Stage 7. Predozza, Italy to Folgaria, Italy. What a stage. It started with about 17k of downhill bike path. Twelve hundred mountain bikers on a twelve foot wide twisty paved track. Bad idea. At one point I quipped, “who designed this course, a trauma surgeon?” Unfortunate harbinger of what was to come.
Upon finishing, Tyler saw Cath waiting in the finishing area. As it turns out, Aaron had glanced back to see that Cath was doing ok in the paceline from hell and his bar end and hand clipped a fence, launching him at 25 mph over the bards, into the ground. Cath followed shortly thereafter, landing on her shoulder and camelback and taking down three other riders. The medics arrived quickly, but then moved on to another rider who apparently had a pneumothorax (hole in his lung, a potentially life threatening problem). A second round of medics arrived shortly thereafter and attended to Aaron, putting in an IV and loading him up with pain meds. They wanted to heli him to the medical center, but he wisely refused. To make a long story short, Aaron is A-OK. He got a few stitches in his hand, and cannot ride tomorrow, but in the big picture, this could have been a really bad injury. We were all relieved to see him arrive at the hotel. A huge bummer for Aaron and Catherine as they have worked so hard this week. Cath is a bit scraped up, but otherwise ok. She plans to ride tomorrow to enjoy some fine Italian singletrack.
Once again, the Merritts proved to be invaluable travel companions. Bill Merritt drove to Cavalese (70K each way) to get Aaron. Chris Merritt and the Stevenson’s held down the fort in Folgaria while we all rolled in. Additionally, Chris secured lodging for all of us in Folgaria. It’s hard to express our gratitude to the Merritt’s for their help.
Alright, back to the stage. Great days for the two remaining teams on a very demanding stage. Two huge pavement climbs. Today was a 40 mile hilly road ride followed by a twenty mile mountain bike ride. Think riding from Richmond to Waitsfield to ride, but over both Middlebury and App gap first. Or, for the Colorado blog readers, riding from Frisco to Vail and then riding singletrack. Except these climbs were bigger than all of those. After the second climb, it was a real mountain bike race, with dirt climbs, singletrack between rock walls, hardwood forests, passing euros in the woods, loose descents, three quick turns through a farm, singletrack behind the barn, between the garages. Really fantastic riding. The killer was the 1000 foot climb after the singletrack, a loose road descent, and then another 500 foot climb up above town behind a farm. Finally, you pop out on the road for a descent into Folgaria. This is a great stage, but it’s tough, and seems to never end. Mind you, this is the stage that brought me to tears in 2004.
Here’s the breakdown:
Green Mountain Boys: Not quite as high up as yesterday, but our second strongest finish. I was worried about all the road, particularly the flat section between the hills. Ty and I found a strong German team to share to work with across the cornfields, Even better, they were huge. It was like drafting behind a Suburban. Coming down off on Mangenpass, I was passed by a wild and crazy German who was all over the road, using the whole road at 45 mph. I backed off, terrified that this nut would push me into the pavement. Oh but he got his comeuppance. I caught him in some singletrack, putting on a very aggressive pass. “oh excuse me.”
Mile High Riders: Their best day yet. Liz held on to the unforgiving pace line to get a great start for the team. Mangenpass was a bit of a push, but we made it, dodged the cows and passed a couple cars on the way down to the bottom. The rolling cycle path was made easier by a couple motivated riders and we hit the climb to Kaiserjagereg feeling good, but not for long. How did they build that road into the mountainside? We were almost derailed by a wrong turn at the top and then some nice riding on dirt with the pack chasing hard. We kept them at bay and finished strong to end the day.
Looking forward to the last stage.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
super human efforts
Stage 6. Arabba, Italy to Predazzo, Italy. It was a big, hot stage for us, but best results across the board. We started with a messy climb out of Arabba in that it crowded, loose and stinky. But it was also beautiful, with the climb heading under a huge cliff band. There was also the first true schieben of the race, with a 500 foot scramble up a 35 degree face. At the top, there were incredible views of Marmolada; one of the highest peaks in Italy. Still covered with glaciers, although with the heat we’ve been experiencing, it might not be long. The descent down included some terrifying descents for Tyler and I. Again, I realize I’d lambasted the euros previously for their descending skils but today I was just baffled. Some dude passed me on the road going a good 40, in the left lane, into oncoming traffic, cutting me off in the midst of a pack of riders. That would have been a brutal spill. The stage then rolled through some forest roads, followed by a big climb up a ski area, and then a terrifying descent that tested everyone’s skills and brakes. Here’s the breakdown.
