tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50964132236994081592023-11-16T03:49:52.124-08:00Fitchburg Longsjo ClassicFitchburg Longsjo Classichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585895451280977275noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096413223699408159.post-35154931484461313272010-06-17T09:12:00.000-07:002010-06-18T10:00:53.556-07:00The Longsjo is Hurting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2nHBuf2K2RaXBTk2aTKG20DcwSSwVAsuGQ9Cx1Oi0A0omhhc8kPN-2KgQ-8nn0aU_qrHYy5B28J3qbwrF6cVzfaO74kt2fScRyMKKHcI_FOwS1KdHGaY8n1SzUVDJ9ig8HiPJ12TnXw/s1600/Help_Longsjo.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2nHBuf2K2RaXBTk2aTKG20DcwSSwVAsuGQ9Cx1Oi0A0omhhc8kPN-2KgQ-8nn0aU_qrHYy5B28J3qbwrF6cVzfaO74kt2fScRyMKKHcI_FOwS1KdHGaY8n1SzUVDJ9ig8HiPJ12TnXw/s400/Help_Longsjo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483776502667533010" border="0" /></a><br />The Longsjo is Hurting<br /><br /><br />It’s with a heavy heart that I type this letter. This may turn out to be one of those Jerry Maguire mission statement situations that I will really regret in the morning.<br /><br />The Longsjo is in rough shape. We’re hurting. In 2009 we pulled off an amazing event, with a lot of incredible memories relived, and a lot of new memories made. The amount of work that went into last year’s race was staggering. Our tiny staff tore themselves apart to make the race a success, and it was. At least in terms of dynamic racing.<br /><br />One of my favorite memories was of the Raleigh Boys looking at photos of themselves from 30 years ago, and going over the details of those races as if it were yesterday. I’ll never forget that. We haven’t had that many spectators during the downtown criterium in so many years.<br /><br />Volunteers<br /><br />We had an unprecedented number of volunteers sign up to help in 2009. Deb, our volunteer coordinator worked herself into the ground recruiting folks from community organizations and clubs and it showed! We had so many new faces with us last year. It was incredible.<br /><br />That number has fallen off a cliff in 2010. We’ve tried to reach out to the same groups, new folks, volunteers from years ago, and we’ve had no luck. People are volunteered out. It’s important to know that 99% of the Longsjo is run by volunteers. Everyone from our packet stuffers, to stage directors, to first aid doctors. They are all volunteers.<br /><br />We can’t run this event without volunteers. We just can’t do it. We need volunteers of all sorts: people who can work one or more half-day shifts as marshals, and those who'd prefer to work a few hours during a morning or evening to do set-up or tear-down. If you’ve got an early TT start, give us a few hours in the afternoon.<a href="http://www.longsjo.com/Volunteer.html"> If you’re going to watch the afternoon races at Wachusett, watch as a marshal.</a><br /><br />Head to: <a href="http://www.longsjo.com/Volunteer.html">http://www.longsjo.com/Volunteer.html</a><br /><br />We also need drivers for July 2 & 3. Anyone interested in being a driver should contact Bill Chiarchiaro directly: wjc@longsjo.com<br /><br /><br />Finances<br /><br /><br />The financial struggles that have hit other races over the past couple of years are finally catching up with us. We’ve done a lot of of cutting and gotten really creative, and we’re confident that we're going to be able to handle that challenge in 2010. I don’t think folks realize that we are a non-profit organization. If we have any money left over at the end of the race, it goes right back into the Longsjo. For the last several years especially, and to a larger extent for the race’s entire history, we’ve only ever broken even at best. That’s often with our operations folks putting in thousands of dollars of their own money. We have two paid staffers, and those staffers, myself included, are working as volunteers in 2010.<br /><br />Sponsors who stepped up for the 50th, have stepped back down. Folks who we expected money from in 2010 aren’t returning calls. We’ve had a few folks cut way back in just the last couple weeks. The economy is tough on everyone. If anyone knows how to get through to New England based cycling companies, please let us know, ‘cause we’ve tried.<br /><br />We’ve been dialing for dollars since January, and people are tapped out. We’ve had good luck with our <a href="http://www.longsjo.com/Fifty_for_50.html">Fifty for 50 campaign</a>, but we’re just a little bit more than half full.<br />That’s a $250 donation, and we are calling everyone we know.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=11189">We’ve set up a donation box through BikeReg.com</a>. No one wants things to come down to this, but I’m afraid it’s one of our only options with two weeks to go. If you have benefited from the Longsjo, please consider donating what you can. If you have a fond memory of the race, think about that when you make a donation.<br /><br />We’re letting folks know these financial details partly in the hopes that our fans might think about opening their wallets, and to at least understand where we’re coming from.<br /><br />What we ask of you:<br /><br />1. Please don’t ask for free entries. We really and truly can’t afford it. If you want a chance at prize money, it’s only fair that you pay your entry fee.