29.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt Chandler: "Man, my dogs are tired."</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modig wraps it up.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liz Chabot Allen comes through Pit Stop Row.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian Spring finishing mile 64. Only 36 to go!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Beriau on the podium!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon Modig on the podium!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt Chandler (showing a little belly) on the podium!!</td></tr>
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Next up, <a href="http://teambums.com/tvr/" target="_blank">Treasure Valley Rally</a>.Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-69603724055010213212012-08-06T21:16:00.000-04:002012-08-06T21:18:23.065-04:00Block Island<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntngy1QXjC-F8gEbTEcqsjxNmybPol8zWwfYNhmOt9ymytAPzBjJwdQgLVHvA8Po7EvH0tc1-6SsKdhHvpuD0l_OMBBcCrv3VfY6Osuc8qJ28fSKlXqnOW6wW8F0AU-b5ijnK-Qtd8lU/s1600/Block+Island+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntngy1QXjC-F8gEbTEcqsjxNmybPol8zWwfYNhmOt9ymytAPzBjJwdQgLVHvA8Po7EvH0tc1-6SsKdhHvpuD0l_OMBBcCrv3VfY6Osuc8qJ28fSKlXqnOW6wW8F0AU-b5ijnK-Qtd8lU/s320/Block+Island+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday to us!!</td></tr>
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This weekend, my mother, my sister and I ventured out to Block Island for our annual birthday celebration. I wanted to throw in some of my training for Italy so suggested we bring our bikes and ride around the island. My sister reminded me that in Italy I will be on a rental bike and that this was the perfect opportunity to see what it is like to ride on a rental bike. She was right.<br />
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And oh how sweet our rentals were. When was the last time you rode a bike that has a kick stand?? And a big cushy seat? It may not look pretty, but this thing felt like I was riding a couch down the road! It was very comfortable. And heavy. I think it weighs as much as me!<br />
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We rode along some sweet rolling roads along the ocean. Some of the hills are tough when you only have a few gears.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifm4XPYw9YmIHIpC0_MVbtCR63qCKjNa_koi_aCxC9cob4pbbCOOQnfuFbIoDvy9rd79Wxf8QzGoyl04ejsmJBAQo-_qtsBWTviAWRn94zmHzqRzF5g4ArrocPikwETWgZmVs4GmHne_w/s1600/Block+Island+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifm4XPYw9YmIHIpC0_MVbtCR63qCKjNa_koi_aCxC9cob4pbbCOOQnfuFbIoDvy9rd79Wxf8QzGoyl04ejsmJBAQo-_qtsBWTviAWRn94zmHzqRzF5g4ArrocPikwETWgZmVs4GmHne_w/s320/Block+Island+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemonade for 50 cents? Heck yeah!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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First we visited this lighthouse:<br />
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And then we rode back to town to grab some lunch. With all the heat, humidity and hills, we were a big sweaty mess. But the waitress didn't seem to mind. My mom had swordfish, my sister had scallops and I had the Ahi tuna. It was fantastic.<br />
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And then we rode to this lighthouse:<br />
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It was up a relentless hill that just kept curving around to reveal more up. It was quite an accomplishment to make it to the top on those heavy rental bike with so few gears! But we did it.<br />
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All in all, it was a great trip. We ended the day with 12.38 miles. And some gelato for mom and sister. Ice cream for me.Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-25259657495177386182012-07-15T19:06:00.000-04:002012-07-15T19:06:09.112-04:00Wine Ride - Training for Italy!As you know, I'm going to Italy to do a bike tour around Venice and the surrounding countryside this fall. That surrounding countryside includes some vineyards. That means we will be doing some riding, some wine tasting and then more riding. People think I'm joking when I say have to train for that. But I'm not. Thirty miles and a couple of glasses of wine is not something I can just bust out for 7 days straight. But I'm working on it!<br />
