General Discussion Triathlon Talk » BSLT hills question Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2007-06-07 8:15 AM

User image

Expert
944
50010010010010025
Waller County, TX
Subject: BSLT hills question
This question is for folks who've done the race or actually ridden the course.

I'm curious about how steep the descents are and about how fast will we be going?

I did a race last year in Boerne with some pretty steep descents and had some major issues with the bike shaking (Death Wobble). See the referenced RR for details.

I'm a lot more experienced at descending now, but I haven't been on any really "big" hills since then. I'm also riding higher quality wheels now from what I had last year, so that may help.

I hate the idea of riding the brakes down the hills and loosing time, but I hate idea of another Death Wobble experience even worse.

Comments please.


http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp...


2007-06-07 8:23 AM
in reply to: #833730

User image

Expert
736
50010010025
Longview, TX
Subject: RE: BSLT hills question

I find it so funny that everyone is so concerned about the 'hills' when they should really think about the WIND at this race.  Sorry, I'm from out there and have done the race and I think the wind and heat are much more taxing than the hills (although sounds like you're more concerned with the down rather than the up).  There are some nice straight downhills where I got up to over 40 mph on the race.  They are a straight shot, so other than watching out for other racers, there really isn't much to worry about, well, unless there is a crosswind.  However, there are two hills on the course (the 'staircase' and the 'screwdriver') that are winding (tight curves) and rather steep as well.  Nothing unmanageable, but I did take it easy down those.  Just remember to 'feather' the brakes rather than grabbing on.  I'm thinking if you sruvived any hills in Boerne, you will be fine here.  They just look huge on the profile because everything else is so flat out there.

Good luck at the race, that is definitely one of my favorites!

2007-06-07 8:43 AM
in reply to: #833730

User image

Expert
994
500100100100100252525
Dallas, TX
Subject: RE: BSLT hills question
The hills are short and steep and not too bad, but it can get a little sketchy on the downhills because the course gets crowded. There were some pretty bad wrecks on the downhills last year. You might not be able to go full-throttle down them, but they are very manageable
2007-06-07 9:09 AM
in reply to: #833730

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2007-06-07 9:17 AM
in reply to: #833730

New user
78
252525
Subject: RE: BSLT hills question
I've never done the race, but my coach was giving advice on fast descents and avoiding wobble... He said to squeeze your knees together against the top tube and that will help steady yourself.

Take it FWIW.
2007-06-07 12:30 PM
in reply to: #833730

Expert
919
500100100100100
Subject: RE: BSLT hills question
Hills are fun. I definately hate wind but definately have to deal with it. I will often train in the wind just for this reason. Wind will definately make you take a different approach to the race.


2007-06-08 8:30 PM
in reply to: #833730

Extreme Veteran
527
50025
Round Rock, Texas
Subject: RE: BSLT hills question

It's not the hills, it's not the wind, it's not the heat, IT'S THE WATER BOTTLES!

BSLT Race Report from 2006

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » BSLT hills question Rss Feed