<br /><br />2. Register early, before June 29th. We’ve always been in a tough spot when it comes to rider registration revenue. Because we have such a relatively small sponsor pool to draw from in this area, we rely so heavily on racer entry fees to pay our bills. If you don’t register until late June, we get into the situation we’re in now (this letter)<br /><br />3. Support our sponsors when you’re here. Look at our sponsor list, and if you’re going to buy a sandwich or pizza while here, buy it from one of our sponsors, and thank them for sponsoring the race.<br /><br />Where do we go from here?<br /><br />We at the Longsjo are doing some soul searching. Can we continue this race in 2011? In what form? Do we go back to a one day criterium? Do we have to move all or part of it out of Fitchburg to find new sponsors? Are the racers going to come? What do we tell the Longsjo family? We don’t have the answers to these questions yet. We’ll probably have some of the answers on July 6th.<br /><br />This is a lot to let out there, and it’s painful to even think about these things. This current crew has been working so hard, and so well together for so long now that it’s almost unbearable to think that we haven’t worked hard enough.<br /><br />One thing that needs to be clear however, is that there will be a race in 2010. Make sure it isn’t our last.<br /><br />I want to thank folks for taking the time to read this, and when you comment or share your opinions, please go easy on us. It’s been a rough couple of weeks.<br /><br />Best Regards,<br /><br />Ed Collier<br />Executive Director<br />51st Fitchburg Longsjo Classic<br />July 2-5, 2010<br />ecollier@longsjo.comFitchburg Longsjo Classichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585895451280977275noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096413223699408159.post-31674800955601344622010-03-23T13:02:00.000-07:002010-03-23T17:13:21.449-07:00An Explanation for the Women 3/4 ChangesHello Everybody,<br /><br />We anticipated that folks would be upset with us for eliminating two days of racing from the Women 3/4 category. We really didn't expect the volume of emails, or some of the tone of the emails.<br /><br />With that in mind, we're going to explain our reasoning in this blog post, and hopefully that will let people know that this decision was not made in haste, and that we did, in fact try everything else possible to get eight full categories to compete. Technical requirements and racers' expectations become higher, financial constraints intrude, and we have to figure out how to keep the Longsjo viable and relevant. People will still be upset I'm sure, but we need to get our side of things out there.<br /><br />Perhaps the best way to explain this is with a detailed list.<br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">In order to maintain our position on the NRC, we had to agree to full rolling enclosure for the Men Pro 1, and Women Pro/1/2.</span><br />We had been racing the road race course essentially the same way for nearly 20 years, but the rules have changed. They've changed to make the races safer for our riders, and to give them the chance to compete on an open road.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">We only have 11 miles of road race course to work with.</span><br />This means that with the added complexities of two simultaneous rolling enclosures, there just isn't the room to run our usual four fields in the afternoon. We can get very technical with lap times, spacing, estimated finishing times, etc., but trust us, there isn't enough room. We spent weeks devouring maps, and driving roads in the area to see if there was a way to lengthen the course to give us the room needed. We initially came up with two options. Double the length and add two more towns, or force all racers onto narrow, ill suited roads. We don't have the budget, volunteers, or communication tools needed to double the length. If we sent the peletons down the narrow country roads we looked at, we'd be off the NRC for 2011.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Budget woes.</span> As folks are no doubt aware, the economic climate in the U.S. is dismal. This affects everyone, and every event that needs sponsorship. At the end of 2009 we were told that we would likely be without $30,000 in sponsor money that we had expected for 2010. The Longsjo has one of the smallest budgets of any NRC stage race in America, and we need every penny. We're trying to get even more sponsors on board, but that still means cuts to our events, and our limited number of staffers likely not being paid. We are all still working because we love the race, and can't imagine not having the Longsjo. I think some folks don't realize that the Fitchburg Longsjo Classic is a non-profit organization. If we are fortunate enough to have money left over at the end of the year, it gets put directly back into the race.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Who do we cut?</span><br />Some of the emails assume this was an easy decision for us. It most definitely was not. We factored in everything from rider numbers, to lodging numbers, to distance riders from each category travel to get here. We factored in the potential outcry from the different categories. Everything was considered. We can't lose the revenue from the Masters. Though the Juniors generate only slightly more registration income for us, they bring 1/3 more riders than the Women 3/4. That generates revenue for us through the dorms. We also have entire families stay at the hotel. That makes our sponsors happy. We made the decision to cut two days from the Women 3/4 with a heavy heart.<br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Why cut two stages from the Women 3/4?