Tribute to a tt Carbon

I rode my Austro-Daimler tt Carbon for the last time on 29 June 2014. It was a 50 km "time trial" around Cape Elizabeth. The bike was built up in early 2013 by Fit Werx 2 and according to Strava, I put 2,500 miles on it (both road miles and trainer hours I guess). I ran a Zipp 808 on the front and a Zipp 900 Tubular disc for the entire time I used it and used a Stages Power Meter. As with the Superleicht Carbon, I determined that I would not expect anyone to ride and race a bike that I would not race myself. Thus I have been training and racing on the this model since 2012 and can say that the frame set meets a very high standard of performance and quality. I did not have any problems with the bottom bracket or the head seat or the seat post; it was easy to service and easy to build. I won the USA Cycling Nationals Masters Time Trial 45-48 on this bike which is perhaps going to serve as the peak of my career; I won the Maine Time Trial Series on this bike too and managed a few satisfying results in the Pro 12 categories. Besides all that, I simply enjoyed getting out on this bike for my informal "time trials" around the neighborhood. The amusing thing about this bike is that when we were designing the graphics, it became clear right away that using Austro-Daimler lettering on the down tube was not going to work; it just looked funny. The only option was to superimpose the logo on the down tube. Todd Silvia at Bob the Screenprinter worked his magic and it was clear that this was the way forward (the down tube logo is now available on the Superleicht and the Ubercross). Somehow a white band was included around the logo; it was unintended, but it still worked fine. I have replaced the tt Carbon with the tt Carbon Limited which is the same design with a few extra features. I will blog about the new bike soon.

tt Carbon

2013 METTS Cape Elizabeth

2013 USA Cycling Nationals

2014 Killington Stage Race

2014 METTS Freeport

The Internet of Bikes: Freeport Time Trial - Maine Time Trial Series Race # 3

The Freeport Time Trial is a 16.5 mile loop outside of Freeport, Maine. The course features long sight lines on Route 1, false flats, twists and turns and some tough hills. It is race three of the Maine Time Trial Series. About forty riders turned up to race. Conditions were variable, damp and cool. Temperatures were in the 60s. The course was shorter than in previous years but nevertheless challenging; in fact, its shortened version uses better roads and is easier to marshall. My objective was to prevent the watts from slipping off the target number of about 300 watts. I was able to do this, but it was hard work, and I was not entirely successful. I was tired by the time I arrived at the rollers; I lost momentum on the top of the second rolling hill and struggled up the second part of Bow Street. Regardless, I was able to push through with a Strava time of 34:13, which was fast enough to win the day. The tt Carbon ran very well and I was wearing my Verge Primo short sleeve skin suit. I joined Hank and Jurgen for a post race ride which was very nice and very tough towards the end. A fine day.

The Internet of Bikes: Downeast Racing Killington Stage Race Day 3 Individual Time Trial

The time trial is an 11 mile run and it is the last event of the race. The course is mildly up hill for six miles and then flat with a short climb. Conditions were cool and damp. I had my newly arrived Austro-Daimler Verge time trial outfit. My start time was mid day. My legs felt fine, but the effort of the previous two days could be felt. I set off on time and soon noticed a cross wind that would occasionally turn into a tail wind. I was able to push a big gear and keep up good speed. I caught my one minute man. He caught me on a climb, but then faded quickly. I reached the flat section and could see three riders in front of me. I managed to catch perhaps two of them but it was hard work. The flat section seemed to go on forever and I really had to work hard to close gaps. I was out of the saddle on the short climb and got by a rider there. I recovered a bit on the following downhill, and then started in for the last push. I had great speed and was on top of my 55 x 11, but I lost momentum on the bump that precedes the finish; I should have been out of the saddle sprinting over it. I completed the course with a time of 23:46 which was fast enough for tenth place. I was very pleased with the result; it was the fastest time I have had on this course. I moved up to 21st place in the general classification some four minutes off the winning pace. It was the end of three days of great racing and fine times with Downeast Racing team mates. 

