35KM, Uphill, Both Ways, In the Cold, In The Wind.

Maiden voyage on the CCX1 was... different. I haven't taken the Kona out on its maiden voyage, but my god its awesome. It weighed in at 20.04lbs. I'll wait till it gets a little less soggy outside. It rained hard last night, so I'll probably do the cyclocross ride, through Heber.

Okay I lie, I did take it out at the bike shop in the parking lot. It feels really light, and it explodes off the line and I can accellerate super quick on it, but being a single speed I spin out pretty fast.

32/19, I have a 16 tooth to put on it though once I get stronger. But no major mileage yet.

Heber CX Run

First of all, no matter how much spinning you do in the winter, and no matter how prostar you think you are at it, it does not prepare you for actual cycling. Sorry. Good workout yes. Great weight dropper yes. TERRIBLE CYCLING TRAINING.

Riding on the road is a really strange beast. I'm used to riding in the forest which is a lot more hill climbing and technical... and when I say hills I mean like sharp inclines where its technically leg strength that gets you through it. Breathing is tertiary, you can do that when you're done mashing.

Road riding is all breathing, and cadence. You hit a hill you gear for it, and you keep RPM's high. But the onset of lactic acid isn't immediate like some stand and mash climbs I've done. Though I can see how it can make you fit really fast. Up a long hill? Check. Legs burning? Check. HRM going banana's. Double Check. Loving the sensation.. check.

One of the things I like about the CCX that never really dawned on me till yesterday were the positions I can ride in. It allows me to stretch my back out really well when I need it, also allows me to take power away from my quads and push with my abs, back and pull with my hamstrings. This really helps on some climbs when the quads are screaming at me already. I don't get this option on the MTB, it has one option, stand and mash, or sit and mash.

Bike pics up tonight. I haven't had time to take them. I'll try to get some of the Kona up tonight.... pending I don't get stuck riding. Of which I'm hoping to.