Putney Bicycle Club

2011-09-05T19:36:00.001-05:00

We want to thank all of our trip leaders for another very successful season, and Bob Immler for his work with our Facebook page. Although the Putney Bicycle Club's schedule has wrapped up, informal Tuesday night rides will continue through the fall. We will leave from the Brattleboro Common at 5:30 p.m. starting on Tuesday, September 6^th, weather permitting. As the days get shorter during the fall, we will leave a bit earlier. We hope to you will be able to join us.
Joe Cook

Visit our Facebook page!

2011-03-31T11:02:00.003-05:00

We have set up a Putney Bicycle Club Facebook page. While we will continue to update this blog with club news, the Facebook page is the site you should visit for ride or event announcements and general posts by club members.

Visit the Putney Bicycle Club Facebook page.

Minutes from the Ride Planning Meeting

2011-03-30T21:18:00.004-05:00

Greetings,

We are pleased to post our new schedule, with thanks once again to those who have agreed to plan our rides this year (Schedule link at right). Our Tuesday Night Rides leave promptly at 5:30 p.m., so plan to be there on time in order to receive a map and be greeted by the ride planner. New riders are always welcome. Please bring a friend and introduce them to the other riders.

Riders can again choose to be in the “A” group (the "hammerheads") in a pace line, which averages about 18 miles an hour, or with the “B” group, which chats along the way at a relaxed 12 to 14 miles an hour. If it is pouring rain, the ride will be cancelled. If the weather is questionable, the ride planner will call the West Hill Shop to let them know whether their ride will be taking place.

We will be reminding all of our riders this year to ride single file on the right hand side of the road. Please remember to dress in bright colors to increase the chance that you will be seen by motorists, especially at dusk.

We are pleased that Curt Bosquet has agreed to be our new secretary and webmaster. In order to make the Putney Bicycle Club an interactive forum for cyclists, we will be developing a Facebook page to enable you to invite others to join you on a ride and post cycling pictures. Details will follow.

Plans are coming together for the Putney Bicycle Club to promote cycling by sponsoring the movie Riding Bikes with the Dutch at the Hooker-Dunham Theater during Gallery Walk on May 6th. Again, details will follow.

Your dues enable us to promote cycling. Dues this year will continue to be $10 for individuals and $20 for families. Putney Bicycle Club members receive a 10% discount on cycling tops and bottoms, tires and tubes at the West Hill Shop. A portion of your dues will be used to help pay for a dinner following our last ride this summer at the West Hill Shop on August 30th. Please join or renew your membership in the Putney Bicycle Club by sending your dues to Pam Matweecha at 15 Bullock Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301.

This is your club. We welcome your suggestions, and look forward to seeing you on our rides.

President: Joe Cook (802) 257-0609 jfcook3@gmail.com
Treasurer: Pam Matweecha (802) 733-8117 tweech@sover.net
Secretary & Webmaster Curt Bousquet scanline@gmail.com

— Joe Cook

Tuesday Night Ride Planning Meeting

2011-03-07T07:50:00.002-05:00

Greetings,
With the days getting longer and the snow beginning to melt, many of us are itching to ride outdoors once again. The season will be upon us in a few weeks. The Tuesday Night Rides last year were very successful, thanks once again to all of our leaders. We would appreciate your help in scheduling rides this summer, and are having a planning meeting next week.
Our planning meeting will start with a potluck dinner at the West Hill Shop on Tuesday, March 15th at 6 p.m. If you are able to join us, please come prepared to lead a ride this summer. All that we will need is a meeting place, a brief description of the route, the approximate distance, a suggested place for dinner, and your phone number and e-mail address. We plan to have rides every Tuesday night from April 5th through August 30th.
If you are unable to join us next week, but are willing to lead a ride, please send me an e-mail at jfcook3@gmail.com.
We look forward to seeing many of you next week. Please let me know if you have any questions in the interim. If you prefer to call, my number at home is 257-0609.
Thanks,
Joe Cook

2010 Tuesday Night Ride Schedule

2010-04-03T12:48:00.007-05:00

We are delighted to release our new schedule, and want to thank all of those who have agreed to lead rides. Tuesday Night Rides leave promptly at 5:30 p.m.. New riders are always welcome. Please bring a friend.

Click here to view the 2010 TNR Schedule. This is a link to a Google Document.

Riders can again choose to be in the “A” group (the "hammerheads") in a pace line, which averages about 18 miles an hour, or with the “B” group, which chats along the way at a relaxed 12 to 14 miles an hour. If the weather is questionable, we encourage ride leaders to call the West Hill Shop to let us know whether their ride will be taking place.

We all know fellow cyclists who have been in serious accidents, some of whom were struck by drivers distracted by various electronic devices. Please remember to dress in bright colors to increase the chance that you will be seen, especially at dusk.

Your dues help to pay for our club’s affiliations and support cycling. We are keeping membership dues this year to a modest $10 for individuals, and $20 for families. Putney Bicycle Club members receive a 10% discount on clothing, tires and tubes at the West Hill Shop. A portion of your dues will be used to help pay for a dinner following our last ride this summer at the West Hill Shop on August 31st. If you would like to join the Putney Bicycle Club, please send your dues to Pam Matweecha at 15 Bullock Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301.

This is your club. Our bylaws state that our purpose is to promote cycling (road racing, mountain bike racing, cyclocross racing, time trialing, recreational cycling, endurance cycling, touring, and commuting). We encourage those who want to lead mountain bike and road rides, or just have someone else join them, to post their rides on the calendar on our website.

We always welcome your suggestions, and look forward to seeing you on the road.

President: Joe Cook (802) 257-0609 jfcook3@gmail.com

Treasurer: Pam Matweecha (802) 733-8117 tweech@sover.net

Secretary & Webmaster: Pedr Seymour (802) 257-5787 pedr@mac.com

— Joe Cook

2010 Tuesday Night Rides

2010-03-04T07:37:00.004-05:00

Greetings,

With the days getting longer and the snow beginning to melt, many of us are itching to ride outdoors once again. The season will be upon us in a month. By all accounts the Tuesday Night Rides last year were very successful, thanks to all of our leaders. We need your help in scheduling rides this summer, and have scheduled a planning meeting for later this month.

Our planning meeting will start with a potluck dinner at the West Hill Shop on Tuesday, March 16^th at 6 p.m. If you are able to join us, please come prepared to lead one or more rides this summer. All that we will need is a meeting place, a brief description of the route, the approximate distance, and a suggested place for dinner. We plan to have rides scheduled every Tuesday night from April 6^th through August 31^st.

If you are unable to join us on March 16^th, but are willing to lead one or more rides, please e-mail that information to me at jfcook3@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing many of you on March 16^th. Please let me know if you have any questions in the interim. If you prefer to call, my number at home is 257-0609.

Joe Cook

Invitation to Ride at the Brattleboro Cycling Center

2009-11-23T12:35:00.002-05:00

Now that daylight hours are shrinking are you feeling like you are losing your strength and fitness? Gaining a couple of unwanted pounds? Are you wondering how you fit you’ll be when the first good storm hits and the trails and slopes are beckoning? Come to the Brattleboro Cycling Center to maintain your fitness, build your endurance for winter sports and stay in touch w/ your “bike buddies”.

We have reserved the weekend of Dec 5 and 6 for any PBC member(bring a friend) to come try a FREE training session at our new indoor cycling center located in the Book Press Building on Rt. 5 north of the traffic circle. You may sign up for the 8 AM, 10 AM or 12 PM session.

We’re just a bunch of bike nuts who purchased CompuTrainers to keep fit and keep riding through the winter. We’d like to offer others the opportunity to ride w/ us and be fit and ready for the next season of outdoor activity.

Just go to our web site <brattleborocyclingcenter.com>, register, navigate to Sessions, go to Dec. 5 or 6 and sign up to reserve a CompuTrainer. Limit of 8 riders per session. Directions to the BCC are on the web site
If you’re baffled by the internet call Tom Martyn(802-579-7218) or John Bentley(802-254-2230) and we can sign you up.

Bring your bike, fluids, bike gear and a towel. We have restrooms and changing facilities just across the hall.

Reorganization of the Club

2009-07-04T06:55:00.002-05:00

Your new officers welcome you to the Putney Bicycle Club's website.

We are:

President: Joe Cook (802) 257-0609 jfcook3@gmail.com

Treasurer: Pam Matweecha (802) 788-8117 tweech@sover.net

Secretary & Webmaster: Pedr Seymour (802) 257-5787 pedr@mac.com

Tuesday Night Rides meet at 5:30 p.m., and leave shortly thereafter. Riders can choose to be in the “A” group in a pace line, which averages about 18 miles an hour, or with the “B” group, which chats along the way at 12 to 14 miles an hour. New riders are always welcome. If the weather is questionable, we encourage ride leaders to call the West Hill Shop to let them know whether their ride will be taking place.

Pam, Pedr and I had a reorganizational meeting last week. Because we did not want finances in this recession to be an impediment to joining the Putney Bicycle Club, one of our first decisions was to reduce membership dues to $10 for individuals, and $20 for families. We have decided to encourage young riders by donating $100 to the West Hill Shop’s Junior Development Team. Your dues help to pay for our club’s affiliations. We plan to use some of your club’s funds to host a dinner following our last ride this summer at the West Hill Shop on September 1. If you would like to join the Putney Bicycle Club, please send your dues to Pam Matweecha at 15 Bullock Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301.

Our bylaws indicate that our purpose is to promote cycling (road racing, mountain bike racing, cyclocross racing, time trialing, recreational cycling, endurance cycling, touring, and commuting). This is your club. Although we have gravitated toward being a recreational group focused on the Tuesday Night Ride, we want to encourage others who may want to sponsor mountain bike rides in the club’s name and race with the club's affiliation. We would like to attract new and younger riders, and perhaps sponsor bicycle safety and flat tire clinics. A volunteer to help coordinate events would be welcome.

We all want to thank Will Kraham for the tremendous amount of work that he did leading our club, and posting to our blog for the last year. Your officers will be unable to expend the time that Will did with his frequent postings. We envision our website to be a somewhat less dynamic clearinghouse for rides, and to promote cycling.

We welcome your suggestions, and look forward to seeing you on our rides.

—Joe Cook

In Memoriam: William S. Caldwell (1942-2009)

2009-05-15T05:45:00.007-05:00

Our friend and long-time PBC member, Bill Caldwell, of Putney, has passed. His kindness and gentle spirit will survive in our fond memories.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 16th, at the Putney Federated Church. All are welcome.

The Tour of the Valleys Ride has been named in his honor this year, and rescheduled for Sunday, May 17. We'll be leaving at 12 p.m. from the West Hill shop. We look forward to seeing many of you there.

PBC Membership

2009-05-13T22:52:00.002-05:00

You may renew your membership at the West Hill Shop or by sending a check to our Treasurer, Pam Matweecha at 15 Bullock St., Apt. #2, Brattleboro, VT 05301.

Thanks -- our club cannot grow and improve without dues paying members.