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My girls and I got together to ride 10 miles to Taylor Brooke Winery in Woodstock. Rob escorted us and served as our photographer. And he may have been the only one to bike up the hill that is the driveway to the vineyard.<br />
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We did a wine tasting. I tried the Green Apple Riesling. It was cold and sweet and just what I wanted after those first 10 miles. And then I tried the Late Harvest Riesling, which was served with dark chocolate in between sips. Delicious. I'd like more of that one. And then I bought a glass of Woodstock Hill White to drink while walking around the vineyard.<br />
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We had a very nice picnic. We had fresh raspberries from our garden, candied pecans and a local cheese with some crackers. It was really nice.<br />
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We went on the self guided tour of the vineyard. Saw all the different varieties of grapes, some beautiful flowers and a birdhouse tucked in between the grapes.<br />
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And then we biked the 10 miles home. The first mile was tough. My calves were stiff. And then my thighs started to burn. But then everything worked itself out. We made it back without any DUI's.<br />
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It got us really excited for our trip. I can't wait to do more training!!!<br />
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~CoriPedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7901634522301169685.post-44441101352174419542012-06-22T23:15:00.002-04:002012-06-23T06:45:15.621-04:00The Pinnacle 2012 - Race RecapThunk. Thunk. Thunk. Thunk. Thunk. Thunk. What the hell? I raise my head from my pillow. It's 4:00 am on the nose, an hour and ten minutes before the alarm is set to go off. What's that noise? Thunk. Thunk. thunk. I look out the bedroom window to watch a car with a flat tire driving down the road. It's stopping and going, presumably undecided as to how to handle its current dilemma. It eventually drives away. Thunk. Thunk. thunk. Thank god. I roll over. Maybe a little more than half awake. I didn't get to sleep until after 10 pm. I need more sleep before the race. I put a pillow over my head. Don't think about the race. Drifting back off to... Thunk. Thunk. Thunk. Thunk. The driver changed his mind and is driving back past the other way. It's over. I'm doing this on six hours sleep.<br />
<br />
It's Father's Day and my wife has magnanimously given me leave to ride the <a href="http://www.team-pinnacle.org/pinnacle.php" target="_blank">Pinnacle</a> again, but has opted to go visit her own folks with Harry rather than schlep him 2.5 hours each way to Newport, NH, and back. I can't blame her. She's made that trip with me three of the four previous times I've been up. I believe that makes her eligible for canonization.<br />
<br />
Anyhow, I wanted to get on the road by 6:00 am and had no trouble achieving this goal given my early rising. A quick kiss on my semi-sleeping wife's forehead, shove a couple of last minute things in the cooler and out the door. Mission accomplished.<br />
<br />
I know racers like to talk about nutrition, so I'll let you all in on a little nutrition secret of mine. A dirty, little secret. Dunkin Donuts blueberry cakes. Two of 'em. If you show up before 6:00 am, the donut lady may have to go get them from the back room. You might wonder why they're not warm if that's the case. I find it better to pretend I didn't notice. And an XL french vanilla hot coffee with cream and sugar. There, now you can be middle of the pack in sport, too. You're welcome.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnROfjkbrEFslYrPEs06fm6FG_RborC3V12tAW3iN7jWmhcJ5IpYBBt1VOauUT0qWgCVp0LJQodrFkc8U1-tT15XebWty7NR63Ox8aMxh21W3JjDQtDd0n4YS-XTEpPx6nxXUlL7QDzjw/s1600/homer+donut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnROfjkbrEFslYrPEs06fm6FG_RborC3V12tAW3iN7jWmhcJ5IpYBBt1VOauUT0qWgCVp0LJQodrFkc8U1-tT15XebWty7NR63Ox8aMxh21W3JjDQtDd0n4YS-XTEpPx6nxXUlL7QDzjw/s320/homer+donut.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<br />
