Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Crush The Commenwealth 2012 - Any Clydes up for it?

It's back.

http://ctcpa.blogspot.com/

Crush the Commonwealth - the annual endurance bike race between Pennsylvania's two largest cities. Only three rules:

1. No support
2. Stay on the course
3. Call the organizer when you finish.

This year the race starts April 27, 5 AM at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, and ends at Point State Park in Pittsburgh. The course uses the Schuylkill River Trail to Valley Forge, then the PA Bike Route "S" west to the Great Allegheny Passage at Rockwood. From there, riders follow the GAP to just south of Pittsburgh, and then follow a road and trail route to Point State Park (named for the "point" where the Ohio River is formed.)

From Philly the riders have a slight upgrade to Valley Forge, a couple steep rollers, and then generally mild rollers to past Gettysburg. The climbing and switchbacks become more difficult, with a small respite as the course uses an abandoned stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike to avoid some wicked hills. The worst climbing is in Bedford and Somerset counties as you approach Rockwood. From there its the limestone GAP down for 100 some miles, ending with some rollers into Pittsburgh.

Since this is an endurance race, sleep is optional. Current record is 28 hours and change for the 400 miles.

Any Clydes or Athenas want to attempt it in 2012? Indyfabz? Homeybe? Chefisaac? BTW if I do this in 2013 I'll be the first person to race it on knee replacements.

I'd do it, but only with a partner to ride with. I realized the last time I rode that distance that I don't like having that much time alone with myself.

I'd do it, but only with a partner to ride with. I realized the last time I rode that distance that I don't like having that much time alone with myself.

Oh, you would never be alone. Aside from the GAP, SRT, and Abandoned PA Turnpike its all on PA roads.

BTW your trike sounds ideal for the event.... so many of the journals written up by CTC riders mention sleep depravation. If you got tired on a trike you could park and take a nap.

BTW the race passes by my house, so I'll have a first-hand view of the riders when they are fresh.

why is it called crush the commonwealth ?

why is it called crush the commonwealth ?

Good question. Pennsylvania has since Colonial times referred to itself as a commonwealth, and in fact the state's official name is Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Neil-

This sounds like something I would be absolutely up for! HOWEVER...not until the 2013 edition. At just hitting 700 miles year-to-date yesterday in preparation for the Tour-de Cure down your way in June, I will not be prepared for this this year. But reading your post and the link I think this will be my goal for next year! I can grab one of my younger brothers (self-employed) to snag a couple days off and be our support car. I would be happy to ride with you! And whomever else we can get to go..Sayre, Chef, Bautieri, Will...the more the merrier! Thanks for the heads up, and the new goal!!

-Doug
p.s. When are you officially allowed to saddle up again?

EDIT: NO SUPPORT CARS!! Duuh! Sorry....I'm an idiot. So forget that idea! But I'm still in!

Good question. Pennsylvania has since Colonial times referred to itself as a commonwealth, and in fact the state's official name is Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Hmm ok that is a tad strange,but ok ... good luck to those crazy people :)

why is it called crush the commonwealth ?


Good question. Pennsylvania has since Colonial times referred to itself as a commonwealth, and in fact the state's official name is Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.


Hmm ok that is a tad strange,but ok ... good luck to those crazy people :)

If I remember high school civics correctly, under the political theories of Locke and Hobbes a commonwealth was an autonomous region that derived political power directly from the people and not from the crown. In the late 19th century the founding fathers of the three hotbeds of the American revolution, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia, carried that idea and drafted state constitutions which referred to their territories as commonwealths, not as states (Kentucky, the only other US Commonwealth was originally part of Virginia). It's really just a political poke at King George III.

Not to be confused with Puerto Rico and the Northern Marianas which are also Commonwealths, but not states. [/civics lesson]

Neil, had I not relocated 2700 miles away, I might consider this ride.

This sounds very intriguing and if this was in August or September may consider it. However, I am no where in the shape I was the end of last summer and would be dragging after the first 30 miles. Maybe 2013...

Kentucky, the only other US Commonwealth was originally part of Virginia


Virginia is also a commonwealth. I'm also pretty certain that there are 4 commonwealths but I can't remember what the last one is.

