Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.JoelS
06-21-09, 04:55 PM
About 10 months ago I rode a loop around lake Folsom. Started and ended in Folsom so total distance was about 55 miles. I remember that the first hill went ok (Pilot Hill), but I suffered greatly on Old Foresthill and had to stop many times just to catch my breath. I got back way past wiped. It was all I could do just to make it home, and I was driving! That ride was 54 miles, 13.4 avg (I'm amazed it was this high after all the stopping), 4554 feet.
Skip to today. I did the ride again, but this time I started from home. The route at the beginning deviated a little as I went up Iron Point and then down Empire Ranch to get to Green Valley and Salmon Falls (for the trip up Pilot Hill). As with last time, the trip up Pilot Hill wasn't hard. Matter of fact, it was a lot easier than last year.
Had a quick stop at the store at Rattlesnake Bar and 49 before continuing. The technical descent down to Old Foresthill was a kick! Lots of turns, high speed. I was passed by a car at the top and caught it before the bottom. How cool is that?
The river down there looks great. I think I'm going to take the kids there this week to play and picnic lunch.
Anyway, I then just rode up the hill. No problems. Speed stayed around 9mph, give or take a little. Grades were 8 to 11%, the steep sections were quick. I was able to climb it in the 23 so I had the full effect of last year. No stops, just rode up.
Made that left turn and dropped down and over the bridge, then the hard climb up the light and a left in Auburn. Head over to Auburn-Folsom and speed back. Lunch (and 2nd stop of the ride) at the Flower Farm coffee shop at Horseshoe Bar.
Got home with a 15.1mph avg, 83 miles, 5300 feet. Details (and elevation chart) here: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/7399211
Skip to today. I did the ride again, but this time I started from home. The route at the beginning deviated a little as I went up Iron Point and then down Empire Ranch to get to Green Valley and Salmon Falls (for the trip up Pilot Hill). As with last time, the trip up Pilot Hill wasn't hard. Matter of fact, it was a lot easier than last year.
Had a quick stop at the store at Rattlesnake Bar and 49 before continuing. The technical descent down to Old Foresthill was a kick! Lots of turns, high speed. I was passed by a car at the top and caught it before the bottom. How cool is that?
The river down there looks great. I think I'm going to take the kids there this week to play and picnic lunch.
Anyway, I then just rode up the hill. No problems. Speed stayed around 9mph, give or take a little. Grades were 8 to 11%, the steep sections were quick. I was able to climb it in the 23 so I had the full effect of last year. No stops, just rode up.
Made that left turn and dropped down and over the bridge, then the hard climb up the light and a left in Auburn. Head over to Auburn-Folsom and speed back. Lunch (and 2nd stop of the ride) at the Flower Farm coffee shop at Horseshoe Bar.
Got home with a 15.1mph avg, 83 miles, 5300 feet. Details (and elevation chart) here: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/7399211