Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,286
Likes: 317
From: Lake Geneva, WI
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Each situation is different, so no hard rules apply. If I'm with other riders, I can very easily drop everyone in the group on the descents, due to my extra size. Often, the average sized riders follow and I pull the paceline on descents. Pedaling would result in me pulling way ahead. I might do this if I'm certain the group will catch me on the next hill, but I can find myself out of synch with the group if I'm not conservative on the descents. I'm usually the slowest climber, so adjusting to the pace of normal sized riders is required.
I do like to keep pedaling up to about 33 mph if I'm riding alone. If riding in rolling terrain, I'll work extra hard to keep a 20mph+ pace by keeping my tempo going strong. It's a great workout. I also can crawl up longer hills at my own pace while riding alone. For this reason, I blend plenty of solo rides into my cycling routine.
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 09-02-14 at 07:09 AM.