Tour d Argyle was a good time and well orgainized. Ray said much of the route was similar to the mid-cites RBENT ride he help sponsor. I also this ride. but I found it challenging. The “HillTOP” hill caught me off guard. Its one of those sneaky steep hills with a curvy road that hides the hill's evilness. Ray warned us that it was on the route, but he estimated it was about 5 miles out. Well the “HillTOP” hill was actually 2.5 miles out. It was the first time I went up a significant steep hill (12% grade) with my Baron. And It was the first time I used my low gears. About half way up the hill I saw the first curve and I realized hat this was “”HILLTOP”. I lost my rhythm and I realized the middle gear wasn’t going to work. So I dropped down into the low gears. I lost good form and began to pump away flaying my feet with brute strength. My speed dropped to about 5mph. Under 7mph my Baron is hard to control. But I was stubborn and pushed on. No way I wanted to be a recumbent guy who wimped out and walked his bike up the hill 2 miles into a pay ride! Horary! I made it to the top. I was really wiped out after that monumental effort. Subsequently I was dropped by Ray and Mark, so I cancelled the 100K and spent the next 41 miles doing a recovery ride.
The remainder of the route had rolling hills and sharp turns. I shifted my gears more then I have on any other ride, plus I had to learn to lean on these fast turns. I chickened out several times and applied my brakes. I hate using my brakes. Since it takes my organic energy to get going, I certainly don’t want to waist my energy and use my break. There was at least one sharp curve with a huge nasty pot hole in the apex section. The ride officials did a good job tagging the hole with spray paint. But hey at 25mph+ on a blind curve to a pot hole is a dangerous situation. I was glad I slowed down for that curve!
When the 100K route merged back with the 37mile route. I turned around and began pedaling the 100K backward until I found Mark. Then I followed him to the finish. Mark is a real animal. He was only a few minutes behind the lead paceline.
I take this experience as challenge to improve myself and gain some hill climbing power, (and gain more confidence with fast turns). I should do better If I keep good form. Defined as digging my shoulders into the carbon-seat, keeping a high spin while properly downshifting to maintain a good power curve. Hill Training!
Mark put a few photos and a video of
Tour d Argyle on his blog:
http://www.lifeonabaron.blogspot.com/ Terry