Today, just might have been my hardest day ever, on a bicycle. The terrain today was so steep and for miles and miles. To give you an idea for example, today's ride had 2 climbs at 14% grade at over 8 miles each. Ok, 14% grade is just crazy steep. I don't even think Lance Armstrong climbs 14% grades in the Tour de France. A normal mountain passes grade is anywhere from 3% to 6%. I was pedalling as hard as I could and my speed was 4.7 mph. Then I got off the bike, and walked it up the climb at 4.1 mph. So, I did the math. Less than 1 mph difference, and I was in pain doing it. Yes, I ended up walking a lot of today, it seemed like miles but time does go by slow as you are climbing Mount Everest, or so it seemed. Today's climbing went on from 9 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon. A long day of suffering, but pain is short, I keep telling myself and the scenery is just awesome. Today's route is on Hwy 12, a scenic byway and one of AAA's 10 most beautiful roads in America. I don't think AAA thought much about doing it on a bicycle! After getting over a section called "The Hogback", I found a state campground to spend the night. Just as I was arriving, so were the dark clouds and rain. Well, when it rains it pours! I set up camp and eat dinner the best I could, just happy not to be climbing mountains still. Rest up Old Man!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Day 21 Escalante, UT to Grover, UT
Today, just might have been my hardest day ever, on a bicycle. The terrain today was so steep and for miles and miles. To give you an idea for example, today's ride had 2 climbs at 14% grade at over 8 miles each. Ok, 14% grade is just crazy steep. I don't even think Lance Armstrong climbs 14% grades in the Tour de France. A normal mountain passes grade is anywhere from 3% to 6%. I was pedalling as hard as I could and my speed was 4.7 mph. Then I got off the bike, and walked it up the climb at 4.1 mph. So, I did the math. Less than 1 mph difference, and I was in pain doing it. Yes, I ended up walking a lot of today, it seemed like miles but time does go by slow as you are climbing Mount Everest, or so it seemed. Today's climbing went on from 9 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon. A long day of suffering, but pain is short, I keep telling myself and the scenery is just awesome. Today's route is on Hwy 12, a scenic byway and one of AAA's 10 most beautiful roads in America. I don't think AAA thought much about doing it on a bicycle! After getting over a section called "The Hogback", I found a state campground to spend the night. Just as I was arriving, so were the dark clouds and rain. Well, when it rains it pours! I set up camp and eat dinner the best I could, just happy not to be climbing mountains still. Rest up Old Man!
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