200 on 100
Vermont is spelled with a capital “V”, surely no coincidence. With the loads of mountains and climbs available, it had to start with a “V”. I mean, if it was mountainous enough to draw a runaway “loose” nun who left the church for a sailor, it must be good, right? (Great nordic skiing there””Trapp Family Lodge, if you are there in the winter months as well).
Anyways, being a seventh generation “V”ermonter myself, who was raised on a family farm on Rogers’ Hill in West Newbury, VT (which was hand cleared and settled in 1763 by my G-G-G-G-G-Grandfather and still owned by my father) I have a deep love and feel for VT, liberal politics notwithstanding. So when I heard about the 200 on 100 “Dumptruck of Awesome” that was available, I just knew that I had to do it. And not only that, I knew that I had to share this beautiful “Ode to the V in Vermont” with all of my best cyber-cycling-soul mates. Okay, soul mates might be going a bit far there, but you get my meaning.
So, enough with the intro.
Break out the rollers, get on the trainers, find your winter gear; lay off the seconds, nurse that one glass of booze, hold the toasting to one drink, dodge Cupid’s chocolates and shoot the Easter Bunny because training for this bastard started yesterday and you’ll be paying for it on the 28th of June, 2012 in spades!
See you in the pre-dawn hours on the Canadian border with our eyes firmly fixed on the prize of the Massachusetts border. Let’s drive this dump truck like Mel Gibson leaving the compound in a post-apocalyptic world, baby!
Route and location details on the Cogal Event Page.
@Rob
Isn’t there a law about recommending any swim for any reason???
I think the punishment is hill repeats up Smuggs’ Notch!
@Steampunk
@Buck Rogers
Steamy – Buckaroo, there is no transgression in subtly testing to see if an acolyte would fail the test… and our scholarly friend from the north country, as usual has passed with flying colors!
I think for all his modesty he is going to be the glue that holds this peloton together for this awesome long haul.
@Rob
Well someone’s going to have to: I can’t see you providing much wind resistance on that Dahon. Seriously, though, I must really be on my way if I’m passing tests without even knowing I was being tested.
I took the littlest Steampunk down to our café yesterday afternoon and mentioned to the barista, a young racer (and former student), that I was doing this 200 on 100 thing, and he looked at me as though I was nuts. And made it clear that he’d be nuts to try it. I guess that means I need to up my training regimen. Two-a-day naps it is!
Two Irishmen in a pub. The first says to the second: “Here, now. I bet you can’t drink ten pints of Guinness in ten minutes.” The second leaves the table and comes back in fifteen minutes, at which time he proceeds to down ten pints in ten minutes, winning the bet. “That was amazing,” says his friend. “I didn’t think you could do it.” “Neither did I,” replies the second man, “so I went to the pub across the street to give it a go before taking your bet.”
With this logic in mind, my training will consist of riding 200 on 100 on June 27. This will also serve as a recon ride, so’s I know where to make my break inside the final ten kilometers.
@Steampunk
I don’t know, isn’t that sort of like the pre-ride system Pharmie used to win 7? And if I make it to 10K to go beating you is going to be the last thing on my mind – sort of like the last thing to go through the fly’s mind when he hit the wind shield…
@Gianni
Wholy moly, I do not even know where to begin – It never ever ceases to blow my mind that you 1) think of this shit 2) find it and 3) have the wrecking ball sized cohones to put it up – I guess that is why you and Frank are twins separated at birth – probably why your mother gave you both up for early adoption and even then I am not sure she ever recovered. I mean your both 1.9304 m. now… What were you at birth??
That’s got to take the Vid of the year award or at least dishonorable mention? Strong work in a sort of ninth grade way (and I remember)!
@Buck Rogers
maybe allowance should be made for swimming to straighten one’s self out after a massive bike ride, but only to be regarded as therapy, not as a sport
@Dr C
Was at the physio this morning. She told me that I need to get a foam roller and use it religiously after all rides. Either that or turn pro and get my soigneur on the case. No mention of getting wet.
I can barely walk after the loosening of my hamstrings.
@Dr C
I promise I am a fan and close follower of Rule #42 but boy did I blow it with that little off hand comment. I am not even sure that swimming as “therapy” should be allowed.
If you are a dedicated cyclist activities like walking and swimming become an anathema to ones body therefor you never walk because it is uncomfortable and you never swim because the water is always cold (you have only 4 1/2% body fat), you do not float (see above and your legs pull you down while you have so little upper body strength to keep you up) so the whole endeavor is completely unpleasant.
Maybe lounging post ride in a hot tube with a cool Belgian post ride recovery aid is OK?
@Rob
Big fan of the post-ride hot tub. Rollers and stretching, not so much! That said, a bit of cross-training does the body good. I take taekwondo classes a few times a week and the flexibility gained is phenomenal. Plus, you learn to kick some ass.
