Putnam Cycling Classic

What happens when you combine a former professional cyclist-turned race promoter, a spectacularly scenic and challenging course, a charming iconic host venue, enthusiastic backing from the local community, and the support of the UCI World Cycling Tour organization?  You get a cycling experience you will never forget!

That was my experience at the Berkshire Cycling Classic last May in Lenox, Massachusetts, and describes what riders can expect at the Putnam Cycling Classic, which will be held on May 5 in Cold Spring, NY.  The Ridge Hill Putnam Cycling Classic, organized by Sparta Cycling for the Putnam County Tourism Office, is the only North American qualifying event for this year’s UCI World Masters’ Championships.

I first learned about these “cyclosportif” (Gran Fondo) events several years ago when John Eustice staged the first Univest Grand Prix and he chose to add a Euro-style “cyclosportif” on the preceded the road race.  My training partner, Ralph Hassard, and I came had a very spirited and challenging ride.  After our finish, we stayed and watched the then international amateurs (Tom Boonen finished second!) on the finishing circuits in Souderton, PA.

When John announced the 2012 Berkshire Cycling Classic, I was thrilled because the Berkshires are among my favorite places to ride, and Lenox, MA is friendly, charming town and a great cycle-friendly community. From the packet pick-up reception at the stately and historic Cranwell Resort to the post-event party, the event was a well-organized and pleasant experience.  Riders were warmly welcomed, and everyone received first-class treatment.  The course featured some of my favorite roads through western Massachusetts, which were especially beautiful with early spring foliage. The route featured something for everyone; some climbs as well as long, rolling stretches of roads. The event was well supported, and the festivities after were professional without being stuffy. 

I qualified for the UCI World Master’s Championships at the Berkshire Cycling Classic, and proceeded to win The Master’s World Championship for my age group in both the Time Trial and the Road Race. I have to say the Berkshire Cycling Classic was conducted with the same level of professionalism and ceremony as the World Championship event; you could sense the level of respect for the athletes at both events. The only difference was at the awards presentations at the World Championships, the flags of the medalists were raised and the National Anthem of the winner was played. It was very emotional to see the Stars & Stripes being raised on the flagpole, and hear the Star Spangled Banner played before the crowd.

 Always wanting to create a better event, John Eustice organized a “test event” for this year Putnam Cycling Classic last October.  Libby Pataki, the head of Putnam County Tourism, used her influence to bring in the state agencies needed to make the event as smooth as possible. I enjoyed the course for the Putnam test event, and I was glad I had my “climbing cassette”, since there were some serious hills! The course for the test event was challenging and fun, and the village of Cold Spring welcomed the riders to its quaint shops, cafes and bistros. I can’t wait to go back!

John’s racing experiences in Europe have clearly shaped his reverence for the sport and desire for a quality event. He understands what bike riders and racers want, and he strives to make all riders feel “like a pro”.  There is an underlying sense of respect for the riders, and an attitude of reverence for the dedication to the sport that marks these events. You get a first-class experience, and you don’t feel like you are being exploited or ripped-off. He pays attention to details to minimize stress and make the venue as safe and risk-free as possible.

Whether you just want a break from mindless miles up & down 9W, or you want to challenge yourself and test your limits, you won’t want to miss the Ridge Hill Putnam Cycling Classic in Cold Spring, NY on May 5, or the Berkshire Cycling on June 9.  You’ll have a great time riding the “Classics” right here in the Northeast!