Classic cyclist conversation caught on video + more climbs

I'm sure most of you have run across another cyclist who claims to be new to the sport, just getting back into it after a layoff, recovering from illness, having an off day, etc. Then they proceed to make you suffer. :D

I was caught and passed by this guy at the start of a climb on yesterday's ride. Too bad I didn't have the camera on yet because I was off in my own world and his cheerful, friendly greeting made me jump and I let out a startled sound LOL!

I turned the camera on and caught up to him. He asked where I was going, where I was coming from, and all the other usual cyclist talk. Then he said "been off the bike for a while, need a good butt kicking". Unfortunately I was unable to fulfill that request because I'm not a Strong Climber yet. :D He said he needed to ride for 19 more minutes, so he rode with me until his turnaround point before all the good sufferfest climbs.

All this and more was caught on video. Watch and listen for yourself. ;)

Here's the Garmin data for the entire ride: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/92029560

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH5NMoKmr5E

Here's some good sufferfest climbs I enjoyed after me and the other cyclist parted company:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NbHHaIrugg

Urban blight up in the hills. Never used to see graffiti on signs up there :(

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2396/...ef0bf90a50.jpg
Meadow Vista welcome sign by kittyz202, on Flickr

All I can say is that you're one brave woman! I'd have my brakes on going down that hill in no time. I'm not brave enough to go that fast yet, although I'm regularly going faster.

Good job on those hill climbs. Keep it up. Very inspiring.

Thank you. :) Since that descent is a straightaway I like to pedal a bit to get some speed up, then let it rip! :D However, I am on full alert for any obstacles. That road is in great condition too, so that helps.

After that descent the other cyclist in the first video told me "the bad news is you have to climb back up". I told him that is one of my favorite climbs. It may be short, but it's steep and painful and great training! :D I'm one of those twisted ones who loves the pain of a good hill climb.

Enjoyed your video. Man, you have some nice bike lanes out there, nothing like that in the Atlanta area.

I heard you say that your small ring on your road bike is a 42. As a rider who likes hills...have you considered a compact? Would make a BIG difference.

Best.

What kind of camera do you use again? Thanks :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Laguna

Enjoyed your video. Man, you have some nice bike lanes out there, nothing like that in the Atlanta area.

I heard you say that your small ring on your road bike is a 42. As a rider who likes hills...have you considered a compact? Would make a BIG difference.

Best.

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Thank you. :) Atlanta doesn't have good bike lanes? That sucks, as you would think a major metro area like that would be more bike-friendly. Shows how much I know.

I have a triple on my road bike. I modified the low gears from the stock 13-26 cassette and 30-tooth small chainring to a Shimano MegaRange 11-34 cassette and 24-tooth granny, which is as low as I can go. When I went to the LBS to buy a smaller middle chainring they claimed it wasn't available for my triple.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reesha

What kind of camera do you use again? Thanks :)

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I use a Kodak Playsport Zx3 on a Pedco UltraClamp handlebar mount. The Playsport records in 1080p and 720p HD, but I use the lowest resolution setting which is WVGA 848x480. The quality is still very good and it keeps the file size down, which gives you more recording time and more space on your hard drive for your video collection. ;)