I learned a lesson last year while driving up for this race. I'd like to think it's as insightful as the donut lesson, but I think most of you probably already know this one. Listen to the GPS. It's better than you at figuring out how to get there, wherever there is. Last year I struck out on my own against the advice of my Garmin. An nearly missed the race. This year I listened. And you know what? I was there an hour before the race started. When you arrive early instead of late you have time to do things like consider your gear as you get it ready, use the bathroom, pre-ride. All useful tasks in preparing to race.<br />
<br />
On my way in to grab my number, lucky 245, I run into Brian Spring. The only other guy I know there racing sport. He was supposed to have been at the Grind two weeks earlier, but as it turns out had fallen ill and forfeited his preregistration. That seems pretty sucky to me. Here he was not preregistered and was ready to race. Ever a mystery, Mr. Spring. He was doing quite a bit better as of late and only had a lingering morning cough. Things were looking up for Brian.<br />
<br />
I grabbed my number, hit the head (school bathrooms beat the not-so-proverbial crap out of portapotties) and went out to do a little pre-riding. Trying to preserve the delicate balance between working out the kinks and not overdoing it. I climbed up and did the Plummet a couple of times. Everything seemed to be firing pretty well and the small section of trail I came across looked super.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinnacle Plummet!!!!!!</td></tr>
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At 9:15 we headed over to the start area for the racer's meeting. As we were getting ready to hear what the director had to tell us, a guy came up to me and said, "You're Rob, right?" Turns out that he had read my blog posts and was one of the two guys who beat me out during the last stretch of the <a href="http://pedalpushingpatons.blogspot.com/2012/06/glocester-grind-2012-race-review.html" target="_blank">Glocester Grind</a>. <a href="http://riversideteam.wordpress.com/2012-roster/" target="_blank">Nate Elder</a>. He is also the first person I've met who knew the blog before he knew me. I thought that was pretty cool. Almost cool enough to forgive him for stealing my Grind podium. Elder.<br />
<br />
When I had first arrived in Newport I recall having been a little chilly when I exited the car. The early morning clouds were still breaking
and the sun hadn't made it in to warm everything up yet. By the time we
were ready to race though, it was much warmer. 76.1 F according to the
thermometer on my bike computer. Most folks were standing in the
shade. I knew it would be plenty warm, but was thankful that most of
the course would be shaded.<br />
<br />
I found out at the racer's meeting that Sport Senior and Vet I would go off at 9:30 and that Vet II would be out two minutes after that to give the crowd some time to thin before hitting the singletrack. The Elites and Experts would be going off after our race, at 12:00. The novices were off on the heels of the Sport groups. At 9:32 we were off, right on time.<br />
<br />
<br />
I had lined up well and had a pretty good position as we were about to hit the first section of doubletrack climbing. At least I thought I had. Just as we were going in about half the field passed me. Geesh. I wasn't last, but was definitely the last 25%. I started to get worried, but decided to remember that this is a long race and there would be plenty of time to earn my position in the end. I also knew there would be a fair amount of doubletrack throughout the course in which to grab places. <br />
<br />
So I didn't get too caught up having lost those places. I grabbed a few back in the first quarter mile before we hit the short piece of paved road and about five more taking a slightly gnarlier, but very doable, line up a hill on a wide piece of trail. That helped clear my head. <br />
<br />
The course is challenging, but fun. The Pinnacle is about 550' of vertical per lap (I think). The Sport group was doing a half lap, cutting out the second half of the ascent, followed by two full laps. Full laps were just a shade over five miles.<br />
<br />
