Last week I bought a new Camelback. I tried on several and really liked how the Magic felt on. It's a WSD and I really liked that it was much shorter. I had been using a Rocket, which I really like, but it's not good for carrying much more than water. I need something to put more stuff in for our tours. :D
I also just got a new top from Patagonia that I wanted to try specifically with the Camelback. Most of my sleeveless jerseys are actually spaghetti strapped which I think would be uncomfortable under a Camelback. I love them for road riding, but...
So I just got back from an 18 mile ride, 12 of which was off road. I took the Multi-use path to Black Diamond Mines, once I got there, I rode out to and up Oil Can - average grade 10.7%. Oil Can is an out and back, 1.2 miles of sustained climb. It's always really windy at the top - pleasant on a warm day. At the top I ate a granola bar from the Camelback. I've never had a problem with the yogurt on them melting before. I think the cause of the melting is the climb is exposed and the sun was behind me all the way out. So, I'm going to try freezing my bars and putting them in with the bladder if they'll fit.
I did not zip down the Oil Can descent. It's one of the more out of the way trails, not a good place to have an accident. I then rode further down the valley to The Wall. I think I have successfully climbed the Wall 4 times, maybe 5. It's .8 of a mile long, average grade 12.6% I was thrilled that today was one of those successful days! The Wall culminates at the summit of the Ridge Trail.
I did zip down the Ridge Trail. This is the ride Thom and I have been doing all winter and spring as an out and back. It's a descent I know really well. You can see it in the movie on our website. It's the one the walkers and joggers tend to use. Although today I did not see anyone, except in the distance.
I then rode back home on the road, a section I love on Fluffy. Good pavement, wide sweeping corners, a small hill that's just long enough to make you get out of the saddle to stay in a tall gear. Short enough that it's exhilerating to do that. :p It was fun on my mountain bike too, although not as fast.
So the only downsides to the Magic are it doesn't have the hook on the shoulder straps for sticking the mouthpiece in and it doesn't have the the insulated cover on the straw. Those are two things that the Rocket has, which I really liked. It felt good on and did not distract or bother me either climbing or desending.
The Patagonia jersey wicks well and feels comfortable under the Camelback straps. It doesn't have pockets, but since getting a Bento box, I've been reluctant to use my pockets anyway when road riding. And if you have a Camelback, what do you need pockets for? :)
V.
