John Jurczynski racing to set a Vermont bicycle record.

I am the director of a camp in New Hampshire and traveling to summer events is very difficult. Thus, I decided to attempt a Vermont bicycle record in order to earn points for the Ultracycling Cup Competition and to train potential RAAM crewmembers.

I started on the morning of July 17th, at 6 a.m., on Vermont Route. 7 at the VT/MA state line.

The weather was very nice for the first two hours, no wind and temperatures in the low to mid-70's. After that the heat and humidity were very high. For the majority of the ride temperatures were in the upper 80s to mid-90s. My very reliable van thermometer recorded a high temperature of 96 degrees as I rode through Burlington. The forecast was for winds from the SW at two to six mph and I did have a slight tail/cross wind for much of the last five hours.

Although conditions were good, I had to deal with road construction and traffic, and getting through Burlington hurt my momentum.

Bicycling across Vermont Jurczynski also had to deal with urban traffic.

I rode my 2005 Lemond "Tete de Course" with my TitanFlex as back-up. I used a single aerobar to save weight and because I like keeping my hands together. I also guess that having the hands together is slightly more aero. I rode non-aero wheels (one Topolino and one Bontrager).

During the ride I ate two pierogi's, a banana and two GU's. I drank some Sustained Energy, Mango flavored V8, Powerade, Coke and water. I also consumed a few Endurolyte capsules.

I finished 8 hours and 46 minutes later (2:46 p.m.), at the end of Vermont Route 7 (about 100 yards from the Canadian border). The last 100+ yards to the border are on I-89, which prohibits bicycles.

It was hot during the bicycle record attempt!

Besides finishing, the scenery and the good company of my crew. Most of my events are crewless, so I am very appreciative of the support from my crew. My cycling buddies Caleb Johnson and Kendall Robinson were my crew, and Jane Kellogg was the record attempt official.

Official Record: 179.0 miles in 8:46, 20.42 mph
Start: US 7 at the MA/VT state line
Finish: US 7 at the VT/Canada border