Another very tough climb (video & pics)

[Sardine]

I don't care though. I post them with the knowledge that not every reader of that forum is a lycra-clad superhero with a 20 mph average speed on a hilly ride. Hopefully some of the slower riders will see the videos and not be quite as discouraged after reading some of the other stuff in there.

Depends on your idea of a superhero I recognise their achievement but it doesn't necessarily inspire me. Just reading your post has made me think about the possibilities again. I've done a lot of hiking in the Lake District (where Hardknot Pass mentioned earlier is) and always thought it would be a great place to cycle but beyond me. I'm not saying I'll manage it even someday (and I certainly wouldn't start with Hardknot) but you've planted a seed. I'm thinking I need to start doing hill reps...

By the way, this discussion also made me go and look at some of the other climbing discussions and I came across the one you did on a Speed D7. OMG! They're fine for city hills with 34 inches at the low end but for that ride?!? How strong are you? Not exactly like doing it on one of these: http://www.airnimal.eu/News/Home.php Actually, that's the other thing that impresses me – you're climbing on non-super expensive bikes, though you may well have those was well.

[luv2climb]

Depends on your idea of a superhero I recognise their achievement but it doesn't necessarily inspire me. Just reading your post has made me think about the possibilities again. I've done a lot of hiking in the Lake District (where Hardknot Pass mentioned earlier is) and always thought it would be a great place to cycle but beyond me. I'm not saying I'll manage it even someday (and I certainly wouldn't start with Hardknot) but you've planted a seed. I'm thinking I need to start doing hill reps...

By the way, this discussion also made me go and look at some of the other climbing discussions and I came across the one you did on a Speed D7. OMG! They're fine for city hills with 34 inches at the low end but for that ride?!? How strong are you? Not exactly like doing it on one of these: http://www.airnimal.eu/News/Home.php Actually, that's the other thing that impresses me – you're climbing on non-super expensive bikes, though you may well have those was well.

I was being a bit sarcastic with the superhero comment. I get a bit turned off by all the inflated egos. A little humility would go a long way towards attracting more people to our sport.

Those climbing rides on the D7 were definitely harder than they would have been on my road bike. All my bikes are lower-end models. The most expensive bike I have is my road bike, a 2011 Specialized Dolce Triple that I paid $849 for before tax, accessories, and the mtb gearing. That was brand-new at the LBS too.

As soon as my recumbent is sold I'm getting a Bike Friday Pocket Companion, which has a triple. I'll change the 30t small chainring to a 24, which will give me a 16-inch low gear. That will be the lowest gearing of all my bikes. Perfect for the steepest hills I can find.

[Sardine]

[QUOTE=luv2climb;592356]I was being a bit sarcastic with the superhero comment.

Got that. Ditto.