Gran Fondo NYC 2011

Team TargeTraining

Hey all! Just wanted to share some pics from TargeTraining's day at the Gran Fondo NYC. It was 100 miles of riding, starting on the NYC side of the GW Bridge (which they closed for us!), over to NJ, up through Nyack, continuing on to Bear Mountain (where we encountered our third timed climb of the day from Mile 52 to 55.7), then back down to finish on River Road under the GW Bridge (with MUCH more climbing along the way!).

Awaiting the start

Refueling on the top of Bear Mountain

The ride was flawlessly organized, with the only gripe being that the post-party was too far away from the finish line (if that's the only complaint, then you know you've done something right!). There was sweet swag, amazing roads, yellow Mavic cars out there fully stocked with wheels and bikes, crazy motorcycle cameramen, tough climbs, exhilarating descents...it felt like you were part of a pro tour, especially when Hincapie pulls up next to you in his full BMC kit, turns and says "Hello!", and then proceeds to draft off of your husband. Doesn't get much better than that!!

Hincapie leading a pack (can you see my pink bike to his left?)

Stacey at the finish line- her prize for sticking on his wheel for the last 10 miles!

The TargeTraining team of me, Chris, Tara Kupersmith, Stacey Smith, Joe Profaci, Ernie Perno, and David Yockelson (with honorary members of our friends and family Rick, Rich and Darcy) truly worked together to make it through the 100 miles and earn our 7th place team finish! We worked in a paceline, encouraged each other up climbs, drafted off of Chris, Joe and Rick (pays to have big guys in the group!), and just enjoyed each other's company. I think we're all still glowing from the perfect day :) Thanks to TT for preparing us to tackle such a challenging ride!

My favorite teammate :)

Comments

[ClareBear]

That's so amazing. And thanks for showing how fun it can be to go long!!!