(almost) half world championship

Date: A to-be-announced non-race weekend in September. Location: Start is at the corner of Strohm & Sand Bank Roads. However, it's best to park at Southhampton Township Park, about three miles west of the start location, and just ride your bike to the start. There are bathrooms and a soda machine at the park.Description: Horse Killer. Yup, that's the name of the road you're going to climb seven times. Horse Killer. And that means pain.An 8.8 mile circuit that mimics remarkably well the Mendrisio, Switzerland circuit used for the 2009 World Championship RoadRace. The pros did 19 laps around their circuit (163 miles and 15,300 ft of climbing), whereas we only do seven laps round ours (62 miles and 5,150 ft of climbing)...thus, the almost half world championship (or almost one third world championship, but that doesn't have quite the same ring to it).These are rural south-central Pee-Aay roads. Very little traffic. Apple orchards. Forests. Mennonite farms. What makes the course unique is the 1.3 mile, 381 ft climb up Horse Killer Road. Or, really, what makes the course unique are the three very steep sections of that 1.3 mile, 381 ft climb up Horse Killer Road. The climb starts off easy enough, then it goes crazy, and right when you're about to think that you're insane for even attempting it, the pitch relents a bit, then gets steep again, then relents, and then you've got one last steep section and its all over. Until the next lap.PAST WINNERS2009: Mike Maret (1st), Jim Hartnett (2nd), Rider Big E (3rd)2010: (Everyone bailed after four laps...so no winner.)

2011: Hiatus year.

(For 2012, we may have to rethink our timing of this "event." Everyone seems too burnt out for an event of this caliber in late September.)

***IMPORTANT***

Like other "races" we put on, this non-event is really just a bunch of guys and gals out looking for a good time on a fall Saturday morning. We race, yes, and there's usually a little something fun for the first finishers, but there are no entry fees, no waivers, and therefore no whining if something bad happens to you while on this ride (like you crash and break your carbon frame or someone insults your girlfriend). If you're the kind of person that doesn't play well with others, please don't come. This non-event event is for non-fun-haters only.