Adirondack Sports & Fitness: Washington County: New York’s Belgium

Washington County is fortunate enough to feature two notable bicycle racing events this year. Both races, held under the banner of the Capital Bicycle Racing Club (CBRC), are the brainchild of local bicycle racer, Dieter Drake. These two races are growing in popularity due to a mix of meticulous organization, a historic setting, challenging terrain and creative promotion. This is the recipe for successful events that have drawing power for participants and spectators alike. The goal of Dieter and CBRC is that these events become classics in their own rite, and will serve the charitable and athletic mission of the club, while fostering Washington County tourism.

These races offer something for everybody. If you’re a bike racer, you probably already know about them. If you’re an avid rider, you owe it to yourself to check out the scene. Both of these races have a category for beginning racers and ambitious citizens, and are an amicable venue for trying a bicycle race. For spectators, there are not many areas that offer the historic, small town allure, and dramatic vistas of southern Washington County.

On Saturday, April 16 the first annual Battenkill-Roubaix will be held, starting and finishing in Salem. This 55-mile race on paved and dirt roads is unique in the Northeast, and it is named after the fabled Paris-Roubaix spring classic bicycle race that takes place in France and Belgium (which is a little longer at about 160 miles). Of the 55-mile loop about 10 miles are on dirt roads, which bring a whole new element of excitement to the ride, particularly if it’s wet. The single loop course is fairly rare, as most bicycle road races in the United States tend to be repetitions on a circuit. This allows for more varied terrain and means that racers must carry some necessary repair equipment to ensure they can finish.

This race, like its namesake, is nicknamed “The Hell of the North.” That’s not tongue-in-check, as the course features many grueling climbs, slippery bridges as it crisscrosses the Battenkill River and twisty back roads. There may not be the cobblestones of the Paris-Roubaix classic, but this race definitely offers more covered bridges. If you’re feeling in shape and might be considering a race, this is a good event to try, as the riders will be spread out — and if you get dropped at least you can enjoy the scenery! Mud, scenery, bike riding in April — what’s not to love? On your way home, you can stop by Steininger’s, a family run and European-style chocolate and sandwich shop in Salem.

Later in the season, on June 11, the second annual Cambridge Balloon Festival Classic race will be held. This is a major event, with seven start times and over a dozen categories of riders. Last year, more than 300 racers participated and 1,500 people were spectators. This is a circuit race, with the number of 13-mile laps for each category varying from two to seven. The pro racers do seven laps for a total of 91 miles.

What makes this race tough — and fun to watch — is the killer hill about 5 miles north of Cambridge on County Route 61, which is just west of Lake Lauderdale and NY Route 22. The initial climb, part of a 1-mile-long hill, is among the steepest grades in the Northeast. There may be longer climbs, and certainly longer races, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a steeper hill. Last year, I watched the race from this section of the course and offered encouragement as these athletes gave all they had, time after time, to conquer the hill. I’ve ridden it on occasion, too, and nothing can prepare you for the pain that follows after your heart rate has been at maximum for a full minute or two. And, to face this hill lap after lap is really difficult. I was touched as several riders actually thanked me for cheering them on at the top of the headwall.

In 2004, the Cambridge Balloon Classic was won by CBRC president Eric Juzysta. For those who know Eric we couldn’t be happier; he is one of the elite category 1 (the level just below pro) racers in the area.

My hot tip for the Balloon Classic: Bring a picnic and maybe a cowbell, and camp out at the top of hill on Route 61, also known as O’Donnell Hill. Watch the pro race for an hour or two, then pack up and watch the finish in the village of Cambridge. The finish line isn’t hard to find, it is right next to the Cambridge Hotel, which opened in 1885 and is one of the country’s remaining “train hotels.” The race is part of the Fifth Annual Cambridge Valley Balloon Festival on June 10-12 so stay in town to watch the hot air balloons. The festival also features crafts, food, music, family activities, and for the runners — the Balloon Festival Road Race 5-miler and 1-mile fun run.

I can’t write about these two races without saying a few words about Dieter Drake, who lives in Washington County and has created and organized these two events. He is currently the top bicycle time trial racer in his age bracket in the country.

For more information on the bicycle races, go to www.cbrc.us. For details on the Balloon Festival visit www.cambridgenychamber.com, and for the road race contact Phil Norman at pnorman@nycap.rr.com.

Carter Yepsen lives in Saratoga Springs and works for Cisco Systems. He rides 5,000 miles a year, and is a member of the Capital Bicycle Racing Club and Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club.