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02-05-2005, 08:09 AM

In article <slrnd09dli.a0n.njc@wolfgang.uucp>,
Neil Cherry <njc@wolfgang.uucp> wrote:

> On Sat, 05 Feb 2005 01:15:33 GMT, Bill Sornson wrote:
> > Ryan Cousineau wrote:
> >>
> >> Here's a nice shot of the gravel. Note how the riders make use of the
> >> wheel-ruts, the only viable riding lines on the gravel:
> >>
> >> http://www.trekvwracing.com/gallery/...x04/pic19.html
> >
> > Just a guess: you're not a mountain biker, are you?

I'm not great, but I've ridden the North Shore's CBC.

> > (Those AREN'T "ruts"! Ruts can swallow bikes whole!

)

Well, yes, and if I had a mountain bike for that ride, this wouldn't
even count as "off-road." But at race pace on 23mm slicks, it's pretty
exciting. The biggest problem with going off-line wasn't crashing
(though the stability was less) it was that you slowed down too much in
the deeper, more irregular gravel. Even on 'cross tires it might have
been easier, but the guy on 'cross tires couldn't keep up on the
pavement that comprised the other 4km.

> I have a ride like that, down by the Jersey shore (in Hawthorn (sp?)
> woods) which rides up a gravel road, the ruts tend to be packed but
> loose gravel (the rangers drive this road daily). The rest is loose
> gravel. I sometimes get complaints about that section because it's
> off-roading (pedel too hard and you spin out in the gravel, pedal too
> soft and you fall down). There's just pleasing some folk. :-)

I do a fair bit of riding on gravel with a road bike, but there aren't a
lot of nominal road races that pull this sort of madness. It's a fairly
special race.

Then again, the biggest criterium in Vancouver takes place on
brick-paved streets:

http://www.tourdegastown.com/

I wish they still called it the "Gastown Grand Prix," though. "Tour"
should be reserved for actual stage races, at least.

Oh well, could be worse. I'll also be racing in the (ahem) _inagural_
"Port Coquitlam Classic."
--
Ryan Cousineau, rcousine@sfu.ca http://www.wiredcola.com
Verus de parvis; verus de magnis.

02-05-2005, 08:09 AM	#41 (permalink)
Ryan Cousineau Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Club rides that were rejected In article <slrnd09dli.a0n.njc@wolfgang.uucp>, Neil Cherry <njc@wolfgang.uucp> wrote: > On Sat, 05 Feb 2005 01:15:33 GMT, Bill Sornson wrote: > > Ryan Cousineau wrote: > >> > >> Here's a nice shot of the gravel. Note how the riders make use of the > >> wheel-ruts, the only viable riding lines on the gravel: > >> > >> http://www.trekvwracing.com/gallery/...x04/pic19.html > > > > Just a guess: you're not a mountain biker, are you? I'm not great, but I've ridden the North Shore's CBC. > > (Those AREN'T "ruts"! Ruts can swallow bikes whole! ) Well, yes, and if I had a mountain bike for that ride, this wouldn't even count as "off-road." But at race pace on 23mm slicks, it's pretty exciting. The biggest problem with going off-line wasn't crashing (though the stability was less) it was that you slowed down too much in the deeper, more irregular gravel. Even on 'cross tires it might have been easier, but the guy on 'cross tires couldn't keep up on the pavement that comprised the other 4km. > I have a ride like that, down by the Jersey shore (in Hawthorn (sp?) > woods) which rides up a gravel road, the ruts tend to be packed but > loose gravel (the rangers drive this road daily). The rest is loose > gravel. I sometimes get complaints about that section because it's > off-roading (pedel too hard and you spin out in the gravel, pedal too > soft and you fall down). There's just pleasing some folk. :-) I do a fair bit of riding on gravel with a road bike, but there aren't a lot of nominal road races that pull this sort of madness. It's a fairly special race. Then again, the biggest criterium in Vancouver takes place on brick-paved streets: http://www.tourdegastown.com/ I wish they still called it the "Gastown Grand Prix," though. "Tour" should be reserved for actual stage races, at least. Oh well, could be worse. I'll also be racing in the (ahem) _inagural_ "Port Coquitlam Classic." -- Ryan Cousineau, rcousine@sfu.ca http://www.wiredcola.com Verus de parvis; verus de magnis.