Sounds tempting. Unfortunately the Liberty Bell is approximately 3,400 miles from here :(

Neil-

This sounds like something I would be absolutely up for! HOWEVER...not until the 2013 edition. At just hitting 700 miles year-to-date yesterday in preparation for the Tour-de Cure down your way in June, I will not be prepared for this this year. But reading your post and the link I think this will be my goal for next year! I can grab one of my younger brothers (self-employed) to snag a couple days off and be our support car. I would be happy to ride with you! And whomever else we can get to go..Sayre, Chef, Bautieri, Will...the more the merrier! Thanks for the heads up, and the new goal!!

-Doug
p.s. When are you officially allowed to saddle up again?

EDIT: NO SUPPORT CARS!! Duuh! Sorry....I'm an idiot. So forget that idea! But I'm still in!

A little OT but if you are around I'm sure you'd be welcome to jump in on the ride we're looking at doing this weekend, it's being discussed over here: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/811297-The-Metric-Iron-Chef/

Virginia is also a commonwealth. I'm also pretty certain that there are 4 commonwealths but I can't remember what the last one is.

Massachusetts my home state of course lol.

I think Puerto Rico is also a commonwealth.

A little OT but if you are around I'm sure you'd be welcome to jump in on the ride we're looking at doing this weekend, it's being discussed over here: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/811297-The-Metric-Iron-Chef/

Yes the more the merrier but that discussion has degraded to a cut session. We normally do that on the rides, we just got started earlier this time. LOL.

If you're interested and need specifics just shoot Will, Isaac or myself a PM and we'll get you a cue sheet and starting points/times.


Massachusetts my home state of course lol.
:thumb:

Virginia is also a commonwealth. I'm also pretty certain that there are 4 commonwealths but I can't remember what the last one is.


Massachusetts my home state of course lol.

I think Puerto Rico is also a commonwealth.

Yep...yep...that's why in my original post I said:


...the founding fathers of the three hotbeds of the American revolution, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia, carried that idea and drafted state constitutions which referred to their territories as commonwealths, not as states (Kentucky, the only other US Commonwealth was originally part of Virginia). It's really just a political poke at King George III.

Not to be confused with Puerto Rico and the Northern Marianas which are also Commonwealths, but not states. [/civics lesson]

No interest whatsoever. But I am planning on doing one of the routes of d2r2 in August. I went to school there.

Yes the more the merrier but that discussion has degraded to a cut session. We normally do that on the rides, we just got started earlier this time. LOL.

If you're interested and need specifics just shoot Will, Isaac or myself a PM and we'll get you a cue sheet and starting points/times.


:thumb:

Ha.... cue sheet???? I am following your GPS! :)

Oh, you would never be alone. Aside from the GAP, SRT, and Abandoned PA Turnpike its all on PA roads.

Well think of it however you want, but I'd want someone else to talk to. I'm not worried so much about support for the ride; but rather someone to help me keep my wits about me when I'm sleep deprived.

p.s. When are you officially allowed to saddle up again?


No official date yet. I hope to be riding in the CASA ride in Shepardstown, WV, next month. But I have to be able to handle riding my bike and a three hour drive.

Well think of it however you want, but I'd want someone else to talk to. I'm not worried so much about support for the ride; but rather someone to help me keep my wits about me when I'm sleep deprived.

We could argue non-stop across PA, Sayre. That might work. :-)

argue across the state?!?! hell, you guys are amateurs. I could argue across the country...with Mother Teresa! ......as long as you don't mind my side of the discussion coming from behind you all the way there, through wheezes....

We could argue non-stop across PA, Sayre. That might work. :-)

HAHA!! If i went you guys would be cussing me within the first 50 miles.

I'll take it.

BTW - I like that my quote made the signature line...

I'll take it.

BTW - I like that my quote made the signature line...

