Gully Grinders Ride Report: GG > Chain of Ponds > Kersbrook > One Tree Hill > GG

Thirteen riders braced the foggy morning for our assault on the north eastern hills. Again, it was wonderful to see so many new faces, as well as our regular riders! A bit of a reversal of our usual routes saw us slogging up the Seaview/Range Rd's rather than careening down them. The ride around Chain of Ponds was spectacular and moody with some low lying fog. A refuel and pitstop at Kersbrook was in order before tackling the challenging Col de Kersbrook. Paul was the first to be visited by the puncture fairy on the descent from the Col. The evil little sprite struck again just at the top of Blacktop Rd, where she also tested my patience - fixed the puncture, only to rip the top off the presta valve removing the pump - doh! Another tube change and we were once again on our way. Another slog up the Grove Way and we were back at Prices to warm up. Thanks to Terry for letting me know it was John's birthday today just as we disbanded, Happy Birthday John - I enjoyed our chat at the bakery! I hope you had a lovely ride and rest of the day today! 

Gearing up at the start...

I'm sure there is joke here somewhere... :-)

Birthday boy John and Carl back at Prices. Sorry I forgot to take a group shot back at the bakery!

Edit: map of today's route :-)

http://www.bikemap.net/route/1647395

Views: 1059

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mark H on June 25, 2012 at 22:59

I had a great start to the ride and I was really enjoying it, until my derailleur cable snapped.

The thought of riding through the hills with a choice of two gears (53/13 or 39/13) was enough to send me back down with my tail between my legs. I was expecting to have to walk up a few sections but surprised myself and somehow managed to make it back grinding on the climbs and spinning of the descents.

Had a good chat with Lee back at the bakery, but unfortunately couldn't hang around till everyone returned. 

Permalink Reply by Darren on June 26, 2012 at 9:05

I think that was an inspired decision - the climb out of Kersbrook would have finished you! lol

Permalink Reply by Lee Bakes on June 26, 2012 at 9:20

If this comment was meant for me Darren, I agree with you.

I am not very strong on hills (seem to be able to get along okay on flats with a few small undulations) and didn't want to kill myself.  I realize if I want to get better at hills, then I have to keep doing them, but at the same time I don't want to take on too much and become discouraged.

At the moment I am feeling a little unwell and was unwell yesterday as well.  There may have been some onset of this on Sunday.  Regardless, I will be back to try some smaller hills and hopefully slowly improve my hills riding.

Permalink Reply by Darren on June 26, 2012 at 11:09

Lee, the comment was directed at Mark and his 2-speed bike he bought to the end of Range Road North.  Otherwise absolutely agree with you - you only get better at hills by riding them.  I took up riding Feb last year for the 12km flat commute to work - rode every workday and didn't ride my first hill until November.

I can't say I like climbing but do enjoy the sense of achievement when its over.  I mean, they're hard work right?!?  I'm typically in the red zone and puffing like a steam train so not much fun being had!!

Keys for me have been building aerobic capacity (which you can build on flat rides through periods of high intensity, recovery, then smashing it again - spin classes are perfect for this), strength (which will come with more climbing, pushing into headwinds, running in a higher gear for periods), and conditioning the mind (convincing yourself that your heart is not about to explode).

Wish you well on the hills!

Permalink Reply by Lee Bakes on June 26, 2012 at 11:23

Thanks for the advice Darren.  Those tips will be helpful.

I have seen improvement, on hills, I guess I just have to keep trying.

Thanks to everyone for your words of advice.  On Sunday I was ready give up hills riding, and just stick to flats where I can get along okay.  Thanks to everyone's comments I think I might try a few smaller hills and try some of the tips that everyone has suggested.

I didn't really think about using an interval training technique on flat rides to improve hills riding, but it makes sense, so I will try that. 

Thanks everyone! :)

Permalink Reply by terry heney on June 26, 2012 at 19:24

Lee..Remember the interval training we did a few times many months ago ? Flat out for 10secs then refresh then another flat out for 10secs again.repeat repeat repeat... Ride up Yorktown Lee and hard at it but not to the really steep section.. Then come back down to Main North. Rest then go at it again...its steady climb and not stupid steep.. I don't want to hear ANY nonsense about you giving up on riding hills. You got the cranks so bloody well utilize them Lee or I bash you one LOL

Permalink Reply by Lee Bakes on June 26, 2012 at 19:27

Yeah, I guess I could manage that...  Winter has sort of got me down a bit because I can't ride as often as I like.

There is no doubt that I have improved on hills, just still seem to really struggle.  I think the best option for me might be to do some more hills work and do interval training as Darren suggested when on flat rides..

Permalink Reply by terry heney on June 26, 2012 at 19:45

Winter has had a big effect on many Lee. So don't worry most are feeling like you are about the stupid weather

Permalink Reply by Tim B on June 26, 2012 at 20:14

Hey Lee, hills don't get any easier, you just go faster! :)

Permalink Reply by Dale (rouleur) Riggs on June 27, 2012 at 12:09

+ 1

Permalink Reply by Roger ... on June 26, 2012 at 19:27

if Lee hit you back you would stay hit a lot longer than he

Permalink Reply by terry heney on June 26, 2012 at 19:40

LMAO Roger... but I can run faster before he tried to hit me back LOL

RSS

Support our Sponsors

© 2013   Created by Gus K.

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service