At first I was nervous about taking the road bike out again. Not only am I still more at home on a mountain bike, it also was the first time to ride a longer route on it, and I was worried I’m too heavy for a lightweight bicycle with such thin tires. But the ride went very well, and actually much better than riding the mountain bike with its fat tires. All the hills were not a problem at all, the distance felt very easy, and I could have continued for a good while longer. If I hadn’t had other plans I probably could have made it a 30-35 mile ride. The road bike has become my friend after adjusting the saddle and handlebar. I think I will continue to use the road bike for longer routes and keep the MTB for inner city riding.
If the city streets were in a better shape I might even use it in the city. This was the only problem I experienced today: Getting out of and into the city on the road bike. Many roads are in such bad repair… Potholes, drain pits, cracks, bumps and waves in the pavement felt at times so rough I really was quite worried about the bike. Without any suspension every little bump seemed to have a huge effect on the bike as well as me on the saddle. But fortunately the bike took it very well and didn’t fall apart. The streets became much better once I left Falls Road and entered Cross Country Blvd.
Overall it was a very pleasant ride, and I was in a good shape for it today. Next time I will try to leave earlier and make it a longer trip, maybe up to 35 miles or a bit further.
Date/Time:
08/10/2008 08:35 AM
Route:
Continuation of previous Falls Road/Kelly Avenue route(s). Kelly Avenue turns into Cross Country Blvd, which I continued until its end. Then I turned left into Fallstaff Rd. Next right into Park Heights Avenue, then second left into Seven Mile Lane. I continued straight. Seven Mile Lane becomes Colonial Road after crossing Reisterstown Road. At the end of Colonial Road I turned right into Deerfield Road. Then I continued straight until the end of Deerfield Road, turned left into Milford Mill Road. I continued straight and turned right into Scotts Hill Dr, right before 695. [Google Map]
I should have continued straight, cross 695 and make a right into Scotts Level Road. But it was time for me to return anyway. After a short break I returned the same route back, via Falls Road and North Charles St.
Length:
approx. 25.5 miles, 2h 15min
Traffic:
Easy going most of the way. Got busier on the way back, but still good enough to ride.
Weather:
warm but pleasant
Bike:
Windsor Wellington 3.0 road-bike with 700x23c Maxxis Xephyr
Heartrate:
