Berkshire Cycling Classic Cyclosportif: May 6, 2012

 

The start, and finish

325 riders, 2 courses: 130K (82 miles) with about 6,050 feet climbing and 100K (64 miles) with about 4580 feet of climbing. Both rides had a 6.5 hour time limit to finish successfully and both were open to recreational riders and licensed amateurs.  The ride is the Berkshire Cycling Classic Sportif, a first-ever event this year, that started and finished in Lenox, MA. In between it followed a beautiful, challenging, course on mostly small rural roads through central and southern Berkshire County, MA. It was the only US qualifier for the UCI World Cycling Tour Finals, to be held in South Africa (the top 3 riders in each category riding the 130 K qualified.) For more info, race results, other good stats, visit their website.

The routes merge

Event organizer Sparta Cycling and its promoters in the Berkshires did a good job of organizing support. The 12 or so towns involved all had police directing traffic and giving cyclists the right of way at virtually every intersection. Volunteers were there too, helping to manage traffic. Signage was clear and thorough, and cracks and potholes in road surfaces outlined in bright spray paint. The rest stops were good (and we cyclists managed to sort it out whether the behind-the-shed open air facilities were a men's room or women's room at any given moment. The lack of restrooms needs attention next year.) Actually, I only stopped at the first, mid-way rest stop, because the second on the 100K course was immediately before the last hard climb and I didn't want to stop. The 130K had a 3rd rest stop, while the routes had diverged. It was super hearing the clapping, bells, whistles, horns and encouragement of local residents! I believe the ride was organized in about 5 months, something of a miracle, so kudos, good job, chapeau, thank you and hooray to all involved.

Erik Zabel

And I get to say that I rode in an event with Erik Zabel, 6-time green jersey winner in the Tour de France. And with Ann Marie Miller, Cat 1 racer and 11-time US National Masters' Champion. And with the other "Cycling Ambassadors," all with amazing racing credentials. Note: I said rode in an event with them, I certainly did not say rode with them! And with cyclists from as far away as South Africa, Europe, Brazil, Panama and Canada. Not to mention all the wonderful local cyclists from the Berkshires, the rest of Massachusetts, and beyond, a few of whom I was lucky to get to meet, and ride with from time to time.



I won't describe the route here, I've done that here in 100K Route, here in On and Off the Route and here in Route 57.





There were some very minor changes to the 100K after my first post, perhaps I'll note them there later. Today, when the road crossed the Appalachian Trail, (hiking route, Maine to Georgia, long) out popped two hikers. Wonder what they thought. Also, It was very cool when the two routes merged back together. Just as I came to that intersection, a bunch from the 130K went by. Sorry for the lousy photo, it was the best I could do to actually get the camera out in time. In all, I didn't take many photos, no surprise there.

Ann Marie Miller

So, how did I do? Well, I am tickled. Finished the 100K in 5 hours, 24 minutes, first in my age group. 4580 feet is a lot of climbing for me, I'm a slow climber, and there were some steep grades. I don't know what sites list grades accurately, so will make do with steep, no percentages. I wanted to break 6 hours, so I'm pleased. Oh yes, truth in advertising, I was also last in my age group. Yes, an age group of one, and the oldest of the 37 women to finish either route. I don't know why more women don't ride this kind of event, but we don't. I could inflict more statistics on you, but won't.  It was a very satisfying day. And I'm not going to ride it again tomorrow.



Next year, if you like beautiful, hilly courses, come join the ride!