The Prouty Century Ride - To Benefit The Norris Cotton Cancer Center @ Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

2009-04-26T07:29:00.017-05:00

I am Captain of Team Mellow Johnny's and our team will be riding the 28th Annual Prouty Century on July 11th. All proceeds benefit the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. I have participated in this charity ride for several years, since the early 90's, but never before as part of a team. Our team fund raising goal this year is $5,000. If you would like to sponsor me, please follow this link, click on "Sponsor a Participant" and enter my name: William Kraham. The search results will show my Team, "Mellow Johnny's" of Austin, TX and my name with a hyperlink, click on my name and you can make a donation with a credit card. We have lost many friends and community members in the Brattleboro Area to Cancer in 2008-2009, and there could not be a more suitable time to make a donation to this worthwhile cancer treatment and research center.
"Over the 27 years of this event, more than $8.35 million dollars has been raised. This money funds world-class research, state-of-the-art equipment, critical education programs, and innovative clinical trials that help save lives of cancer patients all over the world. The money raised also goes to fund important patient services such as Reiki, writing-for-healing workshops, support groups and the patient library."

You may make a donation in your name or anonymously.

You may make a donation In Honor of Someone You Know Who is Battling Cancer, or In Memory of Someone You Know Who Has Died From Cancer.

I am riding in Memory of Vermont State Trooper Jason Kaine, a father who died of Leukemia, survived by his spouse and two young boys.

Thank you in advance for your generous donation.

If you have any questions, contact me at will.kraham@gmail.com.

Posted By: Will Kraham (Past-President, Putney Bicycle Club, Inc.)

My Last Post

2009-04-23T21:38:00.004-05:00

The man behind the curtain - all of those posts by "PBC" over the past year- have been from me - Will Kraham.

Joe Cook is taking over as President of the PBC now, and someone else will be managing the e-mail and the blog.

See you on the road. Be safe.

Will.

New Member

2009-04-20T22:25:00.002-05:00

Welcome to our newest PBC Member:

Arne Hammarlund (USAC License - Putney/West Hill - Expired 12/21/08)

New Member

2009-04-12T23:35:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Daniel Morris of Putney, Vermont, our newest PBC member.

Google Calendar

2009-04-12T09:21:00.004-05:00

Remember that all of the races and rides are listed on the Google Calendar on the right side bar of the blog.

Recreational Rides In April in New England

2009-04-12T09:16:00.006-05:00

Berkshire Brevet Shelburne Falls 200K
Presented by
Northeast Sport Cyclists
Westfield, MA
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Online Registration Closes
Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 12:30 AM ET

Rock to Rock
Presented by
Common Ground, Solar Youth, WR and ER Nature Centers, and Friends of East Rock and Beaver Pond
New Haven, CT
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Online Registration Closes
Friday, April 24, 2009 at 12:30 AM ET

April Road Races and Criteriums in New England

2009-04-10T05:09:00.018-05:00

7th Annual Chris Hinds Memorial Criterium Sponsored by FUJI
Presented by
Arc en Ceil Racing Team, Millwork 1 Racing Team, NBX Racing Team
Charlestown, RI
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Online Registration Closes
Thursday, April 09, 2009 at 8:30 AM ET

TOUR OF THE BATTENKILL
Presented by
Anthem Sports / Farm Team Cycling
Cambridge, NY
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Online Registration Closes
Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 9:00 PM ET

4th Annual Rick Newhouse Memorial Ninigret Criterium
Presented by
Team ArcEnCiel and Sponsors
Charlestown, RI
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Online Registration Closes
Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 5:00 PM ET

Onion River Racing Training Criterium Series
Presented by
Onion River Racing
Montpelier, VT
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Online Registration Closes
Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 8:00 PM ET

Myles Standish Road Race
Presented by
The Town of Plymouth Visitor Services Board
Plymouth, MA
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Online Registration Closes
Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 12:30 AM ET

Turtle Pond Circuit Race
Presented by
MetLife Pro-Am Cycling Team
Loudon, NH
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Online Registration Closes
Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 9:00 PM ET

Monson Road Race
Presented by
Cyclonauts Racers
Monson, MA
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Online Registration Closes
Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 8:00 AM ET

Quabbin Reservoir Road Race
Presented by
Cyclonauts Racers
Ware, MA
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Online Registration Closes
Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 8:00 AM ET

Onion River Racing Training Criterium Series
Presented by
Onion River Racing
Montpelier, VT
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Online Registration Closes
Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 8:00 PM ET

Carpool if you can to each race venue - be safe - keep the rubber side down. E-mail if you have any questions about the races.

PBC Officers - New Members

2009-04-10T04:51:00.004-05:00

The PBC Officers for 2009-2010 are as follows:

President: Joseph F. Cook (jfcook@sover.net)
Vice-President: William E. Kraham (will.kraham@gmail.com)
Treasurer: Pam Matweecha (tweech@sover.net)
Secretary: Pedr Seymour (pedr@mac.com)

We have new membership cards this year, and this time the word "Famliy" is spelled correctly, and the surface is more pen friendly.

Thanks to our new PBC Family members: Dano Morris & Tom Deshaies

The link to the TNR Schedule is on the top right hand corner of the blog. You may want to print it and tape it to your refrigerator.

TUESDAY NIGHT RIDE SCHEDULE

2009-04-06T05:19:00.027-05:00

The 2009 Tuesday Night Ride (TNR) Schedule is now ready for your viewing pleasure and ready to synchronize with your personal calendar. Be sure to thank our new club President, Joseph F. Cook, for organizing and creating the schedule. Buy him a HIGH GRAVITY BEER! (preferably post-ride).

You may view the schedule HERE.
All are welcome - you do not have to be a PBC member to ride with us, but it would be great if you joined our club as a member. Ask Pam, Pedr, Joe, Will, Jim, Diny, Daq, or almost any other rider and they will give you the details about joining the club. All PBC members riders sign the PBC waiver. Available at the shop or here.

+Helmets are mandatory.

+Ride leader and sweeper for each ride.

+Map provided for every ride.

+Dress in layers and prepare for the weather - wind, rain, sun (UV protection). Strip as needed.

+Always wear glasses and gloves.

+Bring the gear necessary to change a flat (tube, CO2 cartridge or pump, tire tool, patch kit, tire boot).

+Have a flasher on the rear of your bike if you plan to go long or are a straggler and might be riding in the dusk or darkness.

+Check out your bike before each ride (tire pressure, cuts or cord showing on your tires, brake pads, quick release levers, water bottles, chain lubed, saddle height, bolts tight). You should have already had your ride tuned up at the shop by now. Upgrading your bike can make the beginning of the season that much more enjoyable.

+Always bring plenty of water, Heed, Accelerade, Gatorade, or your favorite carbohydrate/sugar/protein beverage, along with some food to stave off low blood sugar -- banana, fig newtons, PB&J, Cliff bar, Gu, Hammer Gel, raisins, apple, bagel, trail mix.

+There will be options regarding the length of the route and the pace of the ride. Pick the group that suits your ability and fitness. Take a head count of the group you are in. If you see someone in your group getting dropped, drop back to see if they want to be pulled back into the group or want to wait for a slower group.

+Wait at the top of long climbs for everyone to arrive before descending. Wait at major turns for a few minutes so there is a chance to regroup and no one will get lost. (I remember getting lost on my first TNR and I was riding alone in the dark from Westmoreland, NH to Village Pizza at Exit 3).

+If you are training for a race, or have a specific workout to do (e.g., sprint intervals, climbing repeats, muscular endurance, fartleg, tempo), go off the front and do your own thing, otherwise you will disrupt the vibe of the ride.

+Be prepared for Town Line and State Line Sprints - but be safe. There are no primes, only braggin' rights.

+Crashes early in the season are not uncommon.

+Draft on a wheel that you trust.

+Pull out of the line if you have to blow snot.

+If you want to learn about drafting, pulling, rotating pace lines, etc., ask questions.

+Ride no more than two abreast at all times. When stopped and waiting for stragglers, get out of the road - the TNR is not a Critical Mass Ride.

+If you stink, hang out in the rear out of respect for your fellow cyclist's olfactory sensibilities.

+Be kind to newbies - show them the ropes - be friendly and inclusive. P/WH has had a hardcore elitist rep in the past. This is not what the TNRs are all about.

+It is your responsibility to point out hazards in the road to the riders behind you, and to yell "Brake" if you have to rapidly decelerate due to an emergent situation. Also warn your group about other hazards - "Walker Up", "Car Up," "Car Back," "Dog," "Glass," "Road Kill" ....

+Ride smart - ride safe - but have fun - enjoy the journey.

+Watch out for frost heaves, potholes, sand, and those extremely dangerous crevices that open up in the spring and that run parallel to the road -- they can easily catch a wheel and you will be on the asphalt in a microsecond.

+Do not pass a rider who has stopped for a mechanical problem or who might have crashed or touched wheels without offering assistance.

+Please do not urinate in public view, and don't litter.

+Cross railroad tracks at a slow speed and at a 90 degree angle if at all possible. Warn riders behind you - "Tracks."

+Watch out for cars pulling out on your right or turning left in front of you. The cage drivers are usually are blind and imagine your speed to be 3 mph.

+Beware of the car that slowly passes you on your left and then suddenly turns right in front of you. Just happened to me a few weeks ago - a big ole SUV and the driver was talking on a cell phone.

+Don't flip people off - bike rage is not appropriate TNR behavior.

+If you have to take emergency action, brake or swerve, but do not do both. Remember that most of your stopping power comes from the front back, but always apply both brakes at the same time, otherwise you might go flying over the bars. We don't have ABS for bikes - yet anyway.

+Watch our for opening car doors in thickly settled areas.

+OBEY TRAFFIC LAWS -- Stop at stop signs and red lights; yield; don't run over pedestrians; signal your intentions; don't split traffic. All it takes is one Orange and Red, Putney/West Hill rider blowing through a stop sign or red light to give our club a bad rep. Repeat violators will be ostracized and publicly stoned in a pillory.

Will

Monson Road Race

2009-04-03T03:14:00.002-05:00

Monson Road Race
Presented by
Cyclonauts Racers
Monson, MA
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Online Registration Closes
Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 8:00 AM ET

Thank You To Our New Members

2009-04-03T02:51:00.004-05:00

The following people have recently paid their 2009 PBC Membership Dues through BikeReg.Com:

Edmund Brelsford - License #4733 Expert Men
William E. Kraham - License #128871 Category 3 - Road
Andrew Semegram
Faith Terwilliger
George Terwilliger

Query: Why do so many people wear our team colors, participate in our TNRs, but will not spend $20 to support the club?

If you have an answer, please e-mail me.

Chris Hinds Criterium

2009-04-03T02:13:00.001-05:00

The 7th Annual Chris Hinds Memorial Criterium Sponsored by FUJI is coming up fast on April 11th. The race has categories for everyone. There will be lots of primes thanks to FUJI. All races will meet distance requirements for upgrade points too. This race is part of the LAJRS, MCRA, and New England Women’s Category 3/4 Race Series. Please register on line and save time and money on race day. Registration is open at here.

