| Ride Stats |
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Distance:
65.65 miles
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Altitude Gain:
3,346 ft
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Avg Speed:
16.51 mph
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Route:
Coopersplains-Harris Hill
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Avg Grade: 0 %
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Max Grade: 0 %
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Max HR: 0 bpm
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Avg HR: 0 bpm
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Terrain: Road: Hills
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Bike: Look 585 Carbon Road
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Club: Schuyler County Cycling Club |
| Weather Conditions: Cloudy\Heavy Rain 80F SW Wind @ 8 mph |
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Planned ride for the day was anticipated to last around four hours and radar showed a nasty weather system scheduled in three hours. Weather was still warm enough that I was not too concerned with getting wet but really don't care much for riding in the rain. Decided to ride until it started to rain then take shortest route home abandoning the scheduled course. My biggest concern was having to descend the north slope of Harris Hill in the rain. Road is dangerous enough dry. With a plan in hand I headed out. Started out on the seven mile climb up CR 16 which I rather enjoyed today as I was able to keep my cadence high enough to seem like I was moving at a good clip rather then just slogging it out to the top. Once I got over the top I had a fast, comfortable pace down the long grade to Coopers Plains. There was a fairly good headwind but the downhill bonus pretty much cancelled it out. Caught a little tailwind back to Corning and out River Road. Saw two solo women riding ATB today and both were wearing backpacks. Usually see a few riders on 352 heading toward Elmira. Saw several runners but no cyclists. Guess they know enough to stay in out of the rain Second climb was up the southwest side of Harris Hill.Not sure what the name of the road is but it has a firehouse at the bottom. Had a fairly fast and mildly enjoyable climb. Was very amused as I saw a sign notifying me I was leaving the Golden Glow Fire District. It was starting to really cloud up as I neared the top. The threat of rain didn't seem to hamper the picnicers in the park atop Harris Hill as the smells were heavenly from all the meats being barbequed. The place was packed. The go- carts were running as well as a few small amusement park rides. All that was missing from a Kodak moment was caliope music. I hoped I looked pitiful enough from the climb that some picnicers would offer me sustainance but none was offered. Survived the screaming descent down the north face and it looked like I would complete the planned ride. Got down near the airport and my luck ran out as the air became almost perfectly still. Knew that the first rain drops would hit me in a few seconds. Thought I got lucky as the first rain I encountered was very light. Figured if I could get over the hill and back in the valley I might be able to keep ahead of the storm which appeared to be coming from the southwest. Got over the hill though when the sky opened up big time. Had to ride the last twelve miles in severe conditions with flooded sections of road and a few bolts of lightning. Rain was falling heavy enough that it was difficult to see in certain sections. Got very dark at one point and I was concerned it was going to get much worse. Finished the ride the ride thouroughly soaked.
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