I drove the entire 100 loop and rode two sections. Well here's the skinny on the 100 mile loop: If you don't like climbing any sort of hills, this is not the ride for you.
The setup I used is a 53-39 chainring and 12-27 cassette. I climbed into Blowing Rock (1000 ft over about 7-8 miles) around 9-13 mph with two gears left. Not too bad, I thought. Took the parkway which was a blast. The climbing there wasn't as strenuous, as from BR it's downhill overall. Top speeds approach 48 mph. No "extreme" climbs on this section though none of us flatlanders will be powering up them if we expect to have anything left for snake mt. snake mtn will fool you (meat camp rd). It starts out as a false flat for about 2.5 miles then the grade increases quickly. The 5 mile trip to the top of the gap took me 30 mins. I was in my lowest gear by mile 4 rolling anywhere from 2-6 mph. Not sure how fast the locals can climb it. It stairsteps somewhat which can allow for brief stops. There is one wicked switchback where the grade is 20%, other than that the road is fairly "straight". There are two more climbs after snake which are steep but short. So you have to remember to save some for them. The wind also prevails out of the south-southwest so hopefully, there will be a tailwind vs headwind when going up snake. In order to have plenty left after snake I am contemplating riding my triple ringed 1500 which should offer enough gear ratios to climb everthing up here without wiping myself out before the last two climbs. In speaking with the bike shop guys up here, the compensation for lack of "hills" is to ride in high gears as fast as possible for as long as possible. Climbing is nothing more than brute strength up here. Also, per the lbs guys, the downhill speeds on this route won't approch 60, moreso mid 40's to 50. He said if you use common sense and ride within your skill level you will be fine on the DH's. That's all, start riding hard. Only two months to go. Ronnie -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "CyclistsOfWilson-COWs" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cyclistsofwilson-cows?hl=en.