At the start

Outbound on Route 4

Still smiling

Heading home

Loyal fan!

Loyal fan!

The Internet of Bikes: Portland Velo Club Cyclemania Time Trial (Maine Time Trial Series Race #3)

The Portland Velo Club Cyclemania Cape Elizabeth Time Trial is a 13.5 mile double loop in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. It is the third race in the Maine Time Trial Series. The course features long gradual hills, open roads and some short climbs. I joined Downeast Racing team mate Hank Pfeifle and about 50 other riders to race. Conditions were cool and dry. This was my second time trial on the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon in 2014. The bike was running very well. I concentrated on pushing as hard as possible on the flat section near the Inn By the Sea and choosing a smooth section of road on the back part of the course. There is time to be gained in these sections. The primary challenge of this race for me was the long gradual hill on Route 77 before Fowler Road (completed two times) and the long and a bit steeper climb leading into the center of town. I tried hard to maintain speed in both places; it was tough. The funny thing about this race is that I know these roads very well; they are all in my back yard and I spend many hours riding on them. They have become associated with heading out on a ride or coming back from a ride. Thus when I make a maximum effort on the time trial bike, the experience feels completely different and very foreign. I suppose this means that a time trial is a time trial no matter where you are. I completed the course this year with a time of 29:07 (2013: 28:50) which was fast enough to win the day. Congratulations to all the racers who competed and thank you to Ted Darling and David Brink and all the volunteers for putting on a very well organized and pleasant event!

Entering the gate

One minute to go

The Internet of Bikes: Maine Time Trial Series: Northeaster Time Trial Biddeford #1

The Northeaster Time Trial is the first race in the Maine Time Trial Series (METTS). The course is an 11 mile loop near the Biddeford Pool in Biddeford, Maine. Conditions were windy and cold with temperatures in the 40s. About 30 riders started the the race. This was the first race of the season on the tt Carbon. The bike felt thoroughly comfortable and familiar given that all the trainer work I do during the off season is on this bike. Nevertheless, it was still hard work putting up with the wind that was blowing. Although I have raced this course before, I drove it before hand: I am glad I did. The first right hand corner was much sharper than it looked and I most likely would have overcooked it had I not driven through earlier. I had a good rhythm on Oak Ridge Road; it was windy but I was able to stay low, push a big gear in sections and keep up momentum.  Guinea Road was tough and I probably lost a lot of time there. There was a rough patch on the final section of the course and unfortunately it claimed Karl Rau, a Maine Time Trial Series Emeritus Rider. It was upsetting to hear the news at the first race (Get well soon, Karl!). It is very hard to see obstacles sometimes when riding at maximum effort. Things you see when driving the course do not appear when you come through on your bike. I completed the course in 24:14 which was fast enough to win the day. Downeast Racing sponsor Zev Myerowitz of Myerowitz Chiropractic Center finished in second place (24:46) and then proceeded to compete in the Northeast Triathlon (in which he finished third overall). I cancelled on the post time trial ride as it was raining quite hard and the effort would have not done much except make me cold. Nevertheless, I find that a solid ride after a time trial is very productive and will not be making excuses next time. Many thanks to Derek and Alison Morin for putting on the event and I hope to see you at the METTS Rockport event on 4 May.

It might as well have been snowing

Frame and Wheel reviews Austro-Daimler tt Carbon Champagne time trial bike

Time travel

Time trial bikes were not common thirty years ago. Indeed, Frame and Wheel never raced in a time trial as a youth and the few aero bikes around at the time were not very aerodynamic and just beginning to emerge in events such as the Tour de France. Presently, time trial bikes are ubiquitous and there are time trial events on every race calendar. Frame and Wheel competes frequently in time trial events nowadays and is pleased to be able to do so on an Austro-Daimler tt Carbon. Frame and Wheel raced a white one in 2012 and is training on a Champagne version for 2013. 

