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Post by YellowLemondTed on Apr 7, 2010 20:27:22 GMT -5
It would just not look good if some accident happened because of an "unofficial" challenge based on this message board. For something as big as a timed descent down H20-rock, I think it would be risky to encourage riders to go for their best. It doesn't take much for a rider who is riding outside of their comfort or experience level to make a mistake, and mistakes at this speed can be catastrophic.
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Post by dobovedo on Apr 9, 2010 12:47:27 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. I agree.. I've been doing a modified Ring of Fire loop: Old Cullowhee, Walnut Creek, 28 and 23/441 (Cowee Mtn.) back to my place. I call it the "Ring of W[h]ee!" I've done it the past three Wednesday evenings and I just love that valley road before you start the Cullowhee climb. You can get the legs nice and warm without overtaxing. I went up Cullowhee 5 minutes faster this week than the previous two. Just guestimating off my GPS data - about 33 minutes. I figure if I'm not conserving for a 50 mile loop, I can easily crack 30. What would be the start/finish? the gravel driveway at the base just before you curve left and the driveway at the top where the hedgerows are? I think the mailbox says 828 on it. |
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Post by squidlyman on Apr 14, 2010 22:03:25 GMT -5
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. Sometimes those with petroleum-fueled vehicles need to eat "humble pie". Another great place to do this (that is, the pie delivery part), is the descent out of Spruce Pine on 226 heading towards Marion. You can pass cars and Harleys in the passing areas with the greatest of ease. |
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Post by sweazzy627 on Apr 18, 2010 21:39:21 GMT -5
I still want to keep the Waterrock Challenge, but Cullowhee is a good one too!
To my knowledge, Darvy's record time is 24'30". He started from the drive right before the first steep pitch. There was a line painted across the road a few years ago. I'm not to sure about his end though. It's either just before the 90deg turn at the top or the elbow turn just after.
I made two attempts in 2008. The first I went to hard to early and bonked out; under 30's but not impressive. My second was 25'30".
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