This was the first time I've done the full circle to Volente. I typically will go down Limecreek Road to Volente and then back. The main reason I hadn't done the full circle is because I'm a little leary of riding on 2769 between Bullick Hollow and DIes Ranch Road. Last summer they worked on the shoulders of this stretch of road adding a bit to the right of the white line. Also since the road from Twin Creeks now extends to 2769 the total length of riding on 2769 has been cut. I went clockwise on the circle, I did this so I could go up the big hill on Limecreek, it's about 100 feet more than the hill in Twin Creeks over the same 1/2 mile distance.
As I came down from Twin Creeks a group of 4 riders passed me, I quickly caught up with the 2 leaders as they were waiting for their 2 buddies in the back. As we passed the Bullick Hollow turn off I took the lead and kept the pace at 18 mph and pulled away from them as we hit the hills. I ended up doing the circle twice. My overall time for the 39.09 miles was 2:18:55. I didn't track my time up the Limecreek hill, since I knew I was doing the course twice I knew I was going to need to have energy left so I didn't try to push it up the hill. I know the first time up didn't hurt as bad as the second time. Lap 1 took 1:06:59 and I averaged 17.2 mph, 149/175bpm, 79/115rpm, total climb of 1734.7. Lap 2 took 1:07:20 and I averaged 16.88 mph, 145/170bpm, 81/178rpm, total climb 1576.4.
I'm pretty happy with the 2 laps, the times were very close so I didn't lose too much power for lap 2. I felt really strong and on certain hills in the past I've slowed down to 14 or 15 mph but this time I kept my speeds up to 18 to 20 mph! I'm not sure why but the mileage between lap 1 & 2 are different, plus the climb for both are almost 200 ft off. The distance between the 2 is .26 miles and I can see that as when I passed the start I went a slightly different way instead of turning around. But that doesn't account for the 200 feet difference. The total climb was 3397 feet. Other noteworthy items for this ride is it was the first time I'd used Hammer's Sustained product. I mixed up a bottle to give it a try even though I figured I wouldn't be out past 2.5 hours. I used Hammer Perpeteum in the Hill Hopper last month. I think I prefer the unflavored Sustained over the citrus Perpeteum. I also had an Apple Cinnemon Hammer Gel about 15 minutes before my 2nd ascent up the Limecreek hill. Hopefully next time I can get in at least 3 laps.
See the route on MapMyRide.com
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