</span><br />A. We can't run the road race during a weekday, especially on a weekday before a holiday. There is simply too much commuter traffic on Route 140 in Westminster and Princeton to run the race safely. B. We can't afford to run the road race on July 4th. As a result of the holiday, our police details earn double their normal rate. They are worth every dollar, but we can't afford it. We figured the women wouldn't want to race the first day, sit out the second, and race the last two. That leaves us with: Circuit Race, Road Race, Time Trial, Criterium.<br /><br />6.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Looking ahead.</span> If we can't find a suitable course extension for 2011, we'll likely have to cut two stages again in 2011. This could be from the Juniors, or perhaps the Masters. We'll have to see how it goes. One thing that the Longsjo is known for is the fact that all our racers compete on the same courses as their professional counterparts. I raced the Longsjo in 92 as a Junior, and then watched Lance dominate the rest of the weekend. It's part of what makes the Longsjo so special in the hearts of our riders. Most other NRC races in the US have only a few token Crits for amateurs to race in. The Longsjo doesn't operate that way, and we never will.<br /><br />Hopefully this answers some questions about our decision. It's not an easy decision to make. It is one we had to make.<br /><br />We hope you will keep the Longsjo on your calendar for 2010, and if not, please keep us on your radar in 2011.<br /><br />Best Regards,<br /><br />Ed Collier<br />Executive Director<br />2010 Fitchburg Longsjo Classic<br />ecollier@longsjo.comFitchburg Longsjo Classichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585895451280977275noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096413223699408159.post-9753070946353741342010-03-23T12:57:00.000-07:002010-03-23T13:02:33.811-07:002010 Longsjo Registration Opens<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyRxXeOw6cTia_I8KxD4jaT37Tbms7rPCdePKA1zOjqX8QgUjlgW2i0qO4nhOzONkbNPdcwlZ7XRQxyQvrMus3x3v6lu_Lw9oK1N1LvFV-I7dnN74Hzq1DhB_6_xDr7ZbEsxYqnoUMhg/s1600-h/mjohnson_20090705_0273.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyRxXeOw6cTia_I8KxD4jaT37Tbms7rPCdePKA1zOjqX8QgUjlgW2i0qO4nhOzONkbNPdcwlZ7XRQxyQvrMus3x3v6lu_Lw9oK1N1LvFV-I7dnN74Hzq1DhB_6_xDr7ZbEsxYqnoUMhg/s400/mjohnson_20090705_0273.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451922110702457218" border="0" /></a><br />Hello Longsjo racers and fans. After much anticipation and hard work, registration for the 2010 Longsjo is now officially open! We’ve been working with our local city and town officials to make sure that the 2010 Longsjo is a continuation of the amazing success we had in 2009 for our 50th edition.<br /><br />We’re changing up the order of the stages a bit to not only to liven up the racing, but to also ease the financial burden of running a race stage on the fourth of July. (Anyone want to guess what our police budget is for the road race?)<br /><br />This will be our stage order in 2010:<br /><br />Friday July 2nd - Fitchburg State College Circuit Race<br />Saturday July 3rd - Wachusett Mountain Road Race<br />Sunday July 4th - Courtyard by Marriott South Street Time Trial (same course as 2009)<br />Monday July 5th - Workers’ Credit Union Downtown Criterium<br /><br />This reordering of the stages is very exciting because it places much more importance on the time trial. A moderately bad day at the road race no longer means that your GC fight is over.<br /><br />We are also very pleased to announce that for the first time ever, the Women Pro 1/2 and the Men Pro/1 will have a full rolling enclosure during the road race. We’ve been trying for years to make this happen, and thanks to the amazing efforts of our race operations staff, we’ve been successful.<br /><br />One of the negative aspects of this development is that we need more space on the road race course. To ensure the safety and sufficient spacing between fields during the afternoon, we have been forced to eliminate the Women 3/4 category from the first two days of racing.<br /><br />This was an agonizing decision for us, and is one of the reasons that we’re opening registration a bit later than we had hoped. We looked at expanded road race courses, stage order, timing of the fields, lap times for the last several years, and many other options to try and make room for four fields in the afternoon. We couldn’t figure out a way to do it, while at the same time give the pros the room they need to race.<br /><br />The Longsjo is, and will continue to be one of the only races in the country where amateurs from nearly every category can come and race on the very same courses as their professional counterparts. We will continue to try and figure out a way for our usual eight categories to participate fully in the Longsjo, but for this year the Women 3/4 racers will be limited to the final two days of racing. The entry fees and prize lists has been adjusted accordingly.<br /><br />One other adjustment to our categories is modification of the age classification for the Masters category. We received a number of comments last year regarding this issue, and we have decided to change the Masters category from 35+ to 40+. Had this change been in effect in 2009, only 10 riders would have been affected.<br /><br />We look forward to seeing all of you in July, and wish you a safe and successful 2010.