I ride brevets on fixed gear, from 200K to 1000K in length. While these are not over steep mountain passes, there is usually 6K to 8K elevation gain per 200K, with some hills averaging 8-10% grade over several miles. I used to go all out in these sections and get tired very quickly. Two things I learned: relax and rest during the flatter sections, especially before long climbs. Even more importantly, learn to relax in the steep sections. There is a sweet spot in the pedaling cycle (from 2 o'clock to 4 o'clock) where pedaling gets easier. The natural tendency is to accelerate through this section. In a long climb, I use this time to reduce my effort and give my legs a brief respite.
--Metin On Monday, March 9, 2015 at 2:12:06 PM UTC-7, Jim M. wrote: > > As you can see from the many responses, ss mountain riding is a thriving > and popular activity. My experience is similar to yours, in that the miles > beyond 50 are far harder than the pre-50 if there is significant climbing > involved. I think walking more of the climbs instead of muscling the pedals > all the way to the top helps me some but at this point, if I want to go > long, I take my 1x9. > > jim m > wc ca > > On Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 6:40:46 PM UTC-7, Deacon Patrick wrote: >> >> Simple version of the question: What tips/suggestions do folks who ride >> the QB on longer rides with long, relatively steep climbs have for doing so >> on rides of 50-100 miles? >> >> Background: I love the Quickbeam for rides under 50 miles, but seem to >> struggle with rides over 50. Tips/suggestions for how to pace yourself with >> higher gearing on long climbs? I’ve got the ss “dance” down well, and do >> just fine on the “early” climbs, but them am blows after 50 miles. Whereas >> with my geared Hunqapillar, longer rides (loaded on continental divide MTB >> trail roads) I do great. >> >> I know there is no magic answer and the answer at least includes “slowly >> build up distance.” I’m already stronger than I was this time last year, so >> am well on my way. Grin. >> >> With abandon, >> Patrick >> >> *www.MindYourHeadCoop.org <http://www.MindYourHeadCoop.org>* >> *www.OurHolyConception.org <http://www.OurHolyConception.org>* >> >> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
