Brendan Rigby said:

Thanks for the gearing guidance Thierry et al.  I'm totally stealing my girlfriend's 11-28.

You won't regret it

Or will I? It's TIAGRA!

I rescind my comment.  We share your concern, dude.

I'm pretty sure I have a newish Ultegra 11-28 laying around, Brendan. It's borrowable.

Brendan... don't change gearing unless it suits your riding style and is applicable to that course. Personally, I think those climbs for a rider my size are all done seated with a 11-23 or 12-25 and a standard crankset.

Fyi, that's what I used both years a battenkill (9th in cat 4s, 39th in the 3s) and at William's race (much worse roads).

Yeah, chances are Brendan, if your goal is a result (which it should be), you're not going to be going fast enough up those climbs in a 28 to be where you need to be.

There is no reason to race Battenkill on a 53-39 with a 23 in back. That's simply sub-optimal gearing. There are multiple-minute double-digit grade climbs, and you'll need to be able to respond to hard digs. You're not gonna hold the wheel of a hard attack in 39-23 gearing on a hard climb. Borrow a 28 for sure. Preferably, switch to a compact. You won't miss the 53-11.

2/3 of my podiums were with a 28. If the 28 is too easy you can shift harder.

@Brendan I can see you winning this in the 4's.
Jules is on the money with the 39x28. I think most people will tell you that the biggest challenge with this race is to avoid cramping in the last 30 minutes of the 2hr50 effort. If you've ridden enough 70+ mile tempo rides in prep you'll have the endurance, but if you want to be able to attack or sprint, ie win, you need to spin in the 90+, especially up the climbs. Think Froomey climbing style: 94 cadence average over the 2hrs50.

John is right on the money.  Pre-ride that finish!  I think you can get away with pre-riding the last 10km, not 10 miles, but do it a couple (or three) times if you can the day before - good place to get your openers in.

One last thing on gearing; Ryan often races with "13" as the starting numbers of his weight.  I try for "15"

I'll try to put in the usual pre-BK strategy talk 1.5 weeks in advance of the race.  

mugwump said:

 Winning by a tire,winning with no one else in the picture, makes no difference.

PRINT THIS AND TAPE IT TO YOUR TOP TUBE

wow guys the pressure is really on.  i'm scuuuuured.  Let's do this!

Jules is right. To me a 28 for Battenkill sounds like drastic OVERkill. But it's a style thing.

If by "style" you mean "physics" then I agree

No, I just mean style. A 23 just looks so much hotter.

Well guys, I've made my decision.  I will build a custom cassette that has ten 11-tooth cogs on it.  Best of all worlds.  

Are there any cat 5's who are driving up there? I have to figure out if I'm riding with someone or renting a car (also, lodging of some sort).

Rumor has it a certain Canadian CX'er is headed up there this year...

What are the lodging options for Battenkill. @Thierry, I know you mentioned the Best Western in Bennington. Are there other options? I've heard people have rented houses in the past?

The Bennington Best Western must be full by now unless there are last minute cancellation.

I am trying to finalize my plans, I think I'm staying with family at the Bennington Best Western.

Thanks! I saw that after posting the questions. Do you know where the
Garmin file went?


On Sat, Feb 8, 2014 at 10:26 AM, David Yang <

Everyone who is racing Battenkill and looking to do gravely/pothole ridden roads for training be sure not to miss riverside drive just before 120th street. And it's so close to home!

Anyone renting a place up there? Would be nice to go a few nights early and check out the course.