Just an update on the VT 200k/300k:
Weather is looking to be great for the ride. Small chance of t-storms / rain along the way… same as our unofficial ride last year. 1 group got wet, the rest did not – and it turned into a lovely (if a bit warm) day.
There were a few concerns about the ‘audax’ portion of the ride – this is 11+ miles of moderate group riding through town and out the Burlington bike path. We’ll ride 13-14 mph as a group so we arrive @ the ferry together and ease the navigation through town. The bike path can handle 2 abreast for the length of the ride – depending on who else may be out running or riding at our start hour. 😉
Portions of the bike path @ the causeway are on crushed gravel / dirt. The surface conditions change based on recent storms, as this is fully exposed to the lake. Please ride with caution as it can be a pleasant or taxing 3 miles to the bike ferry.
The bike ferry has a capacity of 6 cyclists at a time. Last year we ran 2 trips over ‘the cut’. Turnout is expected to be higher than last year – so we may need to run 3-4 trips over. These take 5-8 minutes or so. Depending on numbers we’ll divide up when we reach the ferry. I have mixed feelings about how to handle this – last year the faster gents took off first but waited for all riders to cross… this year I’ll poll the group at the start.
High winds / lightning will shut down the Bike Ferry. I’ll be in contact with the ferry captain morning of the ride. If this happens I have an all paved alternate route to get us to the Champlain Islands. This will add 1 mile to the first control, but there is no waiting for the ferry to make multiple crossings and no group rollout, so it could be quicker overall, but certainly unremarkable, with rollers and less scenery.
There will be bagels / snacks @ the start – but I cannot get anyone out of bed to provide coffee. There is a great stop along the route @ Hero’s Welcome (listed on the cue @ 30 miles in) – they opened @ 7am last year (I’m confirming today) – so the fast riders may pass by too early.
300k riders – please be prepared with lights / reflective gear per the RUSA rules for riders.
300k riders – if you plan on finishing late there are few services after the Ferrisburg Mobil station (mile ~160 into the route). This includes the last control before the finish, which closes @ 10pm. There is an information control listed for this – so plan accordingly if you are running later into the evening.
Final cue to be handed out @ start. There is 1 information control for the 300k depending on timing of your ride, so please get the final cue @ the start.
There may be a not so secret control along the route. If things align we plan on staffing and stocking a control @ a strategic point for both routes… keep a watch on the NY side after Plattsburgh. Our pre-ride volunteer will be on course and staffing the control.
300k return ferry – it is FREE, run times are listed on the cue.
200k return ferry – should cost $4.75 for cyclist and bike. Ferries are cash only. This is a control – so get your card signed and hang onto that receipt.
Look forward to seeing some old and new faces in BTV Saturday!
