Green Mountain Stage Race

Surviving a stage race is the equivalent of winning in my distorted perspective. The Green Mountain Stage race was *awesome.* Each day was dramatically different in the way of course, pace, etc. The strongest racer on the first day wasn't necessarily the winner the next. There was some insane climbing, but even though I'm not a climber per se, it was all fun. The first day was a hill climb. The picture to the left is where everyone parked for the prolog. It was a beautiful day and evening. The drive into Vermont was picture-perfect.

Stage 1 (the second day of racing) was a circuit (each lap was 20 miles, my race was 1 3/4 laps). There was one big climb and a few power hills. Perfect course for sprinters because the climbers couldn't get away. (Whew.) This is me and my friend, Eric. (Forgive me being cheesy.) We traveled to the race together and it was enjoyable to meet his teammates. One girl on his team was in my field (she was very sweet and a good racer) so it was comforting knowing someone else out there. Most of the other women weren't as friendly as they are in Colorado. I think that could be because they don't know each other that well. They traveled to this race from all over the East Coast. In Colorado, we all see each other each week at every single race.

Stage 2 was INSANE but up there amongst the best races/rides I've ever done. Oops...5 minutes left at this internet terminal. If I get cut off, more later! Shoot--can't get the picture up! It'll be here soon, you gotta see this insane 18%-grade road.