Stage 1 is set to go off on Wednesday May 27th @ 6PM.

We will meet 1/2 mile East of Skinners and traffic circle at Sunapee on 103 at the Top of Mike Feeney's driveway. Plenty of parking and look for vehicles that resemble ours and you will be fine. We will mark a finish line before we take off.

Race starts at 6pm, so get there early for proper warm-up if you so desire.

Mike and Cathy have graciously offered to host a post race BBQ and a few beers at their house on the lake after our effort. I accepted on all our behalfs.

If you plan on making it to the BBQ post here, so Mike can have a reasonable tally. He has a coupon he wants to max out at Sam's club, so no need to bring anything. (maybe some bolt cutters, so we can steal his bike)

Bonus points awarded for top 6 to climb Cardiac hill. Top is 4 foot stonewall pillar at top on right. 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1 and .5 bonus points awarded.


P

I'll be there and I will borrow the bolt cutters from the Fire Department.

I be there and I have bolt cutters, so no need to borrow.

Bolt cutters will not work. When I dismount it hovers overhead like Harry Potter's broom, waiting for my return. When I work on it I have to put sandbags on the seat to hold it down.
 
"there is nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about on bikes (sic)" Grahame Greene from Wind In The Willows

Nice Mike... Nice

I will be there.

Ryan

Since I don't race, I won't ride this one--however, I will be happy to run around with my camera and capture some of the moments. Sounds like lots of fun!

Julie.

Julie,

I swear I saw you at the Sunshine 5k the other day and the Pinnacle Challenge last year... but perhaps I was mistaken. I see no reason why you can't join in the road fun with the rest of us. You can meet me at my house tonight at 5:30 and we can ride our bikes over to Jobs Creek together and meet Sandy to do the Prologue. :lol:

If you want to take pictures too, that's ok with me, you must have a new helmet mount for that nice camera of yours, since you'll be on the bike with the rest of us. I promise I'll keep my distance.

Ryan

Okay, okay, so maybe you saw me a couple of times--but I hated the road ride and was able to chat my way through the 5k. Helmet mount for my camera? I think not! And there you go with the Prouty reference again! Geez! Thank you (all) for your constant encouragement--I haven't been around the lake yet--we'll see. I will participate in some way though!

I had fun hearing the stories about the BIG Lake Sunapee race last weekend--what a great day! How was the corner in Newbury that we usually spot? Bet the construction really made a mess of things.

Yeah! The sun's out--I have a date with my dog in the woods tonight! If you see us, please yell--I had the ###*!! scared out of me last week when two riders came up behind me on bikes without a warning that I could hear. I'm not keeping my ipod volume up as loud since then.

Cheers!
Julie.

Group Ride rules:

I am looking for suggestions on how to fairly score the group ride times.


If you happen to miss the group ride (which I know does happen ) we need a ruling on how you can make up the stage.

What could happen is the group ride winner runs a 1:01, he sits in the pack and works hard near the end to win it. Great win. Then comes along a couple guys who missed the ride and work together in time trial format and break an hour.

So essentialy I want it as close to fair as possible and am looking for suggestions for a ruling.

I don't want myself and whomever to time trial to a victory, when there is no way in hell we could keep up with the winners on the group ride.

my only suggestion now, is if you miss the group ride, you can make it up, but have to do it solo.

This does a couple things, it forces the guys who have a shot a winning to push the pace a bit early to ensure a reasonable time. It lets the middle of the packers rest their legs till they get ripped off on the first hill, and will get the back of the packers up to the first hill quickly thus giving them a good shot a decent time.


thoughts?

As I sit hear with ideas running through my head.......I know it's crazy but the ideas keep coming, I can't stop em.


A team time trial stage could be thrown somehow into the mix, just like the pro's. Maybe not this round, but maybe.


Imagine this: Stage 8 for instance is a 20 mile team time trial. After stage 7 times are posted, and providing we have 10 guys/gals left, we run team 1 as places 1,3,5,7,9 and team 2 as places 2,4,6,8,10. Time stops when your 3rd or 4th rider crosses the line. All teammates who crossed together get same time, and if any got dropped they get whatever time they crossed the line at.


Just something to think about.