It’s about a frame set

The frame set features Austro-Daimler 41TT front fork, Austro-Daimler dual position aero seat post, integrated head set and TRP brake set. The frame features aero down tube and seat stays, cutaway aero seat tube, oversized chain stays, BB86 press fit bottom bracket, chain stay mounted rear brake with faring, internal cable routing, riveted front derailleur hanger, horizontal alloy rear dropouts with adjustable axle bolts, two water bottle cage mounts (for the triathlete), distinctive “champagne” finish and down tube Austro-Daimler logo. The 52 cm frame set weighs 2.7 kg (6 pounds). It is designed for mechanical shifting and cannot accommodate electronic shifting. The seat post collar has been improved and now includes two tightening points compared to only one previously. Mechanics report that building up the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon is very straight forward. 

Built up with Stages Cycling power meter

An important point to recognize about the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon frame set is that it does not accommodate SRM or Quarq power meter cranks: the diameter of the opening around the spindle on the power meter plate is not wide enough to fit onto the BB86 bottom bracket. Frame and Wheel likes to use a power meter on the time trial bike and discovered that the Stages Cycling power meter works fine on the frame set and is an attractive alternative: it is refreshingly less expensive (which leaves more resources available for GPS and social network enabled power control units), the difference between 400 watts and 410 watts is immaterial to Frame and Wheel (both are hard for Frame and Wheel to maintain for a long period of time) and Frame and Wheel has always preferred alloy crank arms (Shimano Dura-Ace) over carbon. Frame and Wheel notes that traditional crank sets will work fine on the frame set. 

A fine wine

The Austro-Daimler tt Carbon offers variable seat tube geometry ranging from the more aggressive time trial position (77 degrees) to the more comfortable triathlon position (74 degrees). The desired geometry is obtained by moving the seat clamp forward or backwards along rails on the top of the seat post (This is much easier than pulling out the seat post and reversing it). The ride is smooth and the bike feels stable. Frame and Wheel’s Austro-Daimler tt Carbon is built up with Zipp wheels (900 Tubular disc rear and 808 Firecrest tubular front), a Stages Cycling power meter with Garmin 810 control unit, Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 drive train with 55T/42T chain rings, 3T Brezza II bars and an Adamo seat. The bike weighs eighteen pounds. Fit Werx 2 in Peabody, Massachusetts did the build and the fit.

The voice

Every bicycle has a voice that speaks directly to its rider. For Frame and Wheel, the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon speaks of a mature passion for the time trial discipline. For others, the tt Carbon will perhaps speak plainly of originality, performance and value. For others, no voice will be heard. Frame and Wheel’s view is that the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon is a fine and fast time trial bike that uniquely combines the new with the old. Frame and Wheel looks forward to racing it in 2013.

Specifications

Brand: Austro-Daimler

Model: tt Carbon

Material: Unidirectional high modulus carbon fiber

Design: horizontal top tube

Series: time trial / triathlon

Front fork: Austro-Daimler  41TT

Seat post: Austro-Daimler carbon

Front derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900

Rear derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900

Bar-end shifters: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900

Cassette, bottom bracket, chain: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900

Crank set: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 170 mm 55T/42T 

Power meter: Stages Cycling Power Meter 

Power control unit: Garmin 810

Pedals: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 SL Carbon

Bar and stem: 3T Brezza II straight bend and 3T ARX Team alloy stem

Seat: Adamo Racing

Wheel set: Zipp 900 Tubular rear Zipp 808 Firecrest front tubular

Tires: Vittoria Corsa EVO CX 23-28 tubular 

Total weight with wheels: 18 pounds 3 ounces (8.2 kg) size 50 cm

Rider: Fred Thomas OA/Cyclemania Masters Cycling Team

Build and fit: Fit Werx 2 Peabody, Massachusetts

Frame and Wheel on Austro-Daimler tt Carbon Champagne in 2013 and sample in 2012

Frame and Wheel races Austro-Daimler tt Carbon sample in 2012

Frame and Wheel reviews Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2 Champagne road bike

Return to the peleton

The Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2 Champagne is the modern day version of the Austro-Daimler Superleicht that Frame and Wheel raced almost thirty years ago. The technology and the materials are wildly different, but the spirit and the finish are the same (Frame and Wheel got out the Pantone Color Bridge and found the color that was closest to the finish on the Austro-Daimler Superleicht frame set that sits in the Frame and Wheel office). Frame and Wheel has been racing and training on an Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2 for the past year (a white one) and provides some thoughts about it below.