Hey everyone! Hows training going for those planning on participating? Any new takers? Anyone with updates to logistics they want to share. I’m still super excited for this and I’m hoping I’ll be in good enough shape by June!
K.C. This winter here in the NE was made for getting ready for for the 200 on 100. Right now it is 65 degrees at 6:30 am and I am talking March 22 near the junction of the MA-CT-NY border. Of course we will have a spring storm before May but it will melt fast and only be a small hiccup that brings out the hardman rules for a few days.
All this does not really address my readiness – even though I am in the best spring shape in 15 years and my weight will, by June be low enough to be peaking for the ride am I ready? Will I ever be ready? It seems that in the end it does not matter – I am doing it anyway and on the day it’s going to be 2/3 fitness and 1/3 mental no matter how fit.
The logistics are a concern and as best I can figure by drafting some mates fron my area we can convoy to MA, leave a car and car pool up to the boarder. Then after the ride drive back to get the second car. This may mean spending the night after with a friend in Burlington as I am sure we will be to shaged to drive home after. This makes me think that it may be wiser to stay with a friend in MA that night and drive back the next day… And possibly spend the next night in Burlington… Cause I don’t think I will feel like driving 300 miles?
I most likely can get floor space for others with the fiends so maybe this could help for others.
How’s your prep going?
@King Clydesdale
@Rob
Being in @Rob’s vicinity (geography-wise, not cycling-wise), I can further attest to the season having been made to get ready for 2much on 100. But the road to hell is paved with good intentions AND good weather. Only recently been increasing the weekend distance, 170km over last weekend, which is half the distance over twice the time. Yikes.
I was thinking of springing for a Retul-type bike fit, because as @Ron suggests, it’s the mental that will get one to the finish.
Short of that, since cogal distance=2 X route number, I’m thinking an equally effective training plan would be to repeatedly do 18 miles on 9W.
@Rob: since I have no car, I was going to rent one and offer to swing by on my way north. Even more better if you have a bike rack. Are you expecting others from your neck of the peleton?
I totally agree with the weather comment. My bike wasn’t cooperating with me however this winter, I had a stretch of mechanical issues that finally warranted a new bike. Luckily now I have a real bike that fits me like a glove, so that problem is solved.
I’m personally not worried about fitness by the date, as I am about endurance. I feel if something goes wrong for me, it will be that the first 100 miles go perfect only for me to run out of steam on Mt. Snow and get dropped by the group. I think the answer will be riding to work for some extra miles every day.
@Rob I grew up pretty close to you, seeing as I live close to the NY-MA-VT border.
As far as logistics I’m planning on recruiting the brother to drive me up the night before and getting a room somewhere close to Troy, a B&B or something, then getting picked up by another family member at the end of the ride.
@xyxax
I am not sure if I will have guys from here yet. They are still fairly new to the idea so no firm plans yet. I do not have a rack (never had one but am good at getting bikes stowed). The logistics are going to be the hard part of this ride because its point to point and my tiny brain is struggling with it. Any suggestions would be welcome!
Love your training plan – I am going to up you and do 44 miles repeatedly on Rte 22! But my main goal now is to practice looking deliberately casual whilst climbing.
Come up for some riding around here, take the train to Wassaic and I will meet you and show you the lay of the land.
@King Clydesdale We live in a great part of the world for riding. I am curious why a room in Troy?
Yikes””will have to “up” the training. Not a lot of distance logged yet, but weight and power are good. Just put the finishing touches on a performance/style upgrade on the bike, but likely won’t have time to put all the pieces together for another month. After which, I’ll be riding a lot more to dial in fit, fitness, etc.
Am in serious talks with a grad student who moonlights as a grad student. He and his filming team might well come down to capture our suffering on camera. If that’s the case, we might have a sag wagon on the road. It won’t be available for rides to or from either border, but folks likely would be able to bring extra wheels, kit, etc.
@Rob
I’m good, thanks.
@xyxax
Fixed your post.
@Rob
Troy: morning departure point at V past V in the morning. Has anyone looked into that yet? @Buck? It would be neat if we could find a place together for those spending the night there. Motel, even?
@Rob
Sorry, North Troy, as in Vermont!
@Rob
You should hammer out repeats on Greylock and Petersburg pass, you’ll be in excellent shape! Thats what I’d be doing if I were home!
Once I get my fitness up a bit more I’ll be doing repeats on the ridges here in central PA. 4.3 km with an average of 6.4 percent.
@Steampunk
WTF has buck been?
@King Clydesdale
I am too far from Greylock but will be tackling Bashbish/Mt Everett and Overlook in the next few weeks. Last September did a ride to Greylock from Grt. Barrington – 200k – a great day out as they say and really the reason I even considered signing up for this lark.
