The difference between speeds and gear ratios :)

Assuming there are no repeated gear ratios, (I haven't checked) my mountain bike has 24 combinations of front and rear sprockets for faster and slower riding conditions. In my experience, my bike really has only four speeds:

1. Pant, pant, pant -- what brainiac had the idea to ride up this friggin hill?



2. Ahhh, this is nice.



3. Wahoo!



4. Ohshitohshitohshit!!!

I recently had the chance to ride partway up the trail towards the Bench Lakes, where all of the above speeds were attained, sometimes in rapid succession. This trail is what I would consider a "technical" mountain bike trail, and I've heard the term "rock garden" applied in similar contexts. Here's a view of a smooth part (from my photo archive):

Note the 10" tall rock center frame, now imagine 2 miles of them scattered in 1-10 foot intervals, randomly separated by tree roots and the occasional pile of horse droppings.

I had set out with the goal to find a close viewpoint to Mt Heyburn suitable for future sunrise photography. Unfortunately, speeds #1 and #4 dominated the ride, and so I ran out of time and had to return before finding a good view.

After spending 4-5 miles struggling to keep my balance over and around the many obstacles, I noticed later that day that I was better able to stop and balance when my son suddenly stopped unexpectedly on his tricycle. It would appear that the practice balancing on and around rocks helped. Now if I can just figure out a way to get paid for the practice!

happy pedaling!

rootie