The features

The frame set is designed expressly for electronic shifting. Cable stops are absent on the down tube and chain stay and there is an opening on the bottom bracket to accommodate wiring and junction boxes. Customers ask if it can be converted. The answer is no. Frame and Wheel learned from customers that using Shimano Ultegra Di2 requires the opening under the bottom bracket to be enlarged in order to accommodate the larger junction boxes (Shimano Dura Ace junction boxes are smaller). This can be done by an experienced mechanic with the proper tools. One customer also successfully used Campagnolo EPS on this frame set. Frame and Wheel remains an electronic shifting convert. The practical benefits include a very easy shift from the small ring to the big ring and quick and easy rear derailleur adjustment (that can be done while you are riding). Frame and Wheel notes that when your hands are numb with cold, electronic shifting is very useful. It is also very useful for masters category hands that have been weakened by a lifetime of keyboard work. There also seems to be less chain slap when riding on rough road. The battery charges quickly and lasts a very long time. Frame and Wheel learned that when the battery does run out, the front derailleur stops shifting first. This not a problem on a training ride, but if it happens in a race, it will be a problem. It is easy to forget to charge the battery and even easier to forget to remove the battery from the charger. Forgetting to bring the charger to a training camp or a stage race is also very easy to do. Frame and Wheel notes that it is easy to shift, and thus one can shift excessively or by accident. 

Smooth ride

The Superleicht has a slack geometry (71.5 degrees head tube angle and 74 degree seat tube angle) and the wheel base is long (98.4 cm for the fifty centimeter size frame).  and thus the bicycle tracks very well and feels stable on the descents and in the corners. The down tube and the chain stays are oversized and explain the bicycles wonderful stiffness and acceleration. Other features include Austro-Daimler 37SL carbon front fork, Austro-Daimler 31.6 mm carbon seat post in Champagne finish (which  creates the impression of an integrated seat post without actually having one), English thread bottom bracket, full internal cabling, asymmetrical top tube, bolt-on front derailleur hanger for braze-on front derailleurs, replaceable rear derailleur hanger and painted rear drop outs.

The voice

Every bicycle has a voice that speaks directly to its rider. For Frame and Wheel, the Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2 Champagne speaks personally of a cycling past and a cycling future. For others, the Superleicht will perhaps speak invitingly of electronic shifting, light weight and comfortable geometry. For others, no voice will be heard. Frame and Wheel’s view is that the bicycle is a great pleasure to ride and looks forward to racing it in 2013.

Specifications

Brand: Austro-Daimler

Model: Superleicht Carbon Di2

Finish: Champagne

Material: Unidirectional high modulus carbon fiber

Design: sloping top tube

Series: Road

Front fork: Austro-Daimler 37SL

Seat post: Austro-Daimler carbon

Front and rear derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 Di2

Dual control levers: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 Di2

Cassette, bottom bracket, chain: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900

Crank set: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 170 mm 53T/39T

Pedals: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 SL Carbon

Bar and stem: 3T Rotundo carbon classic and 3T ARX Team alloy stem

Seat: Fizik Arione

Wheel set: Zipp 303 carbon tubular

Tires: Vittoria Corsa EVO CX 23-28

Total weight  as shown: 14 pounds 14 ounces (6.9 kg) size 50 cm as shown

Rider: Fred Thomas OA/Cyclemania Masters Cycling Team

Build and fit: Fit Werx 2 Peabody, Massachusetts

Encinitas winter training camp

Encinitas, California is a great place to go for a winter training camp. The temperatures relative to the rest of the continental United States are very comfortable, the terrain varies from flat to high mountains and there are many group rides to join. When the riding is done, there is the California vibe for all to absorb (the beach with its crashing surf and pods of surfers), the restaurants (Mexican food in particular) and features such as the San Diego Zoo and Seaworld. There are many condominiums that are empty this time of year and owners are eager to rent them out. JetBlue goes to Los Angeles frequently and from there it is an easy two hour drive; alternatively, one can fly directly into San Diego. JetBlue operates the comfortable Airbus 320 and charges a reasonable $50.00 for a bike box (Trico Iron Horse). 

