I want to ride faster

[maillotpois]

The Sierras and the Cascades are full of long, steady climbs.

yup. monitor pass 5 - 7 miles (depending on which side you do), ebbets 4 - 8 miles and carson from turtle rock about 12 miles. I think there's some sustained climbing to be found here in the sierras.

plenty of 3 - 6 mile climbs we can do routinely as well.

[SadieKate]

Iron Mtn -- 20 miles with only a couple very short dips.

[maillotpois]

who you callin' a "short dip"?? I am significantly taller than you, I'll remind you...

[jobob]

Hey, you girls have fun, and send me postcards.

I just hope to make it up that steenkin' Sierra Road this coming year.

[SadieKate]

Bubba's three rules to riding faster:
1) Ride downhill
2) Ride downwind
3) Ride with someone slower than you

He's accepting donations in compensation for these words of wisdom.

Hey, you girls have fun, and send me postcards.

I just hope to make it up that steenkin' Sierra Road this coming year.

Shorter of the two dips speaking: When do I get to ride that "steenkin' Sierra Road"?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

"Short dip"....too funny!!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well after reading that tire test article maybe it explains why I wasn't suddenly faster when I changed from my 700x38 to 700x28's.... maybe it's not so much of a speed inducer, especially for someone who rides few flats roads.

And Lauraelmore- You make me feel a LOT better when you say: "When I talk about achieving an average mph of 12-13, it's on very flat, very smooth trails. I'm not likely to mention that when I ride on the roads around my house, which are mostly rolling hills, my average speed is only 9.5-10 mph.(and that's if I'm really pushing it)".