learn something new after 30 yrs of riding
Today I was doing my hill climb workout. It's not too bad. The circuit is 3.2 miles 1000 feet up. Pretty vista to be had on the way up and worth every sweat equity.
On the way up, I saw a man struggling on the hill, he had a camel back, some cliff bars and a number pinned to his back pack. "Tour de Cure" rider. He was huffing and puffing. I pulled up next to him and asked whether he was on the "tour" ride. Said "yes"... Long story short, I realized he was lost in Rancho Palos Verdes area. An area, where the roads are like maze without an exit and not a place to get lost. It's very hilly.
Kind of threw out my training out the window and led him out to a major street where he could get back to his route. In process, the poor man was walking his bike up an 8% grade, me riding at 3mph.
The thing I learned, if I go slow up an 8% grade, at 3MPH, I'm not working up a sweat, breathing normally like at rest. HEY!! I could do this for hours...climb an 8% grade at the slow speed. The tortise effect instead of rabbit effect: out fast and burn out. :p
The man had his route sheet in his car. He purposely left it in the car. :mad: Why do men decide to being not prepared. I don't care if you are going to do a "tour" always carry your route sheet. And if you don't have the route sheet, ride with someone who has one!
Anyway, after I led him to safety, I was back on my training. did 2000+ feet of climb and just over 20 miles of ride.
And I only got passed by two guys going up the hill. One was definite animal. Must have been climbing at 12-15MPH. The other one, I thought would burn out but never saw him again. Then again, I slowed down to help the poor guy.