Thanks on the Troy clarification… Had forgot and yes if someone finds a motel that gives a group rate… We have a group 4’s a group right?? Where is Buck?
@Steampunk
SteamP saw your upgrade and am very, I repeat, very jealous. Not sure that you will have to worry about fitness with that rig – you be flying up the hills. The grad student/film director sounds golden but careful what you wish for cause the thought of my pain going viral is just so humiliating…
@Rob
That’s a good idea. I am family-free June and July, while they’re off visiting the kinfolk, so a final pre-200/100 tune-up or a July death-by-humidity sprint to Oniontown.
As for logistics on the day, anyone know of Rent-a-SAG?
@xyxax
Any motivation for better prep for the “2 much on the 100” is welcome.
Gentlemen! I have been in Honduras with the Army for the last few weeks and have a little over a week more to go before heading home to Texas. Internet spotty at best. Have been loving the local futbol scene (playing every other day with the locals) but no riding for me.
No updates on logistics from my side of the house and my “form” (if that is what you can call it) is slipping pretty badly.
Still like the idea of being in North Troy the night before but as for logistics after the ride, that is still up in the air with myself.
Hopefully will getback into riding shape as we are less than three months from needing to peak!
@Buck Rogers
Honduras and futbol this time of year normally would sound really good! But you will have your work cut out for you when you hit the hills of T. I have faith that because of your youthful age and military disapline you will snap into shape for this with weeks to go. I on the other hand will be slogging away wondering until the last day if I should have called Carmichael Training and gotten professional help…
My guess is as we get closer and start to have a feel for how many will show the logistics will work out. Troy Vt. the night before and cars north and south and the only question is how to get back to your car and when – 9:00pm the night we finish is not going to be condusive to driving back up? I have a friend not far from the finish we could crash at and a friend in Burlington so there are various possibilities. One might be for me to go a few days early and leave my car in MA and ride to Burlington a day or 2 before and then the short ride to Troy. This might have the added benefit of making it like a tour where I’d be riding into my fitness?
@Rob
Foul play! No touring. Riding into fitness? That sounds like well-conceived preparation. I really don’t know what to think about that.
@Rob
I think that needs to be the tagline on the V-pints.
Seatpost: step 1 in the 2012 sexification of my ride. Step 2 involves new wheels
Indeed it seems like logistics is the black hole to this cogal, to which i question those attending:
What is the destination town?
Are we partaking in amber nectars immediately after?
Would staying overnight in destination town be ideal?
Finish ride, get to burlington, and commence in our accomplishments there?
Reason i ask is because a dear friend of mine can offer charter bus service but needs thorough advance notice. My initial plan was have a few friends drive but if we can get the whole mess of us back up north in 1 shot, that would save a ton of doubling back for everyone.
@Rob
God Lord, man, you are not serious about riding back up to North Troy are you? Who do you think you are? Hinault in January/February?!?!?
Yeah, I will have lost a full month without a single pedal turn by the time I get riding again. Not the best training plan but if there is one thing that I have learned over the years about undertaking an epic adventure it is that you had better have all of your excuses lined up for the failure before you start. At least I have that part of the “2much on 100” set up (By the way “chapeau” to whoever came up with that phrase!)
@roger
Well Roger, the destination is the Vermont/Mass Border, which is in the middle of nowhere. The nearest town is Readsboro just to the north.
After ride refreshments are in the works, either near Bennington, Wilmington, or Brattleboro, depending on what works the best. I’m advocating this place.
Where are you from? I’m getting my brother to give me a ride back from wherever post ride refreshment occurs, my parents live within 45 minutes of the finish.
The problem with going back to Burlington is a number of us live closer to the end of the ride then the start. Anyone coming from the mid-Atlantic or southern New England would most likely rather not have to make the drive.
At some point I think the best thing to do is start a signup list on google docs or something and gather an idea about who is driving from where and set up the carpooling.
I’m confident that over the next month people will start poking their heads in telling us they are still in or not. With the winter we had there shouldn’t be to many excuses.
@Buck Rogers
Problem? I see @Rob‘s ride from south to north in advance of the Cogal and raise him riding in from Hamilton, ON to Hamilton, NY and then on Troy, VT. Two-day ride, arriving a couple of hours before the Cogal’s departure…
@Steampunk</a
If that's the way the wind is blowing then Im riding all night from my house…
@roger
Seriously if you can get a coach – wow! How cool would that be liquid recovery as we ride back over the route to the same motel we started from – and then more liquid recovery, a dream finish to the day!!
@Rob
You know: I’ve been at this awhile. And I had no idea that bling made one go faster. All this hard work and training gone for nought? Just drop some money I don’t have into the bike and I’ll be riding with the pros in no time? Of course, the seatpost is the stupidest thing to upgrade: it’s the one part of the bike I can’t admire while riding…
@Steampunk
What upgrades did you get? I must have missed the pictures.
