Tour de Trump:

"The class of the amateur field was the team from the Soviet Union, led by 23-year-old Viacheslav Ekimov, who holds 10 world records and was a 1988 Olympic gold medalist in team pursuit. Ekimov wasted no time making his presence felt, winning the first stage, from Albany to New Paltz (110 miles), in 4 hours, 35 minutes and 18 seconds, 49 seconds ahead of the pack. That stage will best be remembered for a hellishly difficult climb called Devil's Kitchen. Officially named Platte Cove Road but dubbed Devil's Kitchen for a nearby mountain hollow, the climb was a 15-degree grade in West Saugerties that ascended from 300 feet to 1,840 feet above sea level in a span of two miles. According to Tour director Don Hobbs, who drove some 25,000 miles in the process of mapping out the route, "The first time I took the NBC people to see it, we couldn't get up the road in their bus."

Some of the racers couldn't get up it on their bikes. The road was gritty from wear and wet with rain, and seven riders got off and pushed—something almost unheard of in serious cycling circles. One of those who pedaled to the top, Steven Rooks of the Netherlands, who was named King of the Mountain as the best hill climber in the 1988 Tour de France, said that Devil's Kitchen was as difficult as the hardest European climbs. (Rooks came down with a 103° fever after the fifth stage of the Tour and was one of 28 riders who did not finish.)"

A 23 year old born in 1988.... interesting.

Catskillians (Ryan, Marc and alii), thanks to your brainwashing, my CAAD 9 has a compact. I don't know if I'll like that, but I think I'm going to get a second slice of apple pie.

Having done a pre-race ride today in good company with a great navigator (Wojciech), I want to thank those who convinced me to put a compact on my bike. It's so nice to be able to climb rather normally, deciding whether you want to sit or stand (I alternated except in the hardest parts, where I stood only). I was afraid I would not like the compact in other less demanding parts, but I liked it a lot. I was able to stay quite often on my large chainring (50 only) even when there was a bump. I'm even thinking about putting a compact too on my next Ti bike...

Major News update: Devils Kitchen has become steeper due to a newly found tectonic plate that has recently shifted, increasing the grade from 20 to over 35%.
Advice: bring flip flops because if you're going to walk the majority of the climb bare-footed your feet will suffer. A lot.

The new course is really beautiful, awesome descents (nothing tricky and no blind- corners), all on nicely paved roads save for a few spots. If you're on the fence of doing it deffinitly do
The compact looks like it worked well for Stephane, as he kept attacking on devils kitchen and later told him he "had some more left"

Stephane: what cassette did you use with your compact by the way? I'm trying to think if I should change my cassette (from 11-25 to 11-28) and/or go from 39/52 to a compact. Not sure if I need to do both- thinking that I'd prefer to change the cassette (getting pedals off of cranks is a real pain) but interested to see what you used.

In the Catskills, I used a "standard" compact with an 11-28 cassette. I used it this morning in the Triangle ride, I felt fine too. With a compact, the 11 cog is a must. With standard chainrings and an 11-28, Devil's kitchen is doable, but for racing, I do recommend using a compact. The Muro di Sormano I climbed near la Madonna di Ghisallo near Lake Como is more difficult than Devli's kitchen because you don't have those parts where the % is less and give you some respite, but it's only 2.7 k. But using a compact on Devil's kitchen (I had a 39 x 27 in Italy, using my heavier 2000 Ti Legend with 9 speed DA) may have made me feel it was easier. Anyway, this was not your question. Compact if you want to place, just an 11-28 cassette if you just want to participate and don't care about your placing.

I agree - if you're in it for blood, you need a compact and an 11-28.
That is, unless any of your nicknames include Captain America, God of Thunder, or you have the power of flight...

OK, I suppose the decision is made for me. Off to www.chainreactioncycles.com to see what Shimano compact cranks I can find in their bargain bucket!

One final thing, I read Alberto Contador once say that he uses a compact set-up on some stages of the Giro as they are so steep, but he doesn't bother anywhere else. If he needs one sometimes, and he's incredible, maybe it's not so weak to put one on!

In another note, Jeff C and I are keen on participating and wanted to arrange a practice ride on the course. We wanted to do the climb and the TT and if there's time, anything else I suppose. We were hoping to go not the weekend coming up, the one after (the weekend before the race). Anyone interested in making a date with us?

Also, I know I've left it late in the day, but any tips on accommodation?

