Spectrum vs Alto Velo B rides. Which is more survivable?
03-09-11, 11:02 PM
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Spectrum vs Alto Velo B rides. Which is more survivable?
Please help out some fellow old fogey poseurs...
So a few of us are finally in somewhat of a shape (other than round) and would like to rejoin the packs that flow up and down Foothill on Saturdays. A quick google shows that good possibilities are the Spectrum ride (9am at Starbucks of Homestead & Mary) and the Velo Alto "B" ride (9am at Peet's in downtown Los Altos).
Now, none of us are pack riding newbies and we do know how to hide in the pack if necessary, but our legs and lungs have seen better days (some much better!
). So, which of these two rides are more survivable? We don't want to get dropped at the first acceleration but we are not really expecting to last the distance either. Nevertheless, it will be nice to not get dropped when the other folks are just warming up.
So a few of us are finally in somewhat of a shape (other than round) and would like to rejoin the packs that flow up and down Foothill on Saturdays. A quick google shows that good possibilities are the Spectrum ride (9am at Starbucks of Homestead & Mary) and the Velo Alto "B" ride (9am at Peet's in downtown Los Altos).
Now, none of us are pack riding newbies and we do know how to hide in the pack if necessary, but our legs and lungs have seen better days (some much better!
). So, which of these two rides are more survivable? We don't want to get dropped at the first acceleration but we are not really expecting to last the distance either. Nevertheless, it will be nice to not get dropped when the other folks are just warming up.
03-09-11, 11:06 PM
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The B-Ride has re-groups. Not so for the Spectrum ride. On the other hand, the B-Ride does more climbs and is longer. Two totally different types of rides.
Steve (out-of-commission b-Ride leader) E.
Steve (out-of-commission b-Ride leader) E.
03-10-11, 09:01 AM
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The PenVelo Ride is doable I would think. It rolls from Canada/92 at 8:15am Saturdays, and at 8:00 Sundays.
03-10-11, 09:17 AM
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Yeah, B-Ride usually goes up OLH or Kings while Spectrum stays low and fast. Neither ride are very hard. B-Ride waits up for a good 5 minutes or so at the top of major climbs. Spectrum, you can wheel suck. And, if you get dropped on Canada, you can jump back on when they're going the other way.
Last edited by milliron; 03-10-11 at 09:21 AM.
03-10-11, 10:28 AM
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I'd say B-ride is easier. More climb-as-you're-able and then regroup vs trying to match someone else.
03-10-11, 02:40 PM
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The Alto Velo B ride is easier. In the beginning, the B ride usually takes a similar course as the Spectrum ride. And the Spectrum ride passes the B ride like its standing still.
03-10-11, 03:51 PM
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Usually, the B-Ride waits at the corner of Alpine & Portola for Spectrum to go by so we don't get tangled up with Spectrum at the bottom of OLH or on Mountain Home where the road is too narrow for both rides.- SteveE
