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bridgy

Legendary Member
Location
Cheddar
I lost a fair bit of time on the climb after catching up, maybe went a little hard but if I don't use my weight advantage going downhill I would never have a chance to overtake later.

It was agonizingly slow for the gap to come down. I threw everything into the flat section midway downhill with over 700 Watts and nearly blew up before it started to descend again. I wanted to see on the recording if I was able to stick with Bridgy going downhill but it wasn't recorded. Bob the last mile I was on my absolute limit trying to hold you off.
You were sticking with me on the steep downhill for sure - the time gap hardly changed and as I said at one point you caught and passed me. I had to give it some serious welly to get my speed back up enough to get away from you - cadence maxed out at 153 if Bkool is to be believed!
 

CXRAndy

Guru
Location
Lincs
Just seen Bridgy s profile, wow, some massive power spikes on the downhill section. I assume it was to break away from me. Which would of done it, as my descending is generally pretty constant power effort.
 

bobinski

Legendary Member
Location
Tulse Hill
I lost a fair bit of time on the climb after catching up, maybe went a little hard but if I don't use my weight advantage going downhill I would never have a chance to overtake later.

It was agonizingly slow for the gap to come down. I threw everything into the flat section midway downhill with over 700 Watts and nearly blew up before it started to descend again. I wanted to see on the recording if I was able to stick with Bridgy going downhill but it wasn't recorded. Bob the last mile I was on my absolute limit trying to hold you off.

I am glad to hear it! I know I had a head start but after you caught me I was dead chuffed with myself for reeling you in and pulling away. Perhaps if I had pushed harder on the incline I might have gained more time but I was conscious of blowing up and not being able to spin down hill.
 

bridgy

Legendary Member
Location
Cheddar
The only way to go any faster on those steep downhills when you're already cruising at 40+mph with blue numbers is to absolutely pedal like crazy - I could get the speed up to 50ish mph - and then let the speed drop back down till it goes blue again - but hopefully at a higher speed than it was before. That's what I was trying to do - only works if you're feeling energetic!
 

bobinski

Legendary Member
Location
Tulse Hill
The only way to go any faster on those steep downhills when you're already cruising at 40+mph with blue numbers is to absolutely pedal like crazy - I could get the speed up to 50ish mph - and then let the speed drop back down till it goes blue again - but hopefully at a higher speed than it was before. That's what I was trying to do - only works if you're feeling energetic!

Bridgy, it's quite difficult for me to do that unless I maintain good technique and form because of my knee. The faster I pedal the more likely form fails and knee tracks in and I end up, like today, with a rather sore knee and a limp. It's just not so much of a problem to hit similar speeds in Zwift without the need to spin quite as fast. Still, if I am going to carry on bkooling I have to find an answer. Let's see if neo makes a difference downhill and if not that 52 chainring may be the next step.
 

Daddy Pig

Veteran
Bridgy, it's quite difficult for me to do that unless I maintain good technique and form because of my knee. The faster I pedal the more likely form fails and knee tracks in and I end up, like today, with a rather sore knee and a limp. It's just not so much of a problem to hit similar speeds in Zwift without the need to spin quite as fast. Still, if I am going to carry on bkooling I have to find an answer. Let's see if neo makes a difference downhill and if not that 52 chainring may be the next step.
Is the problem the positioning of the cleats that's causing you your pains? It is possible that they need realignment which may help?
 

bobinski

Legendary Member
Location
Tulse Hill
Is the problem the positioning of the cleats that's causing you your pains? It is possible that they need realignment which may help?

Daddy pig, have I never told you about my knee? ^_^

Caused by a Long running ITB problem that all here have heard me go on about. Much improved following a reassessment of my bike fit, a move to speed play pedals and a bit of physio and regular exercises and stretching. But if has not cleared up and whilst my knee is not as swollen/painful/sore as often or for as long as it was earlier this year it is still there. Bloody frustrating. GP wants to wait a little longer before sending me for a scan. I may try another cleat fitting beforehand but my bike fitter recommend speedplays because cleat fits is less important because the pedals they are so accommodating of knee problems.
 
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Daddy Pig

Veteran
Daddy pig, have I never told you about my knee? ^_^

Caused by a Long running ITB problem that all here have heard me go on about. Much improved following a reassessment of my bike fit, a move to speed play pedals and a bit of physio and regular exercises and stretching. But if has not cleared up and whilst my knee is not as swollen/painful/sore as often or for as long as it was earlier this year it is still there. Bloody frustrating. GP wants to wait a little longer before sending me for a scan. I may try another cleat fitting beforehand but my bike fitter recommend speedplays because cleat fits is less important backs even the pedals they are so accommodating of knee problems.
Itb is a problem for a lot of cyclists. A friend had issues for about 6 months but used a physio and a roller to sort it out. You may need the physios special microwave device to help recovery. I had knee problems and couldn't even walk down the stairs without holding onto the railings for six months (but that was caused by crashing after too many drinks whilst skiing!) Hope it starts to recover sooner rather than later... bridgy is looking for more competition!
 

bobinski

Legendary Member
Location
Tulse Hill
Itb is a problem for a lot of cyclists. A friend had issues for about 6 months but used a physio and a roller to sort it out. You may need the physios special microwave device to help recovery. I had knee problems and couldn't even walk down the stairs without holding onto the railings for six months (but that was caused by crashing after too many drinks whilst skiing!) Hope it starts to recover sooner rather than later... bridgy is looking for more competition!

At it's worse I cannot walk downstairs without the leg kicking out-it's hilarious! That sounds like quite a tumble!
That microwave sounds interesting too, must investigate.
He is, I think I have let him down by not being able to try and keep up with him. He is clearly glad to have you around to keep him on his toes, along with AAAC, Bill and increasingly Andy.
 

CXRAndy

Guru
Location
Lincs
Bob, if I had that problem for so long, I would be getting my doc to refer me privately. Even the consultation with a specialist in knees would most likely give you some guidance/ recommend exercises or physio. I know private is not the preferred route due to cost, but they can help, I can testify after my own little/major problem
 
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