BlastRadius
I was going to head up to San Francisco to try out the Tuesday evening ride in Golden Gate park but when I got to the top of San Bruno Ave and Skyline, heading north in the already billowy headwind seemed more than I wanted to take on, so I headed south (again).
Cruising south with the tailwind was pure joy but the I knew the return would be a tedious slog. After chowing on half a power bar in front of Robert's Market, I headed back. The headwind was there but it didn't seem too bad. I must have been keeping my effort level at a manageable level cranking about 85rpm.
After passing the second stop sign as you head north on Canada, a couple of dudes passed me and I asked if I could latch on to help battle the wind. They were cruising 20-22mph into the headwind so I thought, wow strong guys. I expected them to rotate but after the guy in front started slowing down and the second guy was all over the place, I thought I'd just pull around and help in front. I kept the same pace, 20-22, along the section just north of Edgewood and after a little bit, give my elbow a flick signaling I'm pulling off the front. I look over my shoulder and they were nowhere to be seen. So much for help with the wind, which had noticeably picked up in intensity.
I make my way back up the Sawyer Camp Trail and was cruising up the hill to the dam when I hear "crack, crack, crack". I look up to see a tree limb falling right next to me, not close enough to hit me but it definitely caused me to be extra wary passing flimsy trees. After climbing up from the dam, it was all about conserving energy for what was coming. San Bruno Ave between 280 and Skyline has recently been repaved and is smooth as a baby's bottom. Pair that a decent 30mph tailwind and you have the makings for FUN!
I slowed as I approached the intersection to be sure all the cars turning onto San Bruno Ave have gone and off I go. I start cranking it up but am dreading the stoplight that usually is red or turns red to halt my speed dreams... but it's GREEN, I go, go, go. Faster, pedal, faster, pedal... I spun out my 50x12 at 160rpm. I start closing on the cars that I let go. The road disappeared under my speeding wheels, I was flying. I know this is fast, faster than I've gone down San Bruno Ave ever. After making the turn toward my house, I click through my computer display... 52.3mph max. Wow. Sometimes that darn San Bruno Wind Tunnel is worth it.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2473143084_6ed47937a4_o.jpg
Cruising south with the tailwind was pure joy but the I knew the return would be a tedious slog. After chowing on half a power bar in front of Robert's Market, I headed back. The headwind was there but it didn't seem too bad. I must have been keeping my effort level at a manageable level cranking about 85rpm.
After passing the second stop sign as you head north on Canada, a couple of dudes passed me and I asked if I could latch on to help battle the wind. They were cruising 20-22mph into the headwind so I thought, wow strong guys. I expected them to rotate but after the guy in front started slowing down and the second guy was all over the place, I thought I'd just pull around and help in front. I kept the same pace, 20-22, along the section just north of Edgewood and after a little bit, give my elbow a flick signaling I'm pulling off the front. I look over my shoulder and they were nowhere to be seen. So much for help with the wind, which had noticeably picked up in intensity.
I make my way back up the Sawyer Camp Trail and was cruising up the hill to the dam when I hear "crack, crack, crack". I look up to see a tree limb falling right next to me, not close enough to hit me but it definitely caused me to be extra wary passing flimsy trees. After climbing up from the dam, it was all about conserving energy for what was coming. San Bruno Ave between 280 and Skyline has recently been repaved and is smooth as a baby's bottom. Pair that a decent 30mph tailwind and you have the makings for FUN!
I slowed as I approached the intersection to be sure all the cars turning onto San Bruno Ave have gone and off I go. I start cranking it up but am dreading the stoplight that usually is red or turns red to halt my speed dreams... but it's GREEN, I go, go, go. Faster, pedal, faster, pedal... I spun out my 50x12 at 160rpm. I start closing on the cars that I let go. The road disappeared under my speeding wheels, I was flying. I know this is fast, faster than I've gone down San Bruno Ave ever. After making the turn toward my house, I click through my computer display... 52.3mph max. Wow. Sometimes that darn San Bruno Wind Tunnel is worth it.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2473143084_6ed47937a4_o.jpg