Conference noted::bicycle

     I imagine it'll be the same. I always look forward to that race. It
    kicks off my season plus it's extremely well organized and the course
    is likeable...
    
     Chip

    
     Chip,   This will be my first year in the race, do you know what the
     route is?
    
     goose
    

     I couldn't tell you by street or route... It starts in front of the
    Lowell Sun and heads out over the river and up the hill (goes into
    N.H.) and loops back somo how so that you're going back over the
    river and in the back of the SUN (one block) - The finish  area
    is nice and wide...
    
     Sorry I can't give you more. I know there are people in the conference
    that can give the detail
    
      Help....................
    
      Chip

    Send me a S.A.S.E. with your request for the map and I'll mail you a 
    map of the route.  Haven't heard anything about '92 route, but the course 
    has been the same each year since I can remember (5+ years).  Course is
    gentle rolling terrain; a "big ring" course.   BTW, this race has a
    huge turnout & is fun whether you're "in the money" or way off the
    back (there's always company).
    
    Mark Reid
    286 Grove St.
    Clinton,MA 01510-4229

I hate to rain on parades, but I think the course is terrible!!  It is basically
with only one "hill" top speak of at the end....While the finish area is wide and
downhill..to get to it one must first make a 90 degree turn  after crossing a 
bridge that last year had an ambulance on it!!!

There are many novice riders in the race and it does cause some interesting
moments...

I also wish that announcer would shut up at the beginning of the race!!  God that
man can talk!!  

I do race it every year..and always say this is my last year...but...

     You're right, it is relatively flat... That last hill is where the
    race happens for the lead pack though... That corner really has little
    to do with the race (per se).
    
     Re; Novice riders... Well, they are in every race, it is spring and
    you must expect the squirrels to be out...
    
     I think the finish is great! Mostly becuase 99% of the races in this
    area have a finish area (lane) the size of a hospital corridor...
    
     It's extremely well run... The roads are in very good shape... The
    spectator turnout is one of the best... And I have to say that the
    pack makes the race, not the course...
    
     It's one of the few race sponsors (SUN) that will publish all finishers
    from 1st to 101st...
    
     I just like it... It's a good early season tune-up, foot-wetter....
    
     As for the emcee, I'm with ya 100%. Especially when he starts throwing
    compliments out about people that ONLY he knows never mind the constant
    barrage of safety statements, rules, poilitical opinions....
    
       Chip

    
    A couple questions.. 
    
    What do you need to race at this race or any other in the New England
    area?? ie. License, memebership to an association etc.
    
    When is this race? entry deadline etc....
    
    Dan, who would like to try racing this year but would be one of those
         novices!
    
                 

     You need nothing but submit the fee prior to the deadline (Citizens).
    There is always someone who gets the application ahead of time and
    offers to mail them (I usually get them).
    
     Info will be posted here in plenty of time...
    
     Welcome aboard!
    
         Chip

    	Dan,
    
    	Just remember to look out for the fella riding the Merlin who
    	keeps yelling, "Get outa my way, get outa my way!"
    
    	Scott

    I believe the TDL is Sunday May 24, 1992.
    
    Dick Rick is the announcer every year at the TDL;
    he's a legend in New England & it's a privlige to have
    him announce any race.  His comments are for the crowds
    benefit mostly, not the racers.  My opinion is that Dick's
    announcing has helped to make this race successful, kept
    the crowds around & thus sponsorship intact.
    
    Regards,
    Mark

    RE: .11 Dick Ring not Dick Rick
    
    I second that Dick is a New England legend.  When I was 15 (19 years
    ago) I met him with some racers training in the Westford area.  A
    friend and I were riding from Worcester to Hampton Beach.  He
    encouraged us to join his paceline, something I will never forget.  
    He slowed his group down and continually worked with us to hold a
    nice straight line.  That 1 hour with him committed me to the sport.
    
    steve

    re: .7
    
    	Come join the fun Dan! I've ridden the race a number of times and
    if you're just starting racing it's a great course. Don't worry about
    finishing way back "outa the money". I do but I still have a great
    time. But as another noter said, get outa the way when 
    Chip "The Titanium Terror" Girouard comes blasting by!
    (sorry Chip, couldn't resist!)  ;^)
    
    							Thom...
    
    

So where does one get a current application, or shall I use the 
1988 version which Mark Reid (thank you) sent my in my SASE?

Sally who hopes to finish ahead of the pro group

    For 1992 TDL application forms, contact the Lowell Sun newspaper,
    sports office.  They'll send you one.  As soon as Chip or I get hold
    of a form perhaps we can make copies for DECies.  
    
