Spring is the time that the snows melt and the roads turn to… mud. In Russia there is even a name for this condition. It is the Rasputitsa, the semi-annual time when the countryside is just a muddy mess. The Rasputitsa is also the name of this weekend’s 47 mile gravel road race through northern Vermont.
Each year in the Rasputitsa Spring Classic the race travels through Newport, Coventry, Irasburg, North Troy, Westfield, Jay, and Newport Center before ending on Main Street in Newport, Vermont. The Rasputitsa Spring Classic and sister race, Dirty 40 (scheduled for August 30th) will raise money for the Halo Foundation which helps Orleans County residents struggling with cancer costs. The two events are targeted to raise over $15,000 made available to the Halo Foundation in September.
The race departs Main Street, Newport at 9 AM on April 19th. Finishers are first expected at 11:30 on Main Street, Newport. Main Street will also serve as the location of the Apres-Velo Party with live music by Evansville Transit Authority, Lion Bastards, and The Lynguistic Civilians. Food and drinks will be available on-site. Podium awards are scheduled for 2 PM.
It is a dirty race but someone has to do it.