Fifty Plus (50+) - Hell Ride 20

Yesterday morning turned out to be a great day to try our annual Hell Ride to Northbridge and back, 65 degrees, no sun, no wind. So off me and Ms HH went. The Hell Ride is what we use to guage our year to year progress and although it's only 20 miles, it's the hardest 20 we ride all year.

About a mile from home we start a climb out of the valley up to the ridge, 3 miles at 12% with a 18% section the last .5 miles.

Last year = three rest stops with a triple crank (30/26)
This year = one rest stop with a compact double (34/27)

Once at the top it's about 5 miles of rollers as we ride through Upton taking South St down the other side of the ridge into the Upton State Forest, lots of steep ups and downs. At mile 12 we hit Northbridge road and start the 3 mile 9% climb up the other side of the ridge.

Last year = one rest stop
This year = none

After a nice downhill cruise into Mendon, we climb the short steep repeating sections of Mills St. Then another downgrade, and the last 1 mile climb back into our neighborhood.

It was a great ride and I was pretty satisfied with the progress over last year. Our average for the ride was 12mph. I am also continually amazed at how nice the BMC is to ride. Sorry no pics this time.

That's one heck of a hill - 3 miles at 12% w/ an 18% spot.:eek:

Good on ya - as one wise man once said - 'Getting older for the fun of it.'

If a pro suddenly starts exceeding his normal limits- he is taking something- so What are you on and where can we get it.

Well done- but is the Stuff detectable.

If a pro suddenly starts exceeding his normal limits- he is taking something- so What are you on and where can we get it.

Well done- but is the Stuff detectable.

Flintstones, of course

Pity about no Pics but How are you getting on with the compact? I know it is a different and far better bike- but Are there places where you wish for that lower gear? or are you finding it more convenient on gearing?

I have just got the 34T on the front and just started going up the hills again. I have done the 15%'s on both bikes recently and the triple was hard enough. The compact was just as hard- cadence a bit slower on the tough bits but it was faster.

And that 12% for 3 miles is the same as Ventoux so Keep climbing.

Pity about no Pics but How are you getting on with the compact? I know it is a different and far better bike- but Are there places where you wish for that lower gear? or are you finding it more convenient on gearing?

I have just got the 34T on the front and just started going up the hills again. I have done the 15%'s on both bikes recently and the triple was hard enough. The compact was just as hard- cadence a bit slower on the tough bits but it was faster.

And that 12% for 3 miles is the same as Ventoux so Keep climbing.

Stap,

I find that on some climbs I just don't have the leg left to keep seated all the way and am forced to get up out of the saddle, which causes a huge cadence drop. On one hand, this is where I miss sitting and spinning the triple but on the other hand it's making me stronger.

I also find I like the compact alot for more "normal" riding where the hills aren't so big. With the triple I tended to stay in the 39T alot, but with the compact you are forced to use the 50T because you are spinning out the 34T. Riding in the 50T more also makes you stronger.

I hope you are enjoying the Boreas as much as I am the BMC, it's so nice to have a good bike.

It was hard though to watch my wife spinning her triple while I was struggling behind her..!

Flintstones, of course

I confess...I've gone down that Flintstones spiral road to hell.
One a day Scooby Doo is virtually non-detectible, and doesn't give you man boobs and an out-of-control temper.