Green Mountain Boys: Wow. We survived a finicky chain on Tyler’s bike to get to our best finish yet by far. We even passed the Master’s leaders on the last climb. I saw that leader jersey, and even if it was the worst day of their lives, I laid it all out on the climb for the pass. Given the big downhill to the finish, I actually had to wait for Tyler at the finish. Must be a full moon. What a day.
Mile High Riders: Also their best finish yet, and they continue to ascend the ranks of the mixed category. Bill and Chris just happened to drive by the race on their way to Predozza, just in time to witness Liz coming in hot to a turn and hitting the dirt. Perfect timing.
Team Soft Core: Again their best finish as well, and a big effort of support on Aaron’s part. Although, he did shed a tear when he was holding up for Cath, and saw her come around a corner second in a paceline. Bravo! Later, Cath’s chain was sqeeky and dry on the dusty course and IP brilliantly lubed her chain with a banana peel. Apparently it worked. Ingenuity at it’s best.
At this point, it’s time to give a heartfelt appreciation to Bill and Chris Merritt for their race support. They’ve driven two cars, made dinner reservations, taken pictures, lent this laptop, and been super fun to be with. Last night, they had dinner on their own and it was a ship of fools searching for and deciding on a restaurant. Cath, Aaron, Brian, Tyler, Liz and I are hugely grateful for all of their support. They have really enhanced our enjoyment of this trip.
Tomorrow is a beatdown of a stage, to say the least. 102K, about 10 K of climbing, a lot of heat and a sneaky 1000 foot climb at like 96K that made me cry just 3 short years ago. We all hope to continue our trend of improving performances. Check back tomorrow for more info. Thanks!
Green Mountain Boys: Wow. We survived a finicky chain on Tyler’s bike to get to our best finish yet by far. We even passed the Master’s leaders on the last climb. I saw that leader jersey, and even if it was the worst day of their lives, I laid it all out on the climb for the pass. Given the big downhill to the finish, I actually had to wait for Tyler at the finish. Must be a full moon. What a day.
Mile High Riders: Also their best finish yet, and they continue to ascend the ranks of the mixed category. Bill and Chris just happened to drive by the race on their way to Predozza, just in time to witness Liz coming in hot to a turn and hitting the dirt. Perfect timing.
Team Soft Core: Again their best finish as well, and a big effort of support on Aaron’s part. Although, he did shed a tear when he was holding up for Cath, and saw her come around a corner second in a paceline. Bravo! Later, Cath’s chain was sqeeky and dry on the dusty course and IP brilliantly lubed her chain with a banana peel. Apparently it worked. Ingenuity at it’s best.
At this point, it’s time to give a heartfelt appreciation to Bill and Chris Merritt for their race support. They’ve driven two cars, made dinner reservations, taken pictures, lent this laptop, and been super fun to be with. Last night, they had dinner on their own and it was a ship of fools searching for and deciding on a restaurant. Cath, Aaron, Brian, Tyler, Liz and I are hugely grateful for all of their support. They have really enhanced our enjoyment of this trip.
Tomorrow is a beatdown of a stage, to say the least. 102K, about 10 K of climbing, a lot of heat and a sneaky 1000 foot climb at like 96K that made me cry just 3 short years ago. We all hope to continue our trend of improving performances. Check back tomorrow for more info. Thanks!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
super 50K in the domomites
Stage 5. Brixen to Arabba. Shortest stage at only 50K and a paltry 7,000’ of climbing. Truly amazing views of the Dolomites, including 360 degree views of a very phallic rocky peak. Oh, behave. Instead of huge ups and downs, it rolled a bunch, allowing time to recover. It was also rougher road, and felt a lot more like a mountain bike race. The highlight of the race for most of us thus far was a sweet one mile section of singletrack that dumped out into a beautiful farm, with views of the aforementioned mountains, and a huge group of schoolchildren cheering and doing the wave. Fantastico.