The scenery in the hills of Encinitas is lovely: the hills roll and sometimes are quite steep. There are beautiful vistas, lemon orchards and horse farms and some fantastic houses. The village of Rancho Sante Fe is a precious enclave that on any given day must have the highest concentration of luxury sports cars per square kilometer in the United States. The coastal towns ooze California cool: coaster bikes, hip cafes, quirky shops, beautiful people and many cyclists. The beach or the ocean is almost always in sight. The climb up to Torrey Pines and Soladang are features of the coastal routes.

Encinitas Hills

Encinitas Hills

The traffic along the coast can be busy especially in places like La Jolla and Del Mar, but there is usually a well established bike lane. Traffic gets busier towards San Diego. Drivers are accustomed to cyclists and generally patient and respectful, but on the roads in the hills outside of Encinitas, there are no bike lanes and you have to ride on or near the white line. The Del Dios High way to Escondido has a nice bike lane, but traffic is moving fast. Lake Wholford Road is a bit rough and there is no bike lane, but traffic is less busy, albeit brisk. Route 78 up to Ramona is narrow, but traffic is light if you get there in the morning. Palomar Mountain State Park has very light traffic except for the motorcycles that race up the seven miles of switchback (South Ridge approach). Frame and Wheel saw more of California in these seven days of riding than in the previous thirty years of watching movies about the place.

Palomar Mountain State Park is reachable from Encinitas, but an early start is required. There and back is about 120 miles or eight hours. It is helpful to choose a nice day as the summit of Palomar Mountain is over 5,000 feet. Even on a clear and dry day, it is cold (mid forties) at the top. If it is wet, the descent is miserable. There are plenty of places to get food and water along the way. The climb on Lake Wholford Road is a nice feature of the ride and the seven miles of 7 percent climbing on the Paolmar Mountain road is a great challenge. Frame and Wheel made this ride twice during the week. Each time the ride lasted longer than the batteries in the Android.

Palomar switchbacks

Cloudy first day up

Observatory was not visible

Begin descent

Fingers were very cold

Second Palomar ride

Dry

Seven percent

View from 4000 feet

Getting up there

Ramona is a bit closer than Palomar Mountain, but the ride will still be over 100 miles starting from Encinitas. The route goes around Escondido and picks up Route 78 which climbs gradually, and then more sharply all the way to the town of Ramona. Route 78 continues east into high country and climbs less gradually, but elevations are well above 2,000 feet. Route 78 meets the old Julian Highway and at this point the route heads back down to Ramona and ultimately into Poway. The descent into Poway uses Route 52 which is busy and with very little shoulder; it requires caution and was probably the most dubious section of road experienced during the trip. From there the route works its way towards the coast. Frame and Wheel became hopelessly lost in the suburbs outside of Del Mar, but was able to eventually make it to a planned rendez-vous point at Torrey Pines thanks to the helpful guidance of joggers and residents. Carmel Valley Road is the main thoroughfare to the coast.