@RedRanger
No pics yet. I have a box full of Ultegra bits and pieces (shifters, crankset, derailleurs, cassette) to put on the bike, Deda Newton bars, and Fizik tape. Wheels en route. Sadly, I won’t have time to put it all together before the Madison mini-Cogal next week. Pics to follow…
@Steampunk
Awesome to hear your dressing up the CAAD.
@RedRanger
Quickest way to n+1 seemed to involve upgrading this bike on the cheap (but for the wheels and seatpost, everything else came in at lowish cost, à la velominatus budgetatus). New bike wasn’t going to happen this year, but this might be the next best thing in the short term, with funds left in the kitty for future purchase. My café has just got into the bike business. I sorta have my eye on one of these:
@Steampunk
While I’ll sorry that I won’t be able to see the upgrades, I’m relieved that my humiliation will be lessened.
@Steampunk
Sounds like you should be dialed in for June. Exciting times around here, lots of purchases recently.
I have started a spreadsheet gathering names and so forth. To keep the webbots from getting everyone’s email, I set up an account to compile the document with.
If you are planning on attending, please send an email to [email protected] and I can send you the doc link, which anyone can edit.
If there are data fields you feel would be more pertinent, go ahead and add them.
Success of this Cogal might hinge on the actual pre-ride details, and the more of those we can get ironed out now, the more we can enjoy the training and suffering.
@roger
Brilliant, thanks for doing this!
@roger
email sent
Attempting to get a pulse on transportation. Since it’s quite likely most of the attendees will be coming from points south and west, would prefer to leave your vehicles at the destination town? We can all meet up there, load bikes onto the bus, then enjoy a leisurely bus ride up to North Troy.
I can rent one of those utility vans and load it up with luggage food tools wheels etc and have it meet us up North, then be the SAG for the ride down.
This idea was brought up in email, and is world’s better than what I was first thinking. No doubling back with a car, no need for everyone to worry about SAG, spare room in van if you are unable to finish the route, so on and so forth.
Any and all feedback is appreciated. 3 months has gone by since this article first appeared and I was thinking there was all the time in the world to get to training and increasing fitness, but this bad boy is nipping at our heels once again.
In case you missed it, please send an email to [email protected], and I can email you the link to the spreadsheet that’s been started.
Cheers
@roger
email sent as well
For what it’s worth, my current plan would be to intercept the group as it comes screaming through Waterbury. I’ll be in Burlington with the VMH and since she has graciously offered to come pick me up at the tail end of the ride (or whenever I call her from the side of the road in tears), I don’t feel right having her and my daughter get up before O dark hundred to drive me to Troy. So I figure I’ll ride over to Waterbury from Burlington and hopefully time things right to just grab a wheel as the group comes by. That is, unless I can figure out better logistics.
@roger
Email sent
Alright everyone, how’s the training going? We all need to be almost at “Two Months from Peaking” and if Fronk and his minions on the pave’ have not inspired us, we’re royally hosed!
As for me, I am still nursing two injured Achilles from my futbol time in Honduras (from which I returned a week ago) and have not turned a pedal in one month!!! I am dead in the water! This is literally the longest I have gone without riding since deployment in 2008. I am soooo dead! Totally am not eating anything as I am trying not to put on any weight as I wait to get back on the bike!
I have even considered starting to do some swimming as I can do that with screwed Achilles (talk about desperate!).
So, as for me, I am looking at being the sweeper on the ride if things do not turn around ASAP!!!
How are you all doing?
Also, Roger, email sent and I am good for $50 bucks toward the van rental if that would cover any of it (truly have no idea how much it would cost and the VMH would probably KILL me if I not only blew off my entire family for the ride but also dropped a huge amount of money on it! I’m already in the doghouse for bringing the bike to France for my Paris-Roubiax ride two weeks prior to this ride!). Thanks mate!
Everyone that has listed info on the spreadsheet, you’ve got mail.
Lodging has been secured for us the eve of our Cogal.
It was not easy, and some bribe money had to be wired up, but fear not, there is 1 less thing to worry about.
@roger
Awesome roger! Thanks for setting this up. I have to say, you are making harder and harder to come up with excuses to not partake in this crazy project.
@roger
Definitely a life saver as I was prolly gonna end up sleeping in my truck.
I’m horrible when it comes to logistics!
@Buck Rogers
Training isn’t near where I’d like it, but with the time change and the days getting longer I should be able to get in some more km’s before/after work. Hopefully I shall not embarrass myself too badly
@roger
I’m with @Buck Rogers. I definitely want to chip in for the SAG vehicle (since I may very well be using it).