Racing
Racing
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Marc Richardson ·
there's another series around northampton, ma, which is closer, but does not start until may
http://www.nohobikeclub.org/nccwp/?events=montague-crit-training-series
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Marc Richardson ·
I raced the plainville spring series this saturday. Good race. http://www.plainvillespringseries.com. 2 hours away. I don't know of any closer. There's another series in western CT, but that is more like 2 3/4 hours from keene.
I won't be at the remaining spring races due to travel, but it's a good opportunity to get in some fast miles.
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John Lowry ·
Anyone interested in spring road races nearby in the region? Anyone KNOW of any good ones within 2 hrs drive?
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Tom Rogers ·
Hey MCC’ers – a group of us are getting together on Monday night to discuss bike racing in 2012. More specifically, Darren, Eric, and I are meeting at Panera at 6:30 on Monday to discuss our 2012 plans. The plans include targeted races and our winter training. For me, 2012 will be several Duathlons and a few Cat 5 road races. If interested in joining us, feel free. Newbies are very welcomed.
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Marc Richardson ·
anyone else cross racing this fall?
This is the best online schedule I've found:
http://www.bicyclesupportbymark.com/webpages/allEvents/2011_eventsCyclocross.html
It would be great to carpool if there are others heading to the races. I plan on doing most of the races in So. vt and Western Mass, possibly some of the CT races as well.
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Marc Richardson ·
I'm heading down next wed for the 6:00 race. It would be great to share a ride. I live in downtown Keene, but can meet you anywhere.
Marc
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Darren Phaneuf ·
Anyone interested in going down to Montague for the NCC training crit series next Wednesday (6/22)? I'm considering heading down there next week and would have enough room for a couple more riders and their bikes.
Darren
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Tom Rogers ·
I am on a roll with my postings today....
Anyway, for the time trialers, if you wanted to improve you performance by investing in new equipment, would you get new aero wheels or a new aero helmet? The following article has an answer....
http://www.active.com/cycling/Articles/Gear-Face-Off-Aero-Helmet-vs-Aero-Wheels.htm?cmp=306&mem…
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Tom Rogers ·
Hey, for all you hill climbers and time trialers, I received an email about the Kurn Hattin Hill Climb Time Trial on June 17th. It is being sponsored by the West Hill Bike Shop in Putney. Looks Interesting! Here is the link:
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=a5y9u9aab&v=001cQ…
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Darren Phaneuf ·
I'm going to go over and represent MCC for one of these nights. Anyone care to join me? It would be a nice way to fly the MCC colors and continue to build coordination with West Hill events. I've done this climb before and there is no chance I'd beat 11:56 but it would still be fun to give it a whirl.
Darren Phaneuf ·
So who is coming to Pawling with Tom and I to ride in the 35+ Cat 5 race? The route profile below looks like a lot of fun!
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/449724
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frank shlauter ·
Congrats to the Flying Huckleberries-Dave Lacoste, Bob Cochran & Steve Kelly on their 3rd place finish in the TTT at the Crank the Kanc yesterday. The MCC3-Darren Phaneuf, Eric Hansmeier & yours truly managed 7th out of fifteen teams thanks to the locomotive efforts of "young" Phaneuf. Darren may or may not be able to provide stats. His Garmin bike computer was doused in the 20 mile return ride to Conway in pouring rain which was as grueling as the race itself.
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Darren Phaneuf ·
I still haven't been able to get the Garmin to work but I did see that they've posted photos from the event. Check out the following link to see the three of us flying the MCC colors on the Kanc:
http://www.harriganphoto.com/Events/2011-Crank-the-Kanc/17156334_3NPKws#1302028825_9tLbww7
Tom Rogers ·
Great job guys! The pics look great. Clearly, you were working hard!
