2 posts tagged “single speed”

So it wasn't much - just the trail I've been riding regularly on the SS, but yesterday's climbing and pedal stroke felt right, and I aggressed the short hill climbs before they bit me in the arse.  Talking about technique (yes, there is some with one-gear riding) with N helped as well, and while I'm not yet ready to take on the 2,000 foot climb of Armstrong pass, I am thinking I might be ready to try one of the lower trails in the same area.

I figure if I keep this up and work real hard, at some point I'll be able to pass somebody, even if it's only the wacky old lady in the sunhat I occasionally see riding her cruiser on the trails.

I am the recent owner of a single speed hardtail mountain bike.  While those non-cyclists may not understand the allure of riding with only ONE gear, I really like the simplicity, weight (light) and fact that I cannot dog it, as there's no granny gear to run to.

However, if one (read: me) is not feeling all that fresh due to a crappy night's sleep, an excess of pollen in the lungs and a 6 am riding start time, the single speed is not as fun as it usually is.  I did my regular route (the only marginally hilly trail I feel comfortable on at this point) and it took a lot more effort to keep the pedals moving.   Put simply, it was an ugly thing to watch, and I returned home exhausted and with lots more greenish yellow pollen in my mouth, nose and lungs.

I'm hoping that more sleep and some rain helps me do my new bike justice later this week.