    Don't send in that 1988 form -- prices have gone up since then!
    Not sure of 92 entry fee yet, but probably around $20.
    
    I'l also be organizing one or two practice rides on the TDL course
    for our club & whoever else wants to tag along to get familiar 
    with the course.  I'll post here when I work out the dates
    (probably early May).
    
    Regards,
    Mark

    
    
    	$20 !!!!
    
    	I'd expect to ride the Tour de France for that. My most expensive
    race entry fee was 6 pounds for a 2-day stage race! I hope the prize
    list's worth it...
    
    	Is this just my Scottish mean streak coming out?
    
    Graham.
    

    Of course in France your club pays the entry (well mine did)

    
    
    	But how much was club membership?
    
    Graham.
    

    'bout 20 quid a year (less than racing membership of the SCU)

     Just a small response for Tom... Sorry, but I'm still in the under
    40 crowd (you know, the fast age group) for one more year anyway.
    
     Next year I'll have to be careful not to run over you codgers! :-)
    
     I couldn't resist either...
    
        hip

    RE: -1. But remember Chip, "age and treachery will always overcome
    youth and skill"...
    
    							:^)

     Only if  the age and treachery is armed... :-)
    
       Chip_who_will_plan_on_packing_at_the_TDL

    >   Chip_who_will_plan_on_packing_at_the_TDL
    
    It looks like Chip has more in common with Greg Lemond than meets the
    eye.  I thought it was just that they both rode Merlins....
    
    MATT

     Just keep the krypton OUT of the pack!
    
     I got the application for the TdL yesterday. If anyone want a copy
    please send me (via MAIL) their name - Loc/Mailstop & DTN just in case.
    
     DETAILS:
    
     Date: May 24th
     Start: 8:30
    
                                     MEN
    
     Citizen age groups: A. 25-26   B. 26-29   C. 30-34   D. 16-19
                         E. 35-39   F. 40-45   G. 46-54   H. 55 & UP
    
                                     WOMEN
    
                         A. 16-25   B. 26-34   C. 35-44   D. 45-54
                         E. 55 & UP
    
     Pro Race: 11:30 (warm-up)  and  12:00 (start)
    
     Children's: 6 races starting at 9:30 - If you need info on these
                 please ask - I won't outline the detail right now.
    
     Helmets REQUIRED!  (USCF approved)
    
     Entry Fee: $18.00 ($8.00 for children under 15)
    
     Deadline is: May 13th
    
     Course: Looks the same on the map
    
     My NODE is : WMOIS: GIROUARD_C
    
       See you ALL there!
    
              Chip 

    RE: .22  
    	
    	A Zefal pump in your spokes ought to do it...
    
    						:^) :^) :^)

     Well, it better be a diamond tipped Zefel, because I might use
    my carbide steel spoked/rimmed, laser guided magnum aero rims
    for that race, pardner...
    
    
      Chip

    
    What do you mean carbide steel? You mean that their not made of Ti?
    
    Yours deeply shocked,
    
    Graham :*)
    

     I save the Ti for speed. I use the carbide for the gladiator
    events... :-)
    
      Chip

    Corrected Age Categories for 1992 TDL 30 mi citizen race:
    
    Men		A	20-25 (not 25-26)
    		B	26-29
    		C	30-34
    		D	16-19
    		E	35-39
    		F	40-45
    		G	46-54
    		H	55 & up
    
    Women	A	16-25
    		B	26-34
    		C	35-44
    		D	45-54
    		E	55 & up
    
    NOTE: Race starts at 8:30 AM on Sunday May 24, 1992.
    	  Groups started in alpha category order
          PREREGISTRATION ONLY - deadline is May 13th.
    
    Regards,
    Mark

    	Last weeks issue of Velonews had an ad in it for the 1992 TdL.
    
    	For USCF class 1 & 2 riders, the entry fee is $12.00
    
    	See Velonews magazine for advertisement.
    
    	(The pros don't get a water bottle & a T-shirt for their fees)

     Quick update... I have already sent at least a dozen applications
    out to folks. Looks like DEC could have a good group showing up.
    
     Chip

    Mark and I have already sent in our moolah.  Guess that means
    we're committed...  I'm hoping to do the practice rides mentioned
    earlier (by Mark Reid?).  Any idea if these will be midweek or
    weekend rides?

    Sue

    My application is on it's way today. I'd also be interested in training
    rides. I live up near the "top" end of the course and the top "loop" is
    one of my standard training routes anyway. And I've done the race a
    number of times so I'm very familiar with the whole course. But, it'd
    be fun to get a DEC contingent together to do some training. Dave
    Gosselin (who entered a previous reply to this note) and I have already
    been exchanging mail about this.
    
