Strava

While I have abjured the use of cyclometers and other bar mounted info systems for years with the exception of their use for finding my way around new routes just recently I've started using my smart phone for orienteering and now recording rides. The use of the smart phone maps was the first step. It allowed me to bring up maps while actually lost out on new remote loops. It hasn't prevented me getting lost but it's been a help finding my way. Just a week or so ago I downloaded the free Strava app and I have to say that it's a bit addictive. You hit the start button and stick the phone in your pocket and it takes care of the rest. The level of detail is amazing. From how hard and fast you hit the Huasna hill (315W and 10 mph) to the fastest speed you clocked this week (47mph). The only downside I see so far is that it seems to suck up batteries. I tried to use it to map the new Cote de Tolosa route and the battery was dead before I'd finished the route. It's curious that knowing you have a device in your jersey pocket recording your every move motivates you to ride harder. So probably not a good idea to turn it on for rest days or routine riding. Save it for the days when you're out there really killing it.

Cote de Tolosa recon

Yesterday, Karl and I rode the route that Blake proposed for Cote de Tolosa 4 coming up at the end of May. We both were wishing for end of May fitness by the time we rolled in just before sunset. The day started a little bit late due to two of the guys starting with us having less than impeccable ride manners. One of them showed up with two flat tires and no pedals on his bike! We should have taken it as an omen. Even with the late start it was chilly, and everybody was happy to get on the first climb at about 8 miles in. The dirt Old Stagecoach Rd. had everybody well warmed by the top. We cruised though Santa Margarita and south down Pozo where I got a rear flat. It was a little micro staple of some sort. Not even a Kevlar belt would have prevented that. Karl and I turned into the Rinconada trailhead and took a break for lunch. Almost immediately after starting the single track climbing the valve stem on Karl's rear tubular pulled out. After replacing that tire we got going again. Lot of steep twisty single track - hike a bike in part we got to the meadow and began the dirt road climbing to the High Mountain Lookout. Not a moment too soon as my back was starting to seize up. The descent was sketchy and at one point I can so close to losing my front wheel it wasn't funny. Closest I've come to a high speed crash in a while. At the gate where High MT. Lookout and High Mountain intersect it was a long wait for Karl. One of his spokes pulled out of the rim and he was forced to ride the 25 mile home with a wobbly and rubbing rear - no fun. The last hour or so of pavement back to the winery against a moderate headwind were a bit of a suffer fest. This is a much harder ride than the first three with about 45 minutes to an hour of extra saddle time. Mentally it's harder as well having to battle head wind home after torturing yourself on the dirt.