So that's how this works...

So many of my posts come across I'm sure as some desert whacko's ruminations.  Not too many folks can identify with that.

But...if I want some feedback all I have to do is look for common ground, right?  Like single speeding?

Yesterday's ride was pure bliss.  There's this climb I really like, takes well over an hour on the geary.  Plenty of steep spots on it and 2 months ago I'd have said it was an impossible SS route.  Yesterday I rode it in a 32x18 and it was purfect.  It all came together.  There are massive views off to Zion NP from this climb and I was seeing it all through rose colored glasses. 

Tomatoe you are right, I'm hooked now.  I've been looking at all manner of squiggly lines and scatter plots of old data thinking on how best to improve this game.  But I'll try the beer drinking too. 

This weekend it's off to check out a great big chunk of wilderness between Big Water (N end of Lake Powell) and Escalante.  Ion & I will have pics and stories next week.  Ya know those blog writeups that sound  like the desert version of "Into the Wild."

So many pursuits, so little time.

Published Friday, November 09, 2007 7:33 AM by Dave

Comments

# @ Friday, November 09, 2007 9:52 AM

i guess you get to do this every weekend. i'm so jealous. can't wait for your next weekly desert "into the wild" post. have fun out there.

Geoff Roes

# @ Friday, November 09, 2007 10:23 AM

I don't think you're at all abnormal.




Hmmmmmmmmm.

32-18 is a good all around SS gear for little wheels. I've been using a 30-18 on the 29er for most of this year. The mark of an endurance SS rider, and what really differentiates them from a geared rider, is hiking speed. Key.

ionsmuse

# @ Friday, November 09, 2007 1:56 PM

You're assuming correlation between comments and interest, which is not necessarily so.

I've been loving the desert wandering posts. Esp. the mega hike-a-bike one. !!

My only complaint is that they aren't long enough! The pics are great, though, and it sure sounds like you're getting to the heart of adventuring out there.

Scott Morris

# @ Friday, November 09, 2007 2:20 PM

Smokey Mountain!?

Damn you! I wish I could be there. That looks like some prime territory. I want a full report.

Adam L.

# @ Friday, November 09, 2007 5:25 PM

Climbing on an SS is awesome as you are finding out - but here's one that is also quite suprising: run a very, very tall gear and hit some semi-flat/small rollers. Wow, you can fly on an SS. Thats what our SYDC 125 miler was last year and 34x18 on a 29er was rocking.

Matt

# @ Monday, November 12, 2007 5:46 AM

A long climb on a singlespeed is one of my favorite things to do... the rhythm, standing on the pedals for an hour, the physicallity of it...it is soul cleansing for me. Especially once you pull away from the gearies and their constant cacophony of gear changes, chains slapping and general slowness.

Have fun with it Dave!
Luis

Luis

# @ Tuesday, November 13, 2007 7:10 AM

WHOA! I come here this morning and what do I see? "Tomatoe you are right" I will have to go show this to my girlfriend now. . .

Peace

ExtrmTao