PJ

My apologies Julie, though we haven't met, I'm pretty sure I was one of those riders who snuck up behind you last week. We couldn't see that you had headphones in and so had assumed that you heard us coming. I'm very very sorry, and we will make sure to make our presence known.
Happy Trails,
~Adam

I'm in on the fun?! :?
 
Alone in the woods, who stands to be King?

It's entirely unlikely 2 people will go faster than the group did, it didn't happen last time and it won't happen this time so I see very little need for extra rules. The group can draft and so should later groups. If the pack goes slow, it's their own fault for doing so.

Perhaps the only rule I could see appling here is, whomever you are working with must be doing the race, no drafting some semi-pros to victory who aren't doing the race, oh and they must be on a standard issue pedal power bicycle (no aerodynamic fuselage, no jet engines, and no magically enhanced equipment). If someone who already did the race wants to help you out that's their perogative.

As for that over active brain of yours PJ, you need to take some sedatives and go to sleep. :) Speaking of sleep, I'm headed that way myself, good night.

Ryan

Two fast guys time trialing would beat a group playing tactics easily. I believe there may be a few of us who could solo one lap faster than the group ride will accomplish. The group ride will be much more fun though.
 
[img:7c60f52a7e]http://www.team-pinnacle.org/albums/bc_personal/120x90.png[/img:7c60f52a7e]

Naimie hit the Lear hill loop last time by himself and beat the group ride time (I know he is the exception ). If he had a partner for some of it, it would have been even faster.

It sure would not be all that fun to solo the loop if you missed it.

Maybe a side bar could be if you miss the loop you can ride with another registered racer, as Ryan stated.

If we just keep it the same (which I have no problem doing) expect quite a bit less noodling on the way to Dewey hill.


Thankfully I slept, and the brain is rested.

PJ

I would agree, 2-registered riders max. they probably won't top the groups time anyway

I'm not arguing that it's possible, sure it's possible, I'm just saying with this group it is highly unlikely, and if it happens so be it.

I think PJ's main objective here is to get the group to ride as a group on the group day and I'm all for that. I just don't see the need to penalize people just because they can't make the group ride, I think that will definately result in a higher attrition rate.

I believe the faster riders are going to go faster and slower go slower independent of when they do it, but like Brian said, it will be more fun if you do it in a group.

Ultimately it's about having fun and posting your fastest time. How you arrive at your time is part of the tactics of the overall race.

Personally I believe in the Less is More strategy here, less rules = more fun.

Ryan

To further motivate you all, there will be Death by Chocolate (and beer of course) as a reward at the end of your journey...

I'm thinking I should park myself at the top of Grace Hill (i.e. Cardiac Hill) for the best photo op's...

Cheers!
Julie.

Yes Julie park atop Grace hill, top 6 people there get points and you can be the judge.


Chocolate is good, meat is better, burnt and slathered, with a hint of fat.


P

points ruling:


Points are only available on the group ride for the KOM. However you do not have to take your group time. If you time trial faster after the fact you can still take your time trial time and bonus points for KOM.


The group ride is planned to go on as scheduled as of now.

Weather is not looking good for tomorrow. Even if it's not down pouring it will be cold and humid with likely showers.

At this juncture I'm in favor of postponing but we can wait until tomorrow to make that call.

Ryan

They don't cancel the Tour due to rain. Maybe a tornado or thunder storm but not rain.

My vote is to do all stages on the scheduled dates and if you can't for some reason then make it up solo or with a partner later.

I suspect some food has been purchased already too.

Dan

Uh Oh, folks! I'm not going to make the Death by Chocolate with this forecast in sight!

"Tonight: Showers likely, mainly after 2am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 43. South wind between 3 and 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Wednesday: Rain. Patchy fog after 2pm. High near 54. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Rain likely. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 46. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible."

What are you gonna do?

Julie.

Well, the wind will be calm.

Not having ridden much in rain, is it slower because of resistence or faster because you want to get it overwith?
 
"there is nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about on bikes (sic)" Grahame Greene from Wind In The Willows

More exciting because you can spray the people behind you.

I will be there if everyone else is.

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

Ken remember the White Mountain ride you, PJ and I did several years ago. Talk about wet and cold. We did about 80 miles that day.

I'm made of sugar... I might melt.

And who knows what rain will do to that carbon fiber bike of mine.

