Labor day is quickly approaching and Team Pinnacle will once again be heading to Vermont to tackle LAMB gap ride (Lincoln, Appalachian, Middlebury, Brandon). For those who did not ride last year, this ride is about 110-120 miles with a whopping 7800' of elevation gain. This is a seriously difficult ride that should not be taken lightly. Many steep pitches and extended sections of gravel road, including the steepest mile in America (Lincoln gap), will put anything we do around here to shame. I do not want to discourage anyone from joining, just want you to be aware of what you are getting yourself into. A 27 or higher tooth cog on your cassette is highly recommended uness you are riding a triple. You also may want to consider new brake pads for this one. We will regroup at the top of each gap and work together between the grinds. Helen has once again offered to provide sag support and take photos of the event, we love you Helen. Plan on an early start, leaving from Richards School parking lot at 6:00 am. The ride will probably start from Rochester, although exact starting point and route are yet to be finalized. The ride will take us into mid-afternoon and we will grab a bite to eat before heading home. This is an all day excursion. Want more info? Check out this great site to get all the climb profiles and read a few of the ride reports to get a feel for the adventure. [url]http://www.northeastcycling.com/six_gaps.html[/url]

RSVP here to give us a good head count for planning. I will post final ride details next week.

Brian

[img:7f04b132de]http://www.team-pinnacle.org/albums/Four-Gaps-September-3%2C-2007/DSC_4691.sized.jpg[/img:7f04b132de]
 
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I'll be there with my 11x28 Performance Bike cassette. By the way, what gear are we wearing this year.

-- Ken
 
"If you brake, you don't win." Racer Mario Cipollini

This is my RSVP.

THis is my RSVP

I better RSVP too since I hear my truck is going.

Looking out to the weather forecast it says 60% chance of rain for Labor day only 20% on Sunday. If it looks bad later in the week do we want to maybe move it up?

The 1st is showing a little rain in the afternoon so far. Sunday the 31st looks sunny and pleasant.

100 miles..........hill climbs, elevation gain. Sounds like a good hike to me. Can we bring bikes? I am in.

Its too early for weather forecasts. Monday will be splendid. 40's in the AM 65 by lunch, 70's in the afternoon, 50's by dinner. Wings to warm you back up......

PJ

More details:

Date - 9/1/08

Depart - 6:00am from Richards School Parking lot.

Support - SAGs by Helen

Start - Rochester VT. Be prepared for a slightly chilly start, arm warmers and wind breaker should be fine.

Route - New this year we will hit Lincoln first with a warm up through Granville. Then App, Middlebury and Brandon. Middlebury and Brandon will be in the opposite direction of last year. The ride will end with a long coast down Brandon, should be a fun ending. Total distance will be approx. 110 miles. We will avoid the gravel where possible this time. Here is a link to the route map, [url]http://www.team-pinnacle.org/local-loops/loop.php?loopID=312®ion=20[/url]

Pace - This will be a fun ride, not a hammer fest. Easy pacelines on the flats, climbs and decents at your own comfortable pace.

Stops - We will regroup at the top and bottom of each gap. Lunch break around the midway point, thinking the scenic falls on our way back though Granville. Gives us a chance to warm up again before Middlebury. No store there, pack a lunch for the SAG vehicle.

Post ride - Celebration beer and food in Rochester (unless we see a cool looking place on our way over in the morning).

And for Ken, what kit do folks want to don this year?
 
[img:7c60f52a7e]http://www.team-pinnacle.org/albums/bc_personal/120x90.png[/img:7c60f52a7e]

[quote:b7fb666205]what kit do folks want to don this year?[/quote:b7fb666205]

I only have last year's and this year's.

Just a reminder of what we are up against.

The good news about Lincoln Gap is that Bicycling magazine recently ranked the east side as the "toughest mile in America." The bad news is that if you haven't already, now you've got to ride it. Why?

* You'll love the smell of Connecticut brakes in the morning.

* At the crux of the climb, when the sweat flows like beer and the steepness seems vertical, you're going to be asked by a passing motorist with a cooler full of beer for directions to the Long Trail.

* Just like Manny, you'll lose count of the pitches after the first one

http://bp2.blogger.com/_aaFzpwmHqbE/SJBqdo4e_5I/AAAAAAAACmI/5N8yT4a736M/s1600-h/lincoln.jpg

hit this link to see the last mile of fun. 1137 feet of elevation gain in one mile.......thats 71 feet of vertical every 100 meters.

I don't think we have to match.......I am wearing old school Pinnacle, the kit that failed me last year, but will shine down upon me this year at my darkest mile.

pj

ArrEssVeePea.

