77 mph ...
On my first self supported bike ride as a teen from New London, CT to Cape Cod, MA, I rode down a road that was so steep that my speedometer showed a max speed of 79.5 mph. Of course, I suspected that this was an error till I conferred with my riding partner and his own max speed was 68.5 mph!
I would love it if you could post a Google map of the location.
I'm an aficionado of fast descents, and that would exceed my personal record of 62 mph, achieved on the north slope of the Fuschertorl (12% grade for 10+ miles) by 17 mph!
Thanks,
- Christian
The road is near the delaware water gap. Route 191 decending from the Appalachian trail crossing to the Delaware river water level - 1,100 feet in less than 2 miles. I knew my back wheel was very slightly out of alignment. At 50 mph the back began to drift - almost float. Became very scary since it was a two way highway with turns (few to no cars at the time). I had to slow down using the brakes and sitting upright to bring the speed down to below 50mph
This month I'll build two perfectly true - vertically and laterally - wheels from new rims and try it again. I'm fairly certain I can hit 60 to 65 mph. You may be able to go faster.
"That's called Fox Gap. Difficult, long climb, and fast descent. The PA 200 km brevet route goes over it, south from Cherry Valley Rd to Bangor. There's an information controle at the top of the climb, meaning that you have to answer a question on the controle card and record your time. Some riders this year were so relieved to be done with climbing that they sailed right past, only realizing their mistake after descending a few hundred yards. Ouch.
If you enjoy riding in that area, Robert, you should consider doing the PA 200 this October 21. The website is http://www.parandonneurs.com. The ride starts at the Weisel Youth Hostel in Quakertown, PA."
...i was a lot lighter then, i'm sure i'd go over 60 now. the thing about that speed is that faulty alignment can cause the bike to resonate (something i haven't experienced but that caused a couple of my buddies to hit their brakes on the same descent).
don
"""In October of 2006 racers will gather on SR305 outside of Battle Mountain, Nevada to race on one of the straightest, flattest, and smoothest surfaces in the world. The 4,619ft (1,408m) altitude road allows riders an acceleration zone of over 4 miles, enabling them to reach their maximum velocity"".
the speed trap is 200meters"
http://www.easyracers.com/bm2006/images/PICT4558.jpg
not bad for a 47 year old man
