Battenkill 09?

[RPerson]

Who's in for Battenkill? We should try to coordinate the cat 4's into one field. Anyone got a preference on red vs. black? I'm like 90% right now that I want to give this bad boy a try... reg opens 12/21.

[reeegan]

In...already have a reminder in Outlook to remind me to register.

[BTurner]

In for 4's or masters. Good timing of post. It will make you think twice about that second or third plateful.

[scott_sweeney]

I would like to give this a go...I'll see if I can sell the permission slip this weekend.

[ahamilton]

80% chance I'll be trying to redeem myself for letting the race get away from me last year. I gambled and lost on the first big hill, then paid for it for the last 45 miles of the race. Probably be sticking with the old men in the 50+ category, but who knows...

[Cort Cramer]

I dig the enthusiasm....but you're all NUTS. Quite possibly the toughest road race I've ever done.

[reeegan]

By far the hardest road race I've ever done, and I swore I'd never go back right after finishing. Eaves?

[PJ McQuade]

Eying it, but unsure of a few things. Those of you who have done this may know. First, what's the difference between cat 4 red/4 black? And how much of the course is dirt? What do you go with for tires & wheels?

[reeegan]

No difference between red/black. There are just 2 cat 4 fields due to the popularity of this race.

There is a new course this year, but I don't think they cut out any of the dirt sections from last year. If I remember correctly there was 1 dirt wall that I walked up half of last year, there was another long winding dirt climb, then there was one more section of dirt that reminded me of riding in a dusty sandpit for miles and miles. Between being half in shock and three-quarters dehydrated for most of the race things are a bit foggy (or my mind is just blocking the memory out).

I road with my stock wheels and road tires that came with my road bike. I left the ksyriums at home since they were brand new last year. Some idiots show up with carbon fiber wheels and end up crushing them.

[JoeH]

in. likely masters. wonder what it's like on a wet /cold day?

[reeegan]

Probably more enjoyable than last year!

[Cort Cramer]

http://velonews.com/article/85524/senat ... dg-in-2009

[scott_sweeney]

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaait a minute...Andrew, you had to WALK up a climb in this race??? What kind of misery is this thing???

[ahamilton]

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaait a minute...Andrew, you had to WALK up a climb in this race??? What kind of misery is this thing???

Imagine the steepest paved road around here (Old Schoolhouse Road in Harvard, for eg.), add a bit more tilt, then make it soft gravel about 2-4" deep. That's misery. (But it was pretty short.)

[reeegan]

And add a full field of 4's trying to race up it since this occurs very early in the race. It's awesome!

[RPerson]

Sorry to be a killjoy, but I've decided not to register for this right away. Once I get into next semester and see what the workload is like, I may sign up if there's still a spot. If I miss out, there's always '10

[reeegan]

I can't believe the 3's and 4's and some 5's are already full! This sucks! Guess I'll be heading to turtle pond if its the same weekend again this year.

[taudep]

I ended up in the cat 5's under 35 for the fun. I was on at 7, but registering from my blackberry. By the time I got through the payment screen, it was full (the cat 5, 35+), all 50 spots. Then I went on waiting list. Then my buddy whoise conning me in for the misery, to me to sign up for under 35, and I got in....let the good times roll...

[ahamilton]

After forgetting to register last night, I checked this AM (after yet more shoveling!) and found a nice cozy slot in the 50+ waiting for me.

[reeegan]

It looks like the masters aren't as excited to register for this race as the younger crowd.

[BTurner]

Totally spaced it last night. I'm in the 40+ group ride. Hurry up Cole still spots left.

[michaelcole]

I might not be able to go.

I'll try to confirm before it sells out.

[JoeH]

my cooler and I are in for 50's.

[BTurner]

Joe, I'm all in with my cooler and the winner of the 09 Travers.

[Smudger]

They added 50 Cat 4 slots to this race. I've just registered.