100 miles and 10,000 ft

[Milzy]

In 2016 myself & @rb58 were taken on a tour of the Spanish Sierra Nevada mountains by @Trickedem
One of the days we climbed the Pico del Veleta. Which is the highest paved road in Europe. It is just over 9000ft of climbing in 30 miles.

To be honest I really wasn't looking forward to the climb, and I think @rb58 thought the same. But once you get yourself into the correct mindset, take your time and enjoy the views, it does become strangely enjoyable.
We took our time as you can see from the average speed.
However, the great flip side of the climb was the descent with took an hour and 20 minutes...

View attachment 411772

:O OHhhh my daaaaiz dream decent.

 

[MiK1138]

Thanks for all the responses. I can see it going to be tough but looking forward to the challenge. I'll post some updates and photos as an when I have the strength !

Just remember when you stop to take photos , "put the bike in the Big Ring "

 

[Ajax Bay]

Enjoy each of the daily rides.

it could be proper scorchio.

My contribution is to suggest that, since it's likely to be hot (or at least very warm), pay attention to body temperature. You may (will) be drinking enough, but sometimes that's less important than using cool water to cool down your body. So 'waste' a bit of water over your head, down your chest and back and over your thighs.

 

[ColinJ]

In 2016 myself & @rb58 were taken on a tour of the Spanish Sierra Nevada mountains by @Trickedem
One of the days we climbed the Pico del Veleta. Which is the highest paved road in Europe. It is just over 9000ft of climbing in 30 miles.

To be honest I really wasn't looking forward to the climb, and I think @rb58 thought the same. But once you get yourself into the correct mindset, take your time and enjoy the views, it does become strangely enjoyable.
We took our time as you can see from the average speed.
However, the great flip side of the climb was the descent with took an hour and 20 minutes...

View attachment 411772

My mate Bill loved that climb when he lived in that area. He said that he could really feel the reduced oxygen levels in the air at the top. One time he stashed his bike at the end of the road and walked up the path towards the summit.

Just wondering though ... how did it take 1 hr 20 minutes to descend for 15 miles (11.3 mph) - did you keep stopping to take photos?

 

[ianrauk]

My mate Bill loved that climb when he lived in that area. He said that he could really feel the reduced oxygen levels in the air at the top. One time he stashed his bike at the end of the road and walked up the path towards the summit.

Just wondering though ... how did it take 1 hr 20 minutes to descend for 15 miles (11.3 mph) - did you keep stopping to take photos?

30 miles Colin. The ascent is 30 miles, the descent down the same road is the same of course. (It's not a pass, only a road up to a ski station)

And yes, you could really feel the lack of oxygen at the top, I think it's a 3rd less.
As you climb up the mountain there is a high altitude training sports facility.

 

[ColinJ]

D'oh!

So ... how did it take 1 hr 20 minutes to descend for 15 30 miles (11.3 22.6 mph) - did you keep stopping to take photos/freewheel?

 

[oldfatfool]

Come to think of it mine was the Galibier from Allemond and back so was 12900 feet over 36 miles and then the same on the return but with 12900 feet of pretty continuous descent.

 

[si_c]

D'oh!

So ... how did it take 1 hr 20 minutes to descend for 15 30 miles (11.3 22.6 mph) - did you keep stopping to take photos/freewheel?

Looks a bit twisty and technical to me.

 

[ianrauk]

D'oh!

So ... how did it take 1 hr 20 minutes to descend for 15 30 miles (11.3 22.6 mph) - did you keep stopping to take photos/freewheel?

Yes basically. It's a very technical descent and I'm not a fast descender. Especially with cars coming the other way, on the wrong side of the road on a loaded, panniered up bike.

 

[ColinJ]

Yes basically. It's a very technical descent and I'm not a fast descender. Especially with cars coming the other way, on the wrong side of the road on a loaded, panniered up bike.

Yes, that makes sense ...

I was thinking that I would love a 30 mile descent to whiz down but not at the risk of going off the side of a mountain or through a tourist's windscreen!

I think I might play through the descent on Streetview Player later

 

[si_c]

Yes, that makes sense ...

I was thinking that I would love a 30 mile descent to whiz down but not at the risk of going off the side of a mountain or through a tourist's windscreen!

I think I might play through the descent on Streetview Player later

Not on Streetview, I checked, but you can watch this..


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlbqpEZuAII

 

[ianrauk]

Not on Streetview, I checked, but you can watch this..


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlbqpEZuAII

That don't even start from the top. There's a few more KM's from there.

 

[ColinJ]

Not on Streetview, I checked, but you can watch this..


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlbqpEZuAII

Ooh, I'll watch that on my Smart TV later!

Blimey - 43 minutes to do (PS not quite) 30 miles - that is an average speed of more than 42 mph!

That puts the length and gradient of the thing into perspective ... We have a couple of 5-6 mile descents round here and you would be looking at more like 30 mph unless you had a tailwind and no traffic to contend with!

 

[ianrauk]

Ooh, I'll watch that on my Smart TV later!

Blimey - 43 minutes to do (PS not quite) 30 miles - that is an average speed of more than 42 mph!

Once again, not quite right. As well as not starting from near the top of the mountain, their video stops outside of Granada city limits. Our 30 mile descent includes the return back to the hotel from the mountain through the city of which we had to contend with traffic etc. So their video I guess was about a 20 mile descent. But still quick.

I have just found the complete route map.
We did over 34000ft of climbing in 295 miles in 6 days at an average of 10.7mph. It was brutal at times, especially with heat but it was a stunning ride. I certainly found my climbing legs.

 

[ColinJ]

I'll give up on the numbers then!

I'll watch the video later when I can concentrate on it.

The longest climb that I have done is the Tudons climb near Benidorm. That only goes up to ~1,000 metres but it does it from sea level. I think it was about 20 kms (12-13 miles) in length. I did get into a rhythm for it but my back muscles started to complain about halfway up. Unsurprising really because I went out there after not riding my bike all winter and then just threw myself into hilly/mountainous riding - 1,200 km (750 miles) in 2 weeks.

The highest temperatures were 'only' 25-30 C (it was in March) but that was plenty hot enough for me. I would really struggle doing long climbs in temperatures higher than that.

Getting back to the 100 miles/10,000 ft question ...

Err on the side of lower gears rather than higher. If you don't need your bottom gear(s) then you don't have to use them. If you need them but don't have them, then you'd have a big problem!

You need to be comfortable on your bike. If your position is wrong, your saddle is uncomfortable, or your shoes a poor fit then that ride will certainly let you know about it!

Pace yourself well. Better to start off a bit slower and speed up later than start off quick but eventually crack.

Eat and drink plenty.

Make sure that you are not overdressed for hot conditions but carry some extra clothing for long descents and/or in case the weather turns nasty.