The full lap had a steady climb up to begin. Over a couple of small bridges and dumping out at a pair of water towers. That's where the course turns to a jeep road that climbs. And climbs. The beginning lulls you into a false sense of being able just to drop your gears, drop your heads and pedal. About a third of the way up though, it gets just a little wet and the turns to large, loose stones interspersed with wet ledge. Pay attention or prepare to unclip. Mistakes are generally not forgiven.<br />
<br />
After what seems forever, but is probably a third to a half mile, a singletrack forms along the left side of the jeep road and the course veers onto the same. It's still pretty tough going for a while until it settles into a pattern of very welcome switchback climbing. The switchbacks eventually dump you back on the road you had been climbing and you follow jeep road up to the Pinnacle. That's where the fun starts. There a long fairly straight descent that eventually throws you onto a short piece of fire road before you do a little more singletrack climbing and then hit some fun rock ledge built into the trail. That takes you into the pump track which takes you into the berms. From there its pretty much all down to the start/finish area where you start to climb back up and do it all over again.<br />
<br />
Let me back up. I said berms and moved on like they were inconsequential. These berms, however, are the bomb. High built rock piles covered with dirt letting riders fly into the turns and out just as fast. These are berms that you read about. I know this because you just did.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3McCFkPc7UWFp9D1i5HQOUMerd23FwpyAV8896FENWxAzU6hXP8iE3f1cSaMoEzFzdUMjJvTKGVe28_3q11ZxVMhygCFFhVS0-e7mCWtcV70nOXLfIo3m6KbqaJks2AjzdsCBqbZvoU/s1600/Pinnacle+2012+137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3McCFkPc7UWFp9D1i5HQOUMerd23FwpyAV8896FENWxAzU6hXP8iE3f1cSaMoEzFzdUMjJvTKGVe28_3q11ZxVMhygCFFhVS0-e7mCWtcV70nOXLfIo3m6KbqaJks2AjzdsCBqbZvoU/s640/Pinnacle+2012+137.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon Modig comes through the berms racing Expert Junior.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzmjAfQB9cFj5XytEt_R30G_slzFYJFn3U-cO-TFrVN4sq4CRvGnRlFzUlAtUFI90XSeHMMEvM7wcuRZL9GpdPGVDa5PUBuZluge_Zj0AvkO8NfsLtigZvJ43OFuc2uRU_j0jDsjp2Ew/s1600/Pinnacle+2012+143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzmjAfQB9cFj5XytEt_R30G_slzFYJFn3U-cO-TFrVN4sq4CRvGnRlFzUlAtUFI90XSeHMMEvM7wcuRZL9GpdPGVDa5PUBuZluge_Zj0AvkO8NfsLtigZvJ43OFuc2uRU_j0jDsjp2Ew/s640/Pinnacle+2012+143.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 Olympic Mountain Biker Lea Davison killin' it.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNad8J_GojOP5P_RslRncvwyoN1lE-DktPyU7wJh1DTd4jKwUmSisPYQgWktTyx24QxPiQt6aLlNPAI9j-9YD3hyphenhyphenY0a_qOsF4TOEbNKqL3H_5ibweYlZ0j_Ryumj5yX4ckBq5y3zFvqyA/s1600/Pinnacle+2012+147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNad8J_GojOP5P_RslRncvwyoN1lE-DktPyU7wJh1DTd4jKwUmSisPYQgWktTyx24QxPiQt6aLlNPAI9j-9YD3hyphenhyphenY0a_qOsF4TOEbNKqL3H_5ibweYlZ0j_Ryumj5yX4ckBq5y3zFvqyA/s640/Pinnacle+2012+147.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Steve Segenchuk, racing Expert Vet II, killing himself to hang on!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Experts!</span></div>
<br />
I noticed pretty early on that my left hand was killing me on the descents. My finger is still not quite healed from a sprain about three and a half weeks before the race, but it's really more my palm on the bar that's hurting. Not sure what that's all about. I'm kind of falling apart. Whatever it is, it's stealing away a little downhill confidence, but almost instantly feels better whenever I start climbing. Of course then my legs and lungs start to groan. No injury there. Unless you allow that I might have sustained a broken will. To do hill repeats. About 42 years ago.<br />
<br />
Other than that, feeling pretty good. I was gaining a couple of spots here and there and giving up less, so that's got to be positive.<br />
<br />
Climbing up the second time, I've got company. Another guy in my age group I later find out by looking up his number is Colin Johannen. He was chatty and recognized my Bums kit and we talked about the Treasure Valley Rally. Really nice guy. Except for his ability to hold a conversation while climbing like it's no thang. I didn't like that about him. Anyhow, Colin said he absolutely adores the TVR. Nice to hear such great feedback. Chatty Colin pulled away and I was left climbing on my own.<br />