    						Thom...
    

    Mark asked, in the Appleblosson note, whether people would prefer
    weekday or weekend rides.  I could probably make it to both.  It
    would be nice if we had at least one weekend ride so my hubby, who
    lives in CT (any know of an EE job in MA/NH? %^) , could join us.

    Sue

A question about the helmet rule, which requires a USCF-approved helmet. How
does one determine if a particular helmet is so approved? I have a 1986 Avenir.
						-- Tom

    "approved" helmets have ANSI or SNELL labels.  SInce 1986 was a year of
    transition and adjustment, you might also have a helmet that would have
    been approved if labels were available, then again you might have one
    that was discontinued because it wouldn't have met the standards.
    
    Look for the label first, if you don't have one ask the dealer you
    bought it from, but don't be surprised if the answer is "You got your
    money's worth out of it, buy a new one."
    
    ed

     If you're feeling comfortable with the helmet don't worry about it.
    They don't check. What will do is take people out with the "hair
    net styles, weird things that don't look right, Shriner's hats,
    etc...
    
     Chip

RE: <<< Note 2196.36 by NOVA::FISHER "Rdb/VMS Dinosaur" >>>

>    "approved" helmets have ANSI or SNELL labels.

The helmet is ANSI (Z89 or Z90 or whatever) approved. I didn't know if the
USCF required something else (i.e., their own certification).

RE: .37

Sounds good. This is a hard-shell helmet so should pass muster.
						-- Tom

    	They're really only setting standards for conformity.
    
    	What they really want is, for all participants to be wearing
    	some type of skid-lid. (no pun intended)
    
    	If your helmet is not USCF approved, don't let that stop you
    	from participating. There wont be a line judge sniffing helmet
    	stickers at the starting line.
    
    	If safety bothers you, upgrade...

     Au contraire (sp?)... If they spot you with a leather net, you're 
    outa there! And they can see you from the start podium. As you move
    up to the line you're right in front of it (start). There are marshals
    kicking around. I've seen two guys yanked in two years...
    
     Chip                                             

    	True it 'tis me bucko.
    
    	I was actually referring to an older type of helmet that actually
    	sold under the trade name of "Skid-lid".
    
    	It wasn't really much, would not meet with todays standards for
    	impact resistance.
    
    	But I'd think that the marshalls would allow a rider to participate,
    	even with a skid-lid.
    
    	Leather hair-net would not be allowed, you be right.

    The officials at the TDL are generally strict regarding
    helmets since rider safety is at stake.  If they spot
    a helmet that they know is not ANSI/SNELL approved, they
    will yank you.  They walk through the pack just prior to
    the start, and often also look for misadjusted helmets
    (i.e. helmet straps too loose, or helmet positioned too far
    back on the head).  If helmet is misadjusted, you must 
    quickly adjust it, as there is often only minutes to the start.
    All of this attention is in the name of safety, since this is
    such a popular race with loads of racers - so be prepared.
                                                     
    Regards,
    Mark

    	Good advice...
    
    	I'll leave the Skid-lid at home...
    
    	I should probably leave the old Bell "head-pail" at home as well.
    
    	My Look helmet doesn't have any stickers on it, though.
    
    	Hope the marshalls like it...
    
    	BTW, anyone scheduling weekend training rides on the TdL course,
    	please post here?
    
    	Have a map of the course, better than training on Tremont street...

    Can someone send me a registration form or let me know where I can get
    one?
    
    dave
    NIO/F1
    
    

    Re:-1
    
    I'll send you a form, if you mail a SASE to me;
    send SASE to Mark Reid
    		 286 Grove St.
    		 Clinton,MA 01510-4229
    
    ANother option is to call the 'Lowell Sun' newspaper office in Lowell,
    MA and ask them for a registration form.  Don't delay too long, as this
    race is 'preregistration' only ... and they must have received your
    entry by May 13.
    
    Regards,
    Mark
    

     True story; Last year a friend of mine (Mike Smith) forgot his number.
                 He was living in West Boylston at the time (not close to
                 Lowell). There was approx. 1 (+) before the race. He asked
                 the official if he could have a number sheet made up. He
                 gave the offical his number, but no dice. He borrowed
                 Gamache's van and warped it to his house and back with no
                 more than 5 minutes to start time...
    
                 No latitude/no quarter given. I think it's why it is a
                 very well run race. Rules IS rules...
    
