Got 60 miles in today and after reading Robert's reply to my Tuesday ride, thought I'd tackle this hill that was steeper than Burton Hill Road, and try out his route down Byers to Roaring Springs.
'Niff said. I made it within ten feet of the top of Merritt/Merrick drive before barely unclipping and bailing. I only have a 28 in the back and it just ain't going to get me up an 18% grade.
I felt so ashamed! Then it gives you a little flat part before climbing again about the same slope as Burton Hill - 10 to 13%
The ride down Roaring Springs back to White Settlement is *FUN* Great pavement and plenty of room. I hit 46 and stopped at the QT at the bottom before going back up White Settlement and BACK up Burton Hill road for my second hill climb, this time up Burton Hill, which i was able to do in at least one stronger gear than I did on Tuesday. Hopefully I can get rid of some of this lard and actually start being able to climb.
Anyway, when I got close to home, I was still shy of the mileage that Coach wanted, so I took off up Bellaire drive. I've always only ridden it a couple miles and turned off at a park trail to go up to Banbrook lake (which i eventually did anyway). Today I followed it to the end and beginning at the part I hadn't ridden before it has a decent upslope and goes a couple miles. Not challenging in slope, but we don't often see roads that are uphill for that long. I think Bellaire will be my new night training road. It's as long as Joe Pool dam without the bugs. Not much traffic either.
I forgot my HR monitor but here are the totals:
17.6 average
63.66 miles
2283 feet of climbing - pretty good for not really having many hills available.
what a great day.