Fact of the day, per Bill Merritt: The Dolomites are named after an Englishman Dolom who discovered that the rock here is in fact distinct from that of the Alps, making it a distinct mountain range. Drop that bomb at your next cocktail party.
I must eat a bit of humble pie regarding my derisive comments on the Euros descending skills. Today had some loose gravel, off camber descents and I saw some very strong riding from some of the racers around me. Here’s the breakdown:
Green Mountain Boys: Best day yet. We even beat the pink jerseyed women leaders. The last climb was the best climb of my life. I even passed some people on the singletrack at the top. Bam! Tyler was of course strong and steady. We were still bested by the Whistler boys but moved up once again in the overall classification.
Mile High Riders: Also their best day yet, as they enjoyed the rugged trail, and rolling topography. Brian is pumped that his parents have arrived in town today.
Team Soft Core: They were fabulous (haven’t they always been?) until Cath broke her chain and IP flatted. Cath fixed it quickly but IP constipated about the best way to fix it, costing himself 20 minutes before acquiescing and putting a tube in. Regardless, they had a great time.
Tomorrow is the “forgotten” sixth stage in that everyone is thinking ahead to seventh day suffer-fest. Check in tomorrow for more fascinating updates.
Fact of the day, per Bill Merritt: The Dolomites are named after an Englishman Dolom who discovered that the rock here is in fact distinct from that of the Alps, making it a distinct mountain range. Drop that bomb at your next cocktail party.
I must eat a bit of humble pie regarding my derisive comments on the Euros descending skills. Today had some loose gravel, off camber descents and I saw some very strong riding from some of the racers around me. Here’s the breakdown:
Green Mountain Boys: Best day yet. We even beat the pink jerseyed women leaders. The last climb was the best climb of my life. I even passed some people on the singletrack at the top. Bam! Tyler was of course strong and steady. We were still bested by the Whistler boys but moved up once again in the overall classification.
Mile High Riders: Also their best day yet, as they enjoyed the rugged trail, and rolling topography. Brian is pumped that his parents have arrived in town today.
Team Soft Core: They were fabulous (haven’t they always been?) until Cath broke her chain and IP flatted. Cath fixed it quickly but IP constipated about the best way to fix it, costing himself 20 minutes before acquiescing and putting a tube in. Regardless, they had a great time.
Tomorrow is the “forgotten” sixth stage in that everyone is thinking ahead to seventh day suffer-fest. Check in tomorrow for more fascinating updates.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
super long climbs
Stage 4. Brixen, Italy to San Viglio, Italy. Two big climbs, two big descents. Very little flat in between. The weather was once again hot and sunny. The euros were once again heroes on the climbs and zeroes on the descents. A new joke has emerged on this race.
“What’s the German translation for mountain biking?”
“Pushing your bike.”
The final climb today was 3600 feet of gravelly switchbacks up a ski area. We all kept looking down in the valley and thinking “damn- that’s gotta be 3600 feet.” The descent was ripping fast pavement with views of the Dolomites. At one point, there was a 10 degree grade - 1 mile straightaway. Blistering speeds. Great time for all. Here’s the breakdown:
Green Mountain Boys: Another good day for me and Tyler was once again strong. He was passed by a woman on the final climb though- I saw it myself. We rode much of the day with Team Whistler. Super nice guys who took me on the last climb. We managed to move up in the standings once again. I think we are hitting our stride.
Mile High Riders: Liz and Brian fell into a good paceline today on the first rolling climb, feeling the benefits. They crossed the finish line feeling looking very psyched, and Liz once again jumped into the town fountain to cool off. Sounds deliciously quaint, I’ll acknowledge, but A LOT of sweaty shammies had been in that water before she had.
Team Soft Core: Cath gave me the finger after her ride today. IP was disappointed in the lack of singletrack. Yet they did well, and moved up in the overall standings.
On another note, Chris Merritt hiked to the top of the pass to watch us riders and is now on her third bottle of San Pelligrino. Clean living indeed.
There was some discussion that our hotel was still under construction. This is in fact completely true. They were pulling mattresses out of wrappers and putting sheets on them for the first time. There was an army of electricians and carpenters and spools of wire on the floor as we wheeled our bikes into our brand new rooms.
