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Snake Alley: Gearing/Tactics

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Snake Alley: Gearing/Tactics

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Old 05-19-08, 09:48 AM
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Arschgaudi
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Snake Alley: Gearing/Tactics

Raced Snake Alley last year and don't remember what I did for gearing.

Anybody change their gears for this race?

Seems to me I took that right turn and stayed in my bike chainring as long as I could then dropped into the small just as I entered the snake.

Anyone want to share how they race that course?
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Old 05-19-08, 02:20 PM
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What gearing do you have now, and what would you change to? I didn't change my gearing last year, and won't again this year. Like you said you are basically in your big ring until you hit the bottom of the hill, shift down and right back into the big ring at the top.
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Old 05-19-08, 06:07 PM
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It is steep, but it is SHORT! Power up it and don't overthink the gearing.

BTW (to the OP) there is a chance that I might be in Beverly with my bike in a little over a month when I'm in Chicago to visit my sister (she lives near 97th and Prospect). Where in the "hades" can you get in a decent training ride? I'm so spoiled with getting into rural areas in just a couple of miles. Can you time the lights on Western Ave? :^)
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Old 05-20-08, 10:36 AM
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Better stay off Western. Longwood south is a better idea, but you can only go so far.

You can drive a short distance and start your ride at Yankee Woods. Head straight south into the rolling hills (rolling hills according to the Illinois version of hills) as long as you want, then come back. It's nice. Sparse with traffic and nuisance. Generally there's a stiff wind out of the south which is a real treat on the way home.
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