Darren Phaneuf ·
If anyone wants to see how much "fun" Tom and I had at Sterling, check out the pictures at the link below. Check out picture 72 if you want to see me climbing like Pantani (unfortunately my pace was not Pantani-esque!). Pictures 78 and 80 are good ones of Tom.
http://spokenshutter.smugmug.com/Sports/MRC-Sterling-Road-Race-2011/16954373_hqW5CV#1282006843_XR6K543…
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Darren Phaneuf ·
Tom and I headed down to Sterling, MA yesterday to represent the club at the Sterling Road Race. 50 people were registered for our field; 45 finished. Tom and I agreed our strategy would be to let other riders do the work and sit comfortably ensconced within the field. I parked myself somewhere around 15th in the field; Tom was a little further back. That worked great for 1.5 laps of the 8 mile circuit. Two crashes happened on lap 2, however, and I confronted a serious psychological battle:… Read More
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Tom Rogers ·
Okay, a week away from road race #2 (Sterling, MA) of 2011 season. I am very excited to be joined by Darren and Eric for this event. Darren and I will be teaming up in the Cat5 35+ and Eric is in either the Cat 4 or in the Masters race. I need to have him confirm. I am looking to build on the last race and see what a hilly course does for me. I believe Darren is looking forward to some more hills in a race environment. From my last look, Cat5 spaces are still available. If you have a han… Read More
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Joe Aiken ·
Yup, Dave, lots o' fun... I have my bars positioned just below level; great pull-up torque when climbing outta the saddle, and very neutral handling (no steering twitch) on the curves & turns. ; )
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Dave Bergeron ·
It must have been a lot of fun going back down on that bike! Next week we pray for better weather and more Belgians!
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Joe Aiken ·
Great fun last night, Dave... I made it all the way to South Village/Hurricane intersection; then turned around and headed back the way I came ! : )
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Dave Bergeron ·
5 1/2 hearty souls rode last night. The 1/2 was California Joe who showed up on his cruiser wearing jeans and sneakers. We started out going up Hurricane and as far as I know Joe is probably still climbing!
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Jeff Richardson ·
I am very much in favor of the multiple Hill Climb idea. It is my intent to do the TT every other week, but would love to have a Hill Climb to try as well!! Count me in!
By the way, last year at this time we had excellent weather and there had been multiple solid Wednesday Rides. This year, unless you are a Belgian!, the weather has been the PITS and esp. on Wednesday. I am hoping this will change soon!!
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Dave Bergeron ·
Sounds like that could be an end of season climb/get together Dan.
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Dan Stearns ·
That would be fun. I have offered to host a club picnic in the past with a couple of group rides to boot. Maybe this would work. Darren has ridden with me up here before and knows some of the terrain, but I never took him on this climb. It also offers an up close look at the wind towers and if you are are not afraid to ride some dirt, I have over 4000 feet of climbing in the gated wind tower area that we can ride all to ourselves. Last year I had a few people from the club come up and ride it on… Read More
Dave Bergeron ·
The MCC hillclimb classics series. Good idea Darren. We have plenty of routes to choose from. More Choices: Hurricane Road, Sullivan Center Road, Concord Road, Gilsum Mine Road to name a few.
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Dan Stearns ·
I have a great hill up here called Tin Mountain. It starts out at an 11% grade for the first mile, then gets rolly, with another 8% grade for another 1.5 miles, then a short down hill to the end in Washington at the fire station on 31 (total distance about 5 miles). I would do the timing and even hold your bikes on the start line for anyone wanting to do this in the MCC series, then afterwards, burgers at my place to discuss the results.
frank shlauter ·
I think Darren's suggestion is an excellent one and well worth trying. A mass start would be a lot more fun and as he says could held anywhere we choose. I'm willing to give up one of my cherished Monday nights and I'm sure Jill could use a break once a month or we could take a poll on the best night.
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frank shlauter ·
A hill climb has been suggested many times in the past but no one has ever tried to organize it as far as I know. If it is to be an individual start with a summit finish ( starting at Dave Bergeron's ending at Jim Pammer's house?) I'm not sure how we would time it although there probably is a way. Of course everybody could time themselves but that's tricky. If it is to be an out & back course I don't think racing down Old Walpole Rd would be safe enough for me to support. I've raced down … Read More
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Darren Phaneuf ·
I'll volunteer to try and pull this together. How does this sound to everyone? The NCC does something similar that could serve as a model for us. The timing would not need to be precise. NCC does a mass group start--drafting is allowed and the results are determined by who gets to the finish in what order (if there are 10 participants, the winner gets 10 points, second gets 9 points, etc. until the last finisher gets 1 point). The results could be self-timed and would be enforced by the fin… Read More
Dan Stearns ·
I will help, as I am too "bulky" this year to be competitive on the hills. I would offer to start the timing and hold bikes at the start, then jump to the finish and time the climb. Juts offering my help as I have several hill climbs in mind that would be great fun. I really enjoy riding from Keene to Yankee Candle on the bike, then climbing the hill there (bread loaf or something like that). It is a beautiful and VERY steep climb. Lunch could follow at Chandlers, then a ride back home… Read More
Dave Bergeron ·
I could be interested in a team TT or if the group decides they want to try a hill climb once a month, I will offer my house on the Old Walpole Road as a start point. Timewise it takes (me) about 25 minutes to get to the top of the hill in Walpole and about 10 minutes to come back so a little longer than the Route 12A loop. The road also has some bad spots that people would have to watch out for although most have been patched now.
