I am in love with my callipygian commuter! Sometime in the last couple of days there was a post wondering if fenders were a hinderance when riding on gravel. maybe on my main 700x35 commuter where the tolerances are tight, but not on my 26x2.125 '97 Rockhopper (or its '97Nishiki predecessor) But it reminded me of the notice from the local bike advocacy group that the paved west-side of 'my' section of the Greenway Trail would be closed this week for work, but that the gravel east side would be open. I don't usually do gravel but I thought it would be a nice change. So I grabbed the Rockhopper, and packed my light commute bag (that's my big 'everything's-in-it bag in the photo from last week).
It was sunny and a warm 36F when I turned onto the start of the gravel portion already at speed and absolutely thundered down the path! The weight of the bike plus the momentum of averaging 20mph on a slight downhill with the big tires floating over the smooth gravel parts and soaking up the rougher ruts was absolutely intoxicating. The bikes longer wheelbase imparting a stability surpassing its stubby Nishiki predecessor. I think it's a little over three miles of gravel taking this route.
I ended up working an hour late and left at 6pm with the sun still up and a temperature of 66F. Just my performance Hi-viz Tee and shorts and a noticeable tailwind. I took a different, paved trail halfway then quiet, wide surface streets; slightly uphill but with that boost at my back, still pretty fast.
The morning gravel was thrilling, but taking a big fast turn on dry pavement on the copious shoulders of those big smooth 26x2.125 tires is just as thrilling if not more so. Thanks to the wind my average speed on the way home was 12.8 which is just a little faster than on my main commuter on a still day...but not as fast as the two light road bikes, which each offer their own unique ride qualities.
I feel so fortunate to be able to have, ride and store the six, very unique bikes I have to choose from, but lately it's the "big girl" that holds my heart.