<br /><br />Best Regards,<br /><br />The Longsjo Staff<br /><br /><br />As in 2009, we’ll be offering a free iPod Nano for one of the first 100 registered entrants, so don’t delay, register today!Fitchburg Longsjo Classichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585895451280977275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096413223699408159.post-54274279311189475922009-05-28T14:45:00.000-07:002009-05-28T14:48:50.873-07:00Wachusett Road Race to Finish in Princeton Center<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-6nRJh8XKK7P7uHrrJBZVSkALSpQe3d5dIW7faP_7ldN4XdqrZBSog5rMAe6FmpY6m8MCUYEQ6Z_oLdLqP0z4KakvX0Y5ln3rAvU2_nv4AETV0QUnGU_-uKZB7a9mr95XI7CJikObBI/s1600-h/Longsjo_Princeton_Center05fl3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 138px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-6nRJh8XKK7P7uHrrJBZVSkALSpQe3d5dIW7faP_7ldN4XdqrZBSog5rMAe6FmpY6m8MCUYEQ6Z_oLdLqP0z4KakvX0Y5ln3rAvU2_nv4AETV0QUnGU_-uKZB7a9mr95XI7CJikObBI/s400/Longsjo_Princeton_Center05fl3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340994738422198946" border="0" /></a><br /> <p class="Body">Race Update - The ice storm of mid-December, 2008 caused devastation to many north central Massachusetts cities and towns. Princeton and Westminster were hit particularly hard. The Wachusett Mountain State Reservation suffered major damage, especially to the power lines headed up to the summit. The state decided to bury the power lines along what is normally our ascent road.<br /></p><p class="Body">Progress on the project was slow to begin, and after we assessed the situation, the Longsjo staff decided to move the finish of the Wachusett Mountain Road Race to Princeton center. We know that many racers love the grueling final climb to the summit, and we expect to finish there in 2010.<br /></p> <p class="Body">There are some very positive aspects that come along with finishing in Princeton center:</p><ul><li style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: -1px; padding-left: 17px; text-indent: -17px;" class="full-width"><p style="text-indent: -17px;" class="paragraph_style_6">Increased spectator participation<br /></p> </li><li style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: -1px; padding-left: 17px; text-indent: -17px;" class="full-width"> <p style="text-indent: -17px;" class="paragraph_style_6"><span style="position: relative; top: 2px;" class="Bullet"></span>Feed Zone workers will be able to see their riders finish!<br /></p> </li><li style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: -1px; padding-left: 17px; text-indent: -17px;" class="full-width"> <p style="text-indent: -17px;" class="paragraph_style_6"><span style="position: relative; top: 2px;" class="Bullet"></span>Festival atmosphere on the town common</p> </li><li style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: -1px; padding-left: 17px; text-indent: -17px;" class="full-width"><p style="text-indent: -17px;" class="paragraph_style_6">The finish will be approx. 100 meters up Mountain Road, following the right turn off of Gregory Hill Rd. (The Wall). There should be some amazing duels on the final climb!</p></li></ul>We appreciate everyone’s understanding of this situation, and can’t wait to see you July 2-5, 2009! -The Longsjo Staff.Fitchburg Longsjo Classichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585895451280977275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096413223699408159.post-30352410488239219322009-05-25T10:20:00.000-07:002009-05-25T10:26:46.560-07:00A profile of one of our great sponsors - Echappe Equipment<span>This episode of the Longsjo Podcast profiles one of our incredible sponsors, Echappe Equipment. Gabe Lloyd of Echappe talks about how his company got it's name, what they do, and what they recommend for the 2009 Longsjo TT. Check these guys out at racewheelrental.com, they have everything you need to get the extra aerodynamic advantage at this year's Longsjo. Filmed at the 2009 Tour of the Battenkill.<br /></span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxY7o3p68JwCydM1hMcI107hkC23ahyEDqa_kXis5AFZJbyGwoz78Dv8jG_swvVhzWB2WAduWAjYj4RJij9tA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Fitchburg Longsjo Classichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585895451280977275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096413223699408159.post-48875692575161025652009-05-25T10:10:00.000-07:002009-05-25T10:27:12.013-07:00New TT course for 2009!<p class="paragraph_style_33"><span style="line-height: 14px;" class="style_4"></span><span style="line-height: 15px;" class="style_19">We have confirmed our new Courtyard by Marriott South Street Time Trial course, taking place July 2, 2009. The Rindge Road course we have used in Fitchburg, Ashby, and Ashburnham in 2007 and 2008 has deteriorated to the point where it is no longer suitable for a TT course. The new course begins on South St. near the town offices in Westminster, MA, heads out to Mare Meadow Lane in Hubbardston, and returns to Dawley Rd. and South St. in Westminster. It's a 14 km TT with some gradual hills, and some great views of a reservoir system. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9kRqwiSqD0">Check out this great flyover in youtube</a>, or watch it here.<br /></span></p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyOBNS4q_SxKl2Bpnxa91DJ0kr6Jq4H2kKFSCHsSG5j3Y7aKyWxXrAgeAAEcsZoFFrQczKGb6zpd630G3U7rg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Fitchburg Longsjo Classichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585895451280977275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096413223699408159.post-91656036914305090372009-05-13T07:37:00.000-07:002009-05-13T12:18:05.137-07:00A Longsjo Memory from Bob Simpson Winner in 1968<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8QSkmEpn9XJ_n9zCg8wFC1e7s8rr1oahf21pXQbDpGduNnsJywcH_Tb7QzpwZlyqxTGPzfsKj6ScTNUoLmwbsVpFhgNMZIWpanzrUuwn4G5CjoN57h9NEflJo4bVSZ7Is6rxlBClbAk/s1600-h/Longsjo_Simpson1968_sml.