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Tom Rogers ·
Regarding the TT discussion, how about an occasional hill climb TT. Last year, someone suggested that we do a TT up old Walpole road. Perhaps once a month as an alternative to the 12A route. Food for thought.
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frank shlauter ·
Referring to the upcoming TT season, thanks to Dan for suggesting another course.. Back in the 80's there was a TT series out and back on Rt 32 starting in Swanzey Center. There are several reasons why I prefer the 12A route. Out & back courses have less intersections with the potential need for merging with or waiting for traffic and/or stop signs. There is a performance incentive in being able to see the riders ahead or behind you. If there is a mechanical or mishap it's easier to ob… Read More
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Dan Stearns ·
The loop around Swanzey Lake to Homestead Highway does not have any intersections (well one, but there is NEVER any traffic crossing it that I have encountered) or stopping points. Yes, it is bumpy, but with less traffic and a bit further, this gives a more interesting outcome based on who can conserve energy the best. I was merely looking to change things up a little, but it seems there is more interest with the hill climbs. I guess I will have Swanzey Lake TT all to myself this year. By the wa… Read More
stephen hoffman ·
I don't know that road well enough to comment, Frank's the TT guru. How about an occasional team TT also? Might be fun and bring some more people out.
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Dan Stearns ·
Is anyone else interested with changing the venue for the club TT event this year? I am. I despise 12A. Yes, every road here in Cheshire county is a bad shape. However, I really hate the turnaround point. Sometimes we wait for what seems like minutes and then there is the hazard of the vehicles on that road. I have been using the loop around Swanzey Lake for some of my TT training. I know, it is in worse shape than 12A, but it is safer. This loop also offers a bit more challenge for the full-blo… Read More
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Tom Rogers ·
The "Shoot the loop" time trial ocurred today at EMS in Peterborough. Ideal conditions for this race and the 15 mile course was in great shape. I was pleasantly surprised by this course. There were several good hills and a number flats where you could get your speed up. Congrats to Dan Stearns on finishing 2nd with a time of 37.21. He wore the MCC colors proudly. Same with his son Kyle who race the course on his mountain bike. Myself and Don Launder finished in the top half of … Read More
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Darren Phaneuf ·
Nice work!
Dan Stearns ·
Anyone going to EMS for the TT race on Saturday? I have cleared my schedule and might go over to give it a try (maybe). I still get so nervous when racing, I usually avoid it. But, it is supposed to be very nice Saturday and might make for a fun ride. The loop is about 15 miles with only 3 right turns. I assume the course heads out towards Greenfield and round back onto 202, then back up to the store. The roads over there are still pretty dirty with sand, so I might just ride the road back, rath… Read More
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Tom Rogers ·
Dan - I will be there. I have preregistered by phone. This will be a low key event for me. More training than racing. See you there. I will going to the store from the south, so Marlowe will be out of the way. I will see you there. Tom
Tom Rogers ·
Okay, at least I will beat Darren to the MCC posting, unlike the race today. Kudos to Darren on his finish and effort at the Myles Standish Road Race today in Plymouth, MA. Not only did he come in 11th out of 35 riders, but he pushed the pace in the pack (led most of lap three and four) and chased at least one breakaway down. As for me, I'm very happy with my top twenty finsih and was able to "work it" with Darren for a good part of the race. Overall, it was a lots of fun and great… Read More
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Darren Phaneuf ·
I had a blast with Tom at this race. A better result may have been within my grasp if I hadn't been a little scared heading into the final corner. All in all, however, it was tons of fun and I really enjoyed riding with Tom at the front of the race for much of the day. Next time I'll have to take the last corner a little more aggressively!
Darren Phaneuf ·
I also want to thank several of you here who urged me to stay in the front 1/3rd of the field--that was some great advice as it allowed me to stay out of trouble and pick my line through many of the sharp corners early in the race.
