Yesterday was my big mountain challenge ride in Bakersville, NC. The “Roan Moan” metric has over 6000 feet of climbing with a large part of that total the 7 mile climb of Carver’s Gap on Roan Mountain. The ride is advertised as strenuous and lived up to it’s billing. It was amazing to see what the locals consider flat versus the truly flat roads of Wilson and Nash Counties.
First, truth in reporting...I didn’t complete the Carver’s Gap climb. I lasted 5 of the 7 miles of the 7% average although it was more often 10% than 7%. I took the SAG wagon to the top to meet my brother for the descent. This ride had no flat area to it at all. There was an early 2 mile climb that was just as difficult as the Carver’s Gap climb. There were two short “walls” that was at least 15% grade; both were in sections the locals told us were flat. If there is a next time on this ride, I’ll be sure to put on a triple or a larger cam on the rear. By the way, all of the descents were awesome. Even holding back due to unknown roads and rain, I hit 43+ on the descent from Carver’s Gap. Someone with more experience on those roads could easily have gone over 50 on the descent. Overall, it was a great ride in spite of the disappointment of not completing the main climb. -- 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.