Your comment reminded me of your long-lost twin brother, Big Vinnie of The Trailer Choir, AKA the Big Sexy Dance Machine:

http://www.trailerchoir.com/dancemachine

BTW, Big Vinnie is now 184 pounds lighter after a stint on The Biggest Loser as a contestant. His doctor gave him two years before his 426 pounds would kill him. Like you, he was 27.

http://www.trailerchoir.com/node/1550

I'm stocked up for serving as a mobile support stop for Crush the Commonwealth. I'll be in the driveway with water, fig bars, nuts, pretzels, and a floor pump and pedal wrench. Oh, and a camera. Again, I expect the riders to blow by me, partly because I'm not a real cyclist, but I'll be ready anyway in case someone needs help.

Cool! Post pics. BTW - would you be interested in checking out RAAM up close and personal this summer?

Report from last year, by the only known Clyde attempting it. Sayre, note the guy rides a bent:

http://randanneuring.blogspot.com/2011/05/crush-commonwealth-2011.html

As is typical for such rides, reports turn into a list of gas stations and mini-marts, and just what they ate and drank. "Limped into Morgantown and made a beeline for the first mini-mart I saw (Turkey Hill, in this case), and shoveled a fairly disgusting amount of crap down my throat, washed down with several varieties of fruit juice, milk, and carbonated beverage. Bonk averted, we continued on our merry way..."

Cool! Post pics. BTW - would you be interested in checking out RAAM up close and personal this summer?

You mean like with Homeyba, the RAAM rider I rode with last summer? The nicest comment anyone may have ever said about me was his quip when we met that there was only one great rider on the trail, and he was riding with him.

Seriously, if you have something in mind, let me know.

Live-blogging from a Clydesdale at

http://andanneuring-in-real-time.blogspot.com (http://andanneuring-in-real-time.blogspot.com/2012/04/pre-ctc-motel-du-jour.html)

In Philly tonight, two bents and two riders prepare for battle tomorrow at the Liberty Bell:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dChodUdUfRQ/T5nzcUzAFjI/AAAAAAAADhc/yP-kJZUFQ6M/2012-04-26%25252021.13.03.png

Reports will be coming in from riders over the next 48 hours to here:

http://bike-pgh.org/bbpress/topic/crush-the-commonwealth-2012

Weather in Eastern PA starts in the mid 40s and rises to the mid 50s, with breezes and gusts to 25 MPH. Temp drops and weather deteriorates as the riders pass south of Sayre, err, south of Harrisburg. (Sorry, forgot Mr. Kulp is named for a city in a different part of PA.) Overnight the riders get hit with rain squalls. Then off and on rain into Pittsburgh.

Route description:

"There are a few multi-mile climbs, but rarely over 5% or so. The first 130 miles are mostly flat, then you've got a long gradual climb up to Michaux State Forest, starting a bit after Arendtsville on Rte 234. Once you hit 30 outside of Chambersburg, it's mostly downhill until another climb up Cowan's Gap, starting around mile 175. The abandoned turnpike tunnel lets you bypass the really nasty spike at mile 200, and (except for the craptastic surface) it's smooth sailing into Breezewood.
Breezewood to Bedford has some lumpy stuff, but nothing you'd not see riding around here. From Bedford, you've got more lumps until you hit New Baltimore at mile 245 or so, at which point you've got a nice long climb ahead...the kicker is at the very end when you turn onto Rt 31...you've got a nice 6-12% grade for the next mile or so, after you've already climbed steadily for the last few miles.
Once you get into Somerset, it's an easy coast to Rockwood, and you can enjoy 90+ miles of crushed limestone flatness on the GAP. :-) "

My report to the Bike Pittsburgh message board:

Report from Checkpoint Historian (36 miles from the start):


Temps in the upper 40s or low 50s, slight breeze, overcast skies.


The Tressler brothers and a third rider blew past me at 7:22 AM. And almost literally so - I was getting out of the tail of my wagon and walking to the shoulder when they came through. The third rider was in a grey jersey.


Second group of about a half-dozen or so riders came through at 7:36. NickD was part of the group if I recall correctly. (Incidentally NickD is the only rider here I've met, on the C & O in 2010.)