Tom Rogers ·
I see the "shoot the loop" at EMS on April 9th was on the MCC web site. Sounds great, a free time trial event. I am giving this serious thought. Anyone else interested?
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Dan Stearns ·
They are holding a ride this Sunday at 8 am for everyone to preview the route. It might be fun to go over and do a mixed group ride, if anyone else interested. maybe afterwards, we could do some climbing repeats up Temple?
frank shlauter ·
By the way, the 2nd Saturday in September was the traditional day for the Mt Washington Hill Climb before Tin Mountain got involved with it. In 1980, in my first "real" bike race I came in 3rd in the Novice category, 16th overall. 132 participants. (Beginner's Luck). It was also the date for the annual "Mud Bowl" football game. The traffic in North Conway was harder to negotiate than the Auto Road. I drove up the morning of the race with Jim Langley who talked me into pi… Read More
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frank shlauter ·
You're right Darren. Greylock was the 2nd Saturday in September last year.
frank shlauter ·
Just noticed a new hill climb/TT up Crawford Notch (18 miles) scheduled for September 10
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Darren Phaneuf ·
I think that's the same weekend as the Mount Greylock hill climb TT. Interesting that they'd have two hill climb TT that weekend.
Tom Rogers ·
Also, while it is on my mind and it may be too late... I know we have talked about the club picking up entry fees or race kits for the racers. Both appear to be expensive. Another suggestion may to cover the fee for the USAC license ($60). Perhaps reimburse after 2 to 3 races. Food for thought.
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Tom Rogers ·
Darren, I am officially signed up for the Myles Standish race Cat 5 35+. At a minimum, it will be a great first race of the year experience. I have low expectations. Dan - glad to hear that you have recovered. I heard you were recovering from an injury. Sounds like it was more serious than I heard. Yes, I look forward to riding and learning from you. You and Rob Koning were very helpful last year.
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Darren Phaneuf ·
I'm now officially registered as well, Tom. It should be a lot of fun and a great training session for me as many of the hill climbs I want to do this year should be similar in time length to this race. We should plan to ride together a few times before the event.
Tom Rogers ·
Matt - that's great. Good luck with the prep league. I have also done the Tokeneke and the Jamestown Classic and they rank near the top of my list. Darren - I am doing several Duathlons this year and a road races. At this moment, my first race looks to be the Myles Standish Race in Plymouth, MA on April 3rd. I will enter the Cat 5 35+ race. Let me know if you are interested? Anyone else doing this race?
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Darren Phaneuf ·
I qualify for the Myles Standish Cat 5 35+. I'm actually already slated to be in Boston the night before for a concert on 4/2 so this works for me (it looks like a later start time for the 35+ Cat 5 field so even better). I did look at the confirmed riders list and didn't see you listed--once you confirm you're definitely in and looking for a teammate, I'll go ahead and register over at BikeReg. I can't guarantee I'll be particularly effective that early in the season but I could use an inten… Read More
frank shlauter ·
Even though this subject will come up in the next board meeting I'll throw my two cents in now on racer sponsorship here. If we reimburse for race entries piecemeal it will be a logistical nightmare. I would suggest reimbursing entry fees up to a maximum amount-say $50 or $100 at the end of the season. That would limit the paperwork and check signing. I would also like the club to consider supporting the charity rides many of its members participate in with as much or more PR potential. The… Read More
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Dan Stearns ·
Agreed. It minimizes the load for everyone and if some of plan to race, but do not get out there due to "life" it creates no issues for the club.
Tom Rogers ·
Hey, it is now March and I am curious what the racing interest among the members is? As some of you know, I dabbled in several road races in 2010. I had a blast. I was clobbered in several races and competitive in others. Overall, very positive experience. I stuck to the Cat 5 races and was most competitive in the older age groups (45+ for me). For 2011, I plan to repeat several races from last year and try a few others. What are your race plans?
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Matt Tonkinson ·
This will be my third year racing. Im a CAT 4 now, and should get to CAT 3 by the end of the season. I started a racing club at my school last season, so my races will start next month in the prep school leauge. Ill race a lot over the summer. Hill Climbs sound cool. My favorites are the Tokeneke Classic, Jamestown and Newhouse Crit. Id love to get more people racing with MCC so we can train for races. It would be great to get another junior to race with this summer.
