I just can't break the 13 minute lap barrier, especially now that it is so dry and sandy.
It's almost an obsession now and I know I can do it, but probably won't happen until the trail firms up.
I'm currently riding my 29er SS with 32 x 16 gearing and riding clockwise. Last week I rode it counterclockwise and the (2) longer climbs on the backside almost brought me to a stop.
Yeah, I know most guys don't care for "the hill", but I really like the challenge/the pain and notice significant leg strength improvement, so hopefully it carries over to other trails.
Sunday's rain, 1/2" or so, made all the difference and was able to knock a full 30 seconds off my previous best, so now 12:37 is my best and will aim for sub 12 minutes, but that will likely take several months.
Trail map link below: http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=992868
For us, those are always consecutive laps with no stops to rest, unless a timing chain derails or we drop a water bottle. Even in those cases, the time to fix the derailed chain or pickup that bottle is included in our average.
Depending upon time and what we want to accomplish, sometimes we ride a perimeter / hill / perimeter...type ride, other times it's just lap after lap on the hill, or no hill laps at all just perimeter.
Your true test is this month at the Challenge event. I believe the current fastest person does 24 laps in 6 hours or so.
I usually do (1) perimeter lap for fun/warmup, then (2) laps on the hill at higher speed.
My hill laps average 13-14 minutes / lap from start to finish in clockwise direction.
Yeah, I heard 20 laps in 6 hours which is fantastic, but I am not up to such a long period on my SS......maybe 3 hours and then I'm ready for a serious rest. I will also switch back to a 18t cog for endurance.
More rain expected today, so should be great tomorrow
For us, those are always consecutive laps with no stops to rest, unless a timing chain derails or we drop a water bottle. Even in those cases, the time to fix the derailed chain or pickup that bottle is included in our average.
PK
cool thanks that is how i have been measuring, but lately i have met a bunch of lazy riders that use the bike computers and take long breaks but yet were reporting they were saying that they ride faster than me...(i try to ride my local trails in one sitting)
I was focusing on slowing a bit to do more laps, but on the SS, you can only relax so much.....slow down too much and you won't have the momentum to go up.
Anyways, conditions were tough, 85 deg F and very sandy. The 6-hour event on Saturday will be extremely challenging IMO, fortunately I will be out of town
My first lap was a 14 or a sub 14, and I was trying to catch first place. That's quick for me. I'm happy with my steady 15's and 16's for the 6 hours after that.
First place did a 11 min lap on the hill on his first lap. the rest where faster than my max effort as well.
There's always someone faster....
I still felt good with the effort I put in, but, as a famous character once said,
My first lap was a 14 or a sub 14, and I was trying to catch first place. That's quick for me. I'm happy with my steady 15's and 16's for the 6 hours after that.
First place did a 11 min lap on the hill on his first lap. the rest where faster than my max effort as well.
There's always someone faster....
I still felt good with the effort I put in, but, as a famous character once said,
Man, if you did 15's for 6 hours, you did well !
I'm going to ride my geared bike again (there) to increase my lap counts.....maybe also bring the iPod
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