Thread: Tour of The Battenkill 2014

I will be doing that road bike race in two weeks time in New York State and I haven't ridden outside yet. The weather is really not helping right now, snowed again this morning. Expecting 17 below Celsius between Sunday and Monday. .........

I'm in deep sh!T , oooouch !

Make sure you wear long johns

Originally Posted by Bobvin

Just keep your expectations in order Dan, and have some warm and toasty clothes for after the ride, and possibly some Advil.

Here in Portland area clear skies and 60 degree (F) temps. I wanted to go out then remembered the crooks also took my cycling shoes, helmet, and all my shop tools, etc. even when I went to the shop and bought new shoes, I have none of my references for cleat placement so need to get a cleat fitting next week. Seems I have a very large parts order to place to restock my workshop. (Still waiting for insurance payment to come through).

Good luck on your racing. Stay right-side up and you'll be OK.

Thank Bob,

Don't worry, expectation are low - start and finish upright, that's it! I have the strength due to the intense spin sessions I have been going throughout winter but lack the endurance for a 3 hours plus race at a high output. Anyways I'm not the only one in this predicament, it's been cold throughout the North East so it may come down as an advantage as I'm used to cold weather. I have quite a bit of cold weather clothing as I also cross country ski so clothing it's not the problem. Also getting re acquainted with a bike pack situation is also a bit unnerving in the first kilometers, wheels 6 inches away from the guy in front of you and guys on both side.

No Advil for me, a bottle of wine should do the job after the race with a bunch of buddies

Get Speedplay's, easier to fit and no side play to worry about. New shoes will also affect seat height so don't forget that if you are sensitive.

I can just say one thing, it's been a long winter!

Originally Posted by joeinid

Make sure you wear long johns

Actually being overdressed can be as bad as under dressed, one can create a lot of heat while racing.

Dan, have you ever ridden in the Green Mountain Stage Race? I volunteer for that every year as it goes right by my house.

Dan, I'm sure you're better prepared and in better shape than most participants. Good luck the race!

Originally Posted by VT Skier

Dan, have you ever ridden in the Green Mountain Stage Race? I volunteer for that every year as it goes right by my house.

Never did Jon, looks interesting although too many stages for me as I don't recover fast enough (getting older I guess ). And criteriums I don't do, risks are too high of a crash (again recovery) and I can't take those continuous accelerations to 31 mph out of corners, ooooouuch. Will be doing the Dirty 40 race not too far away in Derby Vermont that weekend, I did it last year and it was lot's of fun, if you consider racing fun .

Originally Posted by socfan12

Dan, I'm sure you're better prepared and in better shape than most participants. Good luck the race!

Thanks Allen, I prepared as best as I could. Lets put it this way I may train hard but my capacity is limited, don't have the best genes for competitive cycling and that's ok. Always trying to better myself and fight the aging process

Dan, a local rider here trained indoors all winter long and went on to win a stage in the Tour de Langkawi. You can do it!

American Brad White escapes, wins Tour de Langkawi stage 5 - VeloNews.com

Originally Posted by dlb2

Dan, a local rider here trained indoors all winter long and went on to win a stage in the Tour de Langkawi. You can do it!

American Brad White escapes, wins Tour de Langkawi stage 5 - VeloNews.com

LOL, thanks Doug I needed that!

.....And it's still snowing over here. Haven't yet had a chance to ride outside. Expecting 2 to 4 inches of snow. ARRRRHHHHHH.....

Good luck this weekend Dan. Let 'em know we old guys can push the pedals too. Be safe...

Originally Posted by dlb2

Good luck this weekend Dan. Let 'em know we old guys can push the pedals too. Be safe...

Thanks, ready or not here I come!

Don't forget to record the Ronde Van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders) so you have something to watch while you're recuperating!

Originally Posted by dlb2

Don't forget to record the Ronde Van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders) so you have something to watch while you're recuperating!

LOL, I'm on my way to Saratoga Springs.

4 hours 24 minutes of hell, 80th out of a field of 91! 40F with winds of 20 mph and a sh!tload of hills, 16 miles of gravel/mud roads, saw snow and hail.

All in all it was fun, can't wait until next year

Originally Posted by RedSectorA

4 hours 24 minutes of hell, 80th out of a field of 91!
40F with winds of 20 mph and a sh!tload of hills, 16 miles of gravel/mud roads, saw snow and hail.

All in all it was fun, can't wait until next year

Couldn't do better than that, you old fart!

Dan, great job! Sounds like a brutal ride, especially after being off the bike for so long!

Nice job Dan. I want to do that one of these years, along with the Dirty Kanza.


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Originally Posted by socfan12

Dan, great job! Sounds like a brutal ride, especially after being off the bike for so long!

Thanks Allen! It was brutal but I'm really happy to have done it.

Originally Posted by dlb2

Nice job Dan. I want to do that one of these years, along with the Dirty Kanza.


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Thanks Doug. Oh man now I got to look over the Dirty Kanza!

Originally Posted by Bobvin

Nice work Dan. 4-1/2 hours in the pain cave, the cold and wet pain cave, doesn't really sound like all that much fun. But, there is a certain pride that comes with visiting the pain cave and coming out the other side. I hope the "trace mineral replacement" was tasty and enjoyed with good friends.

"To attack the pedals may be strenuous over the short
run, but is an expression of trust in one's own powers,
for with the bicycle everything depends on the self."
--Wolfgang Sachs

Thanks Bob, your comment and quote best describes what it's all about! I find myself and test my limits by doing these kinds of challenges. Funny thing I race very hilly circuits while I'm better on the flats, go figure. And indeed there was a fair bit of "Trace Mineral Replacement" which started at about 4 PM