Dan Stearns ·
Hey Tom! How are you? I am glad to see your are in good spirits to race again this year. I look forward to riding again with you this year. I have suffered a couple health set backs, but as of last week, I was given a 6 week in advance clean bill of health to start leaning into my bike training. I was shocked to hear this news 6 weeks early and celebrated with a road ride that Friday. It was great. I hope you are not going crazy on your trainer. I would like to do one or two races with you this … Read More
Dan Stearns ·
For anyone interested in hill climb events, here is a great link http://www.northeastcycling.com/
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Dan Stearns ·
How about we cover the our own entrance fees and get a club kit for racing? This will offer some of us that will race a benefit, but at the same time, save the club money by only offering a club kit. That is a more defined dollar amount. Just a suggestions, as paying (or helping to pay) entrance fees could get expensive. Especially every Tuesday at Claremont and Thursday at Loudon. By the way, any takers for those events. I did one last year at Loudon, just to see what it was like. Yeah, it was … Read More
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Tom Rogers ·
I like Dan's idea of the club kit for racing rather than entry fees.
Eric Hansmeier ·
We have talked about offering free kit, and we might decide to to that, but here's something to consider. Free kit to every racer would be a substantial expense for the club. New Hampshire Cycling Club offers free kit, but they have an actual racing team, and we don't. NHCC requires participation in at least 10 USAC sanctioned races and volunteering at at least one NHCC event to earn the free kit. In order to pull this off, I think we would have to require you to buy your kit, then be reimb… Read More
Eric Hansmeier ·
Hey all you racers, glad to see MCC will be well represented at the Crank the Kanc. The MCC Board of Directors is looking for some feedback. For some time (more than I'd like to think) we've been discussing how to support MCC members who race. This forum is actually part of our effort to support racers. What we're leaning toward at this point, I think, is to offer reimbursement for entry fees, with a dollar limit on total reimbursement in a season. In return, you will agree to wear club kit… Read More
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Dan Stearns ·
When is registration? We should jump on this. Are you two still game to race? I am not sure how strong I will be this early in the season, but it should be fun. I am hoping to ride the Kanc this weekend, as I will be in Conway all weekend. I can at least plot the data for the course, so we know what to expect.
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frank shlauter ·
Don't worry. Just relax and think 25:58 x 2. We would be golden!
Dan Stearns ·
Frank, we need a third person, as they only have solo and 3 person teams!
frank shlauter ·
Wow I didn't know f a r t was a "bad" word
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Dan Stearns ·
You would do it, even with a slow fat @#$% like me. Well, if you are and old @#$%, then I am a slow fat @#$%. Now we need a third person to round it out. We need someone to compliment ourselves.
Dan Stearns ·
evidently, a s s is a bad word too. We best be careful, or we will get kicked out... (LOL)
Dan Stearns ·
Anyone interested in doing this as a team TT? I know Dave Lacoste is doing it with a group he has raced with for years. Dave says it is a fun race (event). I might give it a go, if a couple others want to go as well. Frank, we already have the helmets? Any takers?
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frank shlauter ·
Count me tentatively in. I'm in a new old @#$% age group (60+) but I'd be willing to forego the solo if we can get a three-some together. Fifteen 3-person team slots are open.
Darren Phaneuf ·
I was thinking of doing the solo one but would probably enjoy the team TT more this early in the season. I'm not as fast as either of you on the TTs though. Anyway, I'm open to joining if you need a third.
frank shlauter ·
Gods and Goddesses willing and the creek (that is the Swift River) don't rise. I've got my alarm set for 5:45 3/12/11.
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Tom Rogers ·
Sounds interesting. I assume you are signing up?
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frank shlauter ·
It's a New England classic. It used to be very much a local event but now attracts a lot more attention from the greater NE area. What could be better than racing on one of the most beautiful scenic highways in the country?
And hopefully without snow. It used to be held earlier in May and one year the pass was closed-not just to bikes. We finished a couple miles from the summit in slush. The ride back down was interesting. Another big benefit-you get to ride 20 miles back to your car a…
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Tom Rogers ·
So Frank, have you done the Crank before? Was it a good experience? I see it is hill climb time trial.
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Darren Phaneuf ·
MCC's very own Tom Rogers placed 14th in his race over at the Tour of the Battenkill! Very nice result, Tom!
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