         Chip

    I have to reschedule training for the TDL course ... I have a conflict
    with my previously mentioned Sunday May 17 date. (I deleted .47)
    
    I'd like to do the training ride on Monday May 18 - the Monday before
    the Sunday race.
    
    When: Monday May 18, 1992
    Why : Review course, talk strategy & probably events based on many
          years of observing/racing this race.
    Meet: 5:20 pm @ commuter parking lot in Hudson,MA; we drive off towards
          Lowell at 5:30 sharp.  Directions: 495 to Exit #26 (Rt 62).
          Parking lot is within 100 yards of the exit ramp.
    
    	  We should arrive inb Lowell at 6:00pm, quickly get on our bikes
          & ride off.  If there will be people meeting us in Lowell, please
          contact me & we can coordinate a meeting place.
    
    Regards,
    Mark
    

    
     Thanks mark!   I just called the Sun and they are sending me the
    registration form......If anyone else is interested in calling the
    newspaper the number is 508-458-7100 and ask for the promotion dept...
    
    They were more than friendly...
    
    -goose

    	I believe there are several who are planning a training run
    	on the course this monday.
    
    	The state of Massachussetts has this little holiday called
    	Patriot's Day, and most Digital sites within the state take
    	this as their "Location Choice Holiday".
    
    	Boston sort of runs this little race every year called the
    	Boston Marathon, but that's not what this note is for.
    
    	I guess if you're not watching the Boston Marathon, they'll be
    	some Digital jerseys (sp?) tracing the course this monday.
    
    	P.S. Anyone who can run 26 miles and smile at a TV camera is
    	     in much better shape than I could ever be.

     I got my jersey and number yesterday. Very nice colors this year!
    They seem to be getting spalshier and splashier...
    
     I'm number 1103 in the 35-39 group. There are at least 103 young pups
    in the herd... Can't wait!!!!!
    
       Chip

    Go with the wind, kid.
    
    ed

    Got my stuff yesterday too. #1307 (I'm in the group behind that young
    kid, Chip Girouard).  :^)
    Yup, nice T-shirt!
    
    						Thom...

    	Re - .50
    
    	Nice, how'd you get the jersey?
    
    	All I got was this lousy T-shirt...
    	(There was a piece of coal stuck in for good measure...)
    
    	Number 648 in group C mens race #1.
    
    	(The one without clipless pedals, or aero-cables, or index shifting,
    	 or cassette freehub systems, wearing a worn-out brain-bucket.)

    hmph, probably don't even have an aero seatpost.
    
    :-)
    
    Good luck, it takes more than equipment to win anyway.
    
    ed

     Make sure you show up with a bike :-)... The engine truely
    IS the important component...
    
       Chip

.54>   Good luck, it takes more than equipment to win anyway.

What! NOW you tell me!?

	You guys might have seen this already...

	Amazing ad pulled from recent VELONEWS magazine:

	THE USCF WANTS YOU TO BE A BIKE RACER
	-------------------------------------

	Tired of hearing the same old taunts on club rides?
	"Hey Fred, whyncha try riding a straight line for once?"
	"Hey Fred, quit half-wheeling me!"
	"Hey Fred, LOOK OUT, AAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEE!"

	Well, don't waste another minute picking gravel out of your
	scalp - join the USCF's Cat V Racing Team today!

	Imagine the look on what's left of that wiseguy's face when you
	say, "Hey dude, I'm a racer too!".

	The Category V Racing Team is sponsored by:

	Free Spirit Bikes
	Kevlar Jerseys
	Neosporin
	Bactine
	The Plasma Center
	American Medical Association *

	* Just kidding. Please don't hurt me, I have no health insurance,
	  Thank you.

    US Cycling Freds take offense.
    
    :-)

    TDL PRACTICE TONIGHT (Monday May 18) ...
    
    See .47 for details ! 
    
    We'll meet in Hudson,MA at 5:30pm, arrive in Lowell @ 6:00pm.
    If you need to meet us in lowell, I'm working on a meeting spot
    so call me @ DTN 297-6798 for details.
    
    Regards,
    Mark

Does anyone have information about the pro portion of the event? All I know is
that the start time is 12:00. Since I don't know the distance of the event, I
don't know when the finish might be. Also, anyone know what teams are entered?
						-- Tom

    	Sponsored by: The Sun
    	Tour de Lowell - Sunday May 24, 1992 / Lowell, Mass.
    
