by Trish Albert
Place: Cashiers, NC
Date: 4-13-2003
No one has ever accused me of being a really good climber. As a matter of fact,
it's known that I hate climbing. Flat and rolling are ok, but I hate big hills and mountains. This course was ONLY big hills and mountains. There was very
little rolling and certainly nothing flat. With not having energy yesterday, I expected about the same today. It's what I got. I started out slowly. By the
time mile 20 rolled around, I was done for. I got sagged to the top of the 11
mile climb. After that, I felt better and managed to pick up my average speed because there were some really long downhills that I enjoyed. It was about 38
degrees when we started and about 60 when we ended. Despite the cool temps, it was a pretty day, and the scenery was gorgeous. Still, this ride is harder than
three gap b/c everything is steeper. I wouldn't mind trying it next year when I feel better. Most of the climbs today were done in granny gear; that's the
first time in a long time I've done that; I NEVER use my little ring. I can't wait to feel better again!