Training Log Archive: PG

Up into the hills with the plan being another go at Kingsley Hill Road, about the steepest road around these parts. I'd done it when I was young (three years ago). I figured there wasn't any point driving a bunch to do Lincoln Gap if I couldn't make it up KH.

A pleasant morning, about 70, overcast, somewhat humid. Certainly good for this time of year, so I headed off. Parked where the road splits, one fork following the Deerfield River up to the tiny town of Monroe Bridge and the start of KH, the other going to Rowe and a possible way back if I was feeling energetic.

Ten miles to Monroe Bridge, along the river but definitely not flat. I could tell on the first hill that my legs weren't good. But sometimes things improve after I get a few miles done. So the plan was still KH, then a short loop back to Monroe Bridge to avoid coming straight back down KH, and then the option of doing Monroe Hill Road and looping back through Rowe. The only decision so far was that going really slow up KH was OK, the goal was just to not get off the bike.

Got to Monroe Bridge, turned onto the climb. The first 50 yards are pretty flat. Started downshifting. The next 50 yards are pretty steep. Finished my downshifting, all the way to the lowest gear. Except it didn't feel right. By now I was on the main climb, brutal, and it felt like I was still in second gear. And I sort of hoped I was, because as I looked up the slope, it was pretty clear that if I really was in first gear, then I probably wasn't going to make it.

There was one old driveway just ahead, last bit of civilization. It didn't take but a moment to decide to bail. Turned in, got off the bike, yup, second gear. But the shifter wouldn't go any farther.

Got back on, back to the bottom. Fiddled with the derailleur, still not right. Finally grabbed the chain and with a bit of brute force got it on the big ring in the back. Tried it out, not making any noise, so I figured I was good to go. Headed back up. In retrospect, funny how it never occurred to me to just bag it, not my day. I guess I just had in mind to do it.

It certainly isn't easy, but at least it felt doable, just keep turning the pedals over and try not to fall off. It's paved, but it's ratty pavement, though that's still a lot better than dirt.

The first 8 or 9 minutes are the worst, average about 20%, then you get some variation, little bits where the slope eases, Still have to pay attention on the steep parts. And then eventually the top comes, 21:39, about a minute slower than 3 years ago. Given how I felt, no complaints.

Did the loop around, into Vermont for a couple of miles and then back to Monroe Bridge. Thought about Monroe Hill Road, just didn't have the desire. As it was, the road back down along the Deerfield River still had a lot of ups, and my legs, warmed up as they surely were, still didn't have any zip.

This profile seems reasonably accurate --

C • Lincoln Gap 17

Pine Nook Road, then up to top of ridge.

Felt better than expected. Moderate effort with the exception of a short hard effort up Randall Road. Light breeze from the north, upper 70s, felt rather pleasant.

Late last week I passed the 3-year anniversary with my gravel bike (Specialized Diverge). 13,400 miles, 590,000' climb. The bike is still hanging in there, as I suppose am I.

With Gail, up along the river to the north. Tired after yesterday, and this was just the right pace.

With Phil from his place, up the the hills with maybe 6 miles on dirt. Legs felt (a lot) better than last Sunday. The couple of times they started to feel less good I ate and drank a little more and in a little bit they would feel better. Warm and humid, breeze generally from the SW but very variable.

Never have figured out why some days you feel good and others you feel bad. Just have to be happy there are still at least the occasional good ones.

Summiting! Bull Hill via South Mountain and the Robert Frost. Warm and humid, but got some breeze up on the ridge which was much appreciated.

Good to get out after sitting around most of the day.

A nice-looking guy hanging out at our house. Actually, I believe it's a lady.

C • So who do we have here? 2

With Gail, south of town. Good breeze from the south, so coming back was a lot easier.

Flats south of town. Just right. Got to rest up for getting trashed again by Phil on Sunday.

With Di too. From top of Claybrook, bike trail going up, then up the power line. Back via Middle Mt., Muck cut-off and North Mt. Warm, very humid, and very enjoyable.

I was late getting out for a ride because I spent most of the morning out with the camera and binoculars.

I generally see quite a few turtles, most commonly sunning themselves on a log in a pond, but I've never paid much attention to them except for Snapping Turtles. Today there were only a couple of turtles around, but I decided I should learn a little something about turtles. So, with the help of a guide, I'm pretty sure this guy is an Eastern Painted Turtle. Supposed to be common.



Also out and about were some young Wood Ducks and a Green Heron, the latter always one of my favorites.

C • The green heron is... 6

Ride with Gail (virtually). Hot and humid. Decided the best way to take it easy was to keep my pulse about where it is when we ride together. Almost succeeded (was aiming for a max of 110). Made the ride much more tolerable, even though at the end I was very happy not to be going any farther.