FUJI has generously given our race an authentic FUJI Servetto team jersey. This jersey has been signed by the members of the FUJI Servetto ProTour Cycling Team. http://www.fuji-servetto.com/ Here’s a chance for you to own a rare piece of cycling history. The jersey will be framed by April 11th. It will look great in any bicycle shop or cycling fan’s home. I will accept email bids up to 11:59 p.m. on April 10th. Bidding will continue at the race and will end at 5:00 p.m. on April 11th. Only in person bids will be accepted on April 11th. Please email me at ljlowenstein@cox.net if you would like to place a bid or have any questions. The current bid will be displayed at http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?EventID=7731

All money raised from this event goes directly to Chris Hind's son, Sam Hinds. This will be the 7th year we have put on this race. Every year we have made money for Sam. We hope that this year will be the biggest yet.

Stuff For Sale Before It Goes On E-Bay

2009-04-03T02:11:00.002-05:00

From Carl Ring, ringcycles@yahoo.com

(I don't know him).

"Before I put these on Ebay, I have a couple of items for sale (new bike on the way, need to make room and raise cash)

2000 Litespeed Appalachian 51 cm with lots of upgrades. The frame was purchased from a teammate of mine who used it infrequently. I have used this bike as my pit bike for the past 3 seasons. Last fall I upgraded the entire drivetrain and fork. The frame is butted ti with rack/fender mounts on the rear triangle. A few scratches to the decals but no dents or dings. The dimensions are 49cm c-c seat tube and 52 cm c-c top tube. 73.5 degree seat tube angle and a 77.5 cm standover height. Listed frame weight is 3.3 pounds. The fork is an Easton EC90 CX for with the decals removed. The wheels are a custom build, Hope pro hubs laced to Mavic CXP33 rims with butted spokes and alloy nipples (32h 3x laced). The drive train is SRAM Rival shifters and derailleurs with a Ritchey WCS crank (currently I have 50x34 rings, but will include a 46t Sugino outer ring) Ritchey 10.5cm wcs stem, bars, and seat post. Avid shorty 6 brakes.
Selle Flight saddle. Cane Creek s3 headset and no pedals. The tires are Vittoria XG 32's and are a bit worn. (for an extra $50 I will include a pair of almost new Maxxix Mimo Larson tires) With race tubular wheels and light pedals, I've weighed this bike at 17.5 lbs.

Asking $2100 obo. A Litespeed Appalachian frame/fork ONLY just went for $925 on Ebay, so with the upgraded fork, drivetrain, and custom wheels, I think is priced appropriately. With a fork for full fenders/racks this could make a good touring bike as well. Pictures will be available Sunday upon request. Its a great bike, just need to make room in the barn.

Willing to ship or meet at a weekend race. I will list this bike on Ebay on Sunday April 5th if I get no firm offers.

Also for sale, one pair of Dugast Rhino 34's. Raced on twice. TireAlert Re-tubed one due to a slow leak after mounting it up the first time. Sidewalls are treated with Aqual Seal. Glue on the base tape and some on the sidewalls from mounting. Asking $140 for the pair."

Rock River Jerseys

2009-04-03T02:05:00.002-05:00

Received this ad for these jerseys - know nothing about their quality. Just passing stuff along.

Link.

TNR

2009-04-03T02:04:00.002-05:00

Schedule will be on line soon - I promise.

Fuzion Wheels

2009-03-14T00:33:00.002-05:00

Know nothing about these road wheels, but they invited us to check out their website.

Cyclocross Magazine to Profile Pip

2009-03-12T06:18:00.022-05:00

Bill Schieken, who is working with Cyclocross Magazine on their National Champion Profile Project, will interview and profile Pip, and all of the other 2008 Cyclocross National Champions, as part of the project. Be on the lookout for the National Champions issue of Cyclocross Magazine at your local newsstand.

I told Bill that Pip's fellow racers, the Men, Women, and Juniors of Team Putney/West Hill, all of the Members of the Putney Bicycle Club, and the Owners and Staff of our sponsor, the West Hill Shop, are extremely proud of Pip's National Championship, and that when he interviews Pip, he will discover that Pip is an expert mountain bike racer as well.

Will

Tuesday Night Ride Planning Meeting

2009-03-12T05:49:00.000-05:00

TNR Season Planning Meeting

Date: Tuesday, March 17th

Location: West Hill Shop, 49 Brickyard Lane, Putney, Vermont (802) 387-5718

Time: 6:00 P.M.

What To Bring:

+ Food (Pot Luck Supper) - Main Dish, Side, Dessert, Whatever - Something Edible

+ Drinks (No Alcohol Please)

+ Paper Plates and Eating Tools

+ A Route You Want To Lead and a Date You Want to Lead Your Ride

+ Ideas To Improve The TNR Series (A, B, and C rides, long and short options, sweepers, should it continue into September?)

+ Your PBC Dues ($20 Individual / $30 Family)

Thanks to Joe Cook for Organizing This Planning Session

The Poll Results Indicate A Clear Majority (88%) Want to Continue The TNR Series

Economic Stimulus

2009-03-11T07:34:00.000-05:00

Have a few extra Euros in your mattress? You might want to ride in Cologne, Germany over the Easter weekend. Got the following e-mail from "Lifestyle Cycling" this morning:

"Join LIFESTYLE CYCLING on the Classics trail from April 11th to 13th 2009 at „Rund um Köln“; the German Classic through the hilly hinterland of Cologne. Experience the 100-km-cyclosportive with the organization, accompaniment and support of the LIFESTYLE CYCLING Team."

"It gets going on Easter Sunday with a ride on sections of the race route. Following a group ride we will form smaller groups based on rider ability - so that everyone can make the most of the wind shelter and experience of our guides. Ex-pro Guido Eickelbeck will be on-hand with tips on riding technique and race tactics. Oliver Elsenbach, a sport scientist and part of our expert network, will also join us on the ride. You can also count on the help of an experienced mechanic to tweak your riding position and quickly fix any mechanical problems with your bike. Reservations have also been made for you in one of Cologne’s classiest restaurants later that evening. There you will enjoy a superior evening meal – in line, of course, with the sporting objectives you have set yourself. You will overnight in the first class Hotel Maritim, just a stone’s throw away from Cologne’s Gothic cathedral and old town. On Easter Monday we make the transfer to the start of the Rund-um-Köln challenge in Leverkusen. For you that means: Free entry! After your personal triumph on the race route we will re-group on the Rhine quays in Cologne to cheer the pros over the finish line."

"LIFESTLYE CYCLING – About us
LIFESTYLE CYCLING specializes in the organisation and running of cycling events. We bring your right up close to the highlights of the pro cycling scene. You can even experience the fun of competition first-hand at cyclosportives – professionally supported by the LIFESTYLE CYCLING team ride leaders."

"Keen for more LIFE.STYLE.CYCLING?!

"Mallorca Training camps: Reads Hotel Santa Maria in March and April as well as the Arabella Sheraton in preparation for March and Apri."l

"Cyclosportives: Frankfurt Sportf : April 29 - May 1 Berlin Velothon: June 19 – 21 Hamburg Cyclassics: August 14 – 16 Giro d´Italia: May 9 – 18 including first-hand experience of mountain stages on May 12 - 13 From May 19: the one week Sella-Runde Tour de France: Pyrenean stage with stopover in Barcelona and mountain stages in Colmar and Mont Ventoux."

$699 Euros is about $900 U.S. Dollars. Do you suppose they have not heard about our failing economy, bailouts, handouts, and unemployment?

Ride For a Reason - Spinning Marathon

2009-03-11T07:10:00.000-05:00

The Ninth Annual Ride For A Reason, to benefit Special Olympics, will take place on Saturday, April 4 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in Burlington, VT. Participants in the indoor cycling marathon will pedal for six hours while being led by Master Instructor Angie Scott, Master Instructor Anthony Musemici from New York City, Star 3 Spinning Instructor and personal trainer Melissa Marotta and spinning instructor Raquel Schmidt from Buffalo, New York.

"Mixing fitness and fundraising, Ride for a Reason is led by instructors from around the country and will feature live music and hourly raffles. Following the ride, participants are invited to stay for a celebratory luncheon. The fundraiser has steadily grown since its inception in 2000; last year’s marathon brought in 140 participants and more than $60,000, with all proceeds benefiting the Special Olympics Vermont.

The 2009 6-Hour Ride for a Reason will feature a unique Compu Trainer from Dee Physical Therapy, while SUUNTO will outfit riders with transmitter belts worn underneath the shirt. These belts will wirelessly transmit near laboratory-accurate information on heart rate, oxygen consumption and other physiological variables to the SUUNTO Team POD, which will then display the performance data in real-time on a screen.

All participants will receive a 6-Hour Ride short sleeve wick shirt. The more you raise the more cool gear you could win including a 6-Hour Ride long sleeve wick shirt, 6-Hour Ride cycling jersey and/or a 6-Hour Ride soft shell jacket."

Contact Kimberly Bookless with any questions or for more information at kbookless@vtso.org or (802) 863-5222 ext. 105.

A New Trend in Road Racing?

2009-03-11T07:07:00.008-05:00

Article in New York Times about challenging 100+ mile road races, on courses of asphalt, dirt, and gravel, titled "Where Riders Tackle Potholes and Gravel." The race the paper examined was in Louisiana, called "Rouge Roubaix." We have our own two famous races in our neck of the woods: Battenkill-Roubaix, and the Deerfield Dirt Road Randonee. Check out the article.

PBC March News

2009-03-08T22:48:00.015-05:00

Renew Your PBC Membership
$20 for Individual
$30 for Family
Pay your dues at the West Hill Shop, mail to the PBC @ P.O. Box 447, Brattleboro, Vermont 05302, or to the West Hill Shop, 49 Brickyard Lane, Putney, Vermont 05346, or register online at BikeReg.Com (the far right drop down menu for Club Memberships). Membership includes the same benefits as last year. Please include your mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address.

Daylight Savings Time
The 2009 Cycling Season Begins

Daylight Savings Time, for me, marks the beginning of the cycling season, despite the snow on the ground and the wet and grimy roads. For those of you who have been cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, riding on snow mobile trails, or training indoors on your wind trainer, rollers, or CompuTrainer, your Aerobic Capacity is probably fairly decent. If you are like me, and have spent the winter on your couch, eating, reading, and napping, you are out shape, overweight, and have lost your fitness.

