Originally Posted by
BikeWNC
At my best, a few years ago I did a local climb of 4.4 miles and 1850' in 33 minutes for a VAM of 1025. Now I was lighter and training then and life has gotten in the way of that kind of riding. That climb was part of a longer ride so it wasn't even a full out effort. More recently, this weekend's ride had a 6.4 mile 2147' climb I did in an hour for a VAM of 655. That climb came at mile 43 with 3000' of climbing already in my legs. I'm at least 18# heavier than I was in full training so that really drags on the hills. I'm working at lowering the weight and improving my power so I can climb better.
I knew you were a climbing stud and now I know why you want another power meter.
Originally Posted by
ericm979
I can do 1100 for 20 minutes when I am going well. I usually assume 900-950 for all day climbing rides, a little less once above 8000' altitude.
I figured this thread had your name all over it. I have to give you credit for inspiring my previous climbing thread. I recall in a post or email that you said you could climb 3000 fph all day long. I decided that 3000 fph or 914 VAM was the gold standard for climbing similar to a 1 hour 40K TT. Hey this is my thread and my rules. I wanted to poll to see how many could achieve that standard. Congrats on the VAM and being a great climber!
Originally Posted by
Mr. Beanz
Only been on Strava for a short bit so most of my rides are low effort since I did not know about segements etc. After a 7 mile 6% climb, I decided to push myself on the final 1 mile segment on strava. Only a mile long but 6.25 minute VAM was 761.
Not bad for a 260 lb clyde. If I can get back down to my normal weight of 230, my numbers will go way up. With this extra weight I am losing 10-15 mintues on my 8 mile climb time. This strava is a good motivating tool, time to get back on my horse.
I'm getting smoked but plenty of these riders are litterally half my weight.
I'm only 49 so I have a year to improve then post back.
We love clydes. I like it when the big men trounce the skinny beanpoles even if it is for a short period of time.
BTW, as a suggestion when you are climbing with skinny guys, save your power for the steeper sections.
Speaking for myself, it is easier on the flatter sections and I can go faster. However, it is really easy for the skinny guys so I let them lead. I try to hide and conserve energy knowing they are going to punish me on the steeper sections. If I find myself in the lead setting tempo, I slow the pace. And sometimes it is better to lead superior climbers since I am riding at a pace I can hold versus trying to hang on. On rare occasions, there is magic in the air and I can prevail or a least hand out some punishment.