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8QSkmEpn9XJ_n9zCg8wFC1e7s8rr1oahf21pXQbDpGduNnsJywcH_Tb7QzpwZlyqxTGPzfsKj6ScTNUoLmwbsVpFhgNMZIWpanzrUuwn4G5CjoN57h9NEflJo4bVSZ7Is6rxlBClbAk/s400/Longsjo_Simpson1968_sml.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335389932271923730" border="0" /></a><br />In 1968, I was just 19 years old. I had a good sprint and was a good bike handler, so I did well in the criterium races that year. The previous year, I had placed well in the Fitchburg Junior race and it seemed that the circuit was one that I was happy with.<br /><br />In the 1968 Art Longsjo Classic, François Mertens, John Aschen, and I attacked simultaneously to break away. We got a good rhythm going and held off the main pack. Aschen, who was not the best sprinter, led out the final kilometer and François and I jumped past on either side of him in the sprint to the finish line. My good acceleration and the fact that Francois waited for me to go, making it a short sprint, worked in my favour and I won by a couple of bike lengths.<br /><br />The prize for first place, that year, was a console colour TV which John Gromek and I stuffed mostly into the trunk of our ’55 Chevy to take back to New Jersey. We must have somehow put our bikes in the back seat of the car we didn’t have a roof racks in those days. On the drive home from the race, we were stopped by the police who wanted to check to make sure that we hadn’t stolen the TV that was hanging out of the trunk. The next year I couldn’t attend the race, but the winner, Jocelyn Lovell, won a car for first place if I remember correctly!<br /><br />At the time, only the 9th running of the race, I was the youngest to win, at 19 years old.<br /><br />When I raced in the Fitchburg Junior race the year before, I remember watching Sammy Watson, who had won in 1966, prepare to drive away after his race with all of his equipment, bikes and bags, packed inside of his Volkswagen Beetle. I was greatly impressed by his ability to squeeze everything into that little car. -Bob SimpsonFitchburg Longsjo Classichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585895451280977275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096413223699408159.post-36539354308876307202009-04-21T17:51:00.000-07:002009-04-21T17:57:28.353-07:00Pro-Team Discount Announced<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.longsjo.com/Longsjo_Home_files/shapeimage_32.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 257px;" src="http://www.longsjo.com/Longsjo_Home_files/shapeimage_32.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><p class="paragraph_style_30"><span style="line-height: 15px;" class="style_19">We’re pleased to announce the 2009 Pro-Team Discount Program for the 50th edition of the Longsjo. This improved discount program applies to Pro/1 Men, and Pro 1/2 Women.</span><span style="line-height: 15px;" class="style_20"><br /></span></p> <ul><li style="line-height: 18px; margin-top: -1px; padding-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;" class="full-width"> <p class="paragraph_style_30"><span style="position: relative; top: 2px;" class="Bullet"></span><span style="line-height: 14px;" class="style_4">Register 4 riders by May 25th and get one free <br /></span></p></li><li style="line-height: 18px; margin-top: -1px; padding-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;" class="full-width"><p class="paragraph_style_30"><span style="line-height: 14px;" class="style_4">Register 6 riders by May 25th and get two free</span><span style="line-height: 15px;" class="style_20"></span><span style="line-height: 14px;" class="style_4">. Register the first riders online, and we’ll create manual entries for the complimentary positions.<br /></span></p> </li><li style="line-height: 18px; margin-top: -1px; padding-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;" class="full-width"> <p style="text-indent: 0px;" class="paragraph_style_31"><span style="position: relative; top: 2px;" class="Bullet"></span><span style="line-height: 14px;" class="style_4">If you have a past Longsjo champion on your team, current national or world champion, (any specialty, road, track, mountain, etc.) a member of the 2008 Olympic team (any specialty or nation) then that rider’s entry fee is automatically waived!<br /></span></p> </li><li style="line-height: 18px; margin-top: -1px; padding-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;" class="full-width"> <p style="text-indent: 0px;" class="paragraph_style_32"><span style="line-height: 14px;" class="style_4">If one of your team directors or managers is a past Longsjo champion and is going to attend the 2009 Longsjo with the team, then we can add a bonus free registration!