Farewell de Milo part deux was fun. Milo was kind enough to lend us his trail maintenance expertise on one of his last rides of the year. No wonder he was the "heart and soul" of the Greenwood MTB.
Milo has since moved to Boulder Colorado where he has taken up Snow Boarding, Snow Shoveling and Jack Daniels and he will of course continue Mountain Biking when they thaw out some time in June.
The video below requires that you have or install quicktime player it is freeand easy to install
The video was shot at Tsali during Cinco De Milo
- Try This on Your Next Ride o^o o^o o^o o^o o^o o^o Make the most of your climbing ability! It's now century season for most of us in North America , and many organizers of 100-milers add to the challenge by including hilly terrain. Let's look at some road racing tips (tricks?) that work equally well for us recreational riders who want to stick with the strong guys on climbs that last several minutes or more. ---Start in a lower gear than you need.
- Guess who wrote the MNT Bike Versions below?
Roadie Tip
Use a higher cadence to keep your speed while taking strain off leg muscles. The goal from the beginning of any climb is to prevent bogging down with tight, burning, powerless quads.
Mountain Bike Version
Keep it the same gear and hammer the hills. Nothing says ‘I’m hurting’ like dropping 6 gears at the foot of the climb. If it doesn’t hurt, you are not riding fast enough.
Be the leader.
Roadie Version
There are two reasons to start hills at the front of a group: First, better climbers will often be content to go at your speed, at least for a while. But if they start in front with the open road ahead, their pace could put you into difficulty right away. Second, you'll still be okay if you're passed near the top. Because you climbed at your pace, you may have enough in reserve to click to the next smaller cog and accelerate with the fast guys -- or at least minimize the deficit so you can roll back into contact on the descent.
Mountain Bike Version
There is one reason to start the hills at the front of the group… your buddies are behind you.
---Pass back.
Roadie Version
Let's say you're setting the pace on a long hill and better climbers start riding past. They're not really trying to drop you, they're just going a bit faster. Immediately surge enough to roll back into the lead, perhaps offering a pleasant comment as you do so it doesn't turn into a race. This time they may be content to hang back and go at your pace.
Mountain Bike Version
It’s On! I hope your butt can cash that check your mouth just wrote. ---Keep your cool.
Roadie Version
If despite your best efforts the faster climbers sail away midway up the hill, continue at your pace. The gap at the top will be less than if you push to your redline, blow up and slow dramatically. Conserve energy to catch up after the crest.
Mountain Bike Version
If you are going to blow up, go out in pieces. Nobody ever gets to brag about getting dropped on the hill but catching back up at the next stop sign or trail intersection. ---Don't go anaerobic.
Roadie Version
Pressing to the point of panting can burn so much glycogen (muscle fuel) that you'll be pulling a boat anchor for the rest of the ride. Keep your effort at a level that makes breathing steady and deep, not rapid and shallow.
Mountain Bike Version
The only time you should not be going full out is when you are sitting at the car having a post ride beer. ---Finish the hill.
Roadie Version
Many a gap has been opened on riders that let up when the top comes into view. Climbing at your best pace is hard, but don't back off until you feel gravity let go.
Mountain Bike Version
Accelerate over the top of the hill then give it all you have got. That is the best way to drop all the roadies.