General Cycling Discussion - New Black Asphalt

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WoodyUpstate
08-15-02, 07:23 PM
On tonight's ride I discovered that several miles of my loop were recently paved. Oh, it looked great, all lined with new paint, and nice, wide shoulders, jet black.

However, I felt like I was riding in mud. My speed was normal, though. My effort was normal. But I couldn't get over the feeling that I was going s-l-o-w. How can this be? It seems like I should feel faster. I hate it when the bike plays with my mind.

Tarantula
08-16-02, 01:04 AM
You may not have any mind tricks going on. There are several types of paving compounds that happen around here. If Cal Trans paves a road then it is hard, fast and smooth. However, if the county puts down a new surface, it's usually a cheaper asphalt that feels like your tires are under inflated. The only redeaming (sp?) factor with the county is that the surface is better than pothole city.
kewlrunningz
08-17-02, 10:48 AM
Did ya give the asphault a chance to set before you rode on it? :D

dirtbikedude
08-17-02, 11:25 AM
At least you had a smooth surface. On my ride this morning I came around a turn and found that the road has been torn up. No new pavement yet and rough as hell. I thought my bike was going to come apart there was so much vibration even at a very slow speed. Hope they get it finished soon.
Slainte :beer:
hillyman
08-17-02, 01:19 PM
New asphalt is mushy and your tires were getting the flypaper grip. It may take a while for the pavement to harden especially this time of year.Soon it will be Roadbike heaven:D
MikeR
08-20-02, 10:36 AM
My local township does a cheap tar and chip to our roads. That stuff is so bad, it melts on a sunny day over 85 degrees. Sometimes whole chunks of tar with chipped stone imbedded will pull up and stick to the wheel. What A mess.
nebill
08-20-02, 06:46 PM
Earlier this year, I rode on a fund-raiser ride called the NUMB ride. To make a long story short, I found myself alone on the route while all the rest of the riders were on a detour. The route had been changed to avoid some new construction. To my pleasure, I found myself on a brand new paved road with very little traffic! Man, did that ROCK! Road as smooth as glass, and without a pothole or a crack for miles! I know that asphault can be soft, and a pain sometimes, but on that particular day, it was awesome! Hope you all get to experience such a wonderful experience on new pavement!:D