Ostrich farm along Route 78

Town of Ramona

Julian Highway high country

The Swami’s Cycling Club organizes regularly scheduled group rides out of Ride Cyclery. Frame and Wheel joined the Swami’s A ride on the last Saturday of the trip (8:10 am start). There were perhaps forty to fifty riders including numerous members of the Swami’s Cycling Team, as well as USA Cycling Team riders, World Champions and other dead ringers. Peter Sagan (Liquigas) was rumored to be attending the ride that day, but Frame and Wheel was unable to confirm this. The ride charges through a few neighborhoods before it reaches the rolling terrain of Elfin Forest Road. This section is fast and there were numerous riders getting dropped here. Surprisingly, the ride comes to a complete halt at a church and from there riders can go to Lake Wholford or head back to Encinitas. After some 35 hours of riding during the week, Frame and Wheel was very pleased to head back to Encinitas. Frame and Wheel felt very welcomed on this ride and was amused to hear that most riders considered the 60 degree temperatures to be very cold. It was a fine way to conclude a great week of riding. Frame and Wheel hopes to return.

Post Swami ride

View from top of Solodang

California's been good to me

The Internet of Bikes: Tour of the Catskills 2012

The Tour of the Catskills is a three day stage race held in Hunter, Windham and Tannersville, New York. The race features a 12 mile individual time trial, a 65 mile “Epic” stage that includes the infamous Devil’s Kitchen climb, followed by another mountain stage that features the cryptically named and extremely steep Airport Road climb. Frame and Wheel has family in nearby Germantown, New York and is thus able to justify the long but easy drive to participate in this great event. Frame and Wheel is using the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon for the time trial. It has been running very well and Frame and Wheel is pleased with its performance. The bike is set up with Dura-Ace 7900 components, 3T Brezza bars, Zipp Disc and Zipp 404 front (running Vittoria Corsa EVO 23 mm tubulars) and a SRM power meter. For the road stages, Frame and Wheel is using the Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2. The bike is light at 14.6 pounds  and the electronic shifting is easy and quick. The bike is set up with Dura-Ace 7900 components, 3T Rotundo bars, Zipp 202s (running Vittoria Corsa EVO 23 mm tubulars) and a compact crank set for the event. Frame and Wheel enters the Masters 40 plus category along with fifty other riders from around the region and Canada and tracks the rides using Strava for Android.

Frame and Wheel’s start time for the time trial is 11:59. Temperatures are in the low 80s. Frame and Wheel warms up just enough to break a sweat and activate the system, but once this is done, staying cool is the priority. Frame and Wheel sets off on time and in correct order and gets up to speed. The outbound route is mostly downhill, but it is a very mild grade and there is a head wind. Frame and Wheel concentrates on staying aero and on top of the right gear, which turns out to be a 53 x 11 in many sections. Frame and Wheel catches a few 30 second men and is not holding anything back. The turnaround is on a downhill. Frame and Wheel recklessly locks up the rear wheel (to the amusement of the marshals) and negotiates the cone. Inbound there is a tailwind, but it is all uphill. The climbs are gradual but long. Frame and Wheel is able to catch a few more riders, but towards the last mile, there are no more riders in sight and the drool is beginning to flow. Frame and Wheel is very conservative on the last corners and gives up many seconds. Frame and Wheel pushes to the line and finishes with a time of 25:57 which is slower than the previous year (2010: 25:29) but fast enough for fourth place. David Gazsi of Team IFG wins the day (25:10) followed by Ron amos of Ride with Randall (25:45) and Christoffel Prinsloo of CRCA/ FinKraft Cycling (25:56). Frame and Wheel heads for Germantown and a cool bath.

Stage 2 begins in Tannersville. Temperatures are moving into the 80s. The 40 Plus category sets off at 11:30 and right from the start there is a break that includes break away artist Carl Reglar and five other riders. This break soon has 2 minutes on the field and the wheel van has disappeared up the road. The peleton does not seem too concerned as there is a lot of climbing ahead as well as the Devil’s Kitchen. Frame and Wheel is aware that riders can get away and stay away on this course, if there is enough of a gap for the break to ease its way up the Devil’s Kitchen climb. Frame and Wheel’s experience with the Devil’s Kitchen to date has been one that results in complete detonation of body and mind and thus Frame and Wheel hunkers down with peanut butter sandwiches and Gatorade (straight up). 

