April 28, 2011

How to climb Fern Gully

Climbing this short (50 yards) steep (25%) gully single track has become a challenge for local mtn bikers. In this video, I demonstrate how it is done. Keys to a successful climb are good traction (tires) and absence of leaves on the trail, correct gear selection, how fresh you are and a little bit of coordination. My success rate is about 50% climbed - depending on how the factors above combine.

How to climb Fern Gully

April 19, 2011

2011 Tour Divide preparation report - April 19, 2011

April 19, 2011. I am ready. Equipment is selected and dialed in. I have logged 3000+ mile since December 5th and am in a maintain/hold pattern of fitness, teetering on the edge of loosing what I have and carving a peak too early. This past Sunday I rode 105 miles, two major climbs totaling 9000 feet in elevation gain and wanted to go longer, but ran out of time. My wife snatched me off the mountain and took me home. That was plan E for the weekend. Plans A,B,C and D got nixed due to killer tornadoes that ripped through the south, killing 41 people. One lesson I have learned - the hard way - about my outdoor adventures is you can't beat the weather - you must co-operate with it. Don't be a hero. More later...

The Route:


A few of pics from Sunday's ride:
Top of Caesars's Head - 7 miles avg grade = 6%, mile 75 into route


Eastern Continental Divide on the back side of Caesars head, mile 78 into route.

Cradle of Forestry, Pisgah National Forest mile 105 of my trip.