What does GC mean
 

I'm going to Fort Davis Texas next April and I'm looking at some of the times for the races. I've been training for the 65+ riders, but I don't know what GC means. Thanks for the help.

General Classification. It is the lead rider of all stages in a stage race.

I think you meant that First in GC is the lead rider after all the stages run so far in a stage race. I know you know that but it looks like the words didn't come out right.

GC refers to the overall rankings in a stage race, versus the rankings for just one stage. So, in the Tour, that Cofidis rider won the day (so in the rankings of the stage he is 1st) but in GC he is not first, his break companion is first in GC.

In a stage race you'll see results something like this for a 3 stage race:
Stage 1 (results for the first stage)
Stage 2 (more results, but for the second stage)
Stage 3 (results for the third stage)
Final GC (final overall general classification, the actual placings for each rider in the stage race, based on whatever system is used to score riders on GC)

GC can be based on points (so you earn points for placing in each stage, the one with the most/least points wins depending on how points are awarded) or time (total elapsed time minus any bonuses, this is how the Tour works). Any other ways?

cdr

You are right of course.

Thanks guys, it looks like I have to beat 3 hours and 26 minutes for 56 miles. I have a little work ahead of me.

Yes.

What's the vertical?

4626'