Tire Test
This was tire test day, always exciting, especially considering I switched to an entirely new brand for me.
Then I put the climb at High Cliff State Park on my plate for today as well. I'm pretty pleased with the results.
The Ride: High Cliff
Miles: 29.0
Time: 2:19
Ave. Speed: 12.6 mph
Weather: Sunny, 85, wind, 5-10 mph
2018 Season Outdoor Miles: 646.0
On the way out it's all about conserving for the steep climb that lies ahead once you get to the park. So, as you can tell from my low average speed today, I simply did an easy slow spin much of the way there.
However, I WAS tempted at one point. While coming up on the intersection with a rather-busy Highway 114, I heard voices behind me. As I came to a stop, a group of four riders came up from behind and stopped next to me, complete with matching kits and fancy road bikes, the kind of bikes that look like they're going fast just standing still.
One rider said hello, and off we went. They took the lead and then I picked up the pace, wanting to keep them in sight at least. I would have actually liked to have grabbed their wheels and picked up a draft riding with them, but I never feel comfortable doing that as an uninvited guest.
So while I picked up the pace to a steady speed of low 17's, they remained up ahead of me by about a half block, looking very casual doing 18's mph.
I lost them before the base of the climb and never saw them again.
Despite using up a few matches to get there because of them, I made it up the climb fine. A struggle, yes, but still made it up okay, dedicating it as you heard to PhilCast listener Sue D. and her late husband Norm. She has yet to make the climb, but she will. I know she'll do it some day....perhaps with me pulling her up!
The new tires felt just fine. I was a bit worried because many years ago I made a switch to a set from the same manufacturer and didn't like them at all.
This time around the tires felt good, slightly more forgiving and 'cushy' than the ones I had been running, but no issues with increased rolling resistance like last time.
Now I can venture out on the road a bit farther with the confidence of having fresh tires under me that should take me through the entire season.
Thanks Cranked Bike Studio! Check out their new and improved home on Green Bay Rd. in Neenah. Wow, it is impressive, and getting even bigger as we speak. Stay tuned for updates.