Originally Posted by
TimothyH
You ride up there?
I might go Saturday 2/16 but will stay off the singletrack. Roads should be muddy enough.
The bike has compact road gearing in front and an 11/36 cassette in the rear which is a little lower than the standard 11/32 road cassette. Even so, the section after the dam, up to Winding Stair Gap Rd was a bit of a mash and I walked in two spots. The issue was tight radius turns on some of the switchbacks. I could not keep enough momentum to make the turn and stay balanced. Throw in a tree root or some rocks and it was easier just to get off and walk.
-Tim-
Thanks for the reply.
I have raced and ridden out of Montaluce a few times. I really just want to do the Southern Cross course, or as much of it as I can do. Currently, I'm not fit enough to do anything but this summer should be different.
My cross bike has an 11-28 cassette. I would need to get a med/long cage derailleur and a 12-36 to do it on the cross bike or I could take my old fully rigid mtb bike. I think I would prefer to try on my cross bike, but I wouldn't be in a hurry.