Old school Pinnacle is the most comfortable kit I own, although it's getting a little thin.

I can make any day on the weekend, even a short notice weekday, if weather is uncooperative. Luckily for now things look good for the planned Monday.

I will bring the bike carrier on my truck, can carry seven bikes total.

If you're going to swap gears, do it soon and test ride it up something steep BEFORE Lincoln gap. Starting the ride with a skipping drivetrain might be distracting, and may not prove durable on the "Steepest mile in America." Hint: Try Trowe Hill in Sunapee, only in your mind extend the steep part at the top by another mile.

On the other hand, Aaron Richer rode it last year on a borrowed bike with a triple chainring, and didn't notice it was a triple until after the climb. He used the middle ring (which is larger than the small ring on a double). Anything is possible.

Cheers,

MG

I'm in, but I get first refusal on SAG Wagon co-pilot if Lincoln crushes me this year. :)

Old School sounds good to me.

Ryan

I would like to join you guys for this ride if you don?t mind a slower type rider hanging on. I just finished my will, so when I die, everything will be all set. :D As Mark and Ryan suggested, I practiced on Trow Hill Road and envisioned much worse times 8. Is it safe to say that 50 percent of the ride is downhill (think positive!)? I have a full-size pickup and would be happy to drive?can fit a couple of bikes and 4 to 5 people.
 
When in doubt, ride

Helen,

Sounds like you have your work cut out for you this time around. Are you bringing a stretcher to pick up the carnage?

Dana

Brian,

WE would love to have you.........and your vehicle.

To me it looks like this.........


PJ
Currier
O'neill
Gurney
O'Brien
Wiley
H20man
Javy
Trotter
Richer is a possible
A. Richer is a darkhorse


We will make it, but no town lines for this wheel sucker.


PJ

[quote:6b1dc95f92]We will make it, but no town lines for this wheel sucker. [/quote:6b1dc95f92]

I'll believe it when I see it
 
"If you brake, you don't win." Racer Mario Cipollini

We have an inflatable mattress that can be put in the pickup bed. Then we can stack you all up like cord wood. I call shotgun.

Gee, you guys! This sounds like a fun one! Too bad I have plans otherwise I'd go along just for the photo opportunities! Just think of the shots I could get! I'm sure you'll all do us proud--you always do! Good luck and safe riding to all of you! I can't wait to hear the tales:)

Julie.

Final update:

Looks we have dialed up some great weather for tomorrow, find a new website for your long term forecasts Dan. Don't forget the sunscreen and hydrate well everyone.

There had been some real concerns with Middlebury gap road closures do to flooding damage in early August. Rt125 is now fully open once again and ready for us. However, there are still some sections on the downhill side in the Ripton area that have not been re-paved yet. We will need to exercise caution through here, but it will not be a problem for us.

Another area of potential problems is rt53 around lake Dunmore. There was some bridge damage from the flooding on this road. I do not know if the road is passable at this time. There is a simple bypass for us if the road is closed.

Break Schedule:
28 miles - regroup and short break (bottom of Lincoln)
49 miles - regroup and short break (bottom of App.)
66 miles - lunch (Granville)
84 miles - regroup and short break (bottom of Middlebury)
99 miles - final regroup and break (start of Brandon)

See everyone bright and early.
 
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Good job today, gentlemen.

http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s1-2-18-17168-1,00.html

1 Mile
Lincoln Gap East
Mile 0.5-1.5, Warren, Vermont--16%

The opening half mile is a good warm-up, averaging just less than 10 percent, narrow like a European lane and running underneath a canopy of hardwoods. Then the serious climbing starts, and the grade reaches its maximum of more than 20 percent within two-tenths of a mile. The pitch eases before becoming steadier but steeper, the thick woods close in, and the climb feels less about triumph than survival. Fittingly, the slope eases just as the tunnel of trees opens again and you see the sign for the Gap (2,424 feet). There are steeper sections on U.S. roads, but all are shorter: Mt. Washington's steepest mile is about 14 percent; the steepest miles on California's Old Priest Grade and Vermont's Burke Mountain also fall short. Lincoln Gap East is one of the authentic superlatives of the cycling world--you can claim the honor of having ridden the steepest mile in America. Get There: Head south on Route 100 out of Warren, then turn west onto Lincoln Road. After several miles, pavement will turn to packed gravel. When pavement reappears, the climb is about to start.

What a great day. Thanks to all who participated. Feeling good today and I am looking forward to the Wednesday night mountain ride.
Dan

Thank you gentlemen for a great day Monday.

