| The Terrible Hills Involving the Letter B Redux I was perusing old newsletters on our website and came across a famous legend, "Horrible Hills" (http://www.flcycling.org/flcc/news/html/horribl.htm). During our last club meeting Andrejs had requested more routes for the web site. I became inspired to create a century route over as many hills as I could. If possible, the road name starts with or includes the letter B.
As far as I know, this route has never been completed. Officials of the FLCC categorize this route as EPIC and unclaimed as a first ascent. With over 10,800 ft of climbing the first official finisher shall receive the accolades from our just membership and be listed on the clubs Hall of Fame Web page. Quoting some of our esteemed members:
- Glenn Swan after he reviewed the route, "Only the strong or stronger of our group will attempt this ride. This makes a day of climbing in Virginia look like Arklahoma."
- Jim Bondra, "I did some of these hills with Don in the past. I won't make that mistake again!"
- Bill Lodico, "This route meets esthetic standards of FLCC Sunday Tours or BHV Diners' Club rides."
- Bill "Rhino" Erickson, "This looks like a ride that Ernie Bayles would lead."
- Ernie Bayles, "When are we doing this ride? Who is going to replace Brandy?"
Andrejs has been very noncommittal as to when to add this ride to the calendar, although he did admit it would be a useful training tool for the more serious competitors of the Cascadilla Hill climb. I would like to suggest that all racers of the Tuesday "B's" consider completing this century as an obligation before the real racing begins.
Ernie brought up an important requirement. Who will replace Brandy? I list a few possibilities:
- Sara Barker - name fits and since she didn't crash last year may be able to finish the ride.
- Maria "Big B" Klemperer-Johnson - I can't tell you what the B stands for but email me for a photo.
- Amanda "Bambi" Shenstone - Climbs like a deer.
- Colleen "Beth" Flaherty - That new Cervelo will climb by itself Colleen.
Official first ascent certification requires a minimum 500-word ride report. The maps, cue sheet and ride profile can be downloaded off the website at the following address:
B-Hill Century
[Warning: this is a 2MB file. I'll try to digest and repost the info in some other way asap.]
Good luck! You're going to need it
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