Thursday was another mild one here, about +5 mid-day. Despite a sore back that manifested while on the trainer (huh?) on Tuesday, I thought it would be a good idea to get on the bike and hit some hills. It so happens that one need not go too far to find a few good climbs; good for this time of year anyhow. I planned to ride Kingsmere Road, out to the end of Meech Road, then up and over Notch Road. This would constitute a pretty tame ride during the season, so I was curious to see how it felt.
Riding out to Kingsmere road felt good, no issues. The road was in fine shape heading out, no ice , few puddles. The climb went well enough, though certainly considerably slower than in season. I don't have a computer on the fender bike, which is probably a good thing. I used my 36x27 a bit. The road surface was pretty varied, from wet pavement to packed ice with snow and sandy gravel over top. I slipped my rear tire a few times on the way up, which got me thinking about how I'd fare on the descent. Hmmm. Some sections were snowy enough to provide a constant steam of snow spray onto my feet and shins. Kinda cool.
One at the end of the line I turned around and hit the descent. No problems, stayed off the brakes and kept to the darkest surfaces. Cool. Out and over to Meech Road next, which is also a mix of surfaces, but altogether good. Todays rain will likely clear much of the snow. Out to the RCMP gate and back, then toward Notch. By this time I knew my breakfast was inadequate, and the single gel I had would not really do. I metered it out in three hits as I approached, crested Notch, and hit the bridge back to town. Definitely in bonk land now due to my inadequate fuelage I kept up the pace to Tall Tree and managed to keep away from the white tunnel. The guys greeted me with a couple cookies, an apple and a coffee. Mmmm. That's all it took to recover. So ended my first self inflicted thrashing of the year. The other rides so far have not hurt me like this one. I will try to do the route a few more times before the Icebreaker to get the climbing going. If all goes well I'll be climbing stronger before long. Hopefully the other Tall Tree riders will be out to join me on the road soon.
The boys from the shop are attending the North American Handmade Bicycle Show this weekend, but Neil and I will keep things rolling on Saturday. Pop in for a visit if you're in the neighborhood.
5 comments:
Matt - I've got a cx build coming soon (hopefully built up by mid-March) would love to hook up.
Cheers,
C.
Right on Craig. That's just around the corner; I hope the weather is good enough to get out to the dam. I'll try to get a group ride or two together in the second half of the month. You'll be able to scratch your itch to ride the new bike.
Thanks for the update!
I will be heading out that way tomorrow for a ride.
hoping that they will keep the salt off the roads. Salt + bike = not good.
Hoping to do the old 105 + 366 to 307.
I'm kinda wondering how the stuff near the park would be - carbide... stuff...
post results if do it...
(icy, hard packed, not good...)
They are calling for +8 and pretty clear on Saturday - any riding action planned? I'd love to get out....
I won't be able to ride Sat; must work. If possible, I'll go out on Sunday. Odds are I'll still be finishing my work though. Get out there and soak in the sun Dom!
Post a Comment