The field arrives at the Devil’s Kitchen. The wheel van is back with the peleton and although the break is out of sight, it is not far up the road. Frame and Wheel matches the pace of the lead riders. Soon there are only three riders: Erin Korff (CRCA/Axis) and Roger Aspholm (Finkraft Cycling Team) and Frame and Wheel. Aspholm is moving relentlessly up the steep; Frame and Wheel clings to Kroff’s wheel. There are riders from an earlier category walking their bikes up the climb. It is warm. There are spectator shouting encouragement, but Frame and Wheel does not understand what they are saying. Frame and Wheel is pushing a 34 x 28 with maximum effort, which in some sections results in a spontaneous wheelie. Frame and Wheel recovers at the top and is able to chase Aspholm who has now caught Carl Reglar and Bill Shattuck. It takes a maximum effort and perhaps some willingness on the part of the chased for Frame and Wheel to finally close this gap. Kroff is unable to hang on and the break reforms with four tired riders pushing for the line over the last 6 miles. Frame and Wheel is at the front and in yellow as the four bear down on the last section to Main Street. Frame and Wheel opens the sprint and is well aware that there will be some one coming by at any minute. Bill Shattuck (Corner Cycle) comes through in a great show of strength and panache to take the stage win. Frame and Wheel has survived the time warping effects of the Devil’s Kitchen for the first time and is very pleased to be in the yellow jersey. Frame and Wheel heads for home and another cool bath and some real food.

Stage 3 begins at Windham Mountain Ski resort. Temperatures are warm, but there are clouds on the horizon and rain in the forecast. The field starts off at 11:00 am. FinKraft Cycling Team moves to the front and drives the pace up Route 23. There is some respite on the two mile descent. FinKraft puts the pressure on again on Route 145. The field is stretched out; the pace remains high on to the Potter Road climb. Frame and Wheel gets to the front where on this section where there is more room. The KOM contenders are at the front and in the final meters, there is a surge for the line. Soon after the KOM, it begins to rain very hard. It becomes very dark; water is flowing off the roads in sheets. It is very hard to see. The lead elements of the KOM have a gap and are riding fast down the descent through the pouring rain. Frame and Wheel struggles to get to the front of the chase group; everyone is surely struggling with visibility and confidence about the road surface. The rain eases and the two groups come back together, except for Roger Aspholm who is up the rain soaked road. The field eventually catches Aspholm and makes it way towards Prattsville.  

There are a series of attacks here from FinKraft Cycling and Verge Cycling. Frame and Wheel is nervous about hanging on to the yellow jersey  and does not like the idea of a break getting away and gaining minutes on the field. Frame and Wheel covers the attacks. The field passes through Plattesvillle and heads up Airport Road. John Van Funk (Verge Cycling) and Ralk Warmuth (FinKraft Cycling Team) are up the road.  Airport Road is very steep and wet too; some riders are spinning out on the climb. Frame and Wheel is pushing a 34 x 28 and gaining time; without a compact Frame and Wheel would be in trouble on this climb. The field fragments a bit but as the climb eases the field comes together again and catches Funk and Warmuth. The field navigates that last few descents and climbs and arrives at the base of Windham Mountain for the up hill finish. There is a strong cross wind and there is a fence flapping across the final 100 meters. This does not stop Monte Frank (Verge Sport) from surging for the line and winning the day, followed by a very strong Mark Miller (Favatas Trt Bicycle) and John van Funk. Frame and Wheel creeps over the line in sixth place which is good enough to stay in yellow in the general classification (6:17:19). Roger Aspholm wins the King of the Mountain competition and finishes second in the general classification (6:18:04) followed by Bill Shattuck in third place (6:18:18). Frame and Wheel is very pleased with the result and grateful to be able to compete in a category that is characterized by such great competitors. Frame and Wheel thanks the organizers for putting on a fine race. A very fine weekend of racing and the peak of the 2012 season for Frame and Wheel.

Austro-Daimler tt and road

Aspholm, Thomas, Shattuck on the podium

Sunday's rain clouds

Germantown