Rapha Continental: Six Gap & Brasstown

Take a look through the photos from the 6 Gap Ride that just went up. I remember this ride well as it was the first one in a succession of many. Gander at the ride profile and cue sheet of the day. The joke that we operated on for the majority of the day was one that Scott Smith our ride host, unleashed upon us.
The first climb was to start roughly around mile 20, but there was so much climbing right out of the town of Dahlogega (pronounced Doll-ah-nega) that we kept questioning Smith. "Is this the start of the climb?" no one in particular said. To which Scott replied "no, we still have some climbing to do before we get to the start of the climb." That is when we knew it was going to be a long day.
That "first climb" came eventually but it was the last one that was the kicker. Brasstown Bald is not something that you want to tackle at the end of a days worth of enormous riding, but it was hard to turn a blind eye to as we cruised by. This climb was one of the features of the now defunct Tour of Georgia, which made it all the more imperative to investigate. And investigate we did.
You will notice as you look through these photos that not only does Ben Lieberson (hands down best climber I've ever ridden with - sorry Graeme) ride away from us, but he does it so convincingly (on film) that I was kind of embarrassed for myself. Which is also why I mentally made my rear wheel explode 40 meters from the top.

This was a great day of climbing and the first day that I got to test out my Rapha Club Jersey in the Misty Blue colorway, which is always a bonus. It was also the first ride for Steve Francisco on his Seven Cycles Rapha Continental bike so look for a few photos of that beauty to show up.
During our travels I also kept a bit of a log on the Embrocation blog, so as we are reminiscing check there as well. The tough thing about all this looking back is that damn if it is not making me miss the sunshine.

- Dan Craven confirmed 9th in Gerardsbergen Kermesse today. 3 boys in the front all day.. Happy Days.
- @MrsBYork KH,JTL,MC,GB,DL,ZD,BG &DC another kermesse tomorrow, big training Fri, short ride Sat followed by S/West Tour ride on Sunday.
- Race won by Michael van Stayen Topsport Flandrian. Ex Rabo rider.
- 3 riders in front group of 20 all day. DC, KH &JT.KH &JT got tailed of with 5km to go, Dan about 10th/11th. Geradsbergen Kermesse
- team car is drawn number 2 in the convoy for todays race in Belgium
- @Rockybucket Sending the boys down on mass to the Bec CC hill climb. Challenge is being laid down. You have been warned mate !
- Time to mix it with the big boys.
- 1,2,3 for Zak,Lappers &JT down in Tavistock. With Dan winning up North I'm feeling surplus to requirements. Well done boys, ta @sambam2111
- Are man from Nam AKA @danfromnam takes today's round of CDNW league. 25km solo. All after midweek Caitlin Rose gig. Not sure of connection!
- @nedboulting @wegelius Comte for me.






Comments
Joe Hall
18th November 2009 12:11pm
I do not know who's bike that is in the top picture, but it is obviously trying to grab your Misty Blue Club Jersey off the shelf there. Those bikes really do have a life of their own. It must be an Ira Ryan build.
steven marsh
18th November 2009 05:43pm
Joe, enough of the plugs!!!!
This isn't Waynesworld you know….
Ben Brown
18th November 2009 05:47pm
"Party time …excellent"
tom tom
20th November 2009 12:34am
what a great write up!! this year's continental is looking AMAZING. the writing on this one was truly exceptional. i spent a couple hours looking up the Hawthorne effect after this. genius! the feeling of having a front row seat (the only seat and only spectator) to this thing . . this beautiful thing . . . is so powerful.
DWP is like some crazy scientist in the woods documenting this totally insignificant, but beautiful thing.
more!
Carrie Edwards
20th November 2009 03:01pm
One question: where are the ladies?
Joe Hall
20th November 2009 03:17pm
Hi Carrie - I think there were one or two ladies involved in the rides last summer. Certainly welcome more… although I wouldn't want to speak for the Continental as I am merely a spectator.
Tom Tom - I wouldn't call the Continental 'insignificant'… I'd say it was…erm…epic!
tom tom
21st November 2009 04:18am
joe - "insignificant" in the existential sense. you know, to the universe. but obviously epic.
Joe Hall
23rd November 2009 10:41am
Thanks for explaining Tom Tom, I agree DWP is like an anthropologist or, even better, someone who has discovered a new breed of insect - the giant grass-hoppper*!
*'Grass-hopper' is a colloquialism in the north of England for a road cyclist.