Ryan

Hi there, Adam (aka Streak)! I never got back to you on your apology last week--thank you very much for your confession! I have to admit that I am just as much at fault though for having my music up too loud to hear the two of you approaching from behind. I have it turned down much lower since that day, although occasionally, I just can't help myself when something terrific comes on and the mood inspires me to pick up the pace a little bit. I'm so slow running that I need any little bit of inspiration I can get! Thanks again for fessing up--that was a very nice thing to do. I look forward to meeting you in person some time soon.

Julie.

[quote:1de9bf0932="Dan"]Ken remember the White Mountain ride you, PJ and I did several years ago. Talk about wet and cold. We did about 80 miles that day.[/quote:1de9bf0932]

Yes, that was my first big ride. I will never forget. I was actually talking about it yesterday. I was telling Tim and Ryan about the cross winds coming down from Crawford Notch. That was crazy. The wind would blow us 3 feet to the left or right before we even had a chance to react. Great memories.

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

I'm with Dan, they don't cancel the Tour, for rain.

If we do not do the stage as a group tomorrow I will have to settle for and submit my Monday time trial version of the loop.
 
[img:7c60f52a7e]http://www.team-pinnacle.org/albums/bc_personal/120x90.png[/img:7c60f52a7e]

I think we should vote for an amendment to the rules. You can only use a time that was done ON OR AFTER the first day of the two week period for that stage. Either that or not allow Brian to do solo time trials on stages like this. :)

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

We need to be flexible on when we allow individuals to submit their times there are too many of us that have family and work commitments that may conflict with the stage day event. I think the Commissioner made an early ruling on this but I don' remember what it was.

So Brian give us a hint at what the target time is.

No need for a hint.

[url]http://www.team-pinnacle.org/local-loops/pacer.php?region=9&sport=1&loopID=20[/url]

I wasn't serious about the new rules, but that is a fast time.

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

WOW that's fast. But it might not be fast enough. It will be close.

Holy crap, I am gone for 4 hours, and major events have taken place.

I am speechless at the moment give me 10 minutes to absorb all the info.

PJ

Game on. we race in all conditions.

You guys sure are tough! Lance would be proud!

Julie.

A few thoughts:

The start/finish will not be a pine cone but rather an appropriate flag. The Commissioner has approved.

We replaced our well pump yesterday. Although the water looks like chocolate Gatorade I would not drink it.

The carpets are rolled up because the puppy is only 95% housebroken.

The beer is chilling.

There will be a fire in the fireplace.
 
"there is nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about on bikes (sic)" Grahame Greene from Wind In The Willows

That sounds great Mike. Going to thank you for the first of many times today right now, thanks! Just wrapped up a 50 minute interval set on the trainer, so I should be good and worn out for tonight. May be very susceptable to early attacks. Should be interesting...........
 
[img:7c60f52a7e]http://www.team-pinnacle.org/albums/bc_personal/120x90.png[/img:7c60f52a7e]

I'm out, too wet, too cold.

Ryan

clearing at 5:30, we picked a perfect time.

ryan come to the drink up, we will be done around 7:10.

PJ

Congratulations to everyone that was able to make the ride and thanks to everyone who supported our fun and a special thanks to the Feeney's for hosting us tonight, the food and drink was great. Wet and cold, friends and competition good combination's for things to remember. It does seem that the events most remembered are the ones held in bad weather.

Joan on the bottom of the hill was great, I hit 43 in the rain without worry of a pull-out. Sandy and Julie atop the hill, I wish I had the breath to thank you.

Feeneys- Tremendous spread, warm fire, cold beer, great company- thanks.


I hung on as long as I could to try and limit my losses....greg road smart, Tim is strong this year....Currier nice jersey. Ken had some good ups too.

Dan and I got dropped once on the climb up to 89, but managed to get back on until Grace (cardiac hill) Saw Brian try to go early for the points and tried to tuck in behind Nathan. Ended up grabbing 6th place on the climb for .5 points....... I will take it baby.

Nice job, see you all in 2 weeks. Missed Ryan and Gurney for sure, but I think our group is expanding......so more fun for more folks.

PJ

NIce job everyone!

Thanks to the Feeney's for the warm fire, food and good company.

Ken, nice pull down that hill that preceded Cardiac hill to set up the chase on Brian. Nathan and I went back and forth 3rd-4th after Greg left us sitting while he chased Brian, I think Greg nicked him by inches at the line.

