Forum: NYCC Message Board
Thread: Triple Bypass

Date: 5/16/2005 10:27:11 AM
Author: Rick Braun ([email protected])
207.29.128.130 Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.1; .NET CLR 1.1.4322)
Subject: triple bypass

You may need one after the ride. Two years ago I did some extensive hiking in Colorado to as high as about 12,000 feet. The breathing certainly is harder at such higher altitudes, but one does acclimate. You are wise in going out earlier, and I would suggest working your way up to higher altitudes. The only place that I cycled was in and around Boulder. I did not find that the altitude bothered me there, but I had already been in Colorado for about 2 weeks at that point and at significantly higher altitudes. Colorado is a lovely state. Enjoy Boulder (went to a terrific pan Asian restaurant there), and, when you return, cycling the hills here will be (relatively) easy.

If you want to get a feel for a longish climb, go up Seven Lakes Drive (about a 6-mile climb), then go on to Bear Mountain and continue up Perkins Drive (altogether about another 3 miles of climbing), then go down the other side of Bear Mountain. At that point, you can either go across the Bear Mountain Bridge and take the train home from Garrison, or you could turn around and climb back up Bear Mountain and Perkins before coming down again and taking the train. You would get in either 2 or 3 good climbs with descents. There's probably a cue sheet on the Ride Library for something close to this or email me and I'll send you one.

Bessie-
I rode those roads in the opposite direction two years ago. Its gorgeous country and a tremendous amount of climbing. There are no real flats until you descend to Vail.

I strongly advise a triple chainring setup. Unless you are very strong you'll be on you low gears for hours.

Its wonderful country but you've got to train for it. You must be prepared for winter weather in the passes and there's always the threat of thunderstorms in the afternoon. You'll need a rain shell, warm gloves, etc which you can use on the descents. You must be prepared. The sag is never around when you need it. You do not want to be wet up at altitude.


You've been given good advice about training. Again,the best climbs for training are in Harriman/Bear Mtn and vicinity. Climb R106 from 9W into Harriman Park. That's about 6-7 miles. Then turn R to Welsh Lake (3mi descent) and climb Tioretti Brook rd (3mi up, a typical Western climb, but short), do Seven Lakes Drive from end to end, that's 2-3 long 3-4 mile climbs. Climb up Perkins Dr (Bear Mtn). That might be steeper than anything you'll hit out there but you are 10000' lower here. Avoid the killers, Little Tor, Gate Hill (Rt98).

If you have access to a car go up to New Paltz or Ellenville and ride in the Gunks, there are longer climbs up there.

Email if you need some training routes.

Good Luck,

Fred

Bessie:
Rick, John, Fred, Anthony and everyone else have hit the essentials. Here are a couple of others...

1. Even when you are not riding, hydrate much more than you do at home -- you need more at altitude (even Boulder), plus it's a much drier climate, and you lose more water, even though may not notice it. Even on a rest day, you absloutely must have an extra 1.5 - 2 liters of water to drink during the day.

2. If you can SLEEP at a higher altitude, that helps in acclimating. Maybe spend a night in Winter Park or Idaho springs, or camp out on a hill/Mountain

3. On your first day in Boulder, if you have your bike or any bike, take a spin up Boulder Canyon Drive, and keep your heart rate below 75% of your max for an hour or so. The object is for your lungs to get used to to the thinner air. Your heart rate will probably get higher for a similar level of effort at sea level due to the altitude. Don't work too hard or too long -- just get a feel for it.

4. If you can get some training time there, train at higher altitudes than Boulder.

Hi Bessie!

Ive done the Triple a few times, the biggest tip I can give you, in addition to the other advice, is to start early, try to start by 6:00am. It usually rains in the afternoon and you dont want to be stuck on a Pass when it does (unfortunately I have learned this the hard way).

As far as riding in Boulder, Old Stage Road and Left Hand Canyon in North Boulder are great for climbing and generally have less traffic than Canyon. University Cycles on 9th and Pearl Street downtown is a good bike shop if you have any problems with your bike.

Lastly, make sure you go to the RIO Grande on Walnut Street (in Boulder) and have a great big margarita, they are the best! Be safe and have a great time.