A couple of stragglers came along in the next two minutes, and then two guys on bents. "One of you has to be Reddan" I shouted, and the guy on the second bent said hi. They passed about 7:41. There was one more rider a minute later, but then I began seeing the local roadies out for their morning constitutionals, so I closed up.


Unfortunately the photos sucked, since I didn't get any advanced notice of the riders coming through. That and someone hobbling around on replacement knees isn't terribly ambulatory anyway. I'll post what I have later after I apply ice and Tylenol.


No one stopped for anything, but again, I didn't expect anyone would.

You mean like with Homeyba, the RAAM rider I rode with last summer? The nicest comment anyone may have ever said about me was his quip when we met that there was only one great rider on the trail, and he was riding with him.

Seriously, if you have something in mind, let me know.

I was thinking about visiting one of the time stations during the event and possibly volunteering, but at least getting out and watching the "show."

I was thinking about visiting one of the time stations during the event and possibly volunteering, but at least getting out and watching the "show."

Depending on circumstances, I'm game.

Bents reached the Sheetz in Morgantown about an hour after they passed me. In 2008 it took me three hours to cover the same distance. That's due to the roller coaster climbs and descents along PA Bike Route S. Here's the top, where I veered off.... the CTC riders went straight through the intersection, where I turned right.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3142/3002155292_0a8a8eb585_z.jpg

Note the nice wide shoulders. Rt. 23 has, on the whole, wide shoulders as it runs to Lancaster. PENNDOT keeps the Amish in mind, since aside from buggy their primary transportation is bike.

They crossed the river before noon and were in York about 1 PM.

One challenge of the East to West route is that the riders will have to navigate the Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike at night. To get through the mountains the route uses the ten mile stretch of the world's first superhighway abandoned in the 1960s. Its definitely "ride at your own risk" since the pavement hasn't been repaired in 50 years. Nor have the 1.5 miles of tunnels been serviced or lighted. When the producers of the distopian film The Road needed a place to shoot, they went here.

From a ride in 2009:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3397/3585088106_108497aab4_b.jpg

Riders are probably near Gettsyburg now. In later this afternoon they will be on Rt. 30 heading to Chambersburg.


http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4019/4675088143_e8535296be_z.jpg

My report to the Bike Pittsburgh message board:

Report from Checkpoint Historian (36 miles from the start):


Temps in the upper 40s or low 50s, slight breeze, overcast skies.


The Tressler brothers and a third rider blew past me at 7:22 AM. And almost literally so - I was getting out of the tail of my wagon and walking to the shoulder when they came through. The third rider was in a grey jersey.


Second group of about a half-dozen or so riders came through at 7:36. NickD was part of the group if I recall correctly. (Incidentally NickD is the only rider here I've met, on the C & O in 2010.)


A couple of stragglers came along in the next two minutes, and then two guys on bents. "One of you has to be Reddan" I shouted, and the guy on the second bent said hi. They passed about 7:41. There was one more rider a minute later, but then I began seeing the local roadies out for their morning constitutionals, so I closed up.


Unfortunately the photos sucked, since I didn't get any advanced notice of the riders coming through. That and someone hobbling around on replacement knees isn't terribly ambulatory anyway. I'll post what I have later after I apply ice and Tylenol.


No one stopped for anything, but again, I didn't expect anyone would.


Bents coming through:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/535336_3528818911641_1607271639_2777381_1561884928_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/535075_3528819551657_1607271639_2777382_1298171270_n.jpg

Tail end of the leader group. Shows how fast they were moving that they got so far down the road before I got to the shoulder:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/523352_3528814391528_1607271639_2777375_1330369478_n.jpg

The bents reached Chambersburg, 153 miles and 13 hours from the start, shortly after 6:30.

Although this is an endurance race and thus there's no 'official' rule requiring anyone to stop, most riders get at least a couple of hours sleep. Usual place it seems is Breezewood, another 50 miles on as the climbing gets harder. But since its an interchange on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Breezewood has both lots of cheap lodging and 24 hours eateries.

If I'm still in this state next year and at least one other person is willing to go with me, I'm in for 2013.

(Also assuming the world doesn't end this December.)

