Originally Posted by
habilis
It's worth mentioning that some younger readers with excess testosterone may try to duplicate feats of high-speed descending, with or without pedaling. 40 or 50 mph on a bicycle, on public roads? Not to be encouraged, no matter who you are or what your capabilities. I once hit 110+ on an interstate on a motorcycle - inexcusable, but at least I had a full helmet and leathers. Did it once for science and never again.
News Flash... 40 mph is not exactly fast, on a moderately steep descent. Racing, neither is 50...
High speed descending is something one must learn, if racing is the goal. Learning it during a race is NOT the right time. Riding within the speed limit on known roads, with good visibility, in good conditions, with a well tuned bike is the right time. Not to be equated with gratuitous speeding on a motorcycle. Full helmet and leathers, at 110 mph, as if...funny man.
Btw, I'm not a prude, and if you weren't putting anyone else at risk, not a big deal to me. But don't compare race training, or even skilled riders choosing to descend at high speed, to your example..