% Grades Defined

[Dianyla]

That's classic! At the Mt. Tam Double, I was doing some climbs at 3 mph, and DH was about ready to push me over!

And isn't it the worst when the weather's already warm out and then on some bigarse hill your fresh speed-generated breeze goes away because you're going so slow?

<-- the way my face looks climbing big hills

[maillotpois]

Yes - it's like you're suddenly going backwards. Nice face! I am trying to perfect the "Dead Elvis Look" (see Lance Armstrong's War).

[Dianyla]

Yes - it's like you're suddenly going backwards. Nice face! I am trying to perfect the "Dead Elvis Look" (see Lance Armstrong's War).

Never heard of it. Does this involve an asymmetrical sneering upper lip?

[maillotpois]

Never heard of it. Does this involve an asymmetrical sneering upper lip?

It's a book by Tim somebody (SK will remember the name). Anyway, it's very entertaining and he talks about how the pro riders look like crap when they are working their butts off to drop someone. And Lance has this "Dead Elvis" look - sort of his poker face. It was funny, but now I can't remember the exact description.

[Nanci]

Hey, I'm re-reading Lance Armstrong's War right now- I can find that quote! I _know_ I was doing the Dead Elvis Look Saturday...

[bikerz]

But the nice thing about that slow speed up a hill is there's plenty of time to watch the roly-poly bugs cross the road in front of me, and check out the contruction progress on the new houses they are building.

2.6 mph is the slowest I've ever gone on a hill, and of the 20% left to fight air resistance and rolling friction (that is a funny idea at that speed!), 99% was probably being used for balance!

I got passed by a jogger on Saturday on my local hill ride, but he was a young fit guy. At least I can pass the two little old ladies who take their daily walk up that hill!

[Bike Goddess]

Hey Biker Z- Just remember that hill will make you STRONG!!!!!

[bikerz]

Oh I know! That's what I tell myself as I slog up, a little faster every time!

[SadieKate]

Yawl will be very please to know, I'm sure , that my compooter says the climbing on the Wine Country Double Metric averages out to 6%.

[annie]

You know its a steep grade when you are riding so slowly that the annoying flies and gnats keep up to you and buzz around your head and you can't even ride fast enough to escape them! You don't even want to waste the energy it takes to swat them away.

annie