Team BKool CycleChat

[bridgy]

There was a fair bit of walking on the steepest "Devil" sections of the Double Devil - not from the Cyclechatters I hasten to add though! If I was being generous, for some it could have been partly due to not having low enough gearing - I was grateful of Bill and Adam's suggestion to get a 32 rear cassette!

This photo ISN'T us!!!

 

[gbrown]

There was a fair bit of walking on the steepest "Devil" sections of the Double Devil - not from the Cyclechatters I hasten to add though! If I was being generous, for some it could have been partly due to not having low enough gearing - I was grateful of Bill and Adam's suggestion to get a 32 rear cassette!

This photo ISN'T us!!!

Crikey, I think I'd walk up that, heart rate limit or not! And the bloke at the front is hardly the best physique for steep climbs! On that gradient you'd have to be a skinny bugger to cycle up it.

I find really steep sections very scary, anything above around 15-16% and the front wheel starts to come off the ground and I worry I won't get out of my clips in time to get a foot down. Doesn't help that I'm hopeless standing up (and it puts my heart rate up), so I sit the entire way, taking weight off the front. Once I started cycling up it, I'd be pretty much committed, as stopping is very likely to result in a fall...

That's why I liked the climbs on bkool, safely bolted into the KICKR I could sit and grind up pretty much any gradient it could simulate, and no matter how slow I got it wouldn't fall over! In real life, I'd be laid on my side looking up at the world as it went past...

 

[bridgy]

Crikey, I think I'd walk up that, heart rate limit or not! And the bloke at the front is hardly the best physique for steep climbs! On that gradient you'd have to be a skinny bugger to cycle up it.

I find really steep sections very scary, anything above around 15-16% and the front wheel starts to come off the ground and I worry I won't get out of my clips in time to get a foot down. Doesn't help that I'm hopeless standing up (and it puts my heart rate up), so I sit the entire way, taking weight off the front. Once I started cycling up it, I'd be pretty much committed, as stopping is very likely to result in a fall...

That's why I liked the climbs on bkool, safely bolted into the KICKR I could sit and grind up pretty much any gradient it could simulate, and no matter how slow I got it wouldn't fall over! In real life, I'd be laid on my side looking up at the world as it went past...

Actually I was just thinking that photo is one of the few that does some justice to the steepness of that section! You're right about the front wheel wanting to lift up Geoff, the two really steep bits required as much weight over the front as possible and 100% commitment not to stop - it can be a bit of an unsettling experience!

 

[bridgy]

Looking for that photo has brought back great memories of that fantastic weekend last year - really wish I was able to do it again this year, particularly as so many of you are going

 

[<Tommy>]

I thought the same when you posted the pic Bridgy. Real shame mate. Hopefully this isn't the last cyclechat adventure!

 

[Daddy Pig]

Crikey, I think I'd walk up that, heart rate limit or not! And the bloke at the front is hardly the best physique for steep climbs! On that gradient you'd have to be a skinny bugger to cycle up it.

I find really steep sections very scary, anything above around 15-16% and the front wheel starts to come off the ground and I worry I won't get out of my clips in time to get a foot down. Doesn't help that I'm hopeless standing up (and it puts my heart rate up), so I sit the entire way, taking weight off the front. Once I started cycling up it, I'd be pretty much committed, as stopping is very likely to result in a fall...

That's why I liked the climbs on bkool, safely bolted into the KICKR I could sit and grind up pretty much any gradient it could simulate, and no matter how slow I got it wouldn't fall over! In real life, I'd be laid on my side looking up at the world as it went past...

You could always use stabilisers?

 

[bobinski]

Extra 10% off for all you Rapha lovers​

 

[CXRAndy]

The guy on the front is being very considerate by taking his shoes off, so as not wake those sleeping in the verges

As long as there is enough grip, not raining, snow, frost I'm generally ok upto 20℅ before wheel begins to lift a little. The Tripster has a longer wheel base so hopefully will be more planted on steep climbs. Tenerife will be a testing ground for me and the bike

 

[BILL S]

Quite a few walked up the steep bits. The majority of it is steady climbing but there are several 17% + climbs. As long as you have a sensible granny gear you could just ease up them. They don't have any kind of cut off, time wise, as far as I'm aware. But you do have to weigh up if it is a sensible decision, medical history and all? Absolutely nothing to stop you coming along and throwing yourself whole heartedly into the social side of the occasion, and driving the course as additional support. Trust me you would be very very warmly received. Camlo did it for us last year, and we were always glad to see her. In fact weren't we crying out for her at one point Bill, can't remember why now, but we were very relieved when she finally leap frogged us.

Hi Adam! Yes, I remember the desperately crying out for Camlo bit last year. I think her and kids were busy enjoying ice cream so mistook our desperate cries for help, as waves of enjoyment and appreciation that our saddles were still so comfortable at that point in the ride. We did finally get the water top ups that we drastically needed though.

 

[BILL S]

How was the Puffer this year Bill? I looked up your results. You've probably already said on here, but I couldn't find it....

Really struggled with motivation this year Adam, so didn't go to the puffer. Anyway, one tough event each year is enough and the DD is just as tough, even if that is just down to saddle soreness.

 

[Whorty]

For me I need to find a way of putting in some longer rides on the weekend without pissing off the rest of the family too much.

I'm in the same boat.... I can get away with 2 hours, just about, but as I'm out the house 14 plus hours each day during the week HID quite likes to see me at weekends.

 

[<Tommy>]

I'm in the same boat.... I can get away with 2 hours, just about, but as I'm out the house 14 plus hours each day during the week HID quite likes to see me at weekends.

One option for me is getting up at the crack of dawn but it's not very appealing at the moment.

 

[<Tommy>]

Extra 10% off for all you Rapha lovers​

The fact you got the email implies you've indulged at some point yourself Mr Dynowski!

 

[bobinski]

The fact you got the email implies you've indulged at some point yourself Mr Dynowski!

 

[Breedon]

I'm in the same boat.... I can get away with 2 hours, just about, but as I'm out the house 14 plus hours each day during the week HID quite likes to see me at weekends.

Different to me then