I like to ride my bicycle - for long distances. I have earned the California Triple Crown and finished the Furnace Creek 508. My goals include qualifying for RAAM and ...(read the blog to find out).
"The bicycle has a soul. If you are able to love it as it deserves, it will give you emotions you will never forget."
Mario Cipolini
"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride."
John F. Kennedy
"The important decisions in my life I make while out riding my bike."
Former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi
"Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.” Lance Armstrong
Climbing South Mountain
When I lived in Phoenix in the very early 90's, I did train on my bicycle. After work, I would ride a training loop - 33 miles around Strawberry Mountain between Phoenix and Scottsdale. If I was feeling friskier, I would add some hill climbing on the south side of Camelback Mountain. But, I was not really into hill training. As such, I rode South Mountain only one in the two years that I lived there.
Now, I embrace the hills.
I was sent to Tempe for a Educause Event. Spring time in the Valley of the Sun! I just had to ride.
My broken leg is healing well, and after conferring with my Doctor, I was given permission to ride. I rented a bike from Tempe Bicycles and decided to see how many times I could climb South Mountain. I flew in on Sunday afternoon which did not give me enough time to ride, I on Monday, I got in two climbs, one on Tuesday and two more on Wednesday night. The five climbs totaled 86.66 miles with 9,229 feet of elevation gain.
I parked my rental car near the park's entrance on San Juan Road. San Juan Road gently climbs for the first two miles to the intersection of Summit Road. San Jaun Road drops down into a valley while Summit Road takes you up to the summit and TV Towers. From my car to the top is an even seven miles.
The real climbing begins on Summit Road. After leaving the intersection, the road points upward at a constance rate of climb for the next two miles. It is not terribly steep (that comes later) but it is respectful. You get a bit of a break as the road follows a side canyon where you cross the National Trail, but then it heads upward again, but at a leg breaking rate for about 1/2 mile. This ends at the side road to Dobbins Point viewpoint.
Dobbins Point
Rollers rule the next mile of Summit Road, but when you make the right turn towards the TV Towers, be ready for some very short but steep sections of 12% or greater! The climbs tops out at a view point just north of the TV Towers which fill the western sky. To the north are the lights of Phoenix, and to the south you see the freeway heading toward Tucson.
The descent is excellent. It is technical enough to keep it interesting and challenging. But it is not all down hill. Remember those rollers? Well, your legs feel like lead as you creep over them. However, the last two miles are pure descending enjoyment!
Posted
6:34 PM
by John Henry