Warren County: News

Bermuda cyclist finds roads here ideal for training

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 9:16 AM EDT

By Luci Weldon

Bermuda resident Darren Glasford recently spent a few days in Warren County training for a chance to make the Bermuda team that will compete in the Caribbean Cycling Championships on the island of Guadeloupe this fall. Photo: Luci Weldon, The Warren Record

Warren County residents know that local roads take them through beautiful scenery, but those same roads might also give a Bermuda resident the edge he needs to make his country's team that will compete in the Caribbean Cycling Championships this fall.

Darren Glasford, a member of the Bermuda Bicycling Association, is no stranger to Warren County. Growing up, he visited relatives here and in other areas of North Carolina on a regular basis.

Recently, he spent some time with his aunt, Virginia Broach of the Russell Union community of Manson, in order to attend a family reunion. Glasford returned here Aug. 6.

"The last time I visited my aunt, I saw how nice the roads are," he said. "I decided to bring my bike to continue training. ... In Warren County, the air quality is good, there is no traffic, and the roads are in good condition, excellent for riding."

Glasford, a police officer, started cycling in late 2006. He is a member of Team Winners Edge.

On Bermuda, cyclists typically ride five or six days every week in order to train. Races are typically held on Sundays.

Glasford continued his grueling training schedule after arriving here, riding each morning. His shortest route was 32 miles, or one-and-one-half hours, and his longest route was 80 miles, or over three hours.

"I went to Kerr Dam, the end of Buggs Island Road, and into Virginia," Glasford said. "I have been into Middleburg and on local roads."

He found that the heat and hilly terrain have been good preparation for the conditions he will face during the Caribbean Cycling Championships, which will be held on the island of Guadeloupe in late October.

While training here, he was impressed by more than just the roads.

"People are friendly," Glasford said. "The kids wave and people mowing grass. ... The people passing you give a lot of space. The roads in Bermuda are narrow."

For Broach, a member of the Warren County Historic Preservation Commission, her nephew's interest in training here proves that the county has the potential to attract others interested in cycling for fun or sport.

"Tourists would be interested to know that the roads are great for cycling," she said. "(Cycling) is a good family activity. There are no major costs involved."

Glasford returned to Bermuda last Wednesday, where he will step up his training.

"(Training) will get harder as we approach tryouts," he said. "It will be more intense. I will ride faster, longer and with hill repeats."

Glasford hopes to be one of five men to make Bermuda's team, which also will include three women.

"This is probably the fittest I've ever been in my life," he said.

The championships, to be held Oct. 23 and 24, will include 10 teams from 10 different countries.

If Bermuda's team wins, Warren County might have had something to do with its success.