The 37th Mount Washington Auto Road Hill climb took place on August 15th. Weather is always the biggest uncertainty for this race. Last year many riders had to finish the race in a severe hail storm! This year, we had almost picture perfect conditions with clear sky, and temperatures in the low 50 at the summit. The only drawback was some head wind of 5-10 mph. The hill climb is viewed as the most difficult bike race up a mountain in the entire world!!! It is a longer and more difficult climb than Alpe D’Huez. With a length of ‘only’ 7.6 miles and an average 12% incline and 22% at the final few hundred yards it is not surprising that this race holds a special place in mountain racing. Try sprinting to the finish at 22% incline. From all over the US and Canada world class riders like Ned Overend from Colorado or Marty Shea from Marblehead raced up that hill. Ned placed second overall in the men’s competition and Marty placed second in the women’s competition overall.
 
At least 7 riders represented ECV very well at this prestigious event. Katie Schutz in her Mt. Washington debut captured a great 7th place in her division. Next year we expect a podium spot from Katie! Freddie Cicerchia and Eric Johnson both captured a great 5th spot in their respective division. Both have done the Hillclimb several times in the past but the true climbers keep coming back every year. Very nice job both of you! 
 
Kevin Buckley finished with a top notch time of 1:19 the second fastest time of all the ECV riders and George Thompson finished close to his personal best with a time of 1:27. George is another repeat ‘offender’ who keeps coming back to the mountain every year.
 
Bill Dunkerley and I rode together in the first group of the day. Bill holds a personal record of 1:11 from a prior Mt. Washington race which is truly a class by itself. He did well this year again with 1:22.  Congratulations Bill.
 
My race went well too and I was able to improve my last year’s time by 1.5 minutes placing me 10th in my division. 1.5 minutes might not sound like a lot but that bit of time moved me up by 27 spots versus last year.
 
It was wonderful to see so many ECV jerseys going up that mountain. If I missed any ECV riders in my report I apologize in advance. Please let me know their times or placement and I will add them to the report. It is somewhat crazy at the summit with over 600 riders arriving. For those of you who always wanted to prove their climbing skills, Mt. Washington Hillclimb is the ultimate test. Come join us next year.
 
From the base of Mt. Washington,
 
Norbert Burggraf