Humble Training Tips
1. Tune-Up. Get your bike into the shop for a tune-up. New tires, new chain and cassette, new brake pads, maybe that stem or saddle you promised yourself at the end of last year. Support your local bike shop.
2. Weight. Instead of spending money on that Titanium Stem to shave a few grams from the weight of your bike, think about shaving off a few pounds of body fat instead -- it make the hills a lot easier to climb.
3. Weights. Do not neglect weight training. It is important to strengthen your core -- your abs, lower back, and obliques. Without a strong and stable core, you will not be able to effectively transfer your power to the pedals. It is also important to strengthen your upper body - biceps, triceps, deltoids, and trapezoids. These help with bike handling, climbing, sprinting, and overall endurance. Split your weight training into two phases. Phase One is for strength (4 sets of 12-15 repetitions of the basic exercises relevant to cycling). Phase Two is for endurance (6 sets of 40-50 repetitions of the same exercises, but with a much lighter weight). Phase Two will build muscular endurance that will pay off during the season.
4. Equipment. If you are not purchasing a new ride this year, the one piece of equipment I can recommend that will improve your ride more than any other is a new wheel set. When I replaced my Mavic Open Pro wheel set with Ksyrium SL wheels, my 10 year old lugged steel Marinoni was transformed. Also, consider a compact crank to flatten out the hills. When I was racing in 2007, Daq put a compact crankset on my Scott and I was flying up the climbs, but was spinning out during the descents. This was because I did not change the cassette, and was running a 12-27 cassette with a compact crank. Checkout the gear charts with Daq to understand what cassette you want to use if you change over to compact crank. I put on a 13-23 and problem solved.
5. Log. Keep a training log. Don’t log miles -- log hours on the bike, the time you spend in various heart rate zones, the kind of ride you had -- was it a slow, easy spin, a tempo workout, climbing repeats, sprint intervals, and how you felt during the ride? Logging your training will invariably increase the amount of time you spend on the bike, and you begin to see patterns and will see greater results in a shorter length of time. Don’t neglect the easy, recovery rides after a hard training day -- they will help to remove the damaged cells and lactic acid from your legs.
6. Recover. You get stronger on the days you rest and recover. Do not overtrain. Feed and hydrate your body.
7. Goals. It helps tremendously to have a plan or a goal(s) for the season -- whether it is your first century ride, a race, or a National Championship. Having a goal will motivate you to train and will give you the satisfaction of charting your progress toward your goal.
8. Team. Some workouts have to be done alone -- but you will find that if you ride with people who are faster and stronger than you, you will improve your skills, strength, and endurance, and will enjoy the friendly competition.
9. Base, Base, Base. The importance of establishing a strong aerobic base cannot be over emphasized. If you fail to establish an adequate base early in the season, your training will be for ought -- like a building with a foundation rot to the core. An easy way to build your aerobic base is to take your average annual mileage, divide by 4, and commit to riding that first 25% in the small ring at a high cadence - 90-100. For example, I ride the first 1,000 to 1,500 miles in the small ring, before training for specific deficits, like hill climbing, or sprints. The high cadence spinning early in the season will elevate your heart rate but not unduly stress your muscles, while your muscle memory helps you to improve the smoothness of your pedal stroke. Later, when you climb and sprint or do your endurance rides, your solid aerobic base will pull you through, and you will have a more enjoyable and successful cycling season.

Wanted: Person to organize the Tuesday Night Ride Schedule and make modifications of the starting locations, routes, or ride leaders, as needed, throughout the Spring and Summer. Contact putney.bicycle@gmail.com if interested.

Wanted: Candidate for President of the PBC. You don’t have to do anything, or you can become as involved as you want. Contact putney.bicycle@gmail.com if interested.

USA Cycling Announces Championship Venues and Dates

2009-03-04T06:49:00.004-05:00

The venues and dates for USA Cycling National Championships may be viewed here

"A total of 16 events will provide amateur and professional cyclists with an opportunity to claim a coveted Stars-and-Stripes national champion’s jersey across all five disciplines of competitive cycling."

Registration for all USA Cycling National Championships will open approximately 60 days prior to the start of the event.

PBC Membership Now On BikeReg.com

2009-02-28T21:26:00.003-05:00

You may renew your PBC membership online here: www.BikeReg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=8122
The member benefits are the same as last year.

Vintage Motorized Bicycles

2009-02-26T04:23:00.013-05:00

You take a Ridley motorcycle engine, either 49cc or 70cc, both two-stroke, both average 120 miles per gallon, and reach speeds of 24 and 33 mph respectively, and combine them with modified beach cruisers from Felt, www.feltracing.com, and you have a Vintage Motorized Bicycle. The engines simply clip-on to the bicycle frames, and are rubber mounted. There are five different models. They have pedals too. To learn more, see www.ridleymotorcycle.com.

Request a free brochure here: http://www.ridleymotorcycle.com/0eight/brochure.htm

Enhanced Accident Medical and Health Benefits for USA Cycling Members

2009-02-25T08:07:00.008-05:00

For those of you without health insurance and who are members of USA Cycling, you may be interested to know that they have partnered with insurance carriers offering individual and group health insurance and accident plans. Here are the links:
www.usacyclinghealthplan.com

www.adventureadvocates.com/usacycling

USA Cycling also offers a free Rx Discount Card for all USA Cycling Members which provides savings of up to 75% on all FDA approved drugs at 57,000 pharmacies nationwide. To order your free card, call USA Cycling's Health Benefits Program at 1-800-211-9002.

Their Disclaimer: USA Cycling Health Benefits are provided directly from USA Cycling's sponsors to athletes/members, and not from USA Cycling. USA Cycling is neither a party to nor responsible for the performance of the independent health benefit contracts.

Membership Dues for 2009 are Due

2009-02-23T15:48:00.006-05:00

Membership dues to join the PBC are due for the 2009 season. Same dues as last year: $20 for an individual; $30 for a family. You may pay your dues at the shop, by mail (49 Brickyard Lane, Putney, VT 05346, or to me at P.O. Box 447, Brattleboro, VT 05302), or online at www.BikeReg.com.

Important: Please provide us with your mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address. If your e-mail address should change, please let us know, since this is our primary means of communication with our members.

If you would like to put together a clothing order for the club, let us know exactly what you want and the size, and we will coordinate with Jim and Diny at the shop for a members' order, and payment will likely be required in advance. Remember that you will need clothing for three seasons, so order now for the fall too. I have lobbied for years for knickers and arm warmers to no avail.

Should We Have Tuesday Night Rides in 2009?

2009-02-23T15:40:00.008-05:00

1. Please cast your vote on the gadget in the top right hand corner of this page. Poll will last for 1 week.

2. If you have any suggestions, comments, or criticisms of last year's rides, leaders, or routes, please comment.

3. Assuming the TNR will continue this year, we will need to schedule a pot luck dinner to set up the schedule. Any preferred date or location? Come prepared with a route and date on which you would like to lead a ride, whether it is an A, B, or C level ride.

4. We need a PBC member to step up and take charge of the scheduling of the TNR, setting up the initial schedule, and tweaking it as the season progresses and ride start locations, leaders, or routes change.

Bikes Not Bombs - Green Roots Festival

2009-02-20T08:34:00.014-05:00

Bikes Not Bombs

284 Armory St. - Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 - 617-522-0222 - www.bikesnotbombs.org

22nd Annual Bike-A-Thon & Green Roots Festival

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Rides begin 9-11 a.m.; Festival Noon-5:30 p.m.

Rides start and end in the Southwest Corridor Park at the Stony Brook MBTA Subway Station, 100 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02130. The Green Roots Festival is at the finish line.

Contact: Jasmine Laietmark - jasmine@bikesnotbombs.org; 617-522-0222 x106.

CALLING ALL BIKE RIDERS: Ride with Bikes Not Bombs (BNB) to support its unique social justice work recycling 6,000 bicycles annually with programs in Boston and nations of the Global South, empowering people and communities with sustainable and healthy pedal power. As a grassroots organization, BNB depends on Bike-A-Thon riders' sponsorship to keep its work going in its 25th year.

Chose from three scenic rides: 15, 25, or 62 miles. Roll at your own pace. The 15 mile ride is especially great for families with children. We provide mechanics, rest stops with food and drink, maps of the routes, lead riders, follow vehicles, a gourmet meal at the Green Roots Festival, and great prizes. Pre-registration is required, and riders must raise a minimum of $150 of pledges for BNB. You may register at the website or call 617-522-0222.

The Green Roots Festival will celebrate sustainable clean living in a park that was only saved from becoming a highway by the grassroots efforts of local communities. The festival will feature live street bands, food, pageantry, artisans, and thoughtful content on themes of water, home-improvement, urban toxins, local food, and transportation.

Mission Statement: Lasting peace and social justice require equitable and sustainable use of resources. BNB provides community-based education and assists development projects with recycled bicycles, related technologies and technical assistance, as concrete alternatives to the militarism, over-consumption & inequality that breed war and environmental destruction. Our organization is part of a worldwide movement for peace and responsible stewardship of the earth.

Computrainers

2009-02-17T20:58:00.004-05:00

So you thought there was no place to do some serious indoor winter training after the demise of Incline Training? Well Tom Martyn has some computrainers, with multi-rider software, set up in the old Bookpress building, so check it out: www.brattleborocyclingcenter.com/

Turtle Pond Circuit Race Registration Opens

2009-02-16T17:01:00.013-05:00

Registration for the 2009 edition of the Turtle Pond Circuit Race is now open (the first race for most of us since the fields in the Battenkill-Roubaix are already closed). The race is on Saturday, April 25th.

The finish in last year's race was at the top of Oak Hill. They have changed the course and added a hill on the back of the course, and the finish, instead of the top of Oak Hill, has been moved to School Street, and this will allow for a sprint finish. In previous years, the climbers had an advantage at the finish. Depending upon your field, you will do at least 3 laps of the circuit.

Me (15th) and Pip (10th) did this race together in '07, and he dropped me on the hill at the finish. If it had been a field sprint, I know I would have been unable to stay on his wheel.

The race flyer and course map may be found here: www.metlifecyclingteam.com/events/turtlepond.09.php

Will

PBC Is Now On Facebook

2009-02-15T18:44:00.005-05:00

The Putney Bicycle Club is now on Facebook. Join our group here.

USCF New England Road Race Schedule Is Up

2009-02-15T18:23:00.001-05:00

Schedule may be found here.

Prouty Ultimate Centry & Double Century July 10-11

2009-01-25T15:30:00.005-05:00

Plan now for the Prouty Ultimate, a 200-mile, two-day ride through New Hampshire’s beautiful countryside, July 10-11, 2009.

Day 1: (limited to 100 riders) from Manchester to Hanover: lakes shores, small towns, vistas and rolling terrain.
Day 2: (more than 3,200 riders) the Prouty Century Ride: rivers and farmland, gentle terrain, a jubilant celebration at the end. Proceeds benefit the Norris Cotton Cancer Center.

* Total ascent for the first day is 4,580 feet and 3,228 for day two, compared to 2,500 for the entire Pan Mass.
* Overnight accommodations in new, air conditioned dorms at Dartmouth College.
* Great swag, tremendous food, first aid, roving bike techs to fix flats, transport and return of excess clothing and bags.
* Minimum fundraising level is $2,500 unless you bring a buddy, an “ultiMATE,” and then it is $1,750 per person. Proceeds benefit the Norris Cotton Cancer Center with patient services for New Hampshire and Vermont and research for the world.

Info: (603) 653-3629 or 1-800-226-8744

Time to Renew Your Racing License

2008-12-18T18:57:00.003-05:00

USA Cycling lists 12 PBC members with racing licenses that expire on 12-31-08, and 5 PBC members whose licenses expired on 12-31-07. Time to renew your license for next year's races: www.usacycling.org

The PBC will be holding its annual meeting soon. Any ideas or suggestions are welcome. Just send us an e-mail.

Pip Wins National Cyclo-Cross Title!!!

2008-12-13T17:11:00.000-05:00

Pip Bannister of Putney just won the 60-64 National Title at the US Cyclo-Cross Championships in Kansas City. Check out the VeloNews story, including an interview with Pip, here. USAC has a great photo of Pip celebrating his victory. Cyclingnews.com has a photo of Pip and dailypeloton has the podium shot with Pip resplendent in his new Stars-and-Stripes jersey (although they got the caption wrong). Way to go Pip!!!

