General Discussion Triathlon Talk » The hardest bike ride I have ever "done" Rss Feed  
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2014-06-29 5:25 AM

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Subject: The hardest bike ride I have ever "done"

Garrett County Grand Fondo.

I have the slogan for Western Maryland/West Virginia.

"We build roads where no one else would." 

Seriously, I did the Masochistic Metric and missed my hydration (skipped the first aid station). Went to Cramp City and I had to walk two of the climbs. (Note: I still beat 100 people on the climbs where I had to dismount and walk).  In 62 miles, you will ride over 20% grades and have sustained climbs averaging over 10%.

And beautiful views to boot.



Edited by pga_mike 2014-06-29 5:27 AM


2014-06-29 3:28 PM
in reply to: pga_mike

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Subject: RE: The hardest bike ride I have ever "done"
Congrats, Mike! GCGF is a truly epic experience. Should a bucket-list item for anybody who enjoys climbing on the bike.

I did the diabolical double at CGCF the last couple of years -- quite bummed to have to miss it this year because of a work/injury double whammy. The first time it had me begging for mercy, wasn't sure whether I'd make it out of the last aid station. The ups-and-downs were simply relentless. The second time around I started out more conservatively, ended up finishing in almost exactly the same time, and had a better time of it. Though it still kicked my butt.
2014-06-29 4:38 PM
in reply to: #5018917

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Subject: RE: The hardest bike ride I have ever "done"
That's impressive. What was your gearing setup?
2014-06-29 5:39 PM
in reply to: pga_mike


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Subject: RE: The hardest bike ride I have ever "done"
The Savageman triathlon uses some of these roads and it is a beast just to finish the event in one piece. Compact cranks and 30/32 cogs are very helpful for the Jane and Joe Sixpack.
2014-07-09 5:50 PM
in reply to: Billyk

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Subject: RE: The hardest bike ride I have ever "done"

I showed up with a 50/34 and 11/27 even though I own a 12/30.  You wouldn't think that three little teeth could be such a big deal.

2014-07-10 1:27 PM
in reply to: pga_mike

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Subject: RE: The hardest bike ride I have ever "done"
Originally posted by pga_mike

Garrett County Grand Fondo.

I have the slogan for Western Maryland/West Virginia.

"We build roads where no one else would." 

Seriously, I did the Masochistic Metric and missed my hydration (skipped the first aid station). Went to Cramp City and I had to walk two of the climbs. (Note: I still beat 100 people on the climbs where I had to dismount and walk).  In 62 miles, you will ride over 20% grades and have sustained climbs averaging over 10%.

And beautiful views to boot.




I gotta tell you, I did it without walking those hills. I admit, though, that if a friend of mine hadn't been behind me, I might have put a foot down on the second to last one. Don't tell him that. I am hoping to build up to the full century next year.

Did you finish before the heavy rain? I did, but only by less than 30 minutes. As I was driving back down, I felt bad for people riding up that mountain at the end. The road looked like a river.

I opened my big mouth after the GF and talked my friends into doing the Lewisburg Century next weekend with 112 miles and 8500' of climbing. Unfortunately, I have been travelling a lot and haven't even been riding 100 miles a week. I am going to die.


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