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2009 Fools ClassicA few of the comments! posted on CBBCtalk... I would like to extend a "Thank You!" to Bob Ruddy and Brian Ignatin who hosted the 3rd Annual Fools Classic this past Sunday starting from Holicong Park. I had a great time. I arrived at Holicong Park about 30 minutes before the scheduled start time and there were already 10-15 cyclists in the parking lot. Brian was already setup with sign-up sheets for the 3 clubs represented - SCU, PFW, and CBBC. Over the next 15-20 minutes, the parking lot swelled to almost 40 riders (most of whom signed in). I believe the "official" tally was 35 riders, but a quick headcount disputed the official numbers. All sorts of rides were present in the parking lot - there were some skinny-tire, full carbon racing bikes along side low-geared, rack-equipped, canti-lever braking touring bikes. Sprinkle in a few cyclo-cross bikes, a few fenders here and there, a few 35mm knobby tires and much of the two-wheel spectrum was represented. Goodie bags filled with various cycling trinkets (water bottle, chamois cream, power bar, etc.) were given out along with very descriptive cue sheets. The mass of riders gathered around Bob and Brian as they offered some final instructions, including some cautionary words about some particularly steep or treacherous portions of the ride. Off we went. The ride started with a nice steady climb up Ash Mill Road to Mechanicsville Road. This climb was enough to splinter the group between the fast guys and the rest of us. Mechanicsville Rd was a nice, paved section where the pace really started to quicken until we got to Cuttalossa Rd - a nice unpaved road full of gravel and fresh mud washed onto the road surface from the previous days' rain. Those riders with descending skills much greater than mine bombed the downhill with hardly touching their brakes whereas I, wishing to remain upright, went downhill at a pace that wouldn't even frighten my mother. My caution on that first downhill opened up a gap large enough that I never saw the lead group again. The ride took a familiar pattern - slow, torturous uphill climbs on the nastiest road surfaces you've seen followed by white-knuckle, brake gripping descents on more of the same. Occasionally, the pattern was broken by a nice, paved section of road - but this was the exception rather than the rule. During my battle with Lodi Hill I was passed by a motorcyclist on his dual-sport, knobby tired ride who was testing his skills on the slippery, gravel surface. Needless to say, he crested the top of the hill ahead of me. The final descent towards the river let me know the rest stop was close. By now, a group of 3 of us had formed and we were greeted by the traditional PB&J and bananas at the food stop. The post-rest stop hills gave more of the same - Stagecoach, Smithtown, and Mt. Airy Roads were testament to the lengths Bob and Brian took to find these hidden little gems offering great scenery coupled with some tough climbing. We got a little break for a while as we did a 4 mile trek down River Road to find our next unpaved challenge - Laurel Rd. The scenery on this road is incredible and you won't get any complaints from me. The course made its way back towards our start location but B&B had to give one last "jab". One the way back, I noticed we passed Upper Mountain Road and continued along. Upper Mountain is the usual turn to get back to Holicong, but we were going past it which would bring us South of the park?? Soon, I realized that this was planned effort to squeeze in one more unpaved road - New Hope, along with one more climb - up Holicong. The descent down the other side of Holicong ensured the end was in sight. I spent some time post-ride chatting up with the other riders about our days adventure. Everyone had a great time. Once again - "Thank you" to Brian and Bob. Looking forward to the next one. Regards, Ken Gorman Brian & Bob, The ride was fantastic! Very challenging and some really nice touches given it was basically two guys putting on a bike ride - goodie bag, cue sheet, break food, wine, Belgium chocolate! Thanks for your time in putting this together. Great ride and I will be putting it "on my calendar" for next year. It was sweet to ride this and then watch De Ronde van Vlaanderen on Versus. last night! Thanks again, Doug Nagel
The riders arrived in the morning to a bright sunny sky. Brian snapped a few quick pictures dringthe ride instructions...
The riders arrived in small groups at the food stop. Many Thanks to Kathy and Dave for manning the food stop and to Julie for buying the "classic" fare. Here are a few pictures taken by Kathy...
The 2009 Fools Classic will be held on Sunday April 5th. Once again we will start at Holicong Park in Holicong Pennsylvania.
The Head Fools are at it again; Bob Ruddy and Brian Ignatin will be hosting the 3rd Annual Fools Classic over roads less traveled on Sunday April 5th, 2009 at 9:00 from Holicong Park. The ride is modeled after the Ronde van Vlaanderen, one of the European Spring Classics the Pro Teams tackle. What Bucks lacks in pave, we make up for with unsealed roads. The ride will have a classic food stop, cue sheets will be provided, and there will be minimal road marking. People who complete the entire course will be rewarded with a traditional FC "trophy"; pre-ride goody bags will be on a first come first served basis. The route is being finalized, but will be ca. 67 miles long, with ca. 20 sections of unsealed roads. All of the roads are maintained public roads, and are perfectly suitable for standard road bikes with road tires. Tires wider than 23mm are suggested especially if you are a clydesdale like Bob. Cyclo cross bikes are welcome, but certainly not required, as most of the ride is on paved roads. The distance makes the ride unsuitable for hybrids. |
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