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Biking '10 part 2
- Thread starter Ziltoid
- Start date
The humidity lately has simply been insane. LOL, after that winter, you'd think we'd have a half decent summer, but it's amazing how we also have a nasty summer going on.
Dude. I did 30 today to test out some new gearing (new cassette) on my bike, and left waaaaay too late in the morning. I thought I was going to have a heat stroke before the ride was done.
That is hysterical!
I'm guessing here on the east coast we're about a week-and-a-half, maybe two weeks ahead of you weather-wise: It's been so swelteringly awful that I barely rode since getting back from my California Death Ride vacation, but this week it's been freakin' gorgeous, all hi-70's with no humidity. Perfect cycling weather. Did a 70 mile jaunt with the hammerhead kids today, ending on a porch overlooking the Hudson River with endless pints of Blue Moon as our post-ride beverage. Life's good.
Today I am climbing Mix Canyon road & descending Gates Canyon road- a fairly long(for me 
)and incredibly steep & tortuous mountain lane where, 10 years ago, I struck an oncoming motorcyclist head-on & partially tore my ACL. This will be the first time I've been to the top since that dreaded day. I expect the climb to last a good 45 minutes & I'll likely be light-headed the rest of the day, so don't be alarmed when my posts make even less sense than usual. EXCELSIOR!
)and incredibly steep & tortuous mountain lane where, 10 years ago, I struck an oncoming motorcyclist head-on & partially tore my ACL. This will be the first time I've been to the top since that dreaded day. I expect the climb to last a good 45 minutes & I'll likely be light-headed the rest of the day, so don't be alarmed when my posts make even less sense than usual. EXCELSIOR!
Back. A roadie passed us on the way out & in conversation told us that the top two miles of this climb are the steepest in California, hitting 14-15% in places. A guy training for the Diablo Challenge once told me it's much more brutal than Mt Diablo. Took me about 1:50 & change, including the 3-4 miles to & from my house. Gonna eat now.
Edit: Although I feel coherent, I am definitely seeing colors...
Edit: Although I feel coherent, I am definitely seeing colors...
Here's a shot I found on the net, looking up Mix Canyon:
I also read that there's a brief portion of 23% near the summit. My bathroom scales tell me I shed two lbs on the ride.
I also read that there's a brief portion of 23% near the summit. My bathroom scales tell me I shed two lbs on the ride.
I did the old Diablo road race a couple of times and it's approaching brutal up on top at race pace, and so I can only imagine what Mix Canyon must be like...sounds like a good ride!
And another parts update...
Z - getting back to you on the wheels/hubs thing; I don't blame you for passing on the wheels, but if you still want the hubs alone, you can have them for shipping costs...PM me and we'll work out specifics...if you want...
bassteban - I haven't forgotten about looking for your brakes, I've haven't had a lot of time recently to go digging around - I'll make an better effort sometime this week, and sorry...
No rush on the brakes, bro- I have plenty of up & running bikes to ride. I am excited about the prospect of getting them all going though. The cantis will go on the Retro, to be set up for the road- I could see trying Diablo on that. That would leave a hole in the SS section of my stable- I'd love to slap this back together as a thumper:
W/a 44" wheelbase & 69 degree head angle, it's quite possibly the worst climbing bike I own, but it descends like buttah, even w/o a shock up front. It's a bear to find a functional fork though, as the headtube is 1" BMX.
W/a 44" wheelbase & 69 degree head angle, it's quite possibly the worst climbing bike I own, but it descends like buttah, even w/o a shock up front. It's a bear to find a functional fork though, as the headtube is 1" BMX.
I'll pass, there's no local wheel builder over here, and every time I asked no so local ones it was like : me: You build wheels? them: Yeah but why don't you buy *that* instead?
So basically they say they build wheels but don't want to... Doesn't help me trust them about the build..lol
Thanks a lot for offering them tho.
Is it all paved? If so, this makes climbing seem easy.
Compact gearing and 13.96lbs.....ahhhhhhhhhh.
Look on the bright side, by the time you're my age, the technology of this bike will be obsolete, so you'll either be able to get this for cheaper or something amazing for about the same price.
