I know that there are some forum members that live in this area and have expressed interest in getting together for MUni rides at Sullivan Canyon. Well, I’ve been riding there regularly now for months and absolutely LOVE it! It’s about 4.5 miles each way and it has plenty of variety, good technical sections and drop opportunities, and with all the tree cover in the canyon, it’s pretty much always shady.
This week in particular the weather will be perfect with temps in the low to mid 60’s and overcast skies! Yes!!!
Anyway, I’ll be there tomorrow (Tues.) at about 9:30am, dropping into the canyon from Bayliss. If you want to join me, PM me asap.
Here’s a Garmin graph of one of my recent 12 mile rides, showing the elevation gain-about 1,100 feet. Makes for a good climb and a great blast back down! (I added the extra 1.5 miles each way at the top to make a total of 12 from the usual 9 miles)
Anyone ever make the last steep section out of Sullivan without falling? I tried it last week and was unsuccessful, with 4 upd’s in the top section. It seems like it might be possible, as it never gets over-steep or over-technical. However, it doesn’t give you a break so you just end up too exhausted to make it up over the rocky sections.
Below is a graph of my heart rate vs. elevation from this ride, you can see me max out at 187 bpm a few times near the top, then fall, rest for a sec, then try again.
Maybe if you paced yourself more carefully, or just trained harder, or knew the road better, you could do it. Whatcha say Terry, ever make it? I’ll have to come visit again to give it another try.
-Ro
Do you mean make it the top of the “T” where it intersects with the fireroad? That’s the 4.5 mile mark, making the whole out & back 9 miles. I assume that’s what you mean as your graph, like mine, indicates 9 miles…well, a little over with that first “horse” trail we did. Yeah, what makes that last mile of steep section so challenging is not only the steepness, but the rocky and LOOSE shale and and very uneven terrain.
What makes me upd often in these sections is that with all the torque and hard down thrust on the pedals to keep moving, I often “slide” out on the loose top layers. But I usually just get back on after hiking through those sections and jump back on. It sure is a helluva workout but I love it just the same! I’ll be there bright and early at 7am tomorrow!
Yeah, 4.5 is the top I’m referring to. The last mile or so is extra steep compared to the previous bit. The attached graph is from a ride I did a few days after I saw you, with no horse-trail side trip, or stops to play on the drops.
Next time out I’m bringing my 36er, that trail would be a blast to ride fast…except the top climb.
Yeah, 4.5 is the top I’m referring to. The last mile or so is extra steep compared to the previous bit. The attached graph is from a ride I did a few days after I saw you, with no horse-trail side trip, or stops to play on the drops.
Next time out I’m bringing my 36er, that trail would be a blast to ride fast…except the top climb.
Yeah I’ve ridden the whole thing several times on my 36er-in Muni mode- and it is killer fun! I just prefer my MUni since I love to do all the drops and technical stuff that you can’t do on the 36er…without busting it! Other thing is, there are constantly mtbers coming up the trail, and it’s quite narrow and blind to oncoming traffic in sections. So bombing it DH on a coker could have added dangers; to you and hikers & bikers. You just can’t stop as fast or like a bike if you needed to. :o
Why’s that? I’m no where near done with it yet, plus there’s only one “UniGeezer” haha. John and I have done that drop so many times, we’ve probably worn 2 feet off it’s original height, lol! But yeah, John’s a great rider and taught me a lot when I was starting out. Hey, who else like OATMEAL for breakfast before a ride!?!?
(I added the extra 1.5 miles each way at the top to make a total of 12 from the usual 9 miles)