Tour of the Battenkill 2009

2008-12-13T14:19:00.008-05:00

The 2009 Tour of the Battenkill returns April 18-19, 2009 in the Battenkill Valley of Upstate NY.

Changes from last year:
1. Course & venue change to Cambridge, NY (12 mi. south of Salem, NY - site of 2005-2008)
2. 100k / 62 mile Pro/Am on Saturday, April 18
3. A pending addition of a UCI 1.2 Professional Men's Race on Sunday, April 19 - 200k
4. Cyclo-Sportif on Sunday morning

Registration for the Pro/Am opens at www.bikereg.com December 21 at 7 PM.

Prouty Double Century - Benefits Norris Cotton Cancer Center

2008-12-13T14:05:00.007-05:00

Billed as the Prouty Ultimate, July 10-11, 2009, a 200-mile, two-day ride through New Hampshire’s beautiful countryside. 1st Century is from Manchester to Hanover: lake shores, small towns, vistas and rolling terrain. Transportation to Manchester is provided.2nd Century is the Prouty Century Ride: rivers and farmland, gentle terrain, a jubilant celebration at the end.

Total ascent for the first day is 4,580 feet and 3,228 for day two. Overnight accommodations in new, air conditioned dorms the night before the ride at Southern New Hampshire University and the night after the first century at Dartmouth College. Minimum fundraising level is $2,500.

Proceeds benefit the Norris Cotton Cancer Center with patient services for New Hampshire and Vermont and research for the world.

Wanted: Cyclists to Contribute to This Blog

2008-12-11T10:43:00.006-05:00

Will Kraham has been working hard at maintaining this Putney Bike Club website - but anyone who is interested can contribute: adding upcoming events, ride write-ups, or whatever you want that's cycling related.

So just post a comment here, and I'll send you an "invitation" to contribute to this blog. Up to 100 people can have "author" status on the site.

2008 West Hill Shop Cyclocross Race Results

2008-11-12T10:49:00.002-05:00

To see the results, photos and a video of the 2008 West Hill Shop Cyclocross Race (and 2008 Vermont State Cyclocross Championships), visit westhillshop.com.

Connecticut Valley Century

2008-09-01T08:33:00.009-05:00

2008 Connecticut Valley Century (COVAC) Benefit Bike Ride - Saturday, Sept. 6 starts and ends at the Hatfield Pavilion, Billings Way, Hatfield, MA. This rain or shine event features rides of 100, 75, 50 and 25 miles.

Ride Fee is $25 prior to 9/3 - get a free ride T-shirt; $35 on the Day of the ride.

Registration/check-in is from 7:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Fee includes cue sheets, SAG stops & snacks, and an after ride Baked Potato with all the fixings. All proceeds benefit the Amherst Rotary Good Works Fund.

For more information www.amherstrotaryclub.org/covac or call Sandy at 413-665-7505.

Last TNR - This Tuesday - Sept. 2nd

2008-09-01T08:18:00.009-05:00

This Tuesday is the last planned TNR of the season. Potluck was scheduled for West Hill Shop Sept. 9, but it has been cancelled because of bad weather forecast and lack of RSVP. Email suggestions for end of season ride and barbecue to Pam Matweecha.

Quad Cross 2008 (Bedford Springs)

2008-08-31T08:55:00.005-05:00

Presented by QuadCycles, Middlesex Community College
Bedford, MA
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Register here.

Sucker Brook Cross

2008-08-31T08:12:00.004-05:00

Presented by Nault's Cyclery
Auburn, NH
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Online Registration Closes Thursday, September 18, 2008, 12:30 AM ET

Register here.

Green Mountain Cyclo-Cross Weekend

2008-08-31T07:56:00.006-05:00

Green Mountain Cyclo-Cross Weekend, Verge NECCS Rounds 1 & 2, UCI Class 2
Presented by Catamount Family Center, Williston, VT

Saturday, September 27, 2008 to Sunday, September 28, 2008
Online Registration Closes Thursday, September 25, 2008, NOON ET

Register here. Race flyer here.

Grand Prix Louis Garneau 2008 Cyclcross de Magog

2008-08-31T07:35:00.007-05:00

Grand Prix Louis Garneau 2008 Cyclocross de Magog

Presented by
Martin Valiquette

Magog, PQ

Sunday, September 21, 2008
Online Registration Closes
Friday, September 19, 2008 at 8:00 AM ET

Register here.

Race flyer may be found here.

New England Velo-Cross Challenge

2008-08-31T07:29:00.005-05:00

Presented by Lead Cycling Promotions
Londonderry, NH

Saturday, September 20, 2008
Online Registration Closes Friday, September 19, 2008, 6:00 PM ET

Register here.
Race flyer here.

Amesbury Cross

2008-08-31T07:15:00.007-05:00

Presented by Noreast Cycling
Amesbury Pines Park Amesbury, MA

Sunday, September 14, 2008
Online Registration Closes Friday, September 12, 2008, 9:00 PM ET

Register here.

Race flyer may be found here.

Cycle-Smart Cyclo-Cross Training Camp

2008-08-31T07:10:00.005-05:00

Cyclo-Cross Training Camp
Presented by
Cycle-Smart

Northfield, MA, at the Northfield/Mt. Hermon School

Friday, September 05, 2008 to Sunday, September 07, 2008
Online Registration Closes
Sunday, August 31, 2008 at 11:45 PM ET

Register here.

Three Notch Century

2008-08-31T06:53:00.014-05:00

Three Notch Century

Lincoln, NH

Sunday, September 07, 2008
Online Registration Closes
Friday, September 05, 2008 at 4:00 PM ET
Register here.

Benefits Northeast Passage.

"This scenic and challenging ride will take participants through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Cyclists will begin at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, NH and ride through Franconia Notch, Crawford Notch and over the Kancamagus Highway, ending back at Loon for a post event meal. Entry fee includes Three Notch Century t-shirt, four check points and post-event meal.

Participants are encouraged to raise additional funds to support Northeast Passage's disabled sports programs. All proceeds benefit Northeast Passage, a non-profit organization that provides recreation and health promotion programs to people with disabilties in New England."

"Northeast Passage delivers disability-related health promotion and adapted sports programs throughout New England. Northeast Passage is a program of the University of New Hampshire’s College of Health and Human Services is an affiliate of Disabled Sports USA. All proceeds from the Three Notch Century directly benefit the participants of Northeast Passage's adapted sports programs."

Tour of Quebec Registration Deadline is Approaching

2008-08-30T17:01:00.003-05:00

The Tour of Quebec

There is open registration for men and women, to race on 9/6 and 9/7: Juniors, Cat 3-4, and Masters. 164.5 km for men; 138.5 km for women.

Putney/West Hill & Friends Race Results

2008-08-30T16:05:00.007-05:00

I've been in Austin, Texas for the last five weeks, so the blog is a bit out of date. Here are some recent and not so recent race results to report:

Mt. Ascutney Hill Climb 3.7 miles
The conditions were hot and humid.

Jay Gump - Incline Training - 7th overall (1st in age group 34-44) at 28:42
Stephen Power - N.E. Roadmasters - 13th overall (3rd in age group 45-54) at 31:05
Michael McCusker - NCC - 26th overall (1st in age group 55-64) at 32:30
Jeremy Coleman - Putney/West Hill - 124th overall (9th in age group 55-64) at 40:44

Concord Criterium

Steve Fortier - Putney/West Hill - 26th Master 45+

Tokeneke Road Race

Bruce Carlson - Putney/West Hill - 21st Master 55+

Housatonic Hills Road Race

Mike McCusker - NCC - 5th Master 55+

Nutmeg Classic Criterium

Bruce Carlson - Putney/West Hill - 22nd Master 55+
John Bentley - 1st - Master 65+

Hartford Downtown Criterium

Steve Fortier - Putney/West Hill - 55th Master 40+
Bruce Carlson - Putney/West Hill - 15th Master 60+

Claremont Criterium

Steve Fortier - Putney/West Hill - 11th Master 35+

Unless I'm mistaken pardners, it appears that Steve Fortier is racing more than any other club member.

Putney/West Hill Race Van - Update

2008-06-14T21:36:00.009-05:00

I have been searching for a used step van to convert into a PBC vehicle that could be repainted in the team colors and outfitted with fork mount bike racks, ski racks, gear boxes, and seats, and could be used for all club events: transporting racers and bikes and gear to road races, criteriums, cyclocross races, mountain bike races, nordic races, or used as a support vehicle for special events (length of the state ride; tour of the valley ride, charity rides; 4 gap ride, etc.). I was looking for an aluminum body vehicle, with either a gas or diesel engine. UPS, when they retire a vehicle, they remove all usable parts, paint it gray, and have it crushed. I guess they don't want anyone to associate "Brown" with any activity other than UPS deliveries. I received conflicting reports from FedEx drivers about what happens to their vans when they retire them. A certain bakery driver told me his company never retires their trucks, they just keep replacing parts and they are still using trucks manufactured in the 1960s. Wonder Bread has some good used step vans for sale. I have looked on ebay, craig's list, and other internet sources. I have found some promising trucks, but since no one responded to me about this project (except for Daq - who was as excited and enthusiastic as I had expected he would be), I assume that no one is interested and I have abandoned this project for now. My original post entitled "Putney/West Hill Race Bus" dated May 3, 2008 resulted in ZERO comments. The WHS made it clear that they could not support the project financially (nor did I ask them for any $), and were apprehensive about parking it in the field since it may cause trouble with the town (a sign issue).

If there is any interest in pursuing this project, please contact me.

A great New Yorker article about step vans ("A Fleet of One") can be found here.

PBC Membership Benefits Reminder

2008-06-05T08:03:00.004-05:00

PBC membership benefits include:

10% off tires and tubes
10% off cycling tops and bottoms
10% off West Hill Shop clothing
Free or discounted admission to bicycle clinics and workshops
Summer Cycling Feast at West Hill Shop
Ability to post on PBC website
Discounted entry fee to West Hill Shop races (Mt. Bike / Cyclocross)
Putney Food Coop 10% off coupon

Plus the prestige of wearing the legendary PBC colors, recognized throughout the world since the 1960s.

Join now here.

Waiver can be found here.

TNR Start Times

2008-06-04T07:27:00.003-05:00

A reminder that all TNR start promptly at 5:30 pm from that week's venue.

Wenzel Coaching Article on Race Tactics

2008-06-04T07:25:00.000-05:00

Read aritcle here.

Race Results / Rider Down

2008-06-04T07:08:00.004-05:00

Putney/West Hill Racer Results:

Hartford Criterium

Masters 40+ Steve Fortier 55th place (field sprint with winner)
Masters 60+ Bruce Carlson 15th place (field sprint with winner)

Rider Down:

John Bentley, who won a Senior Games race on Saturday, crashed on Sunday during a group ride while descending on Route 100 when two riders touched wheels and crashed in front of him. Concussion (LOC), bruises, road rash, but nothing broken. All he needs is a new helmet and a few weeks to heal.

