tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511556658522121773.post2560601890808733449..comments2023-05-02T02:48:08.361-07:00Comments on Colorado Brevets: Dirt Road RandonneuringUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511556658522121773.post-46050590343747428442009-08-13T11:49:14.579-07:002009-08-13T11:49:14.579-07:00Dear Stephen,
Congratulations on your successful ...Dear Stephen,<br /><br />Congratulations on your successful rides, and strong efforts on these rides. I don't think I ever said the RDR was "easier", but I do prefer its pacing and scenic value to the Manhattan Express. The first section of climb out of the Poudre on the M-E seems to be the crux of the route for me.<br /><br />John: <br /><br />I use 28-622 (or wider) tires on the Manhattan Express along with a 34X25 (or lower) low gear ratio. No problems on the ascents, but one does need to take some care on the unpaved descents. I prefer 32mm or wider tires for that route due to the steep, unpaved descents from Pennock Pass to the Poudre Canyon. Knobbies aren't necessary.<br /><br />I've finished the Red Dirt Randonnee on 22mm tires, 25mm tires, 28mm tires, 30mm tires, and 35mm tires, and 42mm tires. I can't honestly recommend anything narrower than 28mm, though the big descents are paved on the Red Dirt Randonnee. <br /><br />A 39-26 low gear will get a rider up all the climbs with care (traction limited), but I prefer a 34-26 (or lower) low gear. <br /><br />Due to the sustained climbing on the M-E, RUSA has declared the control at Red Feather Lakes an "open" control--the time limit has been relaxed there. One still must meet the time limits for the full route. <br /><br />Stephen, congratulations again, and thank you for your thoughtful writeup. I need to start bringing a camera along on these routes.<br /><br />Best Regards,<br /><br />Will<br /><br />William M. deRosset<br />RUSA 2401WMdeRhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15531125254328045995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511556658522121773.post-12290717251645342002009-08-06T07:02:10.517-07:002009-08-06T07:02:10.517-07:00What kind of tires and gearing did you use, Stephe...What kind of tires and gearing did you use, Stephen? And what would you recommend? Thanks ...jlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04988120133134505034noreply@blogger.com