Took out the Carbent around noon today to start racking up the miles for my endurance training.
Got a late start due to some wheel and tire changes and a flat tire before I left the house. I must be a little on the slow side but figured out that the Carbent's Tufo tires were sewups of sort and they had to go. That took a while.
The stock front wheel was replaced with a 20-count bladed spoke wheel I had sitting around. in addition, I added my fabric disc wheel cover to the rear to see what affect if any it will have. Perhaps a coastdown test is in order tomorrow down Decker Ridge.
Wouldn't you know it but during the first 20 miles or so I had a headwind which slowed my forward progress down a good 1-2 mph. As it turned out, I didn't get quite the push I was hoping for on the return trip home.
The route took me across the valley floor and into the foothills of the coastrange. Did I say there were lots of climbing opportunities throughout the ride? As it turned out, I aggressively attacked at least 50% of all the short climbs...50-200 yards...I encountered. It was a great workout! I hesitated on pushing my average pace past my "race" pace of 125.
About 3months ago, and prior to my cuff surgery, I took the socked GR out over the same course. It was cold out. I was cold. And I had poor nutrition for the 75mile ride. But my average speed was a respectable 19.5mph! Not bad considering the climbing involved. Compare that with today's average of 17.1mph with the Carbent. So what's going on?
I'm in better shape now. And I have the best climbing bent available. I don't have an answer other than to say the socked Rush must be faster.
Stats:
Distance: 81 miles
Time: 4:43:00
Average speed: 17.1mph
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