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George's Epic Adventures Anza/Nate Harrison Grade
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george vargas
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Nov 22, 2005 00:12 PST
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Hello Everyone:
Thursday 11/17/05
156 miles 9000 ft of gain
I went to Anza which is off the 371 (towards Palm Springs). It was a
good ride but the 371 is quite narrow and there were many trucks
carrying double wide mobile homes. Everytime the lead "wide load" vehicle
came by I knew I was going to be run off the road. By the way, it was
very windy getting there subsequently I was "pushed" home by the same
strong winds.
Saturday 11/19/05
96 miles 9700 ft of gain
I can't believe the amount of email traffic I recieved prior to this
ride. I feel bound to report on my adventures. A small group of 7
riders began in Encinitas. Of the 7 only Steve Cahill and I completed
the climb up NHG. The route took us though Del Dios, Bear Valley, Lake
Wholford a quick stop at the "store", NHG, Cole Grade, Valley Center Rd,
Del Dios and back to Encinitas.
NHG--The fun really began when the pavement gave way to a dirt road.
The road was good in certain areas and terrible in others. Big rocks
little rocks gravel soft sand and oh yeah mountain lion droppings. The
hairpins, I found were the hardest to negotiate--really steep and
plenty of rutts from rains. And of course there was heat. Once you hit the
treeline (yeah shade) (about 4500 ft) then you had to contend with the
gnats buzzing all around your face and mouth as you were gasping for
air.
What do you say was the purpose? Well I believe it helped by
climbing efficiency. If I leaned to far forward while standing then my rear
wheel would lose traction. If I leaned to far rearward my front wheel
would lift off the ground. I had to be properly postioned on the bike
to be efficient and of course use my balance to stay upright. Hike a
bike was acceptable--the alternative was falling.
How steep was it? It was so steep (rimshot)--10 miles at 8.1% there
was a 7.5 mile section that avg'd 9.5%. Yes that is a tough day. By
the way 53/39x12/27 was not enough.
All I want for Christmas is -- Nate Harrison to be paved. It would
be my favorite climb in San Diego.
george
PS- to the naysayers --YES this can be done on a road bike, albeit,
it is easier and wiser on a mountain bike possilbly a cross bike.
Barclay-post to Brevets
Pete P-FYI and/or post
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