| Ride Stats |
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Distance:
25.98 miles
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Altitude Gain:
1,352 ft
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Avg Speed:
14.58 mph
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Route:
Fitzpatrick-Middle Road
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Avg Grade: 0 %
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Max Grade: 0 %
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Max HR: 137 bpm
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Avg HR: 109 bpm
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Terrain: Road: Hills
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Bike: custom built Cipollini RB800 Road
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Club: Schuyler County Cycling Club |
| Weather Conditions: Sun\Clouds 68 F SW wind @ 25 mph Gusts in 40s |
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Today's ride was short, but it turned out to be a major challenge. While yesterday I was chasing numbers on the computer, today I was dodging assorted objects in the road. Headed out into a twenty-five mile an hour headwind with gusts into the forties. It still was pretty warm for March and there was occasional sun. There were heavy thunder storms last night, and it left all sorts of debris on the road. Headed up Fitzpatrick at a leisurely pace as climbed fairly hard yesterday and wanted to give my old legs a break. Plan was to stay in the trees and below the ridgeline in hope of minimizing the headwind. Things went better then expected on the climb and wind wasn't too excessive in the trees. On a couple of occasions I was able to hear the freight train sound of the high winds as they approached me through the forest. I then heard some trees cracking and coming down in the woods. I started to pay very close attention to the trees ahead along the roadside in hopes of avoiding any further falling trees or debris. Survived the wooded section fine and then started to dodge plastic recycling bins that were blowing across the road. Fortunately they must have been emptied earlier in the day or there would have been a much bigger mess. Did have one regular garbage container that had tipped and strewed some of its contents across the road. Got up to Middle road that was exposed more to the wind and then got grit blasted from debris on the road. Thought it would have been a good idea to be sporting some glasses, but it was a little late now. Thought it would get easier as I turned out of the wind for a half mile section of crosswind, but it was worse then the headwind. Had to really strain my upper body to keep the bike moving forward and from getting blown into the guardrail or occasional barbed wire fencing. Thought once I might have to get off and walk, but the wind let up a bit and I made it to the tailwind section of the ride. Thought I would be able to get some high speeds in but that turned out not to be the case, I really wasn't able to get my speed higher than with a regular tailwind, but it was easier to get to and hold the speed. I was booking along in the low thirties and was surprised by a piece of fencing in my lane. It was only a three or four foot piece that was curled up on the ends. Not sure it was wire or plastic. Aimed for the flat section and ran over it successfully, Was concerned that I might have got a puncture but rode on without one. Slowed things down after that and had to dodge a few large tree branches on the shoulder. Took it easy for most of the ride and my computer rated it as a recovery ride, but I found it to be one of the most stressful rides I have had in quite some time.
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