Originally Posted by
FlashBazbo
I accomplished a major goal today -- climbed one of the local mountains. With a heart rate monitor and a grade readout (and 1,900 winter base miles and 15 pounds of weight lost), it was easier than I expected it to be.
But coming down was another matter. This is a three-lane highway (truck lane) with shoulders that range from gravely to cratered. In some places, I'm not sure you could stay on the bike on the shoulder at speed -- they're that bad. But getting onto the highway portion of the road probably wouldn't be smart. Traffic is doing 60 mph or so and there are enough curves that they might not see you. Grade varies from -8% to -11%. Aerodynamics and courage (stupidity) are the limiting factors.
At this point, I lack the stupidity (courage) to descend this road very fast. To be honest, it scares the crap out of me. I ride the brakes most of the way down. What ideas do you mountain-climbing guys have for overcoming fear in a rapid descent?
[Incidentally, if I accomplish three goals, I'll enter the pro race that includes this mountain this year. #1 Climbing this mountain. (done) #2 Descending this mountain, at speed, with confidence. #3 Climbing another, more severe, mountain on the course. Help me with #2!]
From experience, if traffic is going 60, then the turns are not that dramatic and you can handle them. If the turns are dramatic then the cars aren't going 50.
Very seldom am I passed by a car when descending switchbacks. Usually I am the one passing the cars.. standing and sprinting out of a corner and past before the next corner.
You can (usually) go as fast as the cars (or faster) in the switchbacks. And fast enough in the straight stuff (45 - 55 MPH) to not be a roadkill. I'd take the FULL lane, be mindful of any cars that come up behind you and let them pass.
And find a good descender to ride with who will lead you through the corners until you find the lines and your confidence.