We are now in cool garden restaurant, loading up on red wine, pasta and more Italian cuisine. If nothing else, this race is an excuse to eat three course meals. `
“What’s the German translation for mountain biking?”
“Pushing your bike.”
The final climb today was 3600 feet of gravelly switchbacks up a ski area. We all kept looking down in the valley and thinking “damn- that’s gotta be 3600 feet.” The descent was ripping fast pavement with views of the Dolomites. At one point, there was a 10 degree grade - 1 mile straightaway. Blistering speeds. Great time for all. Here’s the breakdown:
Green Mountain Boys: Another good day for me and Tyler was once again strong. He was passed by a woman on the final climb though- I saw it myself. We rode much of the day with Team Whistler. Super nice guys who took me on the last climb. We managed to move up in the standings once again. I think we are hitting our stride.
Mile High Riders: Liz and Brian fell into a good paceline today on the first rolling climb, feeling the benefits. They crossed the finish line feeling looking very psyched, and Liz once again jumped into the town fountain to cool off. Sounds deliciously quaint, I’ll acknowledge, but A LOT of sweaty shammies had been in that water before she had.
Team Soft Core: Cath gave me the finger after her ride today. IP was disappointed in the lack of singletrack. Yet they did well, and moved up in the overall standings.
On another note, Chris Merritt hiked to the top of the pass to watch us riders and is now on her third bottle of San Pelligrino. Clean living indeed.
There was some discussion that our hotel was still under construction. This is in fact completely true. They were pulling mattresses out of wrappers and putting sheets on them for the first time. There was an army of electricians and carpenters and spools of wire on the floor as we wheeled our bikes into our brand new rooms.
We are now in cool garden restaurant, loading up on red wine, pasta and more Italian cuisine. If nothing else, this race is an excuse to eat three course meals. `
Monday, July 16, 2007
super fun
Stage 3. Mayhrofen, Austria to Brixen, Italy. It still feels like Austria, since everyone speaks German. Such fun for everyone today. The stage started with some rolling road and dirt road, ultimately turning into a big climb (4800 vertical feet). The top half was rough double track, loose rock, and even some singletrack. This exposed the weakness of the euro riders. Certainly fast climbers and punishing on the flats, they turn into uber wussies when the trail gets the least bit technical. It was hilarious to watch Tyler ride up the techy climb, yelling “Rider up!” and “this is a mountain bike race.” He didn’t throw any punches, but just maybe he rode into a few people pushing their bikes on purpose. We were blessed with incredible views of the Austrian and Italian Alps, crossing into Italy at Pfitscherjoch. Even better was the cool breeze and cooler temps, because it’s been hot. The top of the climb was at 30K and the stage was 94K long, so the last 64K was a blistering downhill and rolling bike path. At one point, Tyler and I were in a peloton of 40 plus people on a 6 foot wide rolling bike path. The noise of the knobby tires on pavement was pretty incredible.
Here’s the breakdown:
Green Mountain Boys: Best day for me so far- I finally felt my legs were where they’ve been. Best finish yet, and we moved up in the standings. Some highlights were mentioned above, but I should also mention my forced Le Mans style remount at the second aid station when Tyler rode away with my bike while I had a pee break. Great way to loosen up the legs; sprinting to catch your bike for more 25 mile per hour bike path peloton. Near the end of the stage, Tyler and I were in a 10 person group when someone spazzed and took out about six riders around me, including hitting my back wheel. Fortunately I stayed up. Great sprint finish.
Mile High Riders: Brian and Liz enjoyed the shady start. Brian enjoyed drafting behind the well built riders in front of him. Something about orange bike shorts. Both crossed the finish line with smiles on their faces, Brian heading immediately for ice cream, Liz dunked herself in the fountain in the town square. All told, a solid stage for the MHR.
Team Soft Core: Cath rode well today, after being able to eat and drink to sufficiently fuel herself. After riding the top technical climb (the only person in sight to do so), she scored an Ali G “Respec!” call out from an onlooker. Great fun all around for TSC.
The stage finished in a beautiful square, surrounded by steeples. We commandeered a table at a shady café and refueled and waited for everyone to come in. Even better is the backyard of our hotel with a pool, patio and brews. Cath even managed to “choke” down a gin and tonic, her first cocktail since the start of the transalp. I had run up to the bar to get a brew and Chris Merritt had asked me to get her a glass of tonic. “No gin?” I ask.
