Sunday, September 13, 2009

Laurel / Pilot in 2:20.... solo, rigid, and fixed.

Today's ride was exceptionally difficult: Laurel Mountain to Pilot Rock, starting from Yellow Gap. Not the toughest route under most circumstances but today I decided to try it fixed gear 34x19. I was off the bike more than usual going up and down but still made it back to the Jeep in just only 20 minutes slower than what I consider a fast pace, on any bike, for myself.

It was a beautiful late summer day. Highs in the 70's, low humidity, a cool breeze... Here's the view from Pilot Rock:


I was having more trouble today with the actual gear size than the non-coasting bit. I'm used to SS'n a 25 in the back. 19 is makes any uphill feel STEEP. I was wondering if I could just drill out an endless and bolt it on back there. Anyone know if this can be done?


When I got home I felt like I had been on a 6+ hour ride. The descent down Pilot beat me up. I felt like a novice... Rocky switchbacks are difficult when you can't coast.
Here's a very quick vid I shot while descending 1206 towards Bradley Creek. About 1 millisecond after I started shooting I realized the camera is in the wrong hand....

4 comments:

  1. Wow! Not only do you give up the gears again, but go fixie!! Sweet!

    I can't wait to get back down there this fall.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh yea, why not just get a Tomi Cog in the correct gearing?

    ReplyDelete
  3. bent,
    Tomi only makes them up to 20. I guess he's either MUCH stronger than me or he's never spent much time in Pisgah..... or both.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dude, that was my 1st ever off road fixed gear ride, and yeah, I cleaned pilot! Dropdown to a 32 up front and grab a 20t for the rear or adjust accordingly. Then you'll be fine. 34x20 is what I run everywhere I go, on a 29" wheel. Keep the posts coming, they're quite enjoyable.

    ReplyDelete