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05-31-04, 10:59 AM
In preparation for a TOUGH century I'm doing in September in New York's Finger Lakes region, I did two early morning park and rides in the area on Saturday and Sunday. The Sunday ride climbed a hill that I had always wanted to do. This hill has a 6% grade for approimately 4 miles and I was excited for the prospect of establishing a rhythm and pounding it out. I checked the map the night before and found an interesting road DOWN the hill on the other side of the climb as well.
The morning was COLD, but I warmed quickly enough as I hit the hill. The climb went well and I kept careful watch of my HR so as to save enough energy for the entire climb and the rest of the ride. At the top, I made a soft left onto Old Bald Hill Rd. which runs parallel to 15A. Old Bald hill is high-up the hillside, but is conceiled on both sides with trees so you can't really see the Hemlock Lake ... that is until the last 0.5 miles. At the location on the map marked "overlook" the trees abruptly end and the valley to the South of Hemlock EXPLODES into view. I had never been on this road before and I'm usually not one for stopping during a ride, but I had no choice. The cool morning air, the crisp cloudless sky, and the incredible view all combined for one of those "road memories" that are likely to last a lifetime.
New York's Finger Lakes region are an untapped cycling treasure. I've lived in the Rochester area for much of my life and only in the last three years have I begun to explore them. You have to love climbing for sure. In exchange, your reward is quiet roads, incredible views and personal accomplishment.
Here is your mission should you choose to accept it ...
Plan to be here (http://www.highlandercycletour.com/highlander.htm) on September 11th. You can ride with me and conquer your personal cyling demons all in one day.
-mark :D
The morning was COLD, but I warmed quickly enough as I hit the hill. The climb went well and I kept careful watch of my HR so as to save enough energy for the entire climb and the rest of the ride. At the top, I made a soft left onto Old Bald Hill Rd. which runs parallel to 15A. Old Bald hill is high-up the hillside, but is conceiled on both sides with trees so you can't really see the Hemlock Lake ... that is until the last 0.5 miles. At the location on the map marked "overlook" the trees abruptly end and the valley to the South of Hemlock EXPLODES into view. I had never been on this road before and I'm usually not one for stopping during a ride, but I had no choice. The cool morning air, the crisp cloudless sky, and the incredible view all combined for one of those "road memories" that are likely to last a lifetime.
New York's Finger Lakes region are an untapped cycling treasure. I've lived in the Rochester area for much of my life and only in the last three years have I begun to explore them. You have to love climbing for sure. In exchange, your reward is quiet roads, incredible views and personal accomplishment.
Here is your mission should you choose to accept it ...
Plan to be here (http://www.highlandercycletour.com/highlander.htm) on September 11th. You can ride with me and conquer your personal cyling demons all in one day.
-mark :D