Spring Classics, VA style...
Spring in the world of cycling means one thing, classics. Ronde van Vlaanderen, Paris-Roubaix, Gent-Wevelgem, de Panne, E3, Liege, Fleche Wallone.
These are huge races, my favorites are the Ronde and Roubaix. Hard races won by hard racers. Ronde is famous for steep cobbled climbs, while Roubaix has long demanding pave sections. I did a cyclo-tourist version of the Ronde a couple of years ago with Sam. Koppenberg, Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg, the Muur, Bosberg are a few of the 'hillingens' (flemish for hills)that I rode while in Belgium. I've been trying to get back to do the ronde again. Next year...
The bike club in Harrisonburg has been hosting an annual ride on the same day as Paris-Roubaix, dubbed the Harris-Roubaix for a number of years. The ride leaves from Court Square at high noon on the 8th for a parade ride to the beginning of the 'race'. Gravel roads near Singers Glen form the basis of the 9-10 mile loop. Those that want to race, do 3 loops, while others out for a ride do 3, 2 or 1. This year's ride is actually on the same day as the Ronde due to a scheduling conflict with the Dragon's back MTB race which is on the same day as Paris-Roubaix. No Problem.
Along the line of the Harris-Roubaix, a ride that showcases Augusta County's gravel, err pave roads was needed. James of Black Dog Bikes mapped out a great route that was 40+ miles with over 20 miles gravel. James, Andy and myself completed the first annual Ronde van Vlaugusta this past sunday. Minus a few flats and one shifter issue, each of us grinned for the full ride. Riding gravel on skinny tires, ah fun stuff....
These are huge races, my favorites are the Ronde and Roubaix. Hard races won by hard racers. Ronde is famous for steep cobbled climbs, while Roubaix has long demanding pave sections. I did a cyclo-tourist version of the Ronde a couple of years ago with Sam. Koppenberg, Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg, the Muur, Bosberg are a few of the 'hillingens' (flemish for hills)that I rode while in Belgium. I've been trying to get back to do the ronde again. Next year...
The bike club in Harrisonburg has been hosting an annual ride on the same day as Paris-Roubaix, dubbed the Harris-Roubaix for a number of years. The ride leaves from Court Square at high noon on the 8th for a parade ride to the beginning of the 'race'. Gravel roads near Singers Glen form the basis of the 9-10 mile loop. Those that want to race, do 3 loops, while others out for a ride do 3, 2 or 1. This year's ride is actually on the same day as the Ronde due to a scheduling conflict with the Dragon's back MTB race which is on the same day as Paris-Roubaix. No Problem.
Along the line of the Harris-Roubaix, a ride that showcases Augusta County's gravel, err pave roads was needed. James of Black Dog Bikes mapped out a great route that was 40+ miles with over 20 miles gravel. James, Andy and myself completed the first annual Ronde van Vlaugusta this past sunday. Minus a few flats and one shifter issue, each of us grinned for the full ride. Riding gravel on skinny tires, ah fun stuff....
posted by MRussell at 8:42 PM
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