joet
So-So Member
Posts: 46
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Post by joet on Mar 31, 2010 18:55:35 GMT -5
What about a Waterrock knob challenge. Little more of a climb than the airport. I think bottom gate to the upper parking lot (one way sign). Maybe the best climb in Western North Carolina. The end of last year= 46:30. Ill need a couple of months to best that time. Any takers??
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Post by Moose on Mar 31, 2010 22:52:09 GMT -5
Give me some time, and I may be able to make an "unofficial" timed ride to the top.
Also, I think the downhill has potential. Bike club was throwing the idea of having a downhill road race (like what Red Bull does) at Waterrock. Personally, I know that descent well and can keep a good speed all the way. Maybe we could time ourselves on the way down?
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Post by YellowLemondTed on Apr 1, 2010 7:30:16 GMT -5
I don't think a dh time trial would be very wise. All it takes is holding off the brakes for a couple seconds too long into a turn before a rider shoots off the side of the mountain. I just don't think it'd be a good idea to try to race down.
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Post by dobovedo on Apr 1, 2010 14:31:26 GMT -5
I have to agree, because I'd probably be the first one to end up in traction! ;D
I'm game for an uphill challenge though. I have yet to do the airport one. I've just now started riding over in that direction and will give it a go soon.
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Post by Scott Baker on Apr 4, 2010 18:32:57 GMT -5
That is a great challenge. I have always timed myself from when crossing the RR tracks in Sylva at the Fire Dept on Chipper Curve (same crossing as Tuesday MM ride) and stop the time when I enter the parking area at the Waterrock Knob overlook (where the road splits into two one-ways). Gibbs and I rode it in 1:29 once, but I was in great condition and feeling great. I would struggle right now for a 1:45. I measure my split at the RR tracks at the Balsam Mtn Inn entrance. That day it was 42 minutes. I have never timed from the Balsam Gap bridge or the gate since I am usually already hurting by then. Of course, I would never drive to the BRP to ride from the Sylva area, so I would have to ride easy up to the BRP for the start as a warm-up. I think the downhill and uphill time should be added for a challenge. That way us larger riders can make-up some tie on the descent.
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Post by wcuracer on Apr 4, 2010 20:04:42 GMT -5
"What about a Waterrock knob challenge?" Way to long of a challenge for a lazy American like myself ;D Maybe that's why I am slow now I really like the local 4-8 min TT's... ;D
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Post by mvi on Apr 4, 2010 20:07:02 GMT -5
For what it's worth. I've been using the Cherokee Parkway side for several years as a condition test / motivational goal. I timed from the bridge through the fifth tunnel (just before you drop down to Hw19 or back of Water Rock). I've once done it in 57' flat (2006). At the moment I can no way break the 1 hour mark. Would love to see some people listing their times on that one too. (Your gonna need a rear light now the Parkway is open again).
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Post by sweazzy627 on Apr 5, 2010 17:55:18 GMT -5
Hell yeah! Where's this gate at? I rode Waterrock for the first time today, there's no resting that's for sure. A recommendation, SUNSCREEN, i'm burnt to a crisp.
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Post by YellowLemondTed on Apr 5, 2010 21:10:41 GMT -5
I believe the referred gate is just near the brp bridge that stretches over 74 Waynesville><Sylva.
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joet
So-So Member
Posts: 46
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Post by joet on Apr 6, 2010 15:11:22 GMT -5
The gate is the one at balsam gap headed toward waterrock. It is where the actual waterrock climb begins. I think the time should be the actual waterrock climb. So, from the bottom gate to the one way sign in the upper parking lot. Since people probably wont hit this climb as often as the airport it will be a slow post. Although it gives a real climb gauge. (7 miles of climbing). I dont really like the descent part, due to liability. Although if everyone wants it that way, I dont mind. Maybe we could have 2 categories. Climb and Climb and Descent.
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Post by mvi on Apr 6, 2010 17:55:09 GMT -5
Descent timing is pretty crazy. The only way you can put up a good time is sitting on the toptube, with two hands next to your stem and your living will in your jerseys pocket (you get the picture). Rangers will love that one since you will be beating the speed limit pretty good at times.
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Post by Josh Whitmore on Apr 6, 2010 21:54:06 GMT -5
I have no idea what my best time up or down water rock is, but I do remember that during the last Tour De Tuck, I went as hard and fast as I could down from water rock to Balsam Gap. I spun out the 53x11 at the top, went into full - crazy bullet tuck and never touched the brakes till balsam (yes you can do it with no brakes). I also know that descent pretty well, so I kept my head down for lots of it. Later when looking at the ride file, my average speed down was 42mph, with lots of time over 50mph
If you are looking for a good uphill TT that is sanctioned, They are doing the Elk Mountain TT now once a month in Asheville. The best guys do it in 19-20mins. You are going pretty good if you do it under 30.
And of course there is Cullowhee Mtn. I think Darby Harris did that once in 24 minutes.
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Post by YellowLemondTed on Apr 7, 2010 7:03:31 GMT -5
I think Cullowhee mountain has the better pre-ride ride before you get to the actual climb. Riding up from Sylva to Balsam Gap may end up being a bit too much before a timed 7 mile climb.
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jer
Newbie Member
Posts: 3
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Post by jer on Apr 7, 2010 8:36:53 GMT -5
Last year I did the Waterrock Knob "time trial" about 3 times per month during the summer. I started the clock at the gate where Parkway house/garage access road meets the Parkway, just past the bridge at Balsam gap. The clock stopped at the elevation sign toward the end of the Waterrock parking lot, a distance of 8.6 miles according to my data.
Best time: 62 minutes. Certainly nothing to brag about but not too bad for age 56.
I agree with Ted concerning the danger of a timed decent, especially when some Harley riders seem to get teed off when passed by a cyclist going downhill.
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Post by Jackson Amburn on Apr 7, 2010 15:37:41 GMT -5
Ride at your own risk in accordance with the downhill section of Waterrock Knob? Just a thought.
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