Meanwhile, in Cyberia ...

Last weekend saw the running of the inaugural Rasputitsa gravel road race in Northern Vermont.

Not strictly Gran Fondo, but here at Gran Fondo guide we have been following the build up of the event and boy did it turn out to be a great weekend.

“Rasputitsa,” is Russian for “mud season.”

The Russian themed race covered 47 miles, 31 of those were gravel and were not talking gravel tracks either - this was hell on earth.

The event is the creation of local cycling enthusiasts Hiedi Myers and Anthony Moccia, who came up with a course that tested the will of everyone who took on the challenge, which included well known local rider and Tour de France veteran Ted King, Cannondale.

They stand for the 3 C's: the love of Cycling, the love of Community, and the love of Charity. These principles remain evident in all that they do.

Around 350 riders lined up in Newport, Vermont.

The course sought out the most barren and heartless countryside that only Vermont could serve up.

Riders were seen to enter the section named "Cyberia" with full confidence - only to immediately spat out all over the place ...

The epic section known as Cyberia covers 1.5 miles of Class 4 roads where riders need to shoulder bikes at times.

The rough paths turned upward and into a forest. Melting snows, rocky stream beds, crusted over with thick snow-covered ice, at other places a running stream of slick round rocks.

Riders had no choice but dismount and begin the long grind toward the top, a mile or so away.

Those without MTB shoes and cyclocross tyres really had their work cut out.

At the top of the Long March of Cyberia, a surreal sight awaited these foolish souls.

A Sasquatch-guarded maple syrup feedstation complete with frozen shot glasses.

A Russian Reward for bravery!

After the ride Lesli Cohen, Lanterne Rouge sobbed "Cyberia almost did me in but for the maple syrup shots..."

Watch some of the race, courtesy of Brian Nolan.

Categories for podium included Mens Overall, Womens Overall, Mens 40+, and Singlespeed. There was no prize purse but bragging rights are bestowed.

Everyone who finished is a legend in their own right!

The entry fee included neutral support and broomwagon assistance, fully supported feedzone with passed waterbottles, meal and live music at the Apres-Velo party located at the finish, timing chip, trophy and jersey for winners.

Ansel Dickey, of Woodstock, took home first place, finishing the race in 2:28:27.9. Ted King finished just 5 seconds behind Dickey, and Tim Johnson came in third about a minute later.

Lyne Bessette, from Knowlton, Quebec, finished at 2:48:37.7, taking home first place in the women’s category.

For those that want to see the course, you can check out Ted King's Strava Ride Rasputitsa:http://www.strava.com/activities/131892245

The event raised money for the Mary E. Wright Halo Foundation, which helps people in Orleans county struggling with the costs of cancer.

In fact, everyone helped raise over $15,000 to help local families dealing with cancer.

Take it from Mike Rowell - 2nd Place Men's 40+ - "This is what racing, and riding bikes is all about."

"fantasticheskiy" as they would say in Russia ...

Be sure to check out the Dirty 40 Race, August 30th in Derby, Vermont. Hailed Vermont's Toughest Gravel Road Race, this 60 mile (40 miles of gravel) road race travels some of Vermont's most pristine, scenic landscapes.

Tag: dirty40race

Apr 23 2014 - NEWS: Meanwhile, in Cyberia