Climbin' Fool
Oh baby that hurt!
Today marked the hot and humid return to High Cliff State Park and the infamous climb.
During 12-ish miles riding out there it is all about planning for that climb, trying to save your legs as best you can for the climb. Thinking about the strategy you will use to attack the climb. Assessing the wind conditions as to how they relate to the climb. Just take it easy getting out there. Phil, do not fall for it. Do not chase the two separate roadies that passed you on the way out. Let them go. They are not part of your mission to make that climb today!
Then you get there, and boom, it starts. It's ALL about this climb.
Today, despite not having much training in my legs, I felt I had a pretty good slow rhythm going. Tough? Sure, but doable and steady. It was all pretty good until I hit that final super-steep stinger section right at the end.
I got out of the saddle for a short time and my legs were not having any of it. So I sat. Then I tried to get up again and there was nothing there. Had to sit right away and barely kept the pedals moving, chest heaving with painful gulps for breath. I have never failed to make it up that climb without stopping, but this one was close. It got ugly in a hurry.
Once at the top I just coasted at almost a standstill while I attempted to catch my breath. I'm sure sun beating down on me with a feels-like temp of 92 sucks some your energy away automatically and makes this more difficult.
Once I went uphill AGAIN to the lookout tower I took my usual break on a picnic table and took in some fuel as I continued to catch my breath.
I never tire of the view up there.
I must say, despite the suffering to get there, I feel a great sense of satisfaction once that climb is behind me.
I headed back just trying to maintain a steady pace. I do this by using the rpm number on my computer. I watch.
Easy gear in the big ring and maintain low to mid-80's rpm is where I want to be to maintain an easy tempo home.
No more major climbing, so I knew I would be safe from feeling that left leg muscle start to cramp up in my thigh under pressure once I start getting tired. I made it back fine, but boy was I ready to be done by the end of the 30 miles. 30 miles with the High Cliff climb in the middle of the ride.
Nap time.
2021 OUTDOOR RIDES
RIDE ROUTE: High Cliff Climb
MILES: 30
AVE. SPEED: 13.8
WEATHER: Sunny and HOT, 90 degrees, Wind, 5-6 mph
TOTAL OUTDOOR MILES 2021 SEASON: 578
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