Trail v. Paved

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05-15-2009, 07:39 PM
Heifzilla

Trail v. Paved

I do a decent amount of trail riding around here. The trails are hardpacked limestone and they are pretty good to ride when it's dry. It's been raining the past few days so the trails are crumbly and soft right now.

DH and I went for a ride today and did 20 miles on the trails. It was around 51F and spitting, overcast. This was my longest ride this season so far, and it killed me. I am still exhausted 7 hours after we finished. I did 15 miles on Tuesday, all on paved roads, and I felt *great*. But this ride today on the trails just wiped me out. They were soft and just gripped the wheels like crazy. That never happens on asphalt (well, unless it's like 100F and the stuff gets sticky). I never realized how much easier it is to ride on pavement but today's ride really brought it home for me :rolleyes:

Some pics from today.

First, to amuse, this is my DH's idea of biking rain gear :D
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2032/...9f6b83d5_o.jpg

Our bikes at a rest stop:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3388/...2422fbe0_o.jpg

A couple of the views today:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2334/...b7777da1_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2071/...224fd8a0_o.jpg
05-15-2009, 07:46 PM
Andrea

Can I see a close up of your handlebars?! That looks like a fabulous assortment of accessories on there!
05-15-2009, 07:54 PM
Heifzilla

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrea

Can I see a close up of your handlebars?! That looks like a fabulous assortment of accessories on there!

Heh, sure.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2060/...4015cf20_o.jpg

Right now I have a light, a monster bell (it is the traditional "dring dring" that gets noticed) a computer, a reflector, and my Garmin case there. I call these my "frankenbars". There's also a mirror that I added that isn't in this picture. I'm not looking to be stylin', I'm looking for comfort and convenience :)
05-15-2009, 08:10 PM
Zen

Those type trails can get sloggy, if that's a word. If it's not it should be

I have a bell like that and I love it. That's what a bell should sound like!
05-15-2009, 08:20 PM
Heifzilla

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zen

Those type trails can get sloggy, if that's a word. If it's not it should be

I have a bell like that and I love it. That's what a bell should sound like!

Sloggy. I like that. It describes exactly how the trail was today. And yeah, I love my bell. It's loud, obnoxious, gets noticed, and was $5 at WalMart. Can't beat that!