VT Homeboyz

This weekend New England races Putney. Putney is old school cross and doesn't apologize for this, nor does it really care; the race is in the woods, in Vermont. When I think of what a local Belgian cross race on a Tuesday must feel like, I always think of Putney. Registration is usually inside the bike shop. Yes, there is a wood stove. And cider. And the good 'ol Yellow and Red kit all over the shop.


Putney has three main features which most people will tell you about:

"The Sketchy Descent out of the woods"

"The Cornfield"

"The Run-up"


In recent times, there have been some other features added to the course---the BMX Bumps; the New Barrier---which are gaining classic status. That said, nothing beats the Run.

I've always enjoyed Putney for a variety of reasons, but the one that probably sticks in my head the most is really not all that memorable for some....the locals. Like a good cross race will do, the run-up tends to gather people up top for prime spectating action.

It's not as if these VT local spectators woke up and walked straight out of the woods to the race; they probably made coffee and then came over. The quintessential Vermont Stylie---bohemian as you wanna be---is completely unique and authentic, and the fact that the locals come out to hang, drink more coffee, get some BRO time, make BBQ in a school bus (MIKEY!) and watch the race is surprisingly endearing and not at all annoying.

I'm quite certain that no other state, community, or bike shop could pull off the Putney Vibe. And, how could they? Putney is Putney.


PS: Watch out for those Putney Homeboy Racers.....they really do train on Wednesday nights on that course and they will roost you in the corners!