    	$1400 in cash prizes / 20 places
    
    	Senior Men, 18-34 Class 1 & 2 (limited field of 80 riders)
    
    	40 kilometer (1km circuit, 40 laps)
    
    	Entries close May 16 (no post entries, no exceptions)
    
    	Entry fee: $ 12.00
    
    	Registration time / 10:30 am
    	Start time        / 12:00 pm
    
    	Sponsoring clubs: Northeast Bicycle Club, New England Cycling Academy
    
    	Send entries:	Dick Ring
    			37 Charlemont Ct.
    			No. Chelmsford, MA 01863

RE: <<< Note 2196.61 by NQOPS::CLELAND "USIM&T Data Center Services" >>>

Thanks very much. Do you know where the start/finish line is for the circuit
course? In front of the Sun building perhaps?
						-- Tom

    	That I don't know...
    
    	I'll bet there are others who DO know though...
    
    	Try calling The Sun, the phone number is one of these replies...

 Usually the start is West of the Sun building on Main Street. You really can't 
 miss. You will see the announcers stand and the "cherry picker" that the 
 announcer sits in.

    
    Does the entire citizen group mass start or do they start by category?
    

	Hi John,

	They start by category.  I think the first group goes out at 8:30'ish.
	The categories are staggered by 3 - 5 minutes.  I'm in one of the last
	categories to go out and I think we start at 9.  The info I got in
	the mail with my number (and T-shirt!) listed the categories and their
	times.  You might want to take another look through it.

	Sue

    
    I entered last minute so I haven't picked up my packet yet.
    
    Thanks.

     They ask you to be lined up by 8:00 THE LATEST. It does get pretty
    crowded on that street with a few hundred people.
    
       Chip

     Well, it's over... Thank God! I pulled in a disappointing 16th. It
    was with the lead pack (A rather huge lead pack). The pack would've
    been larger if someone had instigated a break with about 5 miles
    left. I think it cut our 40-50 member lead pack in half.
    
     It was a quick last 3 miles. This is group "E" 35-39 I'm talking
    about. NO crashes either... 
    
     Major headwind all the way out. I ended with 23.7 abg. spd. Not
    speedy, but...
    
       Chip 

    Results: 30-34 Age Group
    
    We were the third group to start, 4 minutes behind the 25-29 group.
    The pace was fast from the start and stayed that way the whole race!
    We finished with a huge lead pack, in a time of 1:09 which is over 
    26 MPH average! I would venture to say that we were the fastest riders
    of the day, since I heard from riders in other groups that they
    finished slower.
    
    My race tactics were to try and get something going on the 'way out'
    with anyone that wanted to go.  I initiated two hard jumps that nobody
    followed, and left me hanging off the front. As is the case every year,
    the pack gradually winds in all escape attempts, and nobody is willing
    to also take a flyer in an attempt to get away early (also it's painful 
    into a headwind).  After working hard for the first 10 miles I sat in the
    rest of the race while a few others cranked up the pace on the return
    into town.  I stayed right up the front, to avoid crashes and the
    slinkey effect of *brake*, *brake!*.
    
    With a couple miles to go, before the last uphill, a spectator lost his
    grip on his pet dog, and dog w/ leash ran right in front of the pack!!
    It was a small dog that probably could have been bunney-hopped, but
    riders in the pack screamed in panic as if someone had thrown a grenade
    amidst us!!  People swerved, braked, and luckily nobody crashed or even
    hit the small dog.
    
    The finish was very fast with a lot of people involved.  Pack finish
    for me, somewhere about 50-100 feet behind winner which placed me around
    20th in a lead pack of about 50.
    
    I still believe that any kind of team tactics would work in this race,
    but with age groups every 5 years we don't have many teammates riding
    together!  It was an "every man for himself" race with a pack finish
    (yawn).  Good news was no carashes in the group though there was some
    bumping going on.
                      
    Regards,
    Mark
    

Hi Chip, I was in group E also.............AND one of those imposters dropped 
w/ ~5 miles to go :-(.

I believe there was perhaps 30 or so left in the pack at the "strategic"
point in the race.  I could see most of 'em, since I was toward the back.
You're correct, the pack was huge for most of the ride.  When we
turned off 111 onto 111A, things began to happen.  The lead pack dropped at
least 10 - 15 riders at that point.  I had been hanging around about 1/2 of
the way back for most of the race.  ~1 mile onto 111A, I turned back to look
and nearly everyone that had been behind me was gone.

4 of us stayed together chasing until the last long uphill, but to no avail. 
You guys were just about outta site at that point.

Also, there was a fairly ugly crash at ~the 20 mile mark.  It appeared as if
a rider hit a runner or something like that.  They both went down hard.