Later, Brian and I were able to get away from Nathan and Greg on the rollers after the explosion on Cardiac Hill. As we rode in the final meters, Brian was taking much stronger pulls, I thought; so I knew the sprint would be tough and it was not really a sprint, I just tried to stay close as he pulled away to the line --- Nice ride Brian .........but I want that jersey

See everyone in 2wks in the woods

Tim

Weird thing happened along the way. We were on the long downhill stretch on the start of 103A, flying along at 30 mph with 45deg temp and water/grit spraying our faces, and a smile came across my face. I was having a truly great time and could not stop smiling. Soon after that we hit my planned attack point for the KOM. This was well before the actual climb, but I thought I could catch folks off guard and build up an insurmountable lead. It almost worked, should have attacked 3 inches earlier. The big lead I had was trimmed a bunch on the long downhill to the base of Cardiac, then Greg took care of the rest with a most impressive surge up the hill. A group of four formed on the backside of Cardiac, myself, Greg, Tim and Nathan. Ken was dangling off the back a bit, we decided to work as a team and keep it that way. Sorry Ken. Then a gap formed in our lead group as Nathan and Greg slipped back a little. Tim and I took advantage of this gap and worked very well together to extend our lead to a comfortable distance as we rounded the corner back onto 103. Strange dynamics, the top two GC guys working together like team mates. On the second of the final rises we finally got Mike in sight, he had given himself a bit of a head start and rode the entire loop solo. I thought we would catch him well before this point, nice ride Mike! I made the winning acceleration with 200 yards to go and nipped Tim by a couple seconds at the flag.

The post race festivities were top notch. Many more calories in than out for this evening. Warm fire and great hosts spoiled us for sure.
 
[img:7c60f52a7e]http://www.team-pinnacle.org/albums/bc_personal/120x90.png[/img:7c60f52a7e]

That was a blast. My main goal was to stay with a group so that I wouldn't have to push it solo to the finish. That worked up till Cardiac where everything just fell apart. I was able to stay with the front pack on Dewey and through Georges Mills. At that point Tim pulled off the front and Brian was trying to trick me into chasing, but I was having no part of it. I figured when him and Greg chased, I would stay on there wheels, and of course, that is was happend. The four of us stayed together for a bit and then Nathan, Dan and PJ caught back up. After a little while Brian shot off the front. We worked to keep him in sight until the final downhill leading up to Cardiac. At that point I went to the front of the chase group and pulled Nathan, Tim and Greg to the base of the hill. My hope was that they would be thankfull for the pull down the hill, catch Brian by the top and slow the pace enough so I could catch back up. Wrong! I got to the top of the hill in 5th place and that is where I stayed. I flew down the hill at top speed and pushed as hard as I could from that point. I sprinted every uphill and used every ounce of energy to the finish but could just not catch up. I crossed the line a 1:03:25 a little dizzy but happy with how I did. Maybe next time I will be able to keep things closer on the hill.

Sorry I couldn't stay around afterwards. The burger was great and I am sure you guys had a great time. Looking forward to Bear Brook and the next team race.

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

[quote:447abfbc69="Brian"]A group of four formed on the backside of Cardiac, myself, Greg, Tim and Nathan. Ken was dangling off the back a bit, we decided to work as a team and keep it that way. Sorry Ken.[/quote:447abfbc69]

Not a problem. I will make sure to remember this if a similar situation ever arises. :twisted:

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

Okay, so my stuffiness has gone to my brain! The pictures are up but I'm having trouble renaming the album and putting them in the right order. I've called for Ryan's help...

What a terrific time last night! Thank you to Mike, Catherine and Bella for their fine hospitality--including the fine food and oh-so-sweet fire!

Once again you boys did us proud! You guys are animals! 48 degrees and raining! Crazy!

Good luck on Sunday--I hope the sun comes out by then.

Julie.

My strategy was to get a 15 minute head start and not look back until I was over Grace Hill. I know it worked because my neck doesn't hurt and I have no signs of whiplash.
The rain made progress harder but focusing easier. I actually enjoyed it and am very pleased to have scored a personal best.
Thanks to Rosie, Al, Joan, Julie and Sandy for the post race help.

Cath and I thank you all for your kind comments and we hope to do it again....and, in the next race my domestique is coming rain or shine.
 
"there is nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about on bikes (sic)" Grahame Greene from Wind In The Willows