“No thanks.” So when I return, she has a ziplock of ice cubes and her own bottle of gin. Classic Darien.
Looking forward to tomorrows two big climbs and our first stage in sthe Dolomites.
Ciao.
Here’s the breakdown:
Green Mountain Boys: Best day for me so far- I finally felt my legs were where they’ve been. Best finish yet, and we moved up in the standings. Some highlights were mentioned above, but I should also mention my forced Le Mans style remount at the second aid station when Tyler rode away with my bike while I had a pee break. Great way to loosen up the legs; sprinting to catch your bike for more 25 mile per hour bike path peloton. Near the end of the stage, Tyler and I were in a 10 person group when someone spazzed and took out about six riders around me, including hitting my back wheel. Fortunately I stayed up. Great sprint finish.
Mile High Riders: Brian and Liz enjoyed the shady start. Brian enjoyed drafting behind the well built riders in front of him. Something about orange bike shorts. Both crossed the finish line with smiles on their faces, Brian heading immediately for ice cream, Liz dunked herself in the fountain in the town square. All told, a solid stage for the MHR.
Team Soft Core: Cath rode well today, after being able to eat and drink to sufficiently fuel herself. After riding the top technical climb (the only person in sight to do so), she scored an Ali G “Respec!” call out from an onlooker. Great fun all around for TSC.
The stage finished in a beautiful square, surrounded by steeples. We commandeered a table at a shady café and refueled and waited for everyone to come in. Even better is the backyard of our hotel with a pool, patio and brews. Cath even managed to “choke” down a gin and tonic, her first cocktail since the start of the transalp. I had run up to the bar to get a brew and Chris Merritt had asked me to get her a glass of tonic. “No gin?” I ask.
“No thanks.” So when I return, she has a ziplock of ice cubes and her own bottle of gin. Classic Darien.
Looking forward to tomorrows two big climbs and our first stage in sthe Dolomites.
Ciao.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
super suffer
Stage 2. Reith to Mayhrofen. 11,000 feet of climbing. 90 degrees. Sun like a laser. All was well until the last climb- 4800 feet of climbing over 9000 feet in elevation. Even the three Coloradans were appalled and beat down. Sort of hard to put into words. Following the massive climb, there was a ripping fast descent that unfortunately turned to pavement with oncoming traffic. Someone attempting to pass Liz had a head on with an oncoming car. Preliminary information is the guy is ok, but may not be racing for the rest of the week. Turns out he was a roadie, not in the race, trying to pass Liz. Sprained his shoulder. Guess he’ll have to shave his legs with his other arm.
Green Mountain Boys- tyler was strong as usual, and I had a much better day. I did languish a bit on the last climb. OK, fine- a lot. Nonetheless, we moved up a few spots. I’m more pleased with my effort, but still have some improvement to make. At least I looked super hot in my full white kit.
Mile High Riders- Liz and Brian were strong with their Colorado legs and lungs. Liz’s climbing skills and willingness to suffer were certainly an attribute, as was Brian’s patience and support.
Team Hard Core- Their name is now officially changed given Cath’s fearless preservation through dehydration and nausea. Aaron was an unbelievable domestique to her as well, providing moral support, pushing and towing. Given the ban on tow mechanisms, Cath was pulling on Aaron’s Camelbak, thereby pulling his bottom down harder onto the saddle. I’ll let him fill you in when he returns to VT. Something tells me he will.
I write as I sit in a wonderfully quaint restaurant in a square in Mayhrofen with Ty, Cath, Liz, Brian, Aaron and the Merritts. No kidding, there is an Oom-Pa-Pa band playing outside. Sweet the waiter just brought me another brew. Tyler has resigned himself to drinking wheat beers after his first three days in Italy consisted of stammering ”stout” to a bemused server.
So tomorrow is a longer stage at 94K, but only one big climb. Granted it’s 5000 feet. Check in tomorrow for more adventures.
Green Mountain Boys- tyler was strong as usual, and I had a much better day. I did languish a bit on the last climb. OK, fine- a lot. Nonetheless, we moved up a few spots. I’m more pleased with my effort, but still have some improvement to make. At least I looked super hot in my full white kit.
