Would you rather climb or descend on gravel?
10-03-18, 06:46 PM
#1
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Would you rather climb or descend on gravel?
In this case, gravel means hard packed dirt, with some washboarding.
I'm planning a trip in a couple weeks, to ride in late fall color. Unlike here in the city, there aren't a million streets to choose from. There's a paved highway, this section doesn't get much traffic. And there are some dirt roads I can string together to make a loop. It'll be 3,200 feet of elevation change, all in one go. (Loup Loup Pass.)
I'm leaning one way, but I'm curious how other people would make the decision.
I'm planning a trip in a couple weeks, to ride in late fall color. Unlike here in the city, there aren't a million streets to choose from. There's a paved highway, this section doesn't get much traffic. And there are some dirt roads I can string together to make a loop. It'll be 3,200 feet of elevation change, all in one go. (Loup Loup Pass.)
I'm leaning one way, but I'm curious how other people would make the decision.
10-03-18, 07:01 PM
#2
Non omnino gravis
What kinda grades are we talking? At a certain point ascending, rear traction gets compromised because it's steep enough that you need to stand, but if you get up the back tire loses traction. At a certain point descending... kinda the same thing happens. I had more of the latter than the former today. If it's steep, I'd rather go up the dirt than down it. Skidding the front tire is a wholly uncomfortable sensation.
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10-03-18, 07:41 PM
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I would get the climbing done when fresh then enjoy the downhill towards the rides ending.
10-03-18, 07:46 PM
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For me as it gets steeper going up just gets progressively harder. OTOH, descending steep loose dirt, having to ride the drops to get max brake performance, is something to be avoided. All depends on the grade.
10-03-18, 08:27 PM
#5
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Hard packed dirt with washboard sounds like my "gravel" here. I like both to be honest. I'll second the thought of climb first, then descend.
10-03-18, 09:25 PM
#7
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From doing Eroica Ca... climbing for sure. on my modern gravel bike probably agree with DrIsotope
10-04-18, 08:36 AM
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Chases Dogs for Sport
If it's over 10% grade, I'll take the climb. There's not much fun about descending steep washboard. (6% or less isn't really a "descent" is it?)
10-04-18, 11:52 AM
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Seems like basically a consensus that it depends on how step it is. I think it'll basically be a railroad grade.
I did this route once before, so I have a record in Garmin. I went counterclockwise last time, climbing on pavement and descending on dirt, so I'm leaving toward going the other way this time, which would have me going up on gravel.
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1269592821
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1269592821
10-04-18, 01:40 PM
#14
Chases Dogs for Sport
[EDIT: I just looked at the Garmin trace. 2% average. I wouldn't worry about it. Which way would you get the better views?]
Last edited by FlashBazbo; 10-04-18 at 01:46 PM.
10-05-18, 05:17 PM
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how do you get a washboard on railroad grade roads?
Around here, gravel often means 10 percent+ grades. I definitely prefer to climb those.
Around here, gravel often means 10 percent+ grades. I definitely prefer to climb those.
10-05-18, 05:29 PM
#17
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Same way you get washboard anywhere. Cars don't need to be going downhill to be bouncy.
Heck, there are some spots on my local interstate where some subtle waves have formed downstream from expansion joints on pavement.
Heck, there are some spots on my local interstate where some subtle waves have formed downstream from expansion joints on pavement.
10-05-18, 05:33 PM
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Railroad grade? Except for very rare exceptions, railroad grades max out around 2%. At 2%, it wouldn't matter to me. That's hardly worthy of the names "climb" and "descent." Just ride!
[EDIT: I just looked at the Garmin trace. 2% average. I wouldn't worry about it. Which way would you get the better views?]
[EDIT: I just looked at the Garmin trace. 2% average. I wouldn't worry about it. Which way would you get the better views?]
10-12-18, 08:43 PM
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When I was a kid our rides were uphill both ways.
10-13-18, 02:17 PM
#21
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Has this trip happened?
Did you go the right way?
-Tim-
Did you go the right way?
-Tim-
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