Adam, I think I saw an ad with Contador using an 11-32 cassette in Velo Magazine (printed version of VeloNews). Even if a compact were not used by the pros, I would use one!

I'm definitely up for a recon trip probably on the 30th but could do the 31st.

Hey all,

I'm finalizing the lodging for Catskills. RIght now, our crew is me, Jeff Owens, Norm, Joe M., Wojciech, Stephane, Jeff White, John S., Daniel W., and one non-Kissena.

I can take two more in the bitchin' house we've rented:

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p128372

but if you want in let me know ASAP

ummm 49 jet Hot Tub. Awesome thanks for setting this up Ryan.

I will take you up on that offer if you can put me in there too. Just let me know how much to pay and if I need to sort anything else out.

Is anybody considering a disk wheel for the TT? Any feedback on the idea?

Just registered as a 4. I am looking (fast) forward to race with most of you if, as I hope, they put all the Kissena cat. 4 together irrespective of age.

I was chatting with Nate of BVF this morning and he said they will put all the Kissenas in the same Cat 4 field and that organizers will look at the total points of all the riders to decide if we are in the Cat4 "A" or "B" field.

@ Ryan. If there's any room left on the pool table, I'd be keen.

"organizers will look at the total points of all the riders to decide if we are in the Cat4 "A" or "B" field."

Nate's a good dude and I'd tend to believe him but I do have a slightly hard time believing that. Like, they're going to go through all 150 or so entrants and evaluate their points to make a determination as to which fields they go in? Sounds like a hell of a lot of work.

Also: Stephane, great to have you!!

As you can see, Wojciech and I did go to the Catskills last Saturday.

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s9ScUmnR_zbLN-bm6B9mtaRz-vcE1IYEc78cNMmPXdA?feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mB7VrpOKqEVqtDGsjG-S16Rz-vcE1IYEc78cNMmPXdA?feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wrWog5GhQ4fq88M4825IG6Rz-vcE1IYEc78cNMmPXdA?feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DZ7mr50nVlbJjtbxkF1QbqRz-vcE1IYEc78cNMmPXdA?feat=directlink

Posted By: Ryan JHey all,

I'm finalizing the lodging for Catskills. RIght now, our crew is me, Jeff Owens, Norm, Joe M., Wojciech, Stephane, Jeff White, John S., Daniel W., and one non-Kissena.

I can take two more in the bitchin' house we've rented:

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p128372

but if you want in let me know ASAP

Ready to take some names on that fooseball table!!!

Ok we've covered gearing, anyone have thoughts on clip-on aero bars for the TT?

FYI- I just bought a new Shimano 105 5750 compact crankset (34,50t- 172.5mm) It set me back $198 including NY sales tax and shipping. I've been looking about for a better deal but as time is an issue that was the best I could get in the time available. Previously, I have bought a Shimano 105 5600 double (39, 52t- 172.5mm) for about $160 with tax and shipping-that was when I had time to pick and choose (doubles are often a bit less than compact sets as standard). Just thought I'd post that so anyone considering can see what sort of prices I found. I should imaging SRAM Rival might be in the same ballpark. Personally, I'm not keen on second hand parts for bikes. The majority of bike parts are consumables (i.e. they are designed to and will wear out), especially the drivetrain. Hence, I personally prefer to pay more knowing that it still has it's full use left in it.

In another note, I'm still super keen to head up to Catskills either 30/31 July. I will see what I can sort out. Jeff C: you still interested? Anyone else want to join us/coordinate? The plan is to do at least the TT and Devil's Kitchen. I'm keen on doing the climb a couple of times so that might be it for me on the day. Also, of course, the TT day on the Friday in the race is short, there will probably be time to see the climb then too, although no doubt it will be buzzing with other cyclists with the same idea.

In response to your question about TT bars Jeff: not going to bother. I don't think I have nearly enough time to practice with them and I don't think that I would be significantly more competitive with TT bars. Just using that day as a training ride and will target the last 2 days.

@Adam

I'd love to tag along if there's room. I've got a 3 bike rack if that helps.

R

I'd be down for a pre-ride.

a) Would someone have room for a bike to the Tour of the Catskills?

b) Planning my time off at work: when are you guys going there?

a) can't help, probably

b) was planning to go mid-day on Thursday. I see though that TTs don't start till pretty late in the afternoon. But I'll still probably go up then, if I can.

I'm not totally sure how I will get up there as of now- looking like renting might be the best bet. Will keep you informed. Hope to go Thursday night though.

So we do have the house from Thursday, right?