Colorado Premier Training

2008-06-01T05:55:00.006-05:00

For anyone who might be interested:

"My name is Chad Wells. I'm a coach with Colorado Premier Training (CPT) and I'm offering to you an exclusive offer for Putney Bicycle Club. This is a brand new sponsorship program we have just come out with, and I hope you'll be interested in taking us up on our offer.

The offer includes huge group discounts on:
* Individualized Coaching
* Wind Tunnel Testing (in some sponsorship packages, free)
* Power Meters
* Training Camps
* And much more...

CPT is one of the most experienced and successful nation-wide coaching organizations, and are also known for our 100% success rate at the CPT Wind Tunnel making teams like Team Slipstream, the fastest time trial team in the world. We work with recreational athletes to Olympians, and have the right coaching package for everyone.

Some of the athletes we work with, or have worked with, include:
* Levi Leipheimer, Professional Road Cyclist
* Tom Danielson, Professional Road Cyclist
* Dave Zabriski, Professional Road Cyclist, Fastest TT ever in the Tour de
France
* David Millar, Professional Road Cyclist
* Anthony Colby, Professional Road Cyclist
* Teddy King, former USA National Team member, Professional Road Cyclist
* Magnus Backstedt, Professional Road Cyclist
* Chris Baldwin, Professional Road Cyclist
* Christian Vande Velde, Professional Road Cyclist
* Danny Pate, Professional Road Cyclist
* Taylor Phinney, World Time Trial Champion
* Tom Peterson, Professional Road Cyclist
* Marisa Owens, Professional Road Cyclist
* Ben Jacques-Maynes, Professional Road Cyclist
* Dotsie Bausch, Professional Road Cyclist
* Chris Wherry, 2005 USPRO Champion, Professional Road Cyclist
* Jamie Whitmore, Xterra World Champion
* Lisa Lieb, Xterra Age Group National and World Champion
* Todd Wells, Olympian & US National Cyclocross Champion
* Shonny VanLandingham, 2006 NORBA Champion
* Chann McRea, USPRO Champion
Some of the current teams we work with include:
* Team Slipstream/Chipotle-H30
* Team Type 1 Pro Cycling Team
* Fort Lewis College Cycling Team
* Legacy Energy Professional Cycling Team
* Echelon Spokes and Slopes Racing

The sponsorship we are offering will allow your club to gain the fitness and knowledge to compete at the next level, using individualized training plans to maximize your clubs potential. Working with Colorado Premier Training, you will receive professional level coaching from our staff.

Please contact me for sponsorship program details. Our offer is through July 31st only.

To learn more about Colorado Premier Training, you can check us out on the web at http://www.coloradopremiertraining.com.

Chad Wells
Director of Residency Coaches
Colorado Premier Training
231-330-0594
chadw@coloradopremiertraining.com
http://www.coloradopremiertraining.com
**Click here for a chance to WIN a FREE wind tunnel session**"

Tour of the Valleys Road Race History

2008-05-31T06:22:00.016-05:00

Wearing the Putney/West Hill jersey and racing in the Master's field last season inevitably brought questions from other racers, such as, "How's Neil?" "Is the shop still without plumbing?" "Where's Scott Wade?" "Is David Bradford here?" along with comments, such as," The Tour of the Valleys was a great race." I trained with Doug Dale at Incline Training this winter, and he would reminisce about the TOV race. I rode the Tour of the Valleys course on May 17th, and noticed the usual landmarks (the water spigot with the cyclist sculpture on Kurn Hattin Hill; the sheep in the meadow with the sheep dog near the fence on the Patch Rd. at the Major farm) and realized what a great course it must have been, since it had two climbs, and a hilltop finish (Green Mountain Orchards on West Hill Rd.), and unlike many of the road races today, it did not consist of several laps around a shorter course. So I asked Neil to give me a little history about the race, and here is the first installment regarding the first three years.

"The first TOV was a point to point starting in Lebanon, NH, and finishing all the way up at Putney School, at that last turn up to Elm Lea Farm. John Allis led for most of the race, but was passed right at the last turn by Doug Dale, a savvy drafter and sprinter, who took the inside line. The next race was on the current loop, except the finish was at the Putney elementary school. We thought all the hills would spread out the field but there was a bunch sprint, at 30+ mph, of over a dozen riders for the win! We had to ask the racers where they thought they placed. So the next year we changed to a "promoter's finish", that is, after a steep climb. So most racers remember the finish at Green Mtn Orchards. Yes, there was cold beer available after the first events. We often, in the first years, had some hot Canadians come down who would take the best prizes home"

Ride Leader Needed for TNR on June 10th

2008-05-31T05:50:00.011-05:00

Weatherhead Hollow Road
Franklin Farm
Leyden

Colrain
Leyden

Arne Hammarlund will not be able to lead the TNR on Tuesday June 10th - it starts at the Guilford Fairgrounds, is a 37 mile ride through the towns of Leyden and Colrain and Guilford. Please contact me if you can lead this ride.

Recommended Road Races in June

2008-05-26T05:20:00.015-05:00

Waterville Valley Time Trial
Campton, NH
Saturday, June 07, 2008

Register here.

Cyclonauts Road Race
Monson, MA
Saturday, June 14, 2008

Register here.

Housatonic Hills Road Race
Southbury, CT
Sunday, June 15, 2008

Register here.

Cox Charities Cycling Classic
Providence, RI
Saturday, June 28, 2008

Register here.

TNR Schedule Update and Other News

2008-05-20T06:31:00.005-05:00

There have been some changes to the schedule, so be sure to check the latest version of the TNR schedule here.

If you have paid your PBC dues and have not received your membership card please let me know -- send an email to putney.bicycle@gmail.com or directly to me at will.kraham@gmail.com

The next VMBA monthly meeting will be held at Grafton Ponds in Grafton VT, on Wednesday May 21 @ 7pm. Grafton Ponds is interested in becoming a chapter of VMBA, which is excellent news! For more info, contact:

Patrick D. Kell
Executive Director
Vermont Mountain Bike Association
1949 East Main Street Richmond, VT 05477
802-434-3969 x 112
www.vmba.org

I have created a PBC folder for all members to post their favorite routes on Map My Ride, and I will publish the username and password when I finish mapping my hill climber's ride and upload the route to the folder.

Tour of the Valleys Weather Update

2008-05-16T18:30:00.004-05:00

It is raining now, but the weather tomorrow for the TOTV ride is promising: At the time of the start, the temperature will be in the high fifties or low sixties, so you may want to start in arm warmers and knee warmers. It will be partly cloudy all day, with only a 20% chance of rain -- it will rain late in the afternoon, but you will be napping with a full belly by then. There will be a 9 mph wind from the west, so we may have a tailwind as we ride from Grafton to Saxtons River. See y'all tomorrow.

TNR Gaps

2008-05-15T22:01:00.002-05:00

There are still some gaps in the TNR schedule -- rides w/o leaders. Please look over the schedule here and let me know if you can lead a ride.

Oyez, Oyez, Weekly Mt. Bike Training Races Start on Wednesday, June 4th

2008-05-12T15:40:00.004-05:00

The Putney Bicycle Club, through the efforts of John Buser and John Baker, will start weekly mountain bike training races at the race course at the Putney School Lower Farm, every Wednesday at 5:30, beginning on the 1st Wednesday in June -- June 4th. There will be category A, B, and C races -- self-selected. All mountain bike racers are welcome - you do not have to be a member of the PBC to race - but this series would not be possible without the generous volunteer effort of PBC club members. If you want your bicycle club to offer more events of this type, then you need to step up, pay your dues, and take an active part.

Tour of the Valleys

2008-05-12T15:25:00.007-05:00

The classic Tour of the Valley ride will take place this Saturday, May 17th. The start location is the West Hill Shop. The start time is 11 a.m. Post-ride food provided courtesy of the West Hill Shop and the Putney Bicycle Club. All riders of all abilities are welcome, but if you are not a Putney Bicycle Club member, now is your chance to join the club. This is a tour -- not a race. Be safe, have fun. Below is the official flyer.

Tour of the Valleys RIDE
This Saturday, May 17th

Leaving from the West Hill Shop at 11AM
This historic 60 mile race loop through Windham County Vermont is now a scenic show-n-go ride, finishing with an apres ride feast with friends. Maps available, but no support. PLEASE sign in before you ride, thanks!
Raindate Sunday the 18th departing @ 12:00pm
Questions....
email Jim Sweitzer at jim@westhillshop.com

Check out West Hill Shop here

Check out Putney Bicycle Club here

TNR - May 13th - Change

2008-05-12T12:57:00.005-05:00

The start location for the TNR tomorrow - May 13th - has changed from Marlboro College to the Chesterfield Inn, with the post-ride meal at Top of the Hill Grill. Ride leader is Bob Immler. Pass it on.

TNR May 13th

2008-05-12T11:49:00.001-05:00

The Tuesday NIght Ride will be from Chesterfield Inn, with dinner at the Top of the Hill Grill.

The Length of the State Ride - Our Club History

2008-05-05T06:24:00.012-05:00

The West Hill Shop today (it was once located on West Hill Road in Putney).

In an earlier post, I informed readers of the 1st Annual Connecticut River Challenge Ride - a one-day event from the Canadian border to the Massachusetts border on Route 5. (See post dated 4/20/08).

Neil Quinn, founder of the West Hill Shop, former racer, promoter of the famous "Tour of the Valleys" road race, and the father lode of historical information about cycling in these here parts for the past 40 years, provided me with the following history of the length of the state ride:

It was Bob Gray (West Hill Shop/Snail Cycles co-founder, many-time national X-C 50k champion) who had the idea to ride the state in one day as a training exercise with several other hot-shot cross country ski racers. Johnny Caldwell had earlier persuaded some ski team members (including Bob) to run the Long Trail from Canada to Massachusetts as a training exercise (a new record, 9 days 4 hours, 270 miles, in 1969). Most of the riders in the first years were national-class X-C skiers; Bob, Jim Galanes ("The Motor"), Tim Caldwell, Chris Osgood, Joe McNulty, Stan Dunklee (I think), Kim Mumford (US downhill team). Bill Koch came along on a number of the rides, although his knees usually gave out after about 150 miles. It was sort of by-invitation-only, trying to include only good riders who would not crash out the others, or start too quickly and not maintain the pace. We would do support with one or two vehicles, often with Bob's wife Sue in their truck. The plan was to keep buying food and drink and pull ahead of the riders every hour or two and stop so they could take on vittles. They would stop most years for an hour for lunch, around Stockbridge. Sometimes there would be a swimming stop, in Plymouth. One year we went up the night before and camped out near North Troy....the mosquitos were so bad we packed up about 9:30pm and had to search out two motel rooms for the rest of the night! One year I was able to fit 13 (count 'em, thirteen) bicycles, along with Bevan and Jeremy, into my red Suburban, while most of the riders went up in other cars. The usual start was at day break at the border checkpoint at North Troy. The usual route was Route 100 all the way to Route 30 then to Route 5 to finish at the Bernardston border. The skiers, just off their season, were not concerned with Terrible Mountain or any other hills. I never rode the whole way myself, but joined in for segments. One year Bill Koch thought it would make sense to start at the Mass border; he said he heard that there would be a wind out of the South all day. They had a head wind most of the way instead.