<br />
The rest of lap two was uneventful. I climbed. I descended. I rode well. I rode mostly alone. Around the top of the climb I was passed by a mountain goat in a unitard. I'm cool with that. If you're rocking a unitard, I expect you to pass me.<br />
<br />
Third lap was a schlog of a climb, but once I hit the top, I gave it everything I had. That said, it was tough gaining on the downhill. I don't think the extra gear has as much impact as it would during the climbing. As I hit the pump track though, it started to pay off. I was catching glimpses of folks in front of me and before I knew it I was passing El Unitardo.<br />
<br />
Shortly after I started running into the novice group, presumably finishing their second lap. All were super cool and moved over before I said anything. They even offered some words of encouragement. I tried to reciprocate, but was pushing hard. Hopefully I didn't come off as an ass.<br />
<br />
After getting by the novices, I hit the berms and heard a racer coming up on my wheel. I figured it must have been one of the people I'd recently passed. I held my position for a little bit and when I couldn't shake whoever it was, I let them pass. Guess who? Elder!<br />
<br />
I tried stepping it up to hang on and make it a spring to the finish, but this guy's got kick like nobody's business and I was soon alone, my salty tears running down my sweaty face.<br />
<br />
I did finish strong and came into the finish a mere 11 seconds post-Elder. As it turns out, I've been just behind Nathan Elder all season. One place behind him at Weeping Willow. Two behind at Glocester. And now one behind at the Pinnacle. Going to have to work on that.<br />
<br />
My final stats:<br />
<br />
1.7 mile warm up.<br />
13.368 miles raced<br />
1:40:07 elapsed<br />
19:39.50 - Lap 1 (1/2 lap)<br />
40:20:08 - Lap 2<br />
40:09.42 - Lap 3<br />
32.9 mph max<br />
8.3 mph avg<br />
8th/19 in Sport Vet II<br />
<br />
After the race I had a chance to speak with Brian Spring, who came in a few minutes after me. His cold, it seems, was only abated when not climbing mountains on bicycles. He said he was coughing like crazy through the course. Still finished a respectable 12th. Nice work!<br />
<br />
After the race, I put my bike up on the Element and walked the course to get some pictures and video. of the Expert and Elite heats. Those racers are sooooo fast. It's awe inspiring to watch.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Experts!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FF3nZxOY9BxXCs5p09EqWh8uWsjfMEOHL-v1481v30LMmMRleJkhu319OQPveV3mBnfErFDiLLNwOU1VNh4jidSUCyQJkn_opMFUrod-TMN2c-_XCUc-waWc4I8xSjXFLrp4v7HMlrc/s1600/Pinnacle+2012+206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FF3nZxOY9BxXCs5p09EqWh8uWsjfMEOHL-v1481v30LMmMRleJkhu319OQPveV3mBnfErFDiLLNwOU1VNh4jidSUCyQJkn_opMFUrod-TMN2c-_XCUc-waWc4I8xSjXFLrp4v7HMlrc/s640/Pinnacle+2012+206.JPG" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve pays homage to Gene Simmons. Or maybe Michael Jordan.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearing the top on lap 3. Probably questioning riding 69 miles yesterday.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Alby loves to dress up as his favorite superhero. Bikeman.</span></div>
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<br />
I later learned from Steve Segenchuk that Lea Davison, one of two women on the Olympic Mountain Biking Team, raced the elite heat. She's the one killing it in red in the video clip below.<br />
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<span id="goog_656872772"></span><span id="goog_656872773"></span><br />
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All in all, another great time at the Pinnacle. Maybe I'll work on the hills between now and next year. Next confirmed race - the Hampshire 100 where I'll be racing the 100K option in August. May try to get the Hodges race in before that in early August.<br />
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<br />Pedal Pushing Patonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04330615029555943491noreply@blogger.com2