Bents were in Breezewood an hour ago ordering omelets. Since temps are near freezing the riders might be getting some sleep.

If I'm still in this state next year and at least one other person is willing to go with me, I'm in for 2013.

(Also assuming the world doesn't end this December.)

I'm in. As I wrote, I want to be the first rider to do this on artificial joints. And the fastest. With my luck Floyd Landis will want to give it a shot.... (Landis had a hip replacement.)

Sayre -

I was completely serious about doing this next year when I replied on page 1! I'm in, and have already started working out a training schedule for this starting this summer after the Philly Tour de Cure.

and Neil - Thanks for the ride reports and pics! You are indeed a "real cyclist" no matter how you think of yourself. And I will be honored to ride this with you next year if you go!

-Doug

I'm in. As I wrote, I want to be the first rider to do this on artificial joints. And the fastest. With my luck Floyd Landis will want to give it a shot.... (Landis had a hip replacement.)


Might be your chance to smoke Landis, though. ;)

Might be your chance to smoke Landis, though. ;)

Can you get the benefits of testosterone injections by smoking? :roflmao2:

But seriously, folks... I'll be here all week. Try the veal and remember to tip your waitress.

BTW - Neil & Doug - I'm holding you guys to it. :thumb:

BTW - Neil & Doug - I'm holding you guys to it. :thumb:

Think carefully. If you've followed the Bike Pittsburgh thread, so far more than half the field, including the bent riders, dropped out because of the weather. Last year's winners bagged it at Somerset, 15 hilly miles from Rockwood on the GAP, because of hypothermia. The bents made it to Bedford. Chambersburg seemed to have claimed a LOT of riders.

Two riders made it to the Point at 2:30 PM (assuming a 5 AM start Friday, time is 33.5 hours for 380 miles). Two others reached Ohiopyle at 5:30 PM and expect to reach Pittsburgh tonight. Some others may spend the night somewhere warm and finish tomorrow.

BTW, the problem with the weather on this ride reminds me of another point... legally, this ride doesn't exist. This isn't like a big club or charity ride where people sign waivers and traffic is controlled by the police. If anything happens, you are on your own.

Think carefully. If you've followed the Bike Pittsburgh thread, so far more than half the field, including the bent riders, dropped out because of the weather. Last year's winners bagged it at Somerset, 15 hilly miles from Rockwood on the GAP, because of hypothermia. The bents made it to Bedford. Chambersburg seemed to have claimed a LOT of riders.

Two riders made it to the Point at 2:30 PM (assuming a 5 AM start Friday, time is 33.5 hours for 380 miles). Two others reached Ohiopyle at 5:30 PM and expect to reach Pittsburgh tonight. Some others may spend the night somewhere warm and finish tomorrow.

BTW, the problem with the weather on this ride reminds me of another point... legally, this ride doesn't exist. This isn't like a big club or charity ride where people sign waivers and traffic is controlled by the police. If anything happens, you are on your own.

I wonder how many of the riders on this year's excursion are as stubborn as some of us. (read: this guy right here) They need warmer clothes.

I wonder how many of the riders on this year's excursion are as stubborn as some of us. (read: this guy right here) They need warmer clothes.

Temps were freezing or below in the Laurel Highland last night. The story of the Tressler brothers, winners for the last three years, is a little frightening. Getting stuck in Somerset at 3 AM and not being able to get warm.... keep in mind the Tresslers are very fit athletes. I've bonked in cold weather and I've seen others do so. It's not anything to take lightly.

Then again, the Tresslers carry their minimal gear in backpacks, and very small backpacks as I've seen when they rode past. They covered 270 miles over 22 hours.

As of last report, 7:47 last night, there were four finishers so far of the 25 riders. Three more were planning on finishing last night. Another two spent the night in Somerset "pizzaing their faces off" at the Comfort Inn, and will finish today. This includes the first woman to complete the course, I understand. There are at least 13 DNFs. This includes, as mentioned, the Tresslers, who suffered hypothermia riding with a wind-chill factor of 20 degrees.

East to West is considered the harder route since the big climbs come when the riders are tired. The extreme cold weather in Western PA didn't help.