</span></p></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.longsjo.com/Pro_Teams.html">Full details can be found here</a><br /><br /></div>Colavita is the first full team to sign up, and 2008 winner Kyle Wamsley will attempt to defend his title!Fitchburg Longsjo Classichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585895451280977275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096413223699408159.post-31533296570265894032009-04-15T04:47:00.000-07:002009-04-15T12:07:13.806-07:002009 Fitchburg Longsjo Classic Podcast - Episode Four - 2001 Criterium Storm<span>This episode of the Longsjo Podcast has some incredible footage of the soaking rain that forced the early cancellation of the Pro Men's Criterium in 2001. Baden Cooke took the stage win, as Dick </span><span>Ring made the call. I remember hearing stories about the rivers that were flowing down the middle of Main St. when this happened. You can see in some of these shots what people are talking about. Anyone want a Briko Umbrella? -Ed<br /><br /></span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwmt6R-JkG-QRjmSiuactST-YZyfEJFLc8clYZUjpQas9B9RGcHLRUQ03lzBXLo8uPqtPhY5tuH1QZSEfQtyA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Fitchburg Longsjo Classichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585895451280977275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096413223699408159.post-90304184932798934372009-03-31T07:30:00.000-07:002009-03-31T07:59:03.205-07:00A Greeting from Terry Longsjo-Brackett<p id="video-description-WQP4MU1goLA" class="video-description-expanded"><span>In this brief podcast episode, Terry Longsjo - Brackett welcomes back our returning champions. Terry is a remarkable woman who has seen the race develop over 50 years. The Art Longsjo memorial race began, and continues as a tribute to her late husband Arthur M. Longsjo Jr.</span></p><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwXOqKKV57NgUU2rKIUmbTNbOhWR-xW0sgyqZ_-G5chy5QWZIwcdPoVTkhj0Tw3qDP0g9ozlwYDgnYv05Lb1Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Fitchburg Longsjo Classichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585895451280977275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096413223699408159.post-33754886909399678922009-03-27T11:04:00.000-07:002009-03-30T11:14:44.710-07:002009 Fitchburg Longsjo Podcast Episode Two - Mayor George Bourque Interview<div class="watch-video-desc description"> <span>In the second episode of the 2009 Fitchburg Longsjo Classic Podcast we talk to former Fitchburg Mayor George Bourque. Bourque was the mayor of Fitchburg in 1960 during the first Civic Days and Art Longsjo Memorial Race. Anne O'Connor and I (Ed Collier) interviewed Mayor Bourque last year, and he was such a warm, funny character. We can't wait to see him in July for the 50th Longsjo, and the 50th Civic Days! You can also watch the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_CLBpGThCk">video in higher quality on youtube.</a></span> </div> <span class="watch-channel-stat"></span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzsPR1PBDM7vnPpf70xUDNcWyiRFsahbDn3Aar24ywGf6YJQuxcyrhSRvyBDDygYPMkuYp0bDXCIF6qqrUHUw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Fitchburg Longsjo Classichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585895451280977275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096413223699408159.post-26274253617076960552009-03-23T09:23:00.000-07:002009-03-23T09:25:14.245-07:00A Longsjo Memory from Lyne Bessette<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.longsjo.com/50th_Celebration_Champion_Stories_files/droppedImage_5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 193px; height: 288px;" src="http://www.longsjo.com/50th_Celebration_Champion_Stories_files/droppedImage_5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Lyne Bessette - ’99,’00,’01,’02</span></div> <p style="padding-bottom: 0pt;" class="paragraph_style_7">I always seem to have found my racing legs just in time for Fitchburg every year! That race was almost a hometown race for me. My parents would drive down, even my uncle and aunt came one year.<br /></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt;" class="paragraph_style_7">In 2000 on the downhill there was a huge crash and I remember the ambulance.... Racers were saying that it was very bad. At that time I didn't know the guy, but it happened to be Tim Johnson who had hit a sign post at full speed. We met that next January in California at the Saturn team camp. He is now my husband! </p>Fitchburg Longsjo Classichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585895451280977275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096413223699408159.post-72905575277041407992009-03-19T06:46:00.000-07:002009-03-23T04:02:59.944-07:002009 Fitchburg Longsjo Classic Podcast - Episode OneThe Podcast is back online! The first episode of the 2009 Fitchburg Longsjo Classic Podcast is up and running. Head over to longsjo.com/podcast to check it out, or just watch it here on blogger, or follow <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4L_TaN06bU">this link to youtube</a>. It's a long one, about ten minutes. There is some great footage of Davis Phinney, Ron Keifel, and Rebecca Twigg. We've got a ton of footage that has been popping up, so we'll be publishing many more episodes this year. I'm working on the RSS issues with the iTunes store, so as soon as I get that figured out I'll let you know. Enjoy! -Ed<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxm4T4OAoyRIYsWK8o8hxQo9Lu8sdQNEov1_8ZNXHksPk0uEoyVc8nANCENjP3f73Ic-NWRoRKWFlZ68SkkaA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Fitchburg Longsjo Classichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585895451280977275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096413223699408159.post-243786732727862882009-02-19T19:10:00.000-08:002009-02-19T19:23:51.830-08:00Send us your Longsjo Photos!