Race Updates

This letter went out to all racers on July 30, 2009

Hello GMSR Racer,

As the GMSR is quickly approaching I wanted to update you on this year's race. First, we have made several changes to our fields. After a number of years with two men's 4 fields we have gone back to offering a men's 4 and a men's 4/5 field. This will give newer racers a chance to participate in a four day stage race and hopefully expand the ranks of racers in the future. Please let any newer racers know about the opportunity to race at the GMSR. We have also added a standalone Cat. 2 men's race. This will allow Cat. 2 men a chance to earn upgrade points, pull on a leader's jersey and step onto the podium at the GMSR. The distances for the 4/5 race will be the same as the 4 race, and the Cat. 2 race will go the same distance as the P/1 race with the exception of the Crit which will be slightly shorter because of time constraints on the course in Burlington.

Here is the update on courses for this year: Friday's TT will be on the same course as last year with the same rules in effect. This means you can use equipment which is legal in a mass start road race (no aero bars allowed). The Crit on Monday will also be on the same course as last year. The circuit race will be back on the Moretown course for this year after a one year hiatus. The state replaced the washed out bridge on Rt. 2 but only installed a temporary single lane bridge. We have just received permission to close Rt. 2 to west-bound traffic for race day which will make this race possible and should also result in a less busy stretch of road on that part of the course. Starting this fall the state will begin work on a new two lane bridge which should be in place for the 2010 GMSR. If you come to pre-ride this course be forewarned that a bridge on Rt. 100B is in the process of being replaced at this time. There is no temporary bridge, and the detour is a long hilly dirt road. VTrans assures me that the bridge will be reopened in time for the race and I will let you all know via the website when the road is reopened to traffic. This course is in the 2007 Tech Manual ( http://www.gmsr.info/pdfs/2007-8-22_Tech_Manual.pdf ).

For the Mad River Road Race we had planned to return to the Middlebury Gap for 2009 after last year's flooding washed out sections of the road resulting in its closure just prior to the race. While the road was reopened last fall and further paving was recently completed the road is not in the condition we would like it to be in for the event. As a result we will be racing on the Brandon Gap again this year. As many of you will remember the pavement on the Brandon Gap is fairly new and therefore in very good condition. VTrans has told me that they plan to repave the Middlebury Gap next year. Assuming that the paving is completed on time I hope to return to that course in 2010. The net effect of this course change is that the Sunday race will be 75+ miles rather than the normal 65 so ramp up those training rides! This course is in the 2008 Tech Manual ( http://www.gmsr.info/pdfs/8-26-08_final_techmanual_web.pdf ).

Speaking of training rides there is a six gap ride (222K/137 miles – give or take, with a bit of climbing) coming up on August 9 th which benefits the Moretown Safe Routes to School Program. The course for this ride is being made as difficult as possible (don't ask why) as each gap is being climbed in the hardest direction. To add to the fun, four gaps and nearly 100 miles will be in your legs before tackling the climb from Warren up the Lincoln Gap which is the stepest public road climb in Vermont and beyond. The ride will conclude with the climb up the west side of the Appalachian Gap where the Mad River Road Race finishes. For info or to register go to: ( http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=8910 ).

If you are in the area the Mad River Riders will be hosting a practice TT on Friday's race course. This event will take place on Tuesday August 11 th at 6:30 PM starting in Warren Village. You are welcome to race on any bike you like for this practice event.

On the registration front several fields are already more than half full. Don't miss out register NOW! ( http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=8366 ). In addition to not missing out registering prior to August 16 th will save you 20 bucks, which is enough for most of the cost of a dinner out while you are in Vermont. Registering soon also provides proof to all of us who are working hard now to prepare for the race that you really are coming. So do your part to help keep our moral high by registering!

If you are still looking for a place to stay while you are here please visit the lodging section of the GMSR website ( http://www.gmsr.info/lodging.php ). The listed properties are race supporters and by booking with them you are helping to hold down entry fees. Please be sure to tell them you are coming for the GMSR as many are have specials they can offer.

For those of you who are planning ahead we will have packet pick-up on Thursday evening September 3 rd at the Bridges once again this year. The specifics of number packet pick-up as well as TT start times will be sent out via e-mail after the close of registration. Also for those of you who want to print out and study the Tech Manual we plan to have it completed two weeks prior to the start of the event.

Thanks for reading. We are looking forward to seeing you in September.

Gary Kessler
Race Director