Wow.
Just Wow.
Would that I had about 2 hours this evening to wax poetic about cycles – revolutions of wheels, changes of seasons, circuits of pedals, and loops of road.
I was running late this afternoon, and nearly decided to blow off today’s ride. But, as days are growing really short, I made myself do it, figuring that my wife’d understand.
And I was happy. It wasn’t an epic, just 10 miles in 38 minutes (bike odo, not Forerunner), but it was beautiful. Good stiff wind out of the south, so I parked at the fort on Jamestown and rode out to Beavertail, into the wind the whole out. Tailwind the way back (Woo Hoo! I did it right for once!), and life felt good.
There was one sketchy bit, though: As I came over the crest of the first decent hill, the road went all to heck. Apparently, they (whoever “they” are) are re-finishing the road, since it looked like someone had just dug up the crappy (and it was crappy) asphalt that was there and left gravel in its place. Upon closer inspection (translation – once I’d managed to slow down without resorting to picking up gravel with my elbows and knees), there was definately a layer of tar under the gravel. I really hope that the DoT is planning on putting down a smooth layer of asphalt on top of it, rather than using the dreaded “chip seal”. But, I made it through OK.
Highlight was 36.5 MPH on the way down a hill.
Happy fall, y’all.
Sigh…your post made me yearn for my bike, some roots, some rocks and lots of trees. Once this marathon is over, I’ve got to get out there! (and holy smokes that is a FAST downhill…my 10,000 lb. mt. bike hasn’t gone faster than 21 mph)
I wonder what it would have been like to run on that. Was it mushy?
Chip seal is great to run on, sad to say. Not quite as good, IMO, as smooth asphalt, but that may be due to subconscious desires to have smooth, smooth road upon which to bike. But it’s kind of cushioned like asphalt, and kind of grippy like textured concrete.
But it’s awful for bikes, motorcycles, rollerblades, etc.