Posted by Les Faber in I had been very excited ever since my pal Steve asked me to attend the 2009 edition of the Mad River Valley Century ride. Who would have thought that Hurricane Danny would be able to get as far north as it did last weekend?
Helen, myself, and our good friends Renza and Sergio drove down to Waitsfield Vermont last Friday afternoon. Our intent was for Sergio & I to do the 100 mile (160 km.) run and for the ladies to do the 50 mile (80 km.) run.
Getting there is easy. From Montreal head to I-89 south and go until you see the exit for Waitsfield. Make sure you choose a great B&B (we did). Go and register at the Hydeaway Inn. Grab the rudimentary map (study it… Sergio). And then go and grab a superb dinner at the Common Man Restaurant.
A good night’s sleep followed by a sumptuous breakfast at our B&B prepared us all for the onslaught that was to follow. Hurricane Danny was having his effects inland. It was pouring rain. I mean POURING! I don’t mind cycling in the rain. But this was something else! No matter, we were committed (or needed to be… committed!).
As Sergio and I were doing the century ride, we had to leave earlier. 2 kilometers in, we were soaked through and through. 158 to go….
Sergio & Stefan
And on we went. The route is basically a loop. East > South > West > North. Hard to get lost ….. for some people.
Here are a few shots I took when the rain was not falling all that hard.
Steve & Tim
Happy 67th Tim! You are great to ride with. Hard to keep up to.. but great to ride with.
Steve & I
This was taken before I realized that my chin strap needed tightening. By this point we were really soaked.
My first observation was that road biking shoes are really good at keeping water in. And that unless you have good quality rain clothing…. don’t bother bringing any.
Beautiful Montpelier Vermont - State Capital
We had 4 official rest stops where food and drink (non-alcoholic) were provided. This does not include one stop where Stefan & Sergio woofed down some free food from another bike ride. I think this was after they missed the turn and did an extra 22 kms.. Or was it before – LOL.
I have never seen so many flats in one day. We had 2. I think I saw at least a dozen. An explanation from a Vermont friend is that a local tradition is launching beer bottles out of car windows after a night of drinking… the ride was on a Saturday. We actually had one launched at us during the ride (no kidding). I guess Vermont has their fair allocation of “fools”; like everywhere else. Overall, I must say that Vermont drivers are courteous ad respectful of cyclists (better than in Ontario or Quebec for sure!).
The route is beautiful – even in the pouring rain. Rolling hills along a variety of rivers. The only real climb was towards the end. And it wasn’t all that tough. Road surface quality varied from “pretty good” to “absolute crap” towards the end. No matter, the scenery trumped the bad roads.
Would I do it again? Yes!
What would I do different? Bring better tires and rain gear.
The girls did their 50 miles and arrived back safe & sound. Not really a great route as it was a “there & back” thing. And this part of the ride had the worst roads.
Parting Shot – Sunday morning in Stowe prior to the boys departing on their climb through the Notch. I’ll do that one next year!
Peter, Stefan, Tim & Steve
The most fantastic rolling hills indeed Les and although it rained like crazy, some poor road conditions and some rude drivers, the silver lining in all this is that you always meet new, wonderful people on these excursions. Bring on the next one!
I already have it my calendar for next year!
Hey Les……It was fun riding with you…really looking forward to next year….think I will have “Mr Tuffy” in my tires by then…..Tim and I look like twins in that last photo……
Cheers
Steve