Le Tour de New River Valley - Stage Two

Alas, I have to work this day, but nonetheless the Tour continues! The NRVBA in association with the avid cyclists here in the Southwestern corridor of Virginia is continuing with it’s multi-stage series mimicking the Le Tour De France (for fun). Entering Stage Two comes this weekend’s highly anticipated course! Read on for details …

Saturday, July 8, 2006

Rider sign-in: 08:30
Neutral roll out: 08:45

Stage Two of the Tour de New River Valley will depart and arrive in the petit Ville de Narrows. The Ville is famous for hosting the start and finish of the late summer cycling classic, Century de Burkes Garden. Stage Two will be a course of approximately 64 km or 80 km. After a flat start the first intermediate sprint will occur at approximately 19 km (Bland County Line). The feed zone will occur at 32 km where several options are available for food and beverage. From there, riders will be given an option to return to Narrows or continue up the 8 km Category 2 climb of Col de l’east Montagne (climber points will be awarded for this climb). The final intermediate sprint will occur at the county line on the return to Narrows.

To celebrate the end of Stage Two, riders are invited to enjoy dejeuner at Cucina d’Anna (Anna’s Restaurant) in Narrows. The restaurant serves a traditional country buffet and is rumored to have a good salad bar.

Directions to the Depart:
Take 460 West to Narrows. Exit off of 460, a right at the stop light and follow road up and over 460 and the New River to the Town of Narrows. Follow State Route 61 out of the Town and reach the Town park approximately one mile from 460 on the left. The travel time from Blacksburg to Narrows is approximately 45 minutes to one hour.

THIS IS NOT A RACE. THERE WILL BE NUMEROUS RE-GROUP POINTS AND THE SPRINT POINTS/MOUNTAIN POINTS WILL ONLY BE AWARDED TO RIDERS PARTICIPATING IN THE RE-GROUP POINTS. SAFETY IS A MUST AND BUNCH SPRINTS OR CROSSING OF YELLOW LINES/CENTER OF THE ROAD IS FORBIDDEN. THIS IS FOR FUN ONLY (BRAGGING RIGHTS).

Just ADDED: July 11, 2006

NRVBA Ride Leaders Review:

Stage Two of the inaugural Tour de New River Valley was another day of brilliant weather and cycling. A relative fast start was followed by a breakaway of five riders. With 5 km to go to the first intermediate sprint, Nick M attacked with only Dale K staying on his wheel. The break was ultimately caught but the damage was done.

The mountain climb was spectacular with Kathy R. attacking early and leading the peloton for the first part of the climb. Having angered the climbing gods, Kathy was wheeled in and the climbers took over. The day finished with another crazy intermediate sprint, which went to Dale K. The winners after Stage 2 were:

Nick M. – The yellow jersey
David I – The polka dot jersey
Dale K – The green jersey

Of special note: Kathy R. currently leads the Over-60 classification; Beth L. wins the most aggressive (and polite) rider classification and takes the lead from Liz R. in the women’s mountain point classification; Margy and Geoff Saunders currently lead the tandem classification.

Thanks to all who participated. Hope to see everyone and more for Stage Three this Saturday!