After many LOTS rides each year, it died out as a West Hill thing, largely due, I think, to too many Bozos wanting to come along.

Other groups have done it, of course, since those early days (I think we were the first). Betsy and I had a friend (Doug Fontaine, a VBT leader) who started up north near Canada with a another rider, rode down one day unsupported to our house on the Massachusetts border, spent the night on our kitchen floor, and rode back up the length of the state the next day.

This is one of those events that exists just in our memories....little was ever written down. We did take a few pictures sometimes. I remember one of Bob by the Massachusetts border sign; he was very obviously thinner than he had been that morning at the start.

Stay tuned for more posts on our club history.

Putney/West Hill Race Bus

2008-05-03T08:00:00.007-05:00

I previously floated the idea of buying an old school bus, painting it in the West Hill colors, and converting it to carry bikes and racers to road, mt. bike, and cross races. However, my discussions with the Vermont Dept. of Motor Vehicles went nowhere, and even if we took out most or all of the seats, they maintained that the driver would need to have a commercial driver's license, since the bus was originally designed to carry X number of passengers -- so I gave up.

Now I am considering reviving the concept, and purchasing a panel van instead, so anyone can drive it. Is there any interest in this project? I can locate a vehicle, but will need help painting it in the West Hill colors, and installing bike racks and ski racks and clothing and equipment boxes, and seats for racers. If it is parked in the field in front of the shop, with the side facing I-91, it will serve as mobile advertising for the shop. Anyone interested in forming a committee to work on this project? When I obtain non-profit certification from the IRS as a 501(c) organization for the PBC, any monetary donations or labor can be deductible as charitable expenses. We will need to raise some funds for purchase, supplies, registration, and insurance. If you are interested in helping out, drop me an email.

You're either on the bus or you're off the bus.Tom Wolfe, The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. This is a great book by Tom Wolfe first published in 1967. It tracks the story of Ken Kesey following the eye of the storm so to speak as it leaves the Beat Generation, stops by the Perry Lane bohemians and then crashes onto California at full force with the hippies, LSD and psychedelia.

The van could be used to go to races, but can also be used as a support vehicle for long recreational rides, like the Length of the State ride, and can be used for cross country ski events, and we could have the van in the 4th of July parade, with a group of riders in PBC clothing riding behind the van throwing out Gu packets to the crowd.

Will.

Berkshire Brevet 300k

2008-05-03T07:11:00.004-05:00

Berkshire Brevet 300K
Westfield, MA
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Register here.

"A hilly route heading west into the Berkshires then south along the Housatonic river to Kent CT. Crosses into eastern NY before returning to Westfield. Route is Lollipop shaped. Climbs include Jacob's Ladder (8 miles) both outbound and inbound and BashBish Falls (4.5 miles long with two short sections of steep, 18% grades)."

Repository of Rides

2008-05-03T06:47:00.015-05:00

I will be creating an account on the Map My Ride website for all PBC members to access ride routes. This site permits the creation and viewing of routes in map, satellite, topographical, or hybrid views. I will post the account name and password in the near future, so stay tuned. You may upload any route you already have created using the Map My Ride tools, or that you have created using topographical software, or simply a text based cue sheet or map. Eventually, we will have a repository of all of our favorite rides that all members may access at any time. The link for the Map My Ride website is already on our main page, on the right hand side, under the heading "Our Favorite Spots."

On a personal note, I upgraded to Cat 3 based on my road race results in 2007, but do not have medical clearance to race this year due to my spinal cord injury resulting from the OTH accident last August during the D2R2 endurance ride, which prevented me from competing the Green Mountain Stage Race. I will be competing in the Mt. Ascutney, Mt. Agamenticus, and Mt. Greylock time trials, and participating in endurance events (Brevets, Length of the State ride). I will be having spinal cord surgery in the fall and recovering during the winter (no cross-country skiing for a second consecutive winter).

If you have any suggestions for future posts, please let me know.

Will, PBC, Inc. President

Astronomy Picture of the Day

2008-04-28T07:57:00.003-05:00

Star Forming Region NGC 3582
Credit & Copyright: T. A. Rector (U. Alaska), T. Abbott, NOAO, AURA, NSF

This the photo for today. A different photo every day. The link is here.

Syracuse Race Weekend - Stage Race

2008-04-24T03:48:00.021-05:00

Syracuse Race Weekend
Syracuse, NY
Saturday, May 17, 2008 to Sunday, May 18, 2008

51 - 111 miles depending upon your category.

A stage race, consisting of the Song Mountain Road Race and the Song Mountain Time Trial (8 miles) on Saturday,
and the Syracuse Criterium on Sunday. The Song Mountain Ski Resort is located in Tully, NY. The road races start at 10 a.m., racing from Song Mountain through Otisco Valley and a climb on Oak Hill Rd. The Individual Time Trial – First rider at 3:30 p.m. The crit starts at 9 a.m. on Sunday and is at Syracuse's Inner Harbor - broad roads and wide turns.
There is a Children's Race – Starting at Noon on Sunday, with free helmets and fittings for children.

Register here.
There is a British style ale brewery in Syracuse - the Middle Ages Brewery, 120 Wilkinson St - Syracuse, NY 13204. Here are their beers, if you are tired of

as your post-race recovery drink:

Race Results - Putney/West Hill

2008-04-24T03:32:00.005-05:00

Turtle Pond Circuit Race
Christopher Bagg - 1st place - Cat 3 (former Putney/West Hill -- now races for BikeReg.Com)
Steve Fortier - 35th place - Masters 45+
Bruce Carlson - 22nd place - Masters 55+

Battenkill-Roubaix
Arne Hammarlund - 9th place - Men 5 45+ (a tough course - pavement and dirt - with one climb that usually splits the field)

Myles Standish State Park Road Race
David Bradford - 1st place - Masters 55+ (former Putney/West Hill - now races for Masters Velo Cycling Club)
Steve Fortier - 22nd place - Masters 45+

Sturbride and Palmer races are this weekend.

Windham Wheelmen Weekend Rides Start this Weekend

2008-04-21T12:12:00.009-05:00

The Windham Wheelman Weekend Rides officially start this Saturday, April 26th.

Location: Parking lot of Vermont District Court on Linden St.

Start Time: 7:30 a.m. (will start at 7:00 a.m. as the days lengthen) on Saturday and Sunday

Distance: Two to two and one-half hours

Pace: 16-17 m.p.h.

No one will be dropped (they wait for those who come off the back)

For more information, contact Woody at Burrows Specialized Sports (254-9530) Link is here.

Berkshire Brevet 200k

2008-04-20T22:37:00.010-05:00

Berkshire Brevet 200K
Westfield, MA
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Open to everyone.
North along the western side of the Connecticut River Valley to Southern Vermont and back. A moderately hilly route.

Register here.

"The Berkshire Brevets are a series of randonneur cycling events in Western Massachusetts. If you enjoy century rides and challenging events, you will find randonnueur cycling a rewarding experience. The randonneur season is broken into a series of brevets of 200 km, 300 km, 400 km, and 600 km, a team 24 hr., and a final event of 1200 km. The goal of the randonneur cyclist is to complete all events within time limits. You can expect about 3,000 ft. of climbing for each 100 km. Each brevet is designed to challenge and prepare the long distance cyclists for the next ride in the series and act as a qualifier for Paris - Brest – Paris (1200 km) and other 1200 Km events throughout the world. The purpose of the Berkshire Brevets is to introduce cyclists in Western Massachusetts and Connecticut to the sport of randonneur cycling and to offer alternate dates for riders wishing to qualify for 1200 Km events such P-B-P The next Paris - Brest - Paris is in August 2011.

The Berkshire Brevets are organized and hosted by the Northeast Sport Cyclists Bicycle Club and New Horizons Sports.

Randonneur cycling is long distance (endurance) cycling with minimal or no support. A brevet is not a race, although the ride is timed and some riders will seek a personal best time, the primary goal is simply to finish. The style of riding is characterized by various rules and traditions that date to 1891 in France when the first Paris – Brest – Paris race was held. When one participates in brevet events, one is part of worldwide brotherhood of cyclists, with over 116 years of history and legend."

Recommended Criteriums in May

2008-04-20T08:16:00.007-05:00

Cyclonauts Racers Criterium
Safford Springs, CT
Saturday, May 24, 2008

Register here.

Hartford Downtown Criterium
Hartford, CT
Sunday, May 25, 2008

Register here.
Wide sweeping corners around the park -- fast course.

Connecticut River Challenge

2008-04-20T08:06:00.005-05:00

The Vermont Border to Border

Connecticut River Challenge

The first annual Vermont Border to Border Connecticut River Challenge
will be held on June 28, 2008. This one-day bike ride will cover the
length of Vermont on Highway 5, mostly along the Connecticut River.
Riders will start at the break of dawn from Derby Line and finish at
the Massachusetts border around 5:00pm. The course is relatively flat
by Vermont standards, and approximately 182 miles long.

This ride is for experienced cyclists who can maintain a 17-18 mph
pace in a group. We will stay at a hotel near the start the night
before the ride, and will ride together along the course. .

This is a completely informal event with no cost. Riders are expected
to arrange transportation to the start and from the finish, as well as
refueling. A caravan of friends, spouses, parole officers, and guys
that owe us money will set up refueling stops about every 30 miles.

Teams can divide the ride into two, 90 mile segments, with one member
driving as the other rides. Cyclists having trouble can also use the
caravan to get to the finish.

We are asking that interested participants commit to the event by June 1.

For more information, contact John Orlando at jorlando@norwich.edu, or
802-878-2860.

Recommended Road Races in May

2008-04-18T05:51:00.017-05:00

Jiminy Peak Road Race
Hancock, MA
Saturday, May 03, 2008
60-150 km depending upon your category.
Classic New England race with large fields. Long hill at the end of each lap, with a climber's finish.

Register here.

Blue Hills Classic
Milton, MA
Sunday, May 04, 2008
21-28 miles depending upon your category.

Register here.

The 14th Annual MRC Sterling Classic Road Race
Sterling, MA
Saturday, May 10, 2008
24-80 miles depending upon your category.

Register here.
Finishes at the top of a short hill.
Free pizza after the race.

Lake Sunapee Bike Race
Newbury, NH
Saturday, May 17, 2008
23-69 miles depending upon your category.

Register here.
Great hill finish after the rotary.
The longest running bike race in New England.
Weather is a factor -- sometimes it is cold and rainy.

Lake Auburn Road Race
Auburn, ME
Saturday, May 31, 2008
35-81 miles depending upon your category.

Register here.
Some rollers and a gradual climb at the end of each lap, with a long flat section for a 200m sprint finish.
Well worth the drive.

Hill Climb Rides in Western MA

2008-04-17T12:43:00.007-05:00

There is a regular ride that departs every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. from Incline Training (60 Wells St. in Greenfield, MA), and typically goes into the hill towns for some excellent climbing. This group is fast and climbs hard, but they do wait at the top.

