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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

1678.0. "STOWE, VERMONT BICYCLE RACE " by DELNI::MARCINKUS () Wed Aug 01 1990 13:31

    The Stowe, Vermont bicycle race is this Sunday, August 5th, and I
    was wondering if any other DECies will be there racing in the
    "citizen" catagory.  If so, and if you would be interested, we
    could team up and help one another over the many climbs.  You know
    the ole' saying, "misery loves company".  (grin)
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
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1678.1Watched it...BTOVT::MAYOTWed Aug 08 1990 14:028
    Was on my way to Mo'ville and got to follow the pack from just outside
    Jeff to rte 100, pretty impressive riding.  My diesel VW van had a hard
    time keeping up...
    The last 2 miles to Mt Mansfield SA must have been cruel...how did you
    make out?  FYI, Al is still doing tri's, I think he was in Colchester's
    that weekend.
    Tom
    
1678.2Beating the chase pack doesn't count for muchCIMNET::MJOHNSONMatt Johnson, DTN 291-7856Wed Aug 08 1990 15:129
    I rode in the Citizen's category.  I blew it on the first ascent,
    and got roped into a "chase" pack that wouldn't chase.  Though
    I managed to be first to the top on all the remaining climbs,
    we never caught the leaders.  I pulled away on my own for the 
    final two miles, but to no avail.  
    
    Great race, though!
    
    MATT
1678.3a follow-up reportDELNI::MARCINKUSWed Aug 08 1990 17:1120
    This was my first "Stowe Bicycle Race" and it just might be my last.  
    The course is extremely challenging just to ride it, but to race it... 
    Wellllll, I am reminded of a quote concerning skiing Tuckerman's Ravine.
    The author of the article said, "To ski Tuckerman's once is a great
    accomplishment, but to ski it twice is stupid!"  (grin)  I kinda' feel
    that way right now after having competed in the Stowe race.  But, I
    will probably change my mind by next year and send my entry form in
    again.  This year I finished 19th in the citizen category with a time
    of 2:13.  I blew up on Stage Coach Road after going out in a three man
    break that lasted for only a few miles.  After I recovered it was time
    to climb West Hill Road leaving just seven or so miles to catch the
    lead pack.  I knew that wasn't possible so I finished up at my pace and
    somewhat enjoyed the end of the race.  It truely is a classic race and 
    just to finish is a big accomplishment.  It was well organized, the
    turnout resulted in over 500 racers, the spectators were really into
    it, and it's good to see the return of such a bicycle race.  And for 
    those who just might be thinking about doing it next year, I suggest 
    you do.  The Sowe Bicycle Race is the kind of challenge that will confirm 
    your love of bicycling.  Just in case you foregot...
                                                                       
1678.4Not for climbers only....CIMNET::COSTELLOWed Aug 15 1990 15:4216
    I did the CAT IV race, and was very concerned about the hills, but in
    reality the course did not feel as difficult to me as the Westfield RR
    (Columbia Classic) or the Tour of the Vallies in Putney, VT.  I lost
    contact with the lead pack up the West Hill Road hill, but got back in
    contact near the end on the gradual uphill finish.  I would say the
    race is pretty much the last 7 miles, I had a 39-24 and used it on the
    notch and West Hill.  If you are not a climber, definitely get a
    combination together like a 42-26 or a 39-24.  If you can climb very
    well, you can make it in a 42-24.  Overall, the race had a very
    "European" feel to it, maybe because of the setting in the mountains,
    and the look of the small towns crowded with bicicles and race support. 
    I will definitely return next year, if they put the race on (it was
    suspended for a couple of years) and would recommend it to anyone
    looking for a fairly challenging climb.  The decent (52 mph) makes it
    worth while. %^)