Porky Gulch Classic to Determine the Best All-Around Cyclist in New England.

Pinkham Notch, NH—Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center hosts the Porky Gulch Classic on Saturday and Sunday, November 4 and 5, 2006. Hosted in cooperation with the Mt. Washington Auto Road and Story Land, the Porky Gulch Classic is two-day, three-stage race that features a hillclimb, a criterium and a cyclocross. The combination of these disciplines makes the Porky Gulch Classic the ultimate test of cycling ability in New England.

“I can’t think of a more diverse cycling event,” said Howie Wemyss, General Manager Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center. “It’s fun, it’s challenging, and it really highlights the top overall rider. You need all the tools to do well here.”

Schedule:
Saturday, November 4, 10:00 a.m. – The Toughest Two
The Porky Gulch Classic begins with a two-mile hillclimb up the famous Mt. Washington Auto Road. Each summer, the Mt. Washington Auto Road hosts the toughest bicycle hillclimbs in the world, Newton’s Revenge in July and the Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb in August, and the Toughest Two continues the tradition. This first stage of the Porky Gulch Classic is in time trial format with cyclists starting individually in thirty-second intervals. Following the time trial, the Toughest Two also marks the only time cyclists can ride down the Mt. Washington Auto Road.

Saturday, November 4, 2:00 p.m. – Story Land Criterium
In the afternoon, the competition shifts to Story Land in Glen for a criterium unlike any other. The goal of a criterium is to complete as many laps as possible within the allotted time. But, the Story Land Criterium is unique because cyclists pedal past Cinderella’s Castle, Professor Bigglestep’s Loopy Lab and the Polar Coaster. It’s a one-of-kind race. Story Land closes to the public in early October, so the cyclists can ride without conflict.

Sunday, November 5, 10:00 a.m. – The Rockpile Rampage
Sunday morning, the action heads back to Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center for the cyclocross portion of the Porky Gulch Classic. Cyclocross is a fall and early winter form of bike racing that combines elements of mountain biking, road cycling and cross country running—with some steeplechase mixed in for good measure. The Rockpile Rampage will be held on the same course Great Glen Trails uses for its fall cyclocross series, ‘Cross in the Glen, which is approximately 1 mile in length and incorporates carriage roads, single track trails, steep hills and barriers that the competitors need to carry their bicycles over. A classic image of cyclocross is competitors running up a hill or over a barrier with their bicycles hoisted on their shoulders. Like a criterium, the goal of a cyclocross race is to complete as many laps of the course within the allotted time.

Points are awarded based on finish order in each event. The cyclist with the most combined points after the three events is declared the champion and can claim the title of “Best All-Around Cyclist in New England.”

The Porky Gulch Classic offers three divisions for both men and women: Beginner, Intermediate and Elite. Online registration is available at www.bikereg.com or call Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center for more information, 603.466.2333.

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Located at the base of Mt. Washington, Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center is a year-round destination for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts. Winter offerings include cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing and the one-of-a-kind SnowCoach. Mountain biking, paddling, Nordic walking and trail running are popular in summer. For more information, visit www.GreatGlenTrails.com or call 603-466-2333.