Vermont is spelled with a capital “V”, surely no coincidence. With the loads of mountains and climbs available, it had to start with a “V”. I mean, if it was mountainous enough to draw a runaway “loose” nun who left the church for a sailor, it must be good, right? (Great nordic skiing there””Trapp Family Lodge, if you are there in the winter months as well).
Anyways, being a seventh generation “V”ermonter myself, who was raised on a family farm on Rogers’ Hill in West Newbury, VT (which was hand cleared and settled in 1763 by my G-G-G-G-G-Grandfather and still owned by my father) I have a deep love and feel for VT, liberal politics notwithstanding. So when I heard about the 200 on 100 “Dumptruck of Awesome” that was available, I just knew that I had to do it. And not only that, I knew that I had to share this beautiful “Ode to the V in Vermont” with all of my best cyber-cycling-soul mates. Okay, soul mates might be going a bit far there, but you get my meaning.
So, enough with the intro.
Break out the rollers, get on the trainers, find your winter gear; lay off the seconds, nurse that one glass of booze, hold the toasting to one drink, dodge Cupid’s chocolates and shoot the Easter Bunny because training for this bastard started yesterday and you’ll be paying for it on the 28th of June, 2012 in spades!
See you in the pre-dawn hours on the Canadian border with our eyes firmly fixed on the prize of the Massachusetts border. Let’s drive this dump truck like Mel Gibson leaving the compound in a post-apocalyptic world, baby!
Route and location details on the Cogal Event Page.
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Hey y'all
Robs been talking me into this day of pain. I'll be glad to pull because I'm an idiot. I look forward to meeting you all and sharing this crazy experience.
@Tim
Well if you're a friend and riding buddy of Rob's, you'll probably be able to pull the whole way!
Love to have you along, you know, misery loves company!!! See in just over two months!
@Tim & @Buck Rogers:
Seconded. It occurs to me that hiring the dump truck of awesome might provide some nice drafting shelter...
@Tim
Hey all Tim is a true hardman and a bucket o' fun to boot - he is going to be a great addition and me thinks the engine that will keep the train going for the last push to Massachusetts.
Youz guyz is nutz, FFS! That's a pant load of climbing and ass hauling. You will earn your place in the Velominati Hardman's Hall of Fame for this stunt. I will use all my investigative resources (beer advocate.com) to find the best beer and food for the post-ride recovery session. You will be Gods.
And don't skimp on the fluffer-nutter sammies. They got Ted King through it.
@Gianni
Gianni you should post up now that you have been tempered in the furnace of Roubaix - Epic - what ever happens! We need your keen mind and wit and it looks like a very smart and fun crew that you would kill if not on the hills then with your rapier like ripostes.
I have been mulling over the most likely scenarios and above mentioned how the night before had elements of the "Shinning" then the first 150k will be "Easy Rider", the last bit will definitely go towards "One Flew Over the Cookoo's Nest" and I have a feeling that there will be more than one McMurphy at the end....
@Gianni, @Rob
A handy tool for seeking out post ride recovery drinks and food.
@Tim
Welcome to the madness Tim. Dont feel alone, theres a little bit of idiot in all of us.
Rode 200k's in the last 24 hours. Rode just over 85k yesterday afternoon in 96 degree heat without shade. Sooo hot here in Texas! Then rode just over 115k this morning with a high of 90 degrees but with some shade on the route. Yeah, I know, doesn't count as a 200k ride but trying to get some mileage in. Man, I hope that it is not too hot as the heat sucks the life out of me more than the hills!
Going to shoot for 200k straight in two weeks. Now time for some "recovery" drinks!
@Rob
Rob, you smooth talking bastid. My so called keen mind and wit usually disappear around 120km and then I just get less happy until I stop. I'm not man enough, there. I said it.
I'm totally psyched you guys are doing this though. When I first put the 200 on 100 post up I never would have guessed it would lead to this. Silly me. I've underestimated the craziness of Buck. You, I would never underestimate.
It's good to have a serious ride to get fit for. The only way this will be enjoyable is to be very fit going in.
This KT Spring Classics madness made me ride like a beast this winter, not that it helped too much. Still, it was fun training.