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgll3tnVwmqGX5bHcU_5d6aW0g_GIYiOtnVCW2J3tG6Qe5gLVtZ0YTOH11SHX_nv4Le2KdKPbH2QUR_YmVBj9dMbIcLHy_XU2F9UsKrWx3tTgd9DunTyxmO0PYaQFsDFWN_sv2NYqG_E/s1600-h/Lance_1992_A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgll3tnVwmqGX5bHcU_5d6aW0g_GIYiOtnVCW2J3tG6Qe5gLVtZ0YTOH11SHX_nv4Le2KdKPbH2QUR_YmVBj9dMbIcLHy_XU2F9UsKrWx3tTgd9DunTyxmO0PYaQFsDFWN_sv2NYqG_E/s400/Lance_1992_A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304712304606674930" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">We need your photos! (and video too)</span><br /><br />In gearing up for the 2009 Longsjo, we're trying to gather as much memorabilia as we can to represent the history of the race. We've got a great collection of shots from the 60s, 70s, and the 2000s, but we could always use more. More from the 80s and 90s especially. Do you have some snapshots you want to share, or digital files you want to send? We will give you photo credit for your submission of course!<br /><br />If you've got some video or film footage you'd like to share, we'd love to see it. I know that someone out there has some 8mm film of the Longsjo in the 1970s and 80s. We can help you convert that to video, and add it to our archive.<br /><br />If you've got anything you'd like to share, or questions o how to get it here, send me an email: ecollier @ longsjo.com <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:85%;" >(remove the spaces)<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Photo of Lance in 1992, Courtesy of Art Caponi</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><br /></span>Fitchburg Longsjo Classichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585895451280977275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096413223699408159.post-82237114216415444592009-02-07T08:37:00.000-08:002009-02-07T08:55:21.896-08:0050th Annual Longsjo Fleece Gear Now Available!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Hf7hvkzn7Ir_3Qwib30Awcj-wqgETzx8I2FbOaxHTkertFEvvZ66uRSf4jPAP9h9X8i4pICI9DHsBfH9I7ovyOOWmScn8PxdsPEKUk-p7ncpxNnB4Xo7joq6TyxexenSWM8kflgRIZQ/s1600-h/fitchburg_longsjo_fleece.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Hf7hvkzn7Ir_3Qwib30Awcj-wqgETzx8I2FbOaxHTkertFEvvZ66uRSf4jPAP9h9X8i4pICI9DHsBfH9I7ovyOOWmScn8PxdsPEKUk-p7ncpxNnB4Xo7joq6TyxexenSWM8kflgRIZQ/s400/fitchburg_longsjo_fleece.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300095523915676946" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Custom Longsjo fleece gear can help you</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> <span style="font-size:130%;">get through the winter!</span></span><br /><br />Hi all, We just got our first small order of custom embroidered fleece vests and jackets from Columbia Sportswear! The stuff is amazing, and the 50th Longsjo logo really pops! We'll be placing orders throughout the winter and early spring, or as long as our supplies hold out. The fleece jackets and vests are incredibly warm, and the technical softshell is a fantastic garment that can even zip into your other selected Columbia parkas and shells. If you're in Fitchburg you can check out the window display at 773 Main St. <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Check out the specs and pricing:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The Products: </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Columbia Fleece Vest - $38 </span><br />Full Zip<br />Two External Pockets<br />High Collar<br />Black in Color<br />Men’s and Women’s Sizing<br />S-XXL<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Columbia Fleece Jacket - $45<br /></span>Full Zip<br />Two External Pockets<br />High Collar<br />Charcoal / Black in Color<br />Men’s and Women’s Sizing<br />S-XXL<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Columbia Shelby’s Softshell - $90</span><br />Full Zip<br />Two External Pockets<br />High Collar<br />Grey in Color<br />Men’s and Women’s Sizing<br />S-XXL<br /><a href="http://www.columbia.com/sizeChart.aspx">Find Your Size: Click Here </a><br /><br />Local pick-up is available from the Longsjo office, or we can ship it to you for $5 via USPS.<br /><br />You can start the ordering process by emailing us at info2008@longsjo.com with what you'd like. Once we get 20 or so pieces requested, we'll place the order with the manufacturer.Fitchburg Longsjo Classichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585895451280977275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096413223699408159.post-80451443495943154702009-01-27T19:10:00.000-08:002009-01-27T19:18:27.853-08:002009 Fitchburg Longsjo Classic Opens Registration!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LtKGykJUXsMRUvdl-a7oX339aIHINsGyGkwa1Q8MMegNmv6AmPopRxSU74upq_ozCz2hNsefhPDIMJJifdvMgqtlyUbbDP3i_dSzjjv6Qj1tFAtIaQAbzkXLjzUE-IKc33MgSeNPKUI/s1600-h/Longsjo_Nano.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 91px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LtKGykJUXsMRUvdl-a7oX339aIHINsGyGkwa1Q8MMegNmv6AmPopRxSU74upq_ozCz2hNsefhPDIMJJifdvMgqtlyUbbDP3i_dSzjjv6Qj1tFAtIaQAbzkXLjzUE-IKc33MgSeNPKUI/s400/Longsjo_Nano.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296177325398738642" border="0" /></a><br />We are proud to announce that registration for the 2009 Fitchburg Longsjo Classic has officially opened on <a href="http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=7621">BikeReg.com! </a><br /><br />2009 is the 50th edition of the Longsjo and we have some amazing celebrations planned to honor the incredible history of our race. These events are well into the planning stages and include:<br /><br /><ul><li>The return of many of our past champions</li><li>City wide displays and exhibits honoring the history of the race</li><li>Integration with Fitchburg’s Civic Days celebration (also celebrating 50 years)</li><li>Past champions parade and champions dinner</li><li>A very special reunion (announcement coming soon!)