I had a fabulous time! Great weather, music, food and company. On top of all that, I had the honor of recording some of your truly awe inspiring endeavor. Unbelievable efforts by every last one of you.

I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I did taking them -

[url]http://www.team-pinnacle.org/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=2008-Labor-Day-LAMB-Ride[/url]

Thanks again for a great day and dinner as well.

Now try this mantra, "Six Gaps, Six Gaps, Six Gaps ......." :lol:

H
 
It doesn't matter where you go in life .... it's who you have beside you.

wow! Great shots and great memories......Thank you Helen for capturing what I consider the best road ride to date! 6 gaps......? With a 630 AM start....maybe. You didn't happen to look at the pictures though.....6 gaps..??? I am huge. If you make the skinny guys carry 40-60 pounds of gear well maybe........

Thanks for capturing the '08 Gap Ride Helen, great work behind the lens and the wheel.
All 6-Gaps in '09 would be something to shoot for, but from the looks of the face at the end of this year we would need to pace ourselves.
Good work men, what a killer day we had!
 
Alone in the woods, who stands to be King?

Helen, without you and your SAG wagon this ride would not be possible and for that we thank you! An added bonus is the awesome photo diary you graciously provide, again, thank you!

[b:6a8f0dedbb]LAMB - Labor Day 2008[/b:6a8f0dedbb]

Ah the subtle genius of the name says it all to those familiar with common cycling lingo like, "we're almost to the top", "trust me", "it's not that hard", etc.

LAMB = Lincoln, Appalachian, Middlebury, and Brandon Gaps of Vermont, 115 miles and well over 12,000 vertical feet of climbing: [url]http://www.team-pinnacle.org/local-loops/loop.php?loopID=312®ion=20&sport=1[/url]

Bring heart, bring Lungs, and bring your prayer book to the hill climbing gods, because that and more is what you're going to need to complete this course.

But hey, where else can a great group of 11 guys, and one sweet support vehicle driver get together for an exercise in brutality and have fun doing it.

What a day!!!

As we departed from Rochester heading north on Vermont's famous Rt 100, I'm a little chilly from the brisk morning air and filled with thoughts like, "I hope that knee holds up today... I hope I have just enough training under my belt... I hope I have the right fueling strategy this year... I hope a restless 5 hours of sleep last night is enough", but soon we get some glimpses of sun, the 15 mile mark rings out the rust right on schedule, we are on our warm up climb through Granville Gulf, and my knee is feeling good.

Next up Lincoln Gap.

Still a bit timid about how my knee will hold up, my strategy is simple, ascend using the least amount of effort possible, failing that, just survive. My strategy was right on target, utilizing what will forever more be dubbed the "Paper Boy" technique, (aka a serpentine pattern cross grade from side to side) I was ascending efficiently until I hit the steepest section nearing the top and 3 cars passed at what seemed like a painfully slow snails pace forcing me and others to attack the fall line straight on, and in that moment the recent announcement of "America's Toughest Mile" was ringing in my head, but at last, the top is in sight and I made it and my knee held strong.

The usual rugged dirt road descent to Lincoln, a quick SAG stop, finish descending to Rt 17, short traverse, and next up Mini App to Big App.

Mini App is a long gradual climb followed by a brief descent setting you up for the real climb. Noodling up mini I was feeling pretty good but keenly reminded of bonking on big App last year yet optimistic that hitting this one before lunch was definitely a positive. With a couple km's to go on Big App, Brian C passes me and pulls off for a pit stop, hummm, that sounds like a good idea so I follow. Boy, that was great, feels like I dropped off a 20 pound lead weight, so that's Brian's secret to success, I will have to remember that one. Quickly the weight is back as the grade steepens and the painful reality of having to ascend to that shiny thing way up there sets in. Caveat is, being slow has its benefits, as all those before me are cheering on my arrival at the top, thank god for friends. As I cheer others on, I pound food and liquid rapidly to hopefully squelch that near bonk feeling I have.

A rocket descent to 100 followed by a slow climb up the north side of Granville Gulf, to a slingshot over the decreasing slope followed by a quick descent to Moss Glens Falls. I arrive at our lunch time destination for well needed rest and refueling.

On to Middlebury Gap.

The Rt 100 side of Middlebury was pretty washed out from recent floods but proved to be the best side for climbing despite being steeper. Upon reaching the summit I was rather relieved to see everyone else looking like I felt. The LAM punch was certainly starting to take its toll on the group and I was no exception. Refuel and hope for the best. Descending the west side was clearly the best choice as it was in pretty good shape and provided a nice long fast decent.

