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| 360 degree view from Shavertown Bridge - Pepacton Reservoir |
The Pepacton Reservoir (a drinking water reservoir for NYC) is probably most locally known for the record-sized Brown Trout fisherman pull out of its waters each summer. However, it's also famous amongst cyclists as being one of the more pristine and flatter rides to be found here in the Catskill Park. The Pepacton Reservoir ride is hard to beat for an early season ride that requires miles, without the endless climbing.
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| Click image for online link to Strava |
Sunday turned out to be a beautiful day, but only after a mid day start. The early morning thermometer couldn't shake single digits until mid morning, then around 11am it reached 20F, and luckily climbed a steady rise to 38F after that. I chose not to throw a leg over the bike until I saw 20F.
At 12:30 sharp, I found myself at the Margaretville School, pedaling my cyclocross bike down the slushy road towards the reservoir.
Why I Love My Cyclocross Bike For Early Season Rides!
- CX tires offer a softer ride for the endless bumps and dings you'll find on frost-heaved roads. My early-season butt thanks me for not putting on skinny road tires @ 100psi for these rides.
- CX tires have tread for the heavy grit and powder snow you'll find along the way. I enjoy chopping the plowed snowballs in half where I can. Not a good idea with road tires.
- CX bike allows easy mounting of both front and rear fenders - a must for wet / sh-gritty roads. The fenders keep the grit off me and many important parts of the bike.
- CX tires require more work over the long haul, and are good at building early season power during the LSD trip (long-slow-distance).
- I can sleep at night knowing my racing road bike is tucked safely inside.
- On the CX bike, even when in the big ring, I'm still not in the big ring.
One thing to know before embarking on a journey around the Pepacton Reservoir is that there are several sections along the route that are considerably rough and I hope the road crews have plans to give them a face lift before they get any worse. But all-in-all, it's a great ride!
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| Rough Road |
I'm lucky enough to have a hose hooked up to a hot water faucet when I get back home. The post-ride spray down has become somewhat of a ritual. My cross bike thanks me for it, then gives me a secret wink - letting me know it's now ready for the next ride.
Early season rides aren't uncomfortable, difficult, or messy, just as long as you make some investments in gear, and keep a fixed eye on the weather.
Get out there!
The post ride spraydown has become a necessity. Unfortunately, I don't have a hot water hose, but I just use water bottles full of hot water, then a spray down with Pedro's Foaming green stuff, and a rinse/buff.
ReplyDeleteOh, and my chain LOVES me after trying Chain-L No. 5...the stuff is fricken MAGIC I tells ya!
There's nothing better than a good chain degreasing. Right now I'm afraid to truly clean everything off my chain. I'll wait for that first real rain to clean most of the salt off the roads. For now I spray out my chain with the hose, wipe it with baby wipes, then lube liberally before each ride (and I mean liberally). For now, it's not about pretty - it's all about protection!
ReplyDeleteAlso, 'Simple Green' works just as good as any expensive bike wash ; )
Get out there!
Be careful with liberal amounts of simple green. It can be harsh and actually erode metals over time if not fully washed off. I would love to get out and ride, but the street here in CT are just to dangerous right now, got another 4 inches last night. Thus I'm destined for the trainer.
ReplyDeleteI just happened across your blog tonight and got peeking around. Sounds like a cool ride, though as someone who is just getting back into riding... well, a 50-plus mile ride probably won't work. ;)
ReplyDeleteI do like the drive though. Sounds like an excellent ride though!