Norris Cotton Cancer Center (Prouty) Charity Rides

2008-04-17T05:40:00.008-05:00

I have done the Prouty Century ride several times - great route, support and food - and a worthwhile cause - does anyone not know someone who has battled cancer? Here are some options:

The 1st Annual Prouty Ultimate Double Century Ride
July 11 - 12, 2008, Manchester to Hanover, NH

The Prouty Ultimate Double Century Ride, 200 miles in 2 days. Day One is a scenic, challenging 100 mile route from Manchester to Hanover, NH. Day Two riders join the Prouty Century Ride. Minimum pledge of $2,500 is required. All monies raised benefit Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center. Register here

The 27th Annual Prouty Century Bike Ride and Challenge Walk
July 12, 2008, Hanover, NH

Join more than 4,000 people to help raise money for cancer research and patient services at Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center. Bike ride 100, 50 or 25 miles or walk 5, 10, 15 or 20k through the beautiful Connecticut River Valley. The day will be filled with food, entertainment, kid's activities, great prizes and more! Register for this year's Prouty online here or call Laura Harrington at 1-800-226-8744 for more information.

Charity Ride to Save the Schell Bridge

2008-04-14T14:23:00.006-05:00

SAVE THE DATE!

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Ride for the Schell!
Save May 3, and spread the word to Ride for the Schell and benefit the efforts to restore it for hiking and biking.

On May 3, 2008, Friends of Schell Bridge will sponsor three bike rides in Northfield, starting at 9:00 in the morning. REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 8:30 AT THE GREEN TREES PARKING LOT! ALL RIDES WILL BEGIN AT THIS LOCATION TOO.

A 17-mile loop will begin at the boat ramp (with its view of Schell Bridge) on the east side of the river, proceed through the village, cross the river on the route 10 bridge and wind through the hills and back roads of west Northfield (venturing briefly into Vermont). This route returns across the route 10 bridge and ends with post-ride festivities at Green Trees Gallery on Main Street. See the route map on the right-hand panel. This 17-mile ride will be led by experienced bikers and will be family oriented.
A 3-mile loop will cater to those family members preferring a gentler ride.
For the serious biking enthusiast a 35-mile loop on both sides of the river in the tri-state area, begins and ends in Northfield.
The entrance fee is $20 ($25 for families, kids under 12 free), and participants will be required to wear helmets and sign a liability waiver. Register at either of these locations: Bike Reg http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=5833 , or at Green Trees Gallery at 105 Main Street, Northfield---on the morning of the event. [Same day registration fees are: $25 for singles, $30 for families] It should be a fun time, so please mark your calendar and come on out!

Several representatives of the Massachusetts Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Board will be present that day and will be joining us on the ride.
All rides start at Green Trees Gallery/Offices of Friends of Schell Bridge 105 Main Street, Northfield, MA. Then we will ride --as a group-- to the State boat launching ramp to view the bridge--and then get underway from there. Plenty of free parking and bathrooms are at Friends of Schell offices.

The Schell Bridge was named one of the Ten Most Endangered Historic Resources in 2003.
The Schell Memorial Bridge is a 515--foot long steel cantilever truss bridge donated in 1902 to the town of Northfield by one of its leading citizens, Francis R. Schell, who hoped to obtain easy access from his chateau in downtown Northfield to the East Northfield Railroad Station.

Schell Bridge is the third oldest of five Pennsylvania Truss Bridges and was designed by Edward S. Shaw, an important bridge engineer in Massachusetts from 1873 to 1919. Up until its closing in 1985, the Schell Bridge provided the town with easy transportation between the two sides of the village, which is divided by the Connecticut River.

Lack of funding for maintenance and rehabilitation are ongoing threats to the Schell Bridge. The town never had sufficient funding to maintain the bridge and by 1985, it was too far deteriorated from a structural strength point of view and was closed.

MassHwy devised a plan to repair the bridge, but the town could not justify the costs of assuming responsibility for maintaining the rehabilitated structure. In 1992, with no group willing to take on the responsibility of the bridge, the decision was made to tear it down. Demolition bids were made and contracts awarded in 1999, but the bridge was never torn down.

There’s a funny cycle that occurs in the history of the building,” observed Kent Barwick, former chairman of New York’s Landmarks Preservation Commission. “It is very much appreciated when it is put up, then it sort of disappears into the city when other buildings become more no ticeable or celebrated.

And just a little while before it is rediscovered, it is thought to be absolutely worthless.
That’s the dangerous moment for a building. . .” [or a bridge---web master]

A bit of the bridge by Tony Jewell
A restored bridge would have a number of positive effects for the region. If reopened to pedestrian and bicycle traffic, the Schell would serve to reunite the two sections of town separated by the Connecticut. Northfield has the distinction of being the only Valley community split in two by the river -- but this has a somewhat isolating effect, especially for the western side of town.

Residents of quiet West Northfield would be spared any vehicular traffic inconveniences, but still enjoy the benefit of a car-free shortcut to downtown and Main Street. And a plan could be put in place to make the bridge safe for emergency vehicles only -- an important public safety improvement.

As one of the few quiet bridges over the Connecticut -- free from the traffic and noise of major bridges such as the Route 10 bridge in Northfield -- it could be a surprisingly popular destination for tourists and locals in search of a scenic river view. Shops on both sides of town could see more walk-in business from curious visitors.

Cyclists and hikers from up and down the River might find that the Schell opens up new recreational routes in the Valley, Vermont and New Hampshire.

As one of Massachusetts' Ten Most Endangered Historic Sites, an excellent case can be made from a preservationists' standpoint -- there aren't that many bridges left like the Schell, and even fewer with such a strong link to our past. It is a cherished rarity today, and will be infinitely more so for future generations. Restoring the bridge would be great news for river enthusiasts, history buffs, local businesses, hikers and bikers, the town of Northfield, and the region.

As the 2005 Smith College--Picker Engineering Program report on the condition of the bridge says, a restoration is possible. It would be unfair to put the burden of restoration and upkeep on local taxpayers, but Friends of Schell Bridge knows that similar projects are underway in many places around the U.S. and grant money, from Federal, State and private sources, can be found to restore the bridge.

How did all this get started?

In mid 2003, Tony Jewell of Shelburne Falls submitted the Schell Bridge to PreservatiON Mass, for inclusion on the state's most endangered list. After careful consideration, it was included on the high profile list and shortly thereafter, Friends of Schell Bridge, Inc. was formed to be the entity advocating for its restoration.

FRIENDS OF SCHELL BRIDGE, INC.
P.O. BOX 27
NORTHFIELD, MA 01360
info@SchellBridge.org

Female Cyclist Needed for Tuckerman Inferno Pentathlon Race

2008-04-12T04:53:00.001-05:00

Hi,

A colleague of mine is seeking a female cyclist to participate in a
team event called the Inferno up at Tuckerman's Ravine. The
information is below and you can contact Ryan directly.

Cheers,
CTodd

________________________________________
From: Ryan Dubois [mailto:ryan.dubois@agencourt.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 09, 2008 9:46 AM
Subject: Tuckerman Race

Todd,

Here is the website of the organization running the race.
http://www.friendsoftuckerman.org/

The race is called the inferno. It is a pentathlon team competition
with each team member doing one leg of the race. The legs consist of
a 8.3 mile run, 6 mile Kayak, 18 mile bike, 3 mile hike and a 1 mile
ski. We had 5 team members but our bicyclist back out last minute.
One of the requirements is that each team must consist of both sexes.
We are in need of female bicyclist to race the 18 mile bike. The cost
to each racer is $100.00. The race is going to be held next weekend
the 18-20th of April.

Here is the 2008 Tuckerman Inferno Pentathlon Race Handbook:

http://www.friendsoftuckerman.org/2008%20Website/08%20INFERNO/INFERNO%202008/2008%20handbook/2008_Handbook_Officia.pdf

Thanks,
Ryan

Ryan C. DuBois
Quality Assurance Engineer
Agencourt Bioscience Corporation
(978) 867-2993
ryan.dubois@agencourt.com

League of American Bicyclists course is being offered in Montpelier on April 19th

2008-04-12T04:43:00.003-05:00

Map My Ride

2008-04-06T09:00:00.001-05:00

If you want to create a map or cue sheet for a ride, try out this site: here.

Tuesday Night Ride Schedule

2008-04-06T08:09:00.008-05:00

The Tuesday Night Ride (TNR) Schedule is up. We still need leaders for some of the A, B, and C rides. Thanks to Pam for putting this information together.

The schedule is available here.

Jiminy Peak Road Race Registration Is Open and Filling Up Fast

2008-04-02T20:53:00.003-05:00

Jiminy Peak Road Race
Presented by
Berkshire Cycling Association

Hancock, MA

Saturday, May 03, 2008

"The Jiminy Peak Road Race has become a spring classic in New England. It regularly draws racers from all over the Northeast, including professionals and amateurs from some of America's top teams. The unpredictable New England weather is often a factor, but many consider this part of the race's appeal."

Online Registration Closes
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 11:59 PM ET

Register here.

Green Mountain Forest Mountain Bike Access

2008-03-21T16:12:00.003-05:00

Hello all - a very simple request - in a nutshell the Green Mountain National Forest is 400,000 acres (not a typo) with practically zero mountain bike trails. VMBA have worked very hard with the Forest Service in 2007 to get access, and the National Forest are now seeking public comments regarding mountain bike access. It is a very simple equation, if we speak up, we will have more access in the future, if we do not speak up, we will not have access, period. Can each of you please take 15 minutes and write a simple letter (addresses below) stating that you would like to see more access for mountain bikes in the Green Mountain National Forest, specifically on the Oak Ridge and Chandler Ridge Trails (believe me, they are excellent trails, I'll lead a ride there once we get them legalized). I hope you can help with this. Thanks, Patrick

Patrick D. Kell
Executive Director
Vermont Mountain Bike Association
1949 East Main Street Richmond, VT 05477
802-434-3969 x 112
www.vmba.org

The Forest is requesting comments before April 21, 2008 on the best trails to provide such uses. Postal, hand-delivered, oral, electronic and facsimile (FAX) comments on the proposal will be accepted. Postal comments and hand-delivered comment can be submitted to the Rochester Ranger District, 99 Ranger Road, Rochester, VT 05767, the Manchester Ranger District 2538 Depot Road, Manchester, VT 05255, or the Middlebury Ranger District, 1007 Route 7 South, Middlebury VT 05753. Oral comments or questions about the project can be directed to David Harloff, North Zone Trails Manager, at (802) 767-4261 ext. 530, or Doug Reeves, South Zone Trails Manager at (802) 362-2307 ext 224. The office hours for those submitting oral or hand-delivered comments are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Electronic comments must be submitted in a format such as an email message, plain text (.txt), rich text (.rtf), Word (.doc) or Portable Document Format (.pdf), to comments-eastern-green-mt-finger-lakes-middlebury@fs.fed.us. Comments must have an identifiable name attached or verification of identity will be required.

TNR Organizational Meeting

2008-03-09T20:35:00.003-05:00

The 37th Annual Tuesday Night Ride Organizational Meeting will be held at the Marina Restaurant in Brattleboro, on March 18th, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Please come prepared with a ride or two or three that you want to lead (A, B, or C pace).