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Post by oldroadietehachapi on May 22, 2022 22:14:26 GMT
The weather is really wonderful; 70F and 12MPH wind (never calm here). I took the Viscount on an enjoy nature as you ride sort of ride. Stopped by a herd of elk and also a herd of deer (photos). The Viscount is a remarkable bicycle. I have several high end bikes from the same era; none ride better. The Crane derailleur shifts better than the Campy NR found on the my other 1970s bikes. The ride is smooth and the bike responsive. Just made for a pleasant ride.
Cheers Jim
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Post by triitout on May 23, 2022 1:41:29 GMT
Wow, riding looks way different in your part of Cali. The elk seem to not give a hoot about human proximity. The closest I get to dealing with wildlife are the confused "which way should I go???" squirrels and the angry Canadian geese. Nice pics!
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on May 23, 2022 4:35:41 GMT
Wow, riding looks way different in your part of Cali. The elk seem to not give a hoot about human proximity. The closest I get to dealing with wildlife are the confused "which way should I go???" squirrels and the angry Canadian geese. Nice pics! We also have similar squirrels, as well as confused rabbits and snakes slithering across the road. We are a bit dry for Canadian Geese. A major down side of riding here is that our little valley is completely surrounded by the mountains seen in the background. When I was younger I could tackle them, but now -. Conquering these climbs is the main reason I am building an Ebike.
Cheers Jim
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,389 
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Post by Jem on May 23, 2022 20:03:12 GMT
Great pics Jim! Perfect weather too.
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Post by triitout on May 24, 2022 1:03:54 GMT
Wow, riding looks way different in your part of Cali. The elk seem to not give a hoot about human proximity. The closest I get to dealing with wildlife are the confused "which way should I go???" squirrels and the angry Canadian geese. Nice pics! We also have similar squirrels, as well as confused rabbits and snakes slithering across the road. We are a bit dry for Canadian Geese. A major down side of riding here is that our little valley is completely surrounded by the mountains seen in the background. When I was younger I could tackle them, but now -. Conquering these climbs is the main reason I am building an Ebike.
Cheers Jim
I suspect, everyone who wants to keep at it and rides long enough will eventually do well going over to ebikes. I have hills but nothing like your mountains. My test remains the same every year.... can I get over the top with my 42/28 gear? Enjoy the ride Jim! |
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Post by wheelson on May 24, 2022 2:17:56 GMT
We also have similar squirrels, as well as confused rabbits and snakes slithering across the road. We are a bit dry for Canadian Geese. A major down side of riding here is that our little valley is completely surrounded by the mountains seen in the background. When I was younger I could tackle them, but now -. Conquering these climbs is the main reason I am building an Ebike.
Cheers Jim
I suspect, everyone who wants to keep at it and rides long enough will eventually do well going over to ebikes. I have hills but nothing like your mountains. My test remains the same every year.... can I get over the top with my 42/28 gear? Enjoy the ride Jim! That is a good test. I have a certain very steep route nearby, aptly named Hill Street, that is always my “Spring Fling”. If I can make it nonstop in 36/30 on my first ride of the year, I’m good to go. But in my 74th year, I can see an ebike in the near future. Anything to stay on a bike! Best, John “wheelson” |
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on May 24, 2022 4:46:14 GMT
This sort of connects to my Ebike thread. I too test myself on familiar hills. I usually see what cogs I need for the climb. For me there are other aspects to take into account; I do wish things were as simple as being in my 70s. My heart condition forces me to limit my heart rate to a maximum of 120 BPM. My blood thinners keep my red blood cell count at the bottom of the normal range. You add these to fairly high altitudes (4000-5500 Feet) along with steep mountains, climbing becomes a complex process. On the steepest hills I dare climb, I gear down to a 32x28, any lower and I might as well walk the bike. I closely watch my heart rate monitor and adjust accordingly. This is difficult, as the longer I climb, the more it creeps up. If I back off at 120 BPM (on a long climb or after a sprint) my heart rate may still slide up to 130 or so before it begins to drop. If I cannot get it to drop quickly enough, I must stop, get a drink and enjoy the scenery. I have become proficient at stopping along the road and looking as if I am simply enjoying myself, rather than looking pooped out (ah the pride of an old roadie). I really cannot tell much without a heart rate monitor; I still feel good when I surpass my "red line." I must discipline myself to let a group ride ahead or pass me by. Unlike the old days, I cannot jump on the tail end of a group, work to the front, take a pull and maybe drop a few riders; I am competitive and miss that aspect. It is so very true that youth is wasted on the young. Consequently, I tend to ride solo and avoid grades of more than about 5%. This limits where I can go. I am building an Ebike not to be fast, or be faster than other riders, but simply to add variety and range to my daily rides. I plan to simply use the pedal assist mode to make me overcome some of my cardiovascular compromises. I have a kayak on a bike trailer; I hope to haul it to the lake and back. I may even ride to the grocery store and buy milk. This is not to be scoffed at! For me a ride to the store is a 28 mile round trip with 4000 feet of climbing.
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Post by wheelson on May 24, 2022 12:45:28 GMT
This sort of connects to my Ebike thread. I too test myself on familiar hills. I usually see what cogs I need for the climb. For me there are other aspects to take into account; I do wish things were as simple as being in my 70s. My heart condition forces me to limit my heart rate to a maximum of 120 BPM. My blood thinners keep my red blood cell count at the bottom of the normal range. You add these to fairly high altitudes (4000-5500 Feet) along with steep mountains, climbing becomes a complex process. On the steepest hills I dare climb, I gear down to a 32x28, any lower and I might as well walk the bike. I closely watch my heart rate monitor and adjust accordingly. This is difficult, as the longer I climb, the more it creeps up. If I back off at 120 BPM (on a long climb or after a sprint) my heart rate may still slide up to 130 or so before it begins to drop. If I cannot get it to drop quickly enough, I must stop, get a drink and enjoy the scenery. I have become proficient at stopping along the road and looking as if I am simply enjoying myself, rather than looking pooped out (ah the pride of an old roadie). I really cannot tell much without a heart rate monitor; I still feel good when I surpass my "red line." I must discipline myself to let a group ride ahead or pass me by. Unlike the old days, I cannot jump on the tail end of a group, work to the front, take a pull and maybe drop a few riders; I am competitive and miss that aspect. It is so very true that youth is wasted on the young. Consequently, I tend to ride solo and avoid grades of more than about 5%. This limits where I can go. I am building an Ebike not to be fast, or be faster than other riders, but simply to add variety and range to my daily rides. I plan to simply use the pedal assist mode to make me overcome some of my cardiovascular compromises. I have a kayak on a bike trailer; I hope to haul it to the lake and back. I may even ride to the grocery store and buy milk. This is not to be scoffed at! For me a ride to the store is a 28 mile round trip with 4000 feet of climbing. Jim, if there was ever justification for an ebike it’s you. You’re also a great example for all of us as we age on how to adapt and continue on with the sport we love. After all, cycling is one of the best medicines for me, both physical and mental. My best “thoughts and prayers” seem to be when I’m riding. You’ll certainly be included. Best, John “wheelson” |
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Post by triitout on May 25, 2022 2:00:07 GMT
Always good to see how the "veteran" guys get it done. Jim and John, you are inspirational to us "youngsters"!
Cheers,
Michael
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