anyone done it? looks insane
http://www.bikeiowa.org/mdwbr/Snake.Alley.Criterium.2007.flyer.html
http://www.snakealley.com/criterium.html
This looks insane. I just walked snake alley this evening and these cobblestone bricks are at all different angles, not to mention the constant curves, 12.5% grade over 275ft. Mix that with 20-50 of your newest friends omg.
I’ve done it several times, the last being about 15 years ago. I did it both as a junior and a Cat II. It is pretty hairy the first time up. Basically go hard off the line and try to get in front. It usually seemd to settle out after the first few laps. The crashes usually just involved tipping over. I keep meaning to go back and watch one of these years.
Good memories.
Yup, did it in 2002 (I think). It was very hard, but fun. Give it a shot next year.
Matt
I’ve raced it a few times, been lucky enough to find the podium. The most memorable time was watching Ryan Kelly (?) a junior from MN I think ride away from our group including Robbie Ventura, Nate Reiss, a couple 7up guys I forget the names of. On the last of 20 laps he just left the bike in the big chainring and rode away. This is after he soloed the entire junior race to win.
Two races up that mess on the same day. He later won the junior world championship in 'cross. Not sure what he is up to these days, but he was certainly capable of being “the next…” someone.
Great Race Weekend, it is certainly worth the trip.
-SD