Beech Mtn - the sequel
Which way up the mountain?
It's like any movie sequel, the first one is usually the best right? My second time up Beech Mountain this year wasn't as epic or as memorable as the ascent last spring. Not that I'm going to forget this moment, but thankfully the weather was a little warmer and it didn't get hazardous as I reached the summit. This time I took my camera to take a few pictures, but unfortunately left my PowerTap computer at home. Last spring I had my PowerTap but no camera. Next spring in '07 when we have the road races I'll be prepared with both, duh!
From where I took the picture of the road sign above until I reached the summit was about 24 minutes. The last time up it took me about 27 minutes, but then and now I went at an easy steady tempo and never put out a big effort. I still have some races in Atlanta and Greenville to do and I didn't want to burn any matches on a "fun" ride. My training was going well last April when I climbed it the first time, but this time it was definitely easier despite the easy pace. The steeper portions near the bottom are the hardest part, but once you start hitting the switchbacks you can get a smooth cadence rolling.
They've even paved the majority of the lane going up the mountain, which means the white "Lance" paintings on the road were gone. One of the reasons I took my camera was to capture those markings. I do remember the road surface being rough before the paving. This is a good thing and allows for a better rolling resistance, which can make a big difference when you're climbing for almost four miles.
Once I get to the top I threw on some arm warmers and then continued up a private road section with ski lodges lining the road. It was probably another half-mile of riding up to the end where the ski lift was located. I would have taken a few pictures, but there was no view to capture with all the mist and clouds covering the area.
It was just me and my machine. Joy.
It's like any movie sequel, the first one is usually the best right? My second time up Beech Mountain this year wasn't as epic or as memorable as the ascent last spring. Not that I'm going to forget this moment, but thankfully the weather was a little warmer and it didn't get hazardous as I reached the summit. This time I took my camera to take a few pictures, but unfortunately left my PowerTap computer at home. Last spring I had my PowerTap but no camera. Next spring in '07 when we have the road races I'll be prepared with both, duh!
From where I took the picture of the road sign above until I reached the summit was about 24 minutes. The last time up it took me about 27 minutes, but then and now I went at an easy steady tempo and never put out a big effort. I still have some races in Atlanta and Greenville to do and I didn't want to burn any matches on a "fun" ride. My training was going well last April when I climbed it the first time, but this time it was definitely easier despite the easy pace. The steeper portions near the bottom are the hardest part, but once you start hitting the switchbacks you can get a smooth cadence rolling.
They've even paved the majority of the lane going up the mountain, which means the white "Lance" paintings on the road were gone. One of the reasons I took my camera was to capture those markings. I do remember the road surface being rough before the paving. This is a good thing and allows for a better rolling resistance, which can make a big difference when you're climbing for almost four miles.
Once I get to the top I threw on some arm warmers and then continued up a private road section with ski lodges lining the road. It was probably another half-mile of riding up to the end where the ski lift was located. I would have taken a few pictures, but there was no view to capture with all the mist and clouds covering the area.
It was just me and my machine. Joy.
posted by NashvilleCyclist.com at 9/25/2006 09:52:00 AM
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