What was the group's finishing time? 

ricb

    I was in the women's B group (26 - 34).  I was surprised at the
    turnout: there were about 50 women in my group.  Like everyone
    else, we pretty much stayed in a pack.  I know we dropped some
    people, but the top 20 or so stayed together the entire time. There
    didn't seem to be any real attempts at a break. The pace picked up on
    111, but nothing major.

    I was expecting some type of break to happen on the last hill, a couple
    miles from Lowell.  Again, not much happened.  We sped up a little but
    no one got away.  Everything went smoothly up until the last mile.  We
    came over the hill and began to pick up speed.  As we approached the
    4-way intersection before the bridge, we were surprised to find about
    10 cars stopped in our lane!  Brakes went on and people weren't sure
    what to do.  Most of the pack went to the right of the cars.  Myself
    and a couple others went to the left.  Big mistake.  We ended up
    crossing the bridge in the middle of the lane which was *incredibly*
    rough!  I wasn't sure I'd make it across, and I lost a bit of ground.

    We ended up with a pack finish.  I had started my sprint too early and
    was passed by a few people just before the finish.  I ended up 8th or
    9th.  We finished in 1 hour, 14 minutes.

    The race was a lot of fun.  The announcer said they had 1100 citizen
    racers.
    

    Boy, that's too bad about the cars at the intersection during the
    Woman's race - that's a tough spot to navigate.  One guy in our group
    almost hit the island there and ended up going around it to the left.
    Good thing there weren't any cars coming in the opposite direction.
    
    I was in the men's B group which started 5 mins. after the 20-24 group.
    We started out at a medium pace before we hit the bridge.  Now, I'm sure
    you've all seen a few dropped water bottles before, but what about the
    entire cage, as well?!  I was bringing up the rear of the pack and
    heard yells of "WATERBOTTLE", but I saw the cage dance by me, instead.

    The pace really picked up after the bridge and we dropped a few of the
    people which were hanging on the back.  The first hill we hit about 3/4
    mile later dropped a few more.  I was in the back and found it very
    difficult to keep up because I had to continually move my way around
    the crowd who couldn't keep up the pace, then try and catch back up
    with the pack for the rest of the hill.  This happened to me quite a
    bit as we lost more and more people at each little hill.  (next time
    I'm going to try and line up closer to the front at the start)

    The next half of the race consisted mostly of yells of "BRAKE",
    "BRAKE", "BRAKE" as we passed riders which were dropped from the A
    group pack.  We were probably riding in a group of about 40 riders at
    this point.  Nothing happened until we turned onto 111 and tackled the
    first long hill.  One of the guys riding with me at the back decided to
    take advatage of the open road (the road widened out nicely, here) and
    sprint up the hill.  He managed to leap out to the front and gain a
    lead of about 20 bike lengths.  The pack caught him shortly thereafter,
    but let him stay at the front until the turn onto 111A.  He stayed
    towards the front of the pack for the remainder of the race.

    The only crash I heard/saw was coming up the final hill about 2 miles
    before the finish.  I heard the crash and looked to my right to see
    nothing but a black bike sliding alongside the road.  I quickly turned
    back around to notice that our group was really flying up the hill.

    It was here that I got separated from them and tried to hammer like
    crazy to catch them.  As we came down the hill on the other side, I
    still had a lot of ground to make up, so I put it in my 53 x 13 and
    peddled like crazy.  I was doing about 35-38 mph and still wasn't
    gaining much. Luckily, they slowed down at the intersection before the
    bridge and I caught them.  On the last straightaway, as we approached
    the finish, the pace really picked up again and left me in the dust - I
    was too spent from trying to catch them on that downhill to stay with
    them.

    It looks like they finished in a pack of 29, since I was the next guy
    in after them and I placed 30'th.

    We finished in a little over 1:12 and averaged 23.5 mph.

    This was my last year in the B group - next year it'll be the C.
    It looks like I have a lot of work to do for next year, since it looks
    like the C group had the fastest time.  Average over 26 mph?  Ouch!

    PS - saw the DEC jerseys for the first time and loved them!

    -Buddy

    
     Sue, did you have the DEC jersey on?
    
     Re; CYCLIST/RUNNER COLLISION: I saw the (ahem!) gentleman on the side
         (or more like in) the road. I heard something and then someone had
         mentioned they thought he got hit (Peter, I think). That guy
         didn't budge a bit... Too bad. Must have been a local state road
         owner. I sincerely hope the cyclist didn't get hurt. <- sarcasm!
    
         I think our group "E" came in at 12:? and some change. Not really
         fast. It did begin to heat up as mentioned earlier. About 5 miles
         from the finish and then as we came up the last  hill before the
         bridge. I'd say the sprint started at about 200yds and at about
         30mph... Myself and another fellow (NEBC jersey) coasted over the
         finish together from about 30' out.
    
