Location:
Canandaigua, NY
16th annual spring monument
17 mile parcours through the hilly finger lakes region near Canandaigua and the Brisol Mountain Ski Resort (30 mins south of Rochester). The course features false-flats, rollers, two significant climbs (one of which is around a 9 min ascent), and a fast run-in to the finish. Good prize money, a safe/tough course and strong fields make this a fun race. Come join us on May 9th. Rochester Road Racing
I am curious why you changed one of few good mountain top finishes to a fast dangerous downhill finish. It makes NO sense to finish a hilly race downhill. So the best climbers work their butts off all day to be caught on the downhill by the big sprinters and win. There are few uphill finishes out there and I think its a shame you have changed that.It was what many of us liked about your race. This is the reason we do not race Bear Mountain. It ASKS for crashes finishing on a downhill.
Anne Cat 1 racer
YOU TELL EM, ANNE!
speaking of course changes. do not like the new (’08) finish at housatonic. that crazy up hill finish is what made the race unique.
I agree – it’s a shame what they did to the finish at Housatonic Hills. The uphill finish added a unique component to the course. Starting last year it is now a short, curvy, speed-bump of a finish into the parking lot. Perhaps this year a big crash there will cause the race officials to re-evaluate it as the course may attract more sprinters this year than last.
“So the best climbers work their butts off all day to be caught on the downhill by the big sprinters and win…..reason we do not race Bear Mountain”
4,5,6+ times up Tiorati at Bear always eliminates the true sprinters. A 1000 meter decent at the end isn’t enough time for anyone that’s been dropped to catch back on. The race does however, favor the climber that can sprint the best.
I think the fast finish is exciting and the roads are wide enough that anyone with moderate bike handling skills can negotiate that run-in. That hairpin turn at the base of the climb is far riskier.
Another fast finish, that’s novel. The old finish was way better.
There is no question that the old Housatonic finish was better, much better. Uphill finishes is where is at.
Eh, it’s not such a bad finish, as you can tell in the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9wAqNN-Dic
Unionvale is nice – Short and Steep!
Whiteface RR – Longer and more gradual and you end at Santa’s Village!
Capital Region – stair steps but not that hard.
I vote Unionvale as the toughest local finish.
The Housatonic finish used to rule, but not anymore. Change it back!
Now Union Vale totally rules.
was to create more of a campus atmosphere…. in years past you had the start, finish and feedzone in 3 separate spots (miles apart)…. and a nightmare for the promoters.
now you have everything within walking distance.
the course is hilly enough… there is no catching back on after the KOM…. the little climbers need to ride harder and get rid of the “sprinters”
anne, i have never seen a crash at the bear finish, even in the cat 4s. it’s a big wide road, not dangerous at all. try it sometime.
it’s a non-issue at housatonic. all the best sprinters are at harlem.
Whatever. The uphill finish was awesome. The current finish basically sucks.
Looks good, a job well done.Congrats!