Forget the frame, get lightweight wheels, decently lightweight tires (as opposed to stupid lightweight), and gears you spin on a climb all day long.
Oh, and work on your breathing. They don't have air up there.
I have some of the lightest weight clinchers and tires available so I should be fine. I've to learned to "breathe while climbing" but will keep that as a reminder.
Originally Posted by
Jamesw2
Don't wear cotton in the rockies. it holds the moisture then you can get hyperthermia easly.
Agree. I'll only wear cotton on the plane flight in case there are "flaming issues." Otherwise all my riding gear is technical fabrics.
Originally Posted by
Connell
Having lived in Colorado for 8 years now, this to me, is the best advice you'll get. Guzzle water at every opportunity on and off the bike. Trust me, it will help immeasurably when it comes to adjusting to the altitude. Keep us posted as you prepare for the ride. You have my envy.
Thanks for the repeated advice on hydrating. I'm the absolute worst at hydrating-I know and still don't do anything about it. The result has been numerous kidney stones. I'll keep this as a reminder to start hydrating a week or so ahead of time. I then might toss in an extra margarita or dark beer on the ride just for good measure!!
I got in my first training ride yesterday!! I climbed Caesars Head which is about 6 miles and probably averages 7-8%. I could tell that I definitely need a LOT more of that. The extra 6-7 pounds I'm carrying right now will hopefully be evaporated by then as well. If not some of the hillier centuries I have planned in between now and then are going to be a disaster.
Originally Posted by
buelito
congratulations on getting in. I have done RTR3 times-- and once it included most of the roads you will be riding. I went out 2 days ahead of the start all three times, and made it a point to ride on each of those days-- just to get acclimated. I went to Boulder one year and we went up Flagstaff mountain (my avatar)-- It gets you into the Colorado mindset. Make sure you have 2 bottles (and fill them constantly). You will find you dehydrate much faster and don't realize it because your sweat evaporates so quickly. When we did Independence Pass, (over 12000 ft) I wore knee warmers, arm warmers winter gloves and a vest. I was cold at the start-- for the first 3 miles or so, but then was OK. You will find that as yo come down off the mountain passes the temperatures go up very quickly.
I slept in the gyms every time, and when I go again (maybe next year or the year after), I will do that again. Camping sounds good, but you have to pack the tent into the one bag you have, so it makes taking all the stuff you need a challenge. Get a pair of those eye covers that black out all light and a pair of earplugs and the gym will be fine.
Regarding bikes-- I have used 3 different ones on the 3 rides. First time the gearing was 53/39 with a 12/26 8 speed cluster on the back. Had no problems with that. Second time it was with a fixed gear bike (48/17). Issues with the down hills because leg speed became a big issue, but otherwise, no major problems. Third time with a 50/34 12/25 9 speed cluster-- no issues on gearing. WIth your riding in the Carolina mountains you should have no issues with the Rockies. The climbs are longer, but typically not as steep. (there are always exceptions)
Enjoy the little towns you go through, and take advantage of any sightseeing possibilities. The Black Canyon is pretty spectacular.
Have a great ride!
train safe-
I recall your post on doing RTR fixed and just can't imagine even thinking about that. I'll be taking my travel bike which as a 50/34 with the 11/32 which I can "climb walls" with so I'm not worred about the climbs. I'll be sure and pack the various layers for clothing I might need as well-if I haven't put all that stuff away by June!!
I might have to rethink the camping thing. My first preference might be to just use the tent renting service where I don't have to worry about the tent bag deal. I'll give the gym sleeping another thought as well.
I'll also need to rethink the timing of going out that way. I'll need to look at the schedule and see how it might work. I'd love to get in a round at the new golf course near Grand Junction anyway so that might work out. I'll just need to figure out how to get from Denver to Grand Junction......Maybe I just fly into GJ instead of Denver???
Bike WNC-have you looked at the new Parlee frame? I read a little on it last week.