Anyone raced this? I’m thinking of signing up, but I haven’t done a pure bike race in many years. My plan is to squeeze in some local training races (probably crits or circuit races) a week or two out, just so I’m not a menace to society. I’m assuming that if I can pull out a fair HIM performance, I can at least hang on with the Cat 5s, no? Someone please tell me if I’m incredibly stupid for taking a run at this one.
You are not stupid. I did the same thing last year. The race is really really awesome and a terrific experience. There were a bunch of triathletes in Cat 5 last year. I am a mediocre cyclist for a triathlete and I still surpised myself and was able to hang with the pack for the first 10 miles and finished 21st out of about 37 finishers in my start group - they split the Cat 5’s into groups of 50 or so and started them 5 minutes apart. The race is so hilly that it breaks up quickly and you end up mostly doing a time trial or latching on to a group of 3-5 and riding it that way. I think the guys who won in Cat 5 were mostly really fast triathletes. Sign up - it is terrific; just make sure you have a fast computer tonight. Also, get a hotel room right away as they will sell out. I stayed outside Saratoga.
Not at all. I was soooo close to signing up until work realizations snapped me back to reality with the travel involved from California. It’s been on my list for a couple years.
Veyr cool race and atmosphere. I did it last year, as my first road race. Even though I got dropped at the first major hill (on the dirt) I had a blast.
I don’t know where you are but if local, I’d recommend the preview riede in March. Knowing the lay of the land on that course will be invaluable if you want to hang with the leaders. You will be tested. Do it!
That’s it, I’m in! It’s the closest I’ll ever get to racing a spring classic. I’m in Massachusetts, so assuming I get tower clearance, a weekend trip for the preview ride isn’t out of the question.
Thanks for posting. Would have missed registration otherwise!
That’s it, I’m in! It’s the closest I’ll ever get to racing a spring classic. I’m in Massachusetts, so assuming I get tower clearance, a weekend trip for the preview ride isn’t out of the question.
PM me if you do and you want some company. I should have group going up. We made a road trip for it last year, had a blast and plan on repeating it. We’re using it this year to build our fitness on our journey to AmZof!
I’d do it. Did it last year as my first road race, minimal training because it was the week before Boston and I focused more on running than riding, but that’s my own stupidity. Very fun atmosphere, well organized race. I heard they changed the course to be a little easier this year. Cat 5 would be a good start, I did the 30+ and it was a TOUGH field.
Wow, I am simultaneously awed that there is a famous race on my old stomping grounds and majorly bummed it wasn’t around when I was a fit and skinny junior. And that I live 15 hours away now 
I guess I have to make the trip someday.
An awesome race that I did last year and was about to sign up these evening at 7 (make sure you register immediately as it fills quickly) but unfortunately will have to miss it this year.
Bike racing is a great way to readjust your suffering perspective. Sitting in zone 2/3 for 5 hours is easy compared to doing a 56 mile road race.
You can stay in Bennington Vt too, Close and nice. There is a couple of cheaper hotels there too. Hopefully I will be racing this year as well. I race 3s
Anyone raced this? I’m thinking of signing up, but I haven’t done a pure bike race in many years. My plan is to squeeze in some local training races (probably crits or circuit races) a week or two out, just so I’m not a menace to society. I’m assuming that if I can pull out a fair HIM performance, I can at least hang on with the Cat 5s, no? Someone please tell me if I’m incredibly stupid for taking a run at this one.
Chris Boardman remarked about the Paris-Roubaix: It’s a circus out there, and I don’t want to be one of the clowns. Given Battenkill is billed as America’s most prestigious Roubaix-style race, i’d say you aren’t stupid, just a candidate for clown college;). The course has riders descending down sketchy dirt roads at 35+mph, and you’ll see why this is so clownish when you are doing that amongst 49 other cat 5’s. If i were you i’d get at least a few more races under my belt before attempting it.
Also, this race will be different from an HIM as it has many punchy 1-2’ climbs. Better bust out those anaerobic intervals or those stair-shaped climbs will hurt bad.
I’d do it. Did it last year as my first road race, minimal training because it was the week before Boston and I focused more on running than riding, but that’s my own stupidity. Very fun atmosphere, well organized race. I heard they changed the course to be a little easier this year. Cat 5 would be a good start, I did the 30+ and it was a TOUGH field.
How did you do the 30+ as your first race? Masters races are Cat 1-4 only, you can’t do them as your first race.
They did make the course a little easier. Took out some of the mid race climbing, left in the climbs in the last 15 miles. I think it was a good change. Last year’s course was brutally hard after the winter here left very little time for outdoor riding prior to the race.
I’m in for the 30+. I’ve always wanted to do this race, so I’m pretty pumped.
I say go for it - just be careful riding around those cat. 5s - leave lots of space on the gravel descents.
in for the third straight year. one of my favorite events of the year. could be the reason I never run the Boston Marathon again since the two seem to always be within a few days of each other. train on lots of hills and be prepared to spend some time in the hurt locker.
Your 30+ races are 1-4? Another reason I’m glad to live and race in Cali.
I’m for the Cat 5. Going to be my first “proper” road race in the US. Just need to get my road bike over from the UK…
by the time you get to the sketchy dirt road descents, the fields are already strung out. It’s not like 50 guys will be descending those dirt roads in a peleton. Still…there was 1 descent that caused my anus to pucker last year. If you’re in the cat 5 event and not in contention for the win, then just approach it as a hard training day, have fun and stay safe. No need to take unnecessary risks and potentially ruin the rest of your season.
I got a goosebump or two when I almost went head first into an ambulance at the bottom of the hill with the deep sand that caused my bike to fishtail at 40 mph.
An absolute blast-- have done it the last two seasons. Dieter and his crew put together an exceptional route for this year with some challenging new climbs. The event itself is always incredibly well run-- a great experience for anyone looking to get their fix of white knuckle bike racing.
Tubulars at 90psi with a 25c on the rear work wonderfully on those steep pitches.
Have fun!