Several times throughout the day I found myself comparing the 112 mile bike of an IronMan to this approximately matching distance and thinking... "The biking portion of an IronMan has to be easier than THIS!".

Then in contrast, other times while cranking along in a double pace line, I would slide from the front to the back and never once did the strength and breadth of the pack fail to impress me as two by two by two by two slid by.

During the rather long traverse to Forest Dale, the launching ground for Brandon Gap, an overwhelming sense of, "ok let's just get this climb over and done with as soon as possible" came over me, so when we arrived at the last pre-climb SAG I was ready to refuel and get Brandon Gap over with knowing it was going to be far tougher ascent in this direction, and it did not disappoint.

Triumphant at last, the Brandon Gap climb is over, Thank the Hill Climbing Gods!!! Despite my inner jubilee, I am greeted with the same lack luster response from the previous triumphant's as my body now displays, "hey... Ryan's... here... congrats". I got it immediately, we are all tired. So tired in fact that standing just a short time in the shadows, I realized very quickly, my body was just too tired to generate any heat and a move to the sunny side of the road was a happy change.

SAG wagon has summited and with it the last of the group. Together again, and after our last refuel we are off to Rochester. In the shadows and cold, I was warmed by happy thoughts of an easy cadence and nearly 100% descent all the way to Rochester, by far the best way to finish this 115 mile beast of a ride.

Post LAMB feast... beer never tasted so good... and friends never better to share it with.

Awesome Ride!

Ryan

Nothing beats challenging yourself! What the heck was that? My goal at the onset of this ride was to get through it?no more, no less. Thank goodness for our forefathers because you would never be allowed to build roads at those grades today.

Thanks for a fun ride and tolerating my slower pace. And thanks to Helen again for supporting us and taking all those cool pictures?I like the ?It?s a sign? pic!

Brian
 
When in doubt, ride

Nothing much better than spending many hours suffering on a bike with great people. Makes me feel sorry for those folks who just don't get it and choose to take the easy route down life's road. It was great to see a few new names added to the Linciln Gap conquered list. Inspiring to see Dana ignore all messages from his body that it was done and crest Brandon under his own power. This also provided the quote of the day as he wobbled by the cheering crowd, "thanks guys, but I ain't stopping." The hardest part of the day for me was not any of the climbs, but trying to catch the runaway train after the Brandon descent. So much for cruising to the finish. The tailwind aided dual paceline down rt7 through the cow poop was pure cycling ecstasy. Many other highlights, more than I feel like typing. Many thanks to Helen of course, the more we suffer the happier she seems.

Now it is time to put the rubber back in the dirt and do it all again at Kingdom Trails.
 
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Brian says it all

"Makes me feel sorry for those folks who just don't get it and choose to take the easy route down life's road."

I agree with the rest of you, and I too Thank You Helen, twice on the ride I was very close to requiring your assistance. Great pics of not just the ride, but all of the beautiful scenery that we encompassed along the way.

Unlike most of you, I went into this unknowing and without any strategy. With not a lot of endurance work under my belt, I only made one climb clean and barely made the top Brandon Gap. Thanks for the support everyone at that point when my legs were in shear pain and I could barely get any strength from them to push over the top. The downhill from Lincoln Gap seemed long and difficult with the steep downhill start topped off with the bumpity bump gravel road (Although the scenery was nice).

Overall this was a great experience (not to include the painful moments which seemed longer than they really were) and I look forward to conquering (more weight training) the steepness of the hills next year.

P.S. I'm glad the youngster hanging out the car did not watch the conclusion of "Easy Rider."

[quote:90277faf4c]P.S. I'm glad the youngster hanging out the car did not watch the conclusion of "Easy Rider."[/quote:90277faf4c]

Thankfully he hadn't.

Well, how was it? Is there a posting telling the details? I'm interested!! Maybe I'll try it next year!
Sandy

I have recovered finally, its Friday, anyone up for the LAMB ride Sunday, just kidding...........

what a fun ride -- that is the best road ride i have done since moving to NH -- great company, great food, and great photos

-- my favorite climb was Appalachain Gap (if that was the 2nd one with the parking lot finish and tailwind) I'm ready for 6gaps next year, i think.

Dana great job on that final climb, you made it....
:lol:

Thanks Tim for helping me with the flat on the donwside of the Appalachian (second gap in the LAMB tour).

Sandy, I think Ryan's post is the most descriptive so far. It would be a great experience and beautiful (weather permitting).