I used a 34/27 (about 34 gear inches) as my little gear. I think several things made it tough: lack training on long sustained climbs, the 3500 feet of climbing before hitting the main climb, the heat and humidity of the day and the combination of my fitness with the gear choice and steepness of the climb. I still believe that the climb can be done, but I would need additional training to be ready. My brother, who lives in Hendersonville and climbs to the Parkway often, struggled with this climb also.
From: James Lamm Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2011 4:55 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [COWs] Roan Moan Bob, Congratulations. Sounds like you gave it a great effort. Just out of curiosity, what gearing were you using? I've found that as I've gotten older, I need more gearing for steep hills. I'll soon be going to the Boone area and plan to take my bike. I have 53/39 chainrings and 14/32 freewheel cogs making my lowest gear 32.9 gear inches. I plan to also take a triple bike with a lowest gear of 31.1 gear inches to compare (not much difference, but I might need it.) Don't be disappointed, like Tim suggests, change your gearing and you'll make it. Thanks for sharing. James On Sun, Jul 31, 2011 at 12:19 PM, Tim & Susan <[email protected]> wrote: Awesome! Its very difficult to ride Wilson County roads and then go climb mountains. And you're right, riding through the valley in the mountains with 5 to 8% climbs is considered flat to the locals. You don't need a triple though, just a compact crank and a 28 on the back. Then go try it again! ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Luppino To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2011 12:02 PM Subject: [COWs] Roan Moan 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 mailto:cyclistsofwilson-cows%[email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cyclistsofwilson-cows?hl=en. -- 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 mailto:cyclistsofwilson-cows%[email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cyclistsofwilson-cows?hl=en. -- 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. -- 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.
