2016_Stage_Racing

[JohnT]

The Giro de Sardinia has been a fantastic winter motivator and spring event for several of us in Triple Shot. I think all who have attended would agree that it was worth it ($3,000-$4,000). Some went twice just in case you have any doubts.

But, it costs >$3,000, takes two weeks and has a fairly disruptive time change.

I've just been looking for alternatives, motivated in part by discussions with others who are also looking for another reason to work hard when it's dark, wet, cool and windy.

Below is a short list from a 30 minute web search. If you can find more, please add them.

Be sure to confirm that any race you add is open to amateurs or non-elites.

It might be good to think about which one a bunch of us might attend before it's time to buy the 2016 Cycling BC licence. I suspect you'll need the more expensive UCI licence. Good to double check any local schedule conflicts (e.g., do we have a cyclo-grand-fondo date?). I'd better get the Speedway dates set as well. On that topic, I have an idea. But I'll put that in a separate post a bit later tonight.

April 14–17: Sea Otter Classic Monterey California: http://www.seaotterclassic.com/index.cfm/schedule.htm

April 30 – May 1 Washington (Olympia)
http://www.capitalstagerace.com

July 20 – 24 Oregon:
http://www.cascade-classic.org

[Claire]

Hmmm... All interesting thoughts and thanks for doing that research. I will contemplate something like this for my future. For now, I'm dreaming of Sardinia 2017. I believe at least a couple of others are feeling it's far enough in the future to commit now and train sometime later...

[John D]

I've got Sardegna 2017 on my radar too. I'll be turning 50 next November and want to do something significant to mark it. Though not anything as "epic" as the Haute Route.

[Bosie]

Found this little sucker today:
http://tortour.com/
For those looking for a challenge.
They even have a multi stage cross race...
Looks interesting and in a fairly enjoyable part of the world.

[Roland]

Might be a bit short notice for this year, but there is Bermuda Grand Prix
https://runsignup.com/Race/BM/Various/B ... aGrandPrix

I did it a few years ago with Jamie Cameron, Alex Hui & Geordie Morrison. Level is about the same as VCL. Fun event.

I've also done Tour of Walla Walla: http://www.tofww.org/

There is also Tour de Bloom, it was called Wanatchee Omnium when I did it. http://www.wenatcheevalleyvelo.com/curr ... -de-bloom/

[JohnT]

Hey, remember me?

A trip to Brazil, work, and a neglected bike have all colluded to keep me off the road. But you might see me tomorrow - provided all of the new parts I installed today don't come lose before I make it to Fairfield.

Anyway, I lived in Konstanz (Germany) for three years before moving to Victoria almost 14 years ago. Konstanz is very close to Schaffhausen, Switzerland (site of the 'Tortour' that Bosie discovered). This is an absolutely amazing place to ride. "fairly enjoyable' doesn't even come close.

I can't go this year, but I'd be very keen for 2017.

JT

[mtsmith439]

Another option.

http://magliarosatours.com

I was in Maui in February and went for a ride with Rob Anderson. He was a fantastic guy and made for an enjoyable day.

Check out the "About Us" page, and the jersey Ryder has on. Pretty cool.

I can't speak for the quality of the tour but it fits in with the "all you can eat pasta theme".

He did apologize for the quality of his website. He told me "I don't know that much about computers". I tried to drum up some business for my wife, who is a web content specialist, by saying "My wife could help you out with that".

I'm always interested in a trip to Italy. John and I got talking about Sardegna on one ride a while back, and it sounds amazing. I have to admit, I would be going more for the food than the cycling. The cycling would offset the calorie intake. LOL. I would never be able to swing it if my wife didn't get an Italy trip out of the deal as well. Tracy said she would tour around when we were cycling. Do spouses normally go? I'm sure Tracy would love to have some "partners in crime".

[JohnT]

I missed the Tortour fine print. 1000 km non-stop!!! WTF?

A shorter 'race' (525 km 'challenge' or 370 km 'sprint') and local fun rides. Might be OK after all.

JT