         Agreed on the bridge. That thing has stayed the same for the last
         4 years...
    
         One positive note! I'm in "F" next year so I won't have to deal
         with all you guys who have ram-jets where your legs ought to be!!
    
            Chip

    Hi Chip.  Yep, I wore my DEC jersey.  I was a little nervous about it:
    didn't want to bring disgrace upon the company if I did really lousy!
    %^)  I saw a couple more DEC jersey's and had the pleasure of meeting
    the owner of one of them: Jim Ryan (I hope I got your name right: I'm
    not too good at that!).  It seemed that everyone parked around me was
    a DECcie: Mike Sidel (proud owner of a new Merlin!), Dave Hui, John
    Shortt, Tom and Carol Gulick.  It was great!

    My husband Mark was also in the Men's B group.  He told me about all
    the yelling of "BRAKE!"  He managed to get slow-leaking pinch flats on
    BOTH tires going over the rail road tracks at the beginning!  Luckily
    they held out and didn't deflate until Sunday night.  He managed to
    finish 8th in that group.  Monday he crushed his mountain bike and now
    needs his frame worked on.  %^(  Expensive bike weekend....

    Sue

  I rode in the 35-39 category, but I can't give a very accurate description
of the race.  This was only my second race and I was too nervous to let myself
get too far from the front OR turn around to see how many people were in the 
pack.  Its amazing how adrenalin can make up for a lack of ability!
 
  Expected a bigger jump on the hill on Rt111 and the last hill coming
into Lowell but the pack just picked up the pace a little.  Nobody seemed
to want to make any real aggressive attacks.
 
  I agree with Mark Reid that a group should be able to break away, but I
didn't have the confidence to try and start it.  I was going to ask Chip,
but I got overwhelmed by all that Titanium ;^)

  Picked the wheel I wanted to follow in on the last sprint and just before
the last corner, he blew a shift and instead of going around him, I waited 
until he recovered.  When the sprint started for real, he weaved to get me 
off (little did he know he had nothing to worry about!) and I hesitated
for a second and checked over my shoulder before following him.  Big Mistake -
someone else filled the gap and they were gone!   Think I ended up 7th or 8th.
    
Pete

    I was in "F Troop", the 40-44 guys. I've been having numerous flats in
    training and combined with the lousy weather we've been having I wasn't
    in as good shape as I have been in past years. Also, I started out at
    the back of the group as a friend of mine was doing his first-ever
    race. I stayed with him for the first mile or so and the pack was
    moving away. I then took off and caught them and I'm always surprised
    at how slow that pack moves for the first 10 miles. There must have
    been 30 riders in it and it was impossible to get by them (not that my
    conditioning would have allowed it) but it was no effort at all to stay
    with them for the first 10 miles (ok, ok , I was wheel-sucking, so sue
    me!  :^). I eventually got dropped and finished in 1:23 (did it in 1:16 
    last year and the year before). 
    Next year I'm going to get some invisible string and lasso Chip's bike
    at the start as he'll be in with the gray-hairs for the first time!
    I wonder if invisible string comes in titanium... ;^)
    
    						Thom...
    
    PS. Hey Pete and Goose, I didn't get a FLAT!  :^)

     Gee Sue, sorry to hear about your husband's mountain bike... How
    did that happen?
    
     Pete, I just wish I got the same effect from the titanium that day.
    Unfortunately, I can't blame the equipment. It's the motor that needs
    a little compression work!
    
     Tom, did you get your finish? BTW, by next year I expect to ride under
    160lbs. so all you'll need is some good 10lb. test fishing line! Who
    was your buddy? Anyone I know?
    
     I know what you mean about DEC folks. The place was crawling with us.
    Next year we should catalogue all DECcies and see what kind of showing
    we have in each CAT. BY the looks of the numbers, if we can't do well
    in the WIN-PLACE-SHOW finishes, I'll bet we can have a helluva blocking
    strategy for someone!
    
