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Here's the story of this ride.
The plan was simple: ride my bike to the sea.
I wanted to avoid the busy national highways. Instead, I mapped out a route that would cross three mountain passes. It meant a fair amount of climbing, but every road would be a paved forest road. Plenty of shade, cool air, and since I started early in the morning, it sounded like the perfect summer ride.
Then I reached the first pass.
Road closed.
Construction.
"Oh well..."
That was the end of the trip to the sea.
Still, I had originally planned to cross two more passes, so I looked for another destination instead. I picked a different pass and pushed myself a little harder than expected, eventually making it to the top.
I'd only just wrapped up my ski season at the end of July, and this was very much my "Okay, now it's cycling season!" ride. Looking back, I probably pushed a little too hard.
Even though I never reached the sea, the ride gave me plenty to think about. So here are a few notes for myself.
1. Summer riding belongs in the morning.
Even in midsummer, mornings are comfortable. Ride early.
2. For real climbing and descending, a mountain bike still makes the most sense.
A flat handlebar and disc brakes are hard to beat. Living where I do, every ride is either uphill or downhill, so for now I don't really see the need for a drop-bar gravel bike.
3. Road bikes are for something different.
They're wonderful on flatter terrain, where their light weight and speed can really be enjoyed.
Riding one naturally becomes more of a disciplined workoutーand honestly,
that's part of the appeal.
4. Paved forest roads are fantastic.
They're shaded, cool, and filled with beautiful light filtering through the trees. Best of all, there are almost no cars.
That means I can use the whole width of the road, weaving from side to side. The technique feels surprisingly similar to skiing.
If you stop worrying about whether you're climbing or descending, they become some of the finest cycling roads imaginable.
5. Climbing is about getting used to itーand going a little numb.
Descending is about braking performance and handlebar shape.
6. Packing.
The saddle bag carries my bike travel bag, flat repair kit, wind jacket, first-aid kit, and snacks.
My small frame bag holds my wallet, phone, keys, and other valuables.
The stem bag is for my GoPro and things like gloves after I take them off.
7. Thinking about my everyday bike.
Most of my riding is on paved forest roads, with constant ups and downs, and I often travel by train with my bike.
Given that, a 26-inch mountain bike fitted with slick tires might actually be the perfect solution for me.
Even V-brakes would probably be more than enough.
8. A randonneur is in a category of its own.
To me, it's probably the bicycle where style matters most.
Anyway, those are my thoughts.
There are countless ways to enjoy cycling, each created by the combination of a place and a style.
If you keep riding long enough, your own style naturally converges toward what truly fits you.
As for me, for now, I'm happiest simply riding along a quiet ribbon of asphalt with sunlight filtering through the trees.
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