Hilltowns Recon Ride 7/19

[cbusick]

In. See you there.

[PJ McQuade]

Likewise.

[cbusick]

Oops wrong thread.

[KTeves]

I'm out. Reconnoitered the course last Sunday (and glad I did

[mfwestbe]

I'm still in, but may know less of the roads than you do. I also decided it was a good idea to go up Greylock this morning, so I may not be able to hit the hills as hard as I'd like.

[pcollins]

in

[Robd2]

I'm out. Reconnoitered the course last Sunday (and glad I did

KT, give us some details about that 5 mile long drag up starting around mile 8. Not steep but i bet that will be pretty tough if the pack is drilling it.

[KTeves]

Sorry for the late response, but here it is anyway.

Yeah Rob, you are certainly right about that. I rode the section at tempo to 'sweet spot' power and hope that will be enough to hang with the pack during the race, but I'm sure I'll have to go beyond that, so expecting suffering.

In my eyes the hill(s) prior to the long grade will be pivotal. Taken together they climb 560' in about 1.1 miles and they average 8% with about 14% max.. There's a short downhill between the two sections that gives welcome relief, but it's short-lived. The hill comes just 3 miles into the race so I personally think a good warm-up is warranted. The second time around is no picnic either.

There's also a significant climb just prior to turning onto 8A which will make you appreciate the start of the screaming downhill back to Hawley.

The road surfaces are generally in excellent condition. There are exceptions (Upper Rd.) having a rough chip & seal surface with crack sealer and some patches, but I don't recall a single hole in the road.

But you know all this after yesterday's recon. What are your thoughts on the race / course?

[Robd2]

But you know all this after yesterday's recon. What are your thoughts on the race / course?

I don't have much to comment but I think all the guys from yesterday will agree: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSPNQ82Sq4E&

[pace21]

I rode the section at tempo to 'sweet spot' power and hope that will be enough to hang with the pack during the race

Let us know how that works out

[KTeves]

@ Chris P. - I guess you're not aware: my 'Sweet Spot' power if FREAKING HUGE!!

[mfwestbe]

But you know all this after yesterday's recon. What are your thoughts on the race / course?

I don't have much to comment but I think all the guys from yesterday will agree: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSPNQ82Sq4E&

Very much agreed. Thanks again for putting together our pain preview

[cbusick]

Here's the flyby of the recon:
http://labs.strava.com/flyby/viewer/#16 ... IFCryIBgo=

On the first lap I waited for the OTB NEBC guy at the top of E Main hill,
but other than that you can use the rate of separation between Patrick and I as an indicator of how wonderful the hills are, esp on the second lap.

3 Miles in you have a 300' climb, a little dip then a 200' climb. Both were steep enough to put me over onto my 39-27 and had me wishing I hadn't left the 29 on my other wheels.
I was jealous of Mike's compact.

After that, you have 3 miles to recover before the 5.2 mile 20 minute climb that has been described as two oak hills back to back.

5 Miles later, the right turn onto E Main at mile 18 is another 5 minute climb that shouldn't be ignored.(1.3 miles avg 4% but it includes a dip in the middle)
Strava segment: http://www.strava.com/segments/7689692

Finally, at mile 20.6 you have http://www.strava.com/segments/7684397 116 N Prospect to Hawley St. Another 1.3 miles at 4% before you get to start going down.

And then you get to do it all again.

[KTeves]

I just reg'd for the 3.5 hours of pain & suffering — I mean fun — that will be the 2014 edition of the TOTH. Cat. 4.

[mfwestbe]

I was jealous of Mike's compact.

Nope - still have my standard 53/39. Although as of a few weeks ago I do have a an 11-28 cassette now. A worthy purchase.

Glad you'll be joining us, Kevin.

Weather looks warm. It says "80" right now, but we all know how that really means 87 and humid.

[KTeves]

@MW - 'Us' appears to be just you and I so far.

@CBusick - I assume you are planning to race? Any other cat. 4's?

Any ideas about the feedzone (the race guide doesn't mention it, but I sent an email to NCC and there will be one near the start)? My sometimes soigneur will be on the Cape the w/e.

[cbusick]

Kevin,
I'm out. Back problems this week have kept me of the bike
-Chris

[slisab72]

Ladies, too? I plan on racing it and would like to see the course.

[miker2]

Will you have a pig roast?

If you come, we'll hunt a wild board after the ride just for you.

Are we talking pine, oak or hemlock?

[KTeves]

Ladies, too? I plan on racing it and would like to see the course.

Sharon, the thread that you are responding to is from 2014. Not sure about plans to recon the course as of now this year, but I had hoped to.