Mile High Riders- Liz and Brian were strong with their Colorado legs and lungs. Liz’s climbing skills and willingness to suffer were certainly an attribute, as was Brian’s patience and support.
Team Hard Core- Their name is now officially changed given Cath’s fearless preservation through dehydration and nausea. Aaron was an unbelievable domestique to her as well, providing moral support, pushing and towing. Given the ban on tow mechanisms, Cath was pulling on Aaron’s Camelbak, thereby pulling his bottom down harder onto the saddle. I’ll let him fill you in when he returns to VT. Something tells me he will.
I write as I sit in a wonderfully quaint restaurant in a square in Mayhrofen with Ty, Cath, Liz, Brian, Aaron and the Merritts. No kidding, there is an Oom-Pa-Pa band playing outside. Sweet the waiter just brought me another brew. Tyler has resigned himself to drinking wheat beers after his first three days in Italy consisted of stammering ”stout” to a bemused server.
So tomorrow is a longer stage at 94K, but only one big climb. Granted it’s 5000 feet. Check in tomorrow for more adventures.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
super hot, super tough
Day 1 of the Transalp. Pain all about. From Mittenwald,Germany to Reith, Austria. The stage was tough in that there was an 11 AM start, a 1 hour wait in the hot sun, and a sprint start that was not kind to anyone.
The course had two huge climbs with loose, twisty, sketchy descents filled with euros and their notoriously lame descending skills. A lot of folks to pass, but damn can those euros climb. Roadies probably.
The green mountain boys had a fair day. As always, tyler was fast. I’m not sure where my legs were today, but I managed to pull it together and get faster as the day went on. I didn’t cry, but it was damn close. I had a tactical error of running my shocks to rigid, adding a beatdown to my body. Sweet.
Mile high riders were strong. Liz and brian rode well together, and liz is her vivacious self as we wait for dinner. I think she cried once or twice, but finished strong.
Tough day for cath in team soft core. Nothing soft about her performance though. She had the line of the day, renaming the “squeezy” energy gel “queezy” as she barfed her brains out after eating it. Oh, did we mention it was 80 degrees and sunny? Great day to be nauseated and unable to eat. IP was a champ with super support, but her performance was truly heroic.
The white jerseys were fantastic in the hot sun. appalling as they were, I was fairly pleased to be wearing white shorts as well. Tyler has a new pair he promises to wear in the VT 50. Perfect for the mud.
Now we sit in a pretty garden restaurant with insufferably slow service. I am so damn hungry I had to run upstairs and have GU as I was bonking. IP ran into the street and got 4 ice creams to tide us over.
So tomorrow is the same length, but 11,500 feet of climbing. Should be a great time, if suffering is your goal. Thanks for reading, and I’ll write again tomorrow pm.
The course had two huge climbs with loose, twisty, sketchy descents filled with euros and their notoriously lame descending skills. A lot of folks to pass, but damn can those euros climb. Roadies probably.
The green mountain boys had a fair day. As always, tyler was fast. I’m not sure where my legs were today, but I managed to pull it together and get faster as the day went on. I didn’t cry, but it was damn close. I had a tactical error of running my shocks to rigid, adding a beatdown to my body. Sweet.
Mile high riders were strong. Liz and brian rode well together, and liz is her vivacious self as we wait for dinner. I think she cried once or twice, but finished strong.
Tough day for cath in team soft core. Nothing soft about her performance though. She had the line of the day, renaming the “squeezy” energy gel “queezy” as she barfed her brains out after eating it. Oh, did we mention it was 80 degrees and sunny? Great day to be nauseated and unable to eat. IP was a champ with super support, but her performance was truly heroic.
The white jerseys were fantastic in the hot sun. appalling as they were, I was fairly pleased to be wearing white shorts as well. Tyler has a new pair he promises to wear in the VT 50. Perfect for the mud.
Now we sit in a pretty garden restaurant with insufferably slow service. I am so damn hungry I had to run upstairs and have GU as I was bonking. IP ran into the street and got 4 ice creams to tide us over.
So tomorrow is the same length, but 11,500 feet of climbing. Should be a great time, if suffering is your goal. Thanks for reading, and I’ll write again tomorrow pm.
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