Originally Posted by
cthenn
The only "real" KOM's IMO are actual full length climbs. A "KOM" for a flat segment (and don't even get me started on downhill "KOM's", whatever the hell that is...) is useless, because there can be so many factors that can skew results. Even on a climb, one can draft, if it's a fast enough climb, but for an actual climbing segment, you gotta put in the work, and it's more reasonable to assume riders will go harder on actual climbs than other types of segments. Climbs are where you are found out, it's a beautiful thing. Sadly, the only climbing segments I bust my ass on are "real" climbs that I'll never be KOM on because I'm just not elite, unlike so many others in NorCal. But no, I don't go for the KOM of my local cul-de-sac that lasts 30 seconds...
You can define "real" or "unreal" segments if you wish.
Yes, the flat segments deal with winds, but they can be as much fun as the hard climbs. And, not necessarily dominated by the featherweight riders.
Descents?
Personally I don't like high speed descents around switchbacks and blind corners, but one can put out a lot of power even going downhill.
Are those the segments above... 1/2 and 1 mile? Short, but FAST. Still impressive.
And the rest of the ride was pretty fast too!!!
I have a similar short semi U shaped segment. It is a blast, and deceptively fast. If only the OP wasn't using a Garmin with 5 second time chunks.