Conference noted::bicycle

    
    	Thanks Scott.  Does the 96 deaths on Washington refer only to
    bicycle riders ?  I know people die up there, every year they lose
    one or two hikers/campers, ice climbers, but I'm curious about the
    bicycling mortality rate.   I think Burke Mt., Vermont is steeper
    than Washington, though not as high, this makes it more difficult.
    I know only one other rider who has ever ridden it to the top though 
    (..um.., at my "suggestion").

    	Reg
    
    (a flat lander at heart)
    

Reprinted without permission from Bicycling Magazine, June 1987, p.

66





MT.  WASHINGTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Beginning Elevation:  1,565 ft.

Ending Elevation:  6,288 ft.

Total Distance:  8 miles

Average Grade:  12.5%

Best Known Time:  57:41



In the heart of New Hampshire's Presidential Range is one short but

serious climb - the Mt.  Washington Toll Road.  If you're to meet the

challenge, you'll have to outlast 99 curves, alternating sections of

gravel and asphalt, a 22% grade near the top, and the possibility of

some nasty weather.  In fact, the greatest wind velocity (non-tornado)

ever recorded was atop Mt.  Washington - 231 mph on April 2, 1934.



This privately operated toll road is only open to cyclists 1 day a

year, usually in September, for a USCF-sanctioned event.  Most racers

can finish in 75 to 85 minutes, whereas some plucky "average joes" may

be on the slopes for 2 1/2 hours.  Inclement weather has played a

major role in the event's 14-years history.  At times, cyclists have

been hampered by 60-mph winds, dense fog, wind chill of 4 below zero,

and a blizzard.  Although none of the victims has been a cyclist, 96

people have died on Mt.  Washington.



In case you're still interested, call Bruce Dresser, USCF district

representative, at (603)882-2818 for information about the next race.



                       (End of copied article)



After re-reading the article, I noticed the sentence stating that none

of those who died was a cyclist.



231 miles an hour.  That's some kinda wind.





Scott

    
    	OK, so I guess cardiac arrest isn't a (statistical) risk after
    all ?    Pity, I had hoped to go that way; when I go, that way;
    though not for a while yet.  I had also assumed that a few had caught
    it bad in the days of earlier equipment and poorer surface.  I thought
    the sign at the top said 235 MPH, (not that it matters) and that
    the service road finish is 26 %.   Anyway, its down to the last
    3 months for this year's race, who's up for it ?
    
    	Reg	(Just a Plucky Joe)
    

    Pikes peak is closed to bicycles except for special events like
    during last summers world events here.
    The mount evans climb is a tough one in a car so it would be really
    fun on a bike. If you live in colorado springs and want a chalange
    try riding to the top of wilkerson pass. Its about 45 miles up hill
    99% of the way and a real nice cruse on the way down.
    
    -j
    

    "Going_To_The_Sun" Road in Montana is something to behold. I've
    been on it (in a school bus with a two-speed rear axle); if my
    memory serves me, it's in Glacier Park.
    
    Other great/beautiful/challenging rides:
    
    	Needle Highway, Needle Mountains, South Dakota: This is a steep,
    		twisting road with switchbacks so severe they're built
    		on circular threstles which cross back over themselves.
    		It's a two laner, but the lanes separate occasionally
    		due to the severity of the terrain. There are several
    		tunnels blasted through along the course of the road;
    		my favorite is "Threading The Needle", a hundred-or-so
    		footer with its axis perfectly aligned with the face
    		of Mount Rushmore. An erie sight at 12:30 at night!