A new stake in the sand

I just checked on my old record, set on my Thunderbolt, and let’s just start this off with a subtle statement.

I smashed it.

Cutting to the chase numbers right away:

• Distance = 16.8 mi (perfectly calibrated odometer/speedometer)
• Time = 54min 42s (56 seconds better than my previous record)
• Average = 18.5 mph

With only 400 miles on my Silvio I beat my herculean effort on my Thunderbolt and I did it via Colman Park (not Massachusets hill) which is approximately 2 tenths of a mile further…on the flat that would be about 30-40 seconds…on a hill maybe 1 minute?

Some other points to note about this ride.

• I had a good time going out of the gate, I got lucky on a few lights in Renton and was able to maintain most or all of my momentum without danger.
• I am about 5-8 lbs lighter this year than I was last year.
• I was running light (no bike bin) because I have noticed the aero-drag of the bike-bin.
• I was not nearly as wiped out after this ride as I was in Aug of 08 – I am in better shape and I didn’t lay it all on the line with the ride…I went hard for sure but there was still more in the tank when I was done.
• At the onset of my first real climb I was rockin a 21 mph average over 20 minutes
• After that climb reduced my average to 18+ my flat speed brought it back up to mid 20’s.
• The next big climb through Colman Park took it back down to about 19 and change and if I am not mistaken I crested that hill in the 38th minute and re-attained a 20 mph average before I hit the city riding.

Incidentally, the fact that I wasn’t as tired doesn’t mean a whole lot. I could have TOTALLY spent every last reserve, collapsed at the door and maybe eeked another minute out of my commute? I may try that some day but really the best point is that with roughly the same “level of effort” I can reduce my commute time by nearly 10 percent.

Where 60 minutes used to be a target, now 55 minutes is.
Where 65 minutes used to a norm, now 60 minutes is.

Traffic lights and other factors make a bigger difference than the aerodynamics and weight of my bike for my commute but overall I am extremely happy with this bike and especially my prospects for longer faster rides.

Go Cruzbike!