"Fred"

Yesterday My wife told me we had an employee coming in until 4:00 and after i took my oldest to the bus stop at 8:00 I could have the rest of the day for a bike ride if I wanted. After some quick calculations I decided on a little solo century action heading to the SW. I chose to head SW due to the MPH wind forcasted for later in the day. Nothing like riding the wind on the way home.

Oh yeah the close call. It was at mile 95ish on a big climb we locals call THE WALL. It is a 3 mile climb that end with a 200 yard 18% section. I had just hit the final stretch where the grade shifts from 14% to 18% and I went to shift from my 21 to my 25 tooth cog for the final section. I double clicked the shifter took a slight pause in power and when I went to push the crank down the Chain jumped off. The crank went straight down with no results out of reflex I pushed the other side down again with no results. At this point my speed had gone from 5 MPH to -2 and I was going backwards clipped in. I did somehow manage to hit the brakes and unclip without going over. I did do one thing I said I would never do, I stooped and got of my bike on The Wall. Now would come the hard part after putting the chain back on how the heck do you get started on an 18% grade. I thought about walking up the final 200 yards but that would also be tough and what if someone saw me. I decided that I could do it so I clipped in my right foot brought the crank to the top and went. It took 5 revolutions to get the other foot clipped but I did get it. Word to the wise, don't jump tour chain on steep hills!

All in all it was a great ride the temps were perfect, the sun was out and I was happy.

mhamm

That sounds like absolute hell. I have trouble doing that on a far less grade. Where is this wall you speak of, and where do you typically ride? Do you have a MapMyRide or Google maps you can link me to? I visit Northern Michigan quite frequently and am excited to be able to bring my bike up there for our next trip. We're actually trying to come up sometime this or next month (Leelanau pen, traverse city, boyne, harbor springs, etc.)

"Fred"

I live in Boyne City and ride everywhere between traverse to the bridge. I did put some routes on map my ride a few years ago just search boyne city. You can also send me a PM before you come maybe we can meet and do a ride or two. You are going to love riding in this area.

cyclpsycho

I'd ride back down and start over