Greeting from Denali Park, Alaska
08-13-18, 12:25 AM
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Location: Denali Park, Alaska/ Mio, Michigan
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Greeting from Denali Park, Alaska
Greetings all,
I’m cycling in the Alaska Range currently while working at Denali National Park, and moving to Northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan in October. I bought a Giant Cypress 7 years ago and last year bought a Specialized Allez Elite – a major upgrade. Unfortunately, it wasn’t practical to bring the Elite here this summer, so I’m back riding the Giant, I call the tank. At 36 pounds coupled with my 197 pound fullback body type, hill climbing is a challenge but I’ve made strides the last two years. My favorite ride is the park road. The first 11 miles are uphill with 5-7% grades and one quarter mile section of 10-13%. It is newly and flawlessly paved the first 15 miles and is my favorite place to ride. I also ride the Parks Hwy between Cantwell and Nenana which crosses the north side of the Alaska Range and is surprisingly not too hilly (long grades of 4-6%, with the occasional short pulls at 8-10% grades. In Michigan I ride mostly asphalt and tar and chip (cobble like) hilly country roads. A couple of weeks ago I rode solo 43 miles (mostly flat, with slight tail wind) averaging 20.7 mph. Felt that was a milestone for me. It seems I’m suited to long rides at a reasonable pace, and sustained sprints at the end of runs, (I used to run marathons best time 2:57). Due to long work days, most of my rides are 16-30 miles four to five times a week, though today I rode my wife’s mountain bike 12 miles up some whooper grades because I could not get parts for my own bike. Longest ride is 50 miles. Aiming for a century ride next summer. My personal best descent speed is 47 miles per hour. I love going fast, used to race cars, and think if I wasn’t 65 years old I’d do some serious competitive cycling. I’m retiring soon and look forward to next summer doing some group rides but live rural where road cyclists are few and far between. I’d like to support young riders in my new home in upper Michigan and maybe get a bike club going. I like the banter here and hope to offer encouragement and some tips to those like me who are just getting into road cycling, and also learning more about this awesome sport from veteran cyclists.
"Honestly, when you see them on the road, you don't know how they do it; they really hurt themselves. I mean, they aren't hairdressers; they're made of steel." Brian Holm, Director Team Quick-Step, on Tour de France competitors.
I’m cycling in the Alaska Range currently while working at Denali National Park, and moving to Northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan in October. I bought a Giant Cypress 7 years ago and last year bought a Specialized Allez Elite – a major upgrade. Unfortunately, it wasn’t practical to bring the Elite here this summer, so I’m back riding the Giant, I call the tank. At 36 pounds coupled with my 197 pound fullback body type, hill climbing is a challenge but I’ve made strides the last two years. My favorite ride is the park road. The first 11 miles are uphill with 5-7% grades and one quarter mile section of 10-13%. It is newly and flawlessly paved the first 15 miles and is my favorite place to ride. I also ride the Parks Hwy between Cantwell and Nenana which crosses the north side of the Alaska Range and is surprisingly not too hilly (long grades of 4-6%, with the occasional short pulls at 8-10% grades. In Michigan I ride mostly asphalt and tar and chip (cobble like) hilly country roads. A couple of weeks ago I rode solo 43 miles (mostly flat, with slight tail wind) averaging 20.7 mph. Felt that was a milestone for me. It seems I’m suited to long rides at a reasonable pace, and sustained sprints at the end of runs, (I used to run marathons best time 2:57). Due to long work days, most of my rides are 16-30 miles four to five times a week, though today I rode my wife’s mountain bike 12 miles up some whooper grades because I could not get parts for my own bike. Longest ride is 50 miles. Aiming for a century ride next summer. My personal best descent speed is 47 miles per hour. I love going fast, used to race cars, and think if I wasn’t 65 years old I’d do some serious competitive cycling. I’m retiring soon and look forward to next summer doing some group rides but live rural where road cyclists are few and far between. I’d like to support young riders in my new home in upper Michigan and maybe get a bike club going. I like the banter here and hope to offer encouragement and some tips to those like me who are just getting into road cycling, and also learning more about this awesome sport from veteran cyclists.
"Honestly, when you see them on the road, you don't know how they do it; they really hurt themselves. I mean, they aren't hairdressers; they're made of steel." Brian Holm, Director Team Quick-Step, on Tour de France competitors.
08-13-18, 11:16 PM
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Hello and welcome! Looks like you are making some good progress there. There is a really nice annual ride in Michigan called "The Michigander". They ride all around the lake and stop to camp out on the way. I heard it's a lot of fun.
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08-14-18, 01:29 AM
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Location: Denali Park, Alaska/ Mio, Michigan
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Originally Posted by Siu Blue Wind
Hello and welcome! Looks like you are making some good progress there. There is a really nice annual ride in Michigan called "The Michigander". They ride all around the lake and stop to camp out on the way. I heard it's a lot of fun.
