The Dec/Jan issue of Bicycling Magazine seems to think so. It's now considered the American version of the famous Paris-Roubaix with back-crushing steep hills, rolling farm-land, gravel roads, cow-bells, and the turbulent spring time weather of rural New York (not France).

So, is Battenkill "America's Queen of the Classics" as it deems itself?

Well, I'm not sure it's going to be quite on the same level as Paris-Roubaix as far as distance and prestige (yet), but so the heck what! This event looks brutally hard and challenging for any rider and I hear it's one heck of a great energy there. My best friend, Big Tim placed second last year in his Masters Cat 5 and said it's a must do!

I'm already focusing my efforts on placing in my category. Granted I'll only be racing the lowly Cat 5 Under 35 (racers, insert snivel here), but who cares--I hear this course is a monster with a few hills getting riders off their bikes and PRO riders from around the world expected to be at the starting line.

Sounds like my kind of ride. I've got my expected training schedule using Cyclo-CORE Training DVD's and Cyclo-CLUB Resources & Modules/Bootcamps for those that are interested.

Potential competitors, please ignore what you see. Heck, just hit the back button will ya!

I know from what I hear from Big Tim and others that climbing, muscular endurance, recovery-intervals, dropping winter weight and mental toughness are needed to place in the race. That and some heavy-duty tires and wheels.

I can hardly wait until April now. Ah, the power of a goal that scares the %$#@! out of you;) This isn't my BIG RIDE of the year, or is it? What do you think?

I'll be doing several updates on my lead-up and interviews with club members that I hope to meet (and be pushed by) while I'm there! If you're going, let me know. I'll be the guy at the front, looking green.