</li></ul><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Racing</span><br /><br />We are maintaining the same stages as in previous years, though we are switching the order from 2008.<br /><br />Thursday July 2 - Courtyard by Marriott Fitchburg - Rindge Road Time Trial<br />Friday July 3- Fitchburg State College Circuit Race<br />Saturday July 4 - Wachusett Mountain Road Race<br />Sunday July 5 - Workers’ Credit Union Downtown Criterium<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lodging</span><br /><br />The race hotel has undergone a dramatic transformation for 2009. Though the hotel is in the same location as the past 17 years, the Best Western Royal Plaza is now the Courtyard by Marriott - Fitchburg. <a href="http://www.cocokeywaterresort.com/Locations/fitchburg/plan/index.aspx">The hotel also features a CoCo Key indoor water resort, so bring your entire family to the race with you!</a> Reservations are being made directly through the hotel in 2009. Please call the hotel at 978.342.7100<br /><br />The Longsjo is again partnering with Fitchburg State College to offer dormitory style housing. There is some major construction going on at the Mara Village Suites, so housing will be at the Russell towers complex on a block or so from the race course.<br /><br />The one drawback for these dorms is that there are only 40 rooms ( 80 beds) available with window AC units. Once these sell out, there will only be non-ac beds available at a reduced cost.<br /><br />The meal plan is back for 2009, and is now available to racers who are staying away from the college. You can purchase the dormitory housing and meal plan at BikeReg.com.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Extras</span><br /><br />If you are among the first 100 racers to register at <a href="http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=7621">BikeReg.com</a>, you are automatically entered to win an 8gb iPod Nano! Don’t delay, Registration fees increase by $15 after June 15th, and most categories will fill long before that day.<br /><br />You can also find us on Facebook, and get updated on all the fun things we are working on for 2009.Fitchburg Longsjo Classichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585895451280977275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096413223699408159.post-9568070880161991332009-01-21T09:55:00.000-08:002009-01-21T10:05:13.361-08:00Some Great Local Coverage<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.telegram.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Avis=WT&Dato=20080706&Kategori=LONGSJO&Lopenr=313479461&Ref=AR&maxw=200&maxh=100"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 149px; height: 100px;" src="http://images.telegram.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Avis=WT&Dato=20080706&Kategori=LONGSJO&Lopenr=313479461&Ref=AR&maxw=200&maxh=100" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I was working on the Longsjo website today looking to add some content, and I came across this amazing display of race coverage from the <a href="http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=LONGSJO">Worcester Telegram and Gazette.</a> The Longsjo gets a tremendous amount of coverage from all the local and state papers including the Sentinel and Enterprise, Fitchburg Pride, Worcester Telegram and Gazette and the Boston Globe. The Telegram's coverage includes video and multimedia slideshows in addition to the daily and advance coverage of the race. Click on the Telegram links to check out the amazing work by the staff. -EdFitchburg Longsjo Classichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585895451280977275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096413223699408159.post-85591056805006279622009-01-12T14:58:00.000-08:002009-01-13T07:34:33.647-08:00Getting Ready to Open Registration<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUR9c2Rg1GdjWngh0-tMCh9MW0y72ji_hFtxKQ1516PQCwe6MiJMPrt8-S3uHnYJoDWGfaqJe7IcK5u2qwkNfK0ujLttSttMgTZsFWzifcj0bcXI8wwH11DxkkiLRv-v8QLeCUCPgArg/s1600-h/Historic_Longsjo_010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUR9c2Rg1GdjWngh0-tMCh9MW0y72ji_hFtxKQ1516PQCwe6MiJMPrt8-S3uHnYJoDWGfaqJe7IcK5u2qwkNfK0ujLttSttMgTZsFWzifcj0bcXI8wwH11DxkkiLRv-v8QLeCUCPgArg/s320/Historic_Longsjo_010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290546146371232770" border="0" /></a><br /><div class="text-content style_External_410_252" style="padding: 0px;"> <div class="style"> <p style="padding-top: 0pt;" class="Body">Happy New Year everyone! We’re getting close to opening registration for the 50th edition of the Fitchburg Longsjo Classic. We have some exciting events planned for this historic occasion! We’re going to use this blog, our e_newsletter, and Facebook to keep racers, sponsors, past champions and fans updated on all things Longsjo.<br /></p> <p style="padding-bottom: 0pt;" class="Body">Our goal is to open registration for the race, as well as Fitchburg State College dorms on Monday January 26th. We’ll send out an email to all of last year’s riders as soon as we open up on bikereg. Stay safe and warm this winter, and we’ll see you in July! -Ed</p> </div> </div>Fitchburg Longsjo Classichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585895451280977275noreply@blogger.com0