Zard
05-24-2005, 12:04 AM
I just got back from a two day ride from San Francisco to Cambria via Highway 1 and then Big Sur to get in some much needed miles for another Ironman this summer. A wise old cycling friend of mine says there is no such thing as a bad day riding. Still, there are some days that stand out.
Earlier this year I returned to tubulars after a 20 year hiatus in large measure because of the whole Tufo deal. While they are durable, they don't roll all that great and the cornering, etc. is nothing special. They never quite captured the magic feeling of a nice tubular tire that I remembered. Feeling underwhelmed I ordered a set of Veloflex Carbons based upon everyone's positive comments.
They arrived the the day before I was set to hit the road for my weekend of high bike mileage. So, on they go to my Reynolds DV Stratus wheelset.
Day One:
Saturday was a beautiful blue sky 70 degree day along the coast and from the first few cranks I knew I was in for something special - the tubular "moment" I had been waiting for finally arrived with these tires.
By the time I hit Highway 1 near Half Moon Bay you couldn't wipe the smile off my face. This is easily the nicest set of tires I have ever ridden. Confident, smooth, grippy, plush - everything rolled into one tire. I picked up a tailwind and from there cruised down to Santa Cruz and on to Monterey where the wife and kids were waiting.
Day Two:
I awoke to another blue sky day in Monterey - something that you can't always count on along the coast. Sunday morning, little traffic and 100 miles of the Big Sur coastline in front of me - oh, and another tailwind. Perfect 68-72 degree cycling weather. The views of the ocean, mountains cliffs and pounding surf, the smell of the salt air and vegetation, the smooth road, the curves, the uphills and the downhills. It felt like I was carving big fast giant slalom turns in fresh snow all day long. Beautiful.
The last 20 miles descend out of Big Sur and flatten out as you head south towards Hearst Castle and Cambria. It's here that you pick up another fantastic tailwind and as the miles steadily click by at 30-35 mph you get a chance to reflect on why you love cycling so much.
A few nice cold beers and some bbq ribs post ride with the family and the day and weekend was complete.
Oh, and the Veloflexes? Not a single nick on them. I think it may be time to give in, build up a set of everyday tubulars and retire my clinchers....
Earlier this year I returned to tubulars after a 20 year hiatus in large measure because of the whole Tufo deal. While they are durable, they don't roll all that great and the cornering, etc. is nothing special. They never quite captured the magic feeling of a nice tubular tire that I remembered. Feeling underwhelmed I ordered a set of Veloflex Carbons based upon everyone's positive comments.
They arrived the the day before I was set to hit the road for my weekend of high bike mileage. So, on they go to my Reynolds DV Stratus wheelset.
Day One:
Saturday was a beautiful blue sky 70 degree day along the coast and from the first few cranks I knew I was in for something special - the tubular "moment" I had been waiting for finally arrived with these tires.
By the time I hit Highway 1 near Half Moon Bay you couldn't wipe the smile off my face. This is easily the nicest set of tires I have ever ridden. Confident, smooth, grippy, plush - everything rolled into one tire. I picked up a tailwind and from there cruised down to Santa Cruz and on to Monterey where the wife and kids were waiting.
Day Two:
I awoke to another blue sky day in Monterey - something that you can't always count on along the coast. Sunday morning, little traffic and 100 miles of the Big Sur coastline in front of me - oh, and another tailwind. Perfect 68-72 degree cycling weather. The views of the ocean, mountains cliffs and pounding surf, the smell of the salt air and vegetation, the smooth road, the curves, the uphills and the downhills. It felt like I was carving big fast giant slalom turns in fresh snow all day long. Beautiful.
The last 20 miles descend out of Big Sur and flatten out as you head south towards Hearst Castle and Cambria. It's here that you pick up another fantastic tailwind and as the miles steadily click by at 30-35 mph you get a chance to reflect on why you love cycling so much.
A few nice cold beers and some bbq ribs post ride with the family and the day and weekend was complete.
Oh, and the Veloflexes? Not a single nick on them. I think it may be time to give in, build up a set of everyday tubulars and retire my clinchers....