       Chip

    Congrat's to everyone.  I saw Pete finish strong one bike length behind
    the front line, an easy 6th or so, regardless of what the paper says. 
    I rode in the group with Sue's husband, and finished (according to him,
    and he made my morning :-), but then I wish I could be that nice) just
    ahead of him.  But, being so elated at finishing near the front
    (safely), I forgot to go straight for the chute and so I am not sure
    how many folks made it ahead of me before I woke up from the dream! All
    I know is we were four abreast coming over the bridge and into the turn
    by the hospital.  After that I just stood up and pedaled as hard as I
    could.  Next thing I know I saw someone in front of me, to the right,
    put his arms up as to signal victory.  I then slowed down and stood
    there realizing it was over and looking for my wife... 
                                     
    I too found it frustrating that no one was willing to keep a steady
    paceline going.  I jumped on the first hill out of Lowell and looked
    back with a single file line behind.  A minute of so and I'd pull left,
    so would the rest! I'd slow and finally another would jump and I'd get
    on his wheel with the rest of the line.  We just keep doing this the
    entire race until the final climb into Lowell.  It ended up being a lot
    of back and forth for me.

    Sue, it was nice to meet you and your husband.  You both are strong
    riders.  I saw  him during the race but never connected the fact it was
    him until after.  Sorry to hear about the MTB...

    All I can say is that it was a learning experience.  Now, on 6/7 is a
    race with a few hills in it :-).  Stowe RR.
      
    john 

	I was in the E's, starting near the back of the pack since it was only
	my second ever race (Appleblossom the week before was my first). Got
	dropped immediately if not sooner.

	Anyway, rode the first 8 miles solo until a 4 man paceline formed
	which then got swallowed up by the F pack. Got on the back of the F's
	until mile 13 or so, then fell back again. More solo stuff untill
	mile 20 or so when I caught back up with the remains of the original
	4 man paceline who had also gotten dropped by the F's. No real
	organization this time, so I pulled away with another E who was happy
	to tow me to the outskirts of Lowell. I pulled away from him and
	finished in 1:25 by myself.

	DECworld and travel put a crimp in the training but even with all the
	training I would have liked to do, I don't think much would have
	changed. I'll know to start in the middle of the pack next time.

	-tom

  I have the Tuesday and Wednesday edition of the Lowell Sun.  Send me some
mail if you want any info on finishing times or your "Official" placing.
Just don't be disappointed with the number - as some of you know already 
the race wasn't over until you got into the chute.

  Chip - pg 17 of the Wednesday Sports section has a picture that looked
a bit odd, but I couldn't quite put my finger on why...................
Then it hit me, I picked you out of the sea of humanity, that Titanium
glow made you stand out among the 100s of riders ;^)

Pete

    	I'll bet Mike S. wishes he had his unobtainium machine already!
    
    	I finished # 61 out of 117 riders in the C division, on already
    	outdated technology (with blackburn rack, spare tires, reflectors)
    
    	There was a kid on the side of the road attempting to blow a
    	whistle: I thought it was my lungs wheezing until I looked over
    	at him...

   I was in the B group also and I saw the waterbottle get dropped right in
   front of me. It was one of those C-Dale bottle with the velcro. Since I had
   2 water bottles, I gave him so water on Rt111 (Took about 1/4 lb off my bike
   after he finished). 

   I also saw the crash going up Mammouth Road. It looked like the guy cross
   the rear wheel on the rider in front of him and he went off the road and 
   the bike flip him off like a donkey. I think this is where the pack pulled
   away from me and I was left out for the finish with about 6 other guys. 
  
   I finished up 35th (Actually 34th but the guy I beat cut in front of me 
   to talk to his friend in 33rd). I was talking to another rider who finished
   3rd and he indicated the rider who he beat out got to the chute before he
   did and lost out on the medal. They should record the numbers of the first 
   3 finisher at the finish line and not the chute. 

   As for mileage, I got 27.9 miles. What did everybody else get? 
   
   Dave

     Hey, Pete! I just so happened to have pg.17 right in the front of me
    and darned if you weren't right! There I am, bigger than dog sh*t!!!!
    
     I'm a little depressed though. My machine is completely obscured by 
    some tall guy, sheesh.
    
        Chip

    RE:.83, my Cateye Micro recorded 29.05 miles. I was speaking with Tom
    Gulick after the race and his computer (don't know the brand) recorded 
    29.03.

<<    RE:.83, my Cateye Micro recorded 29.05 miles. I was speaking with Tom
<<    Gulick after the race and his computer (don't know the brand) recorded 
<<    29.03.

  	Mine was also a Cateye Micro.

    Re: .83
    
    They do record your number as you cross the finish line.
    If you have a dispute about your position (#1-#3) in the
    chute then you can seek out the officials at the line to verify.
    
    Regards,
    Mark
    

    The Lowell Sun has backed out of TDL for this year, and probably 
    future years.  No TDL for 1993; no citizen race, no USCF race.
    
    There goes the largest citizen race in Massachusetts ... major bummer!
    I don't know the reasons why; for more info call the Lowell Sun.
    
    Regards,
    Mark