I will be posting a much more detailed update by the weekend, for now as many people know i got through day 3 with some big ups and downs. On the up side i almost made it over La Pared the steep but short climb on day 3 that i thought was not doable at my gear ratio. I made it past the photographer without getting off and only got off once, rested, reclipped and then went over.
On the down side in Guajataca i was riding in the peleton in the C group, when we came to climbs i would generally call out single speed coming left and they would make a hole for me left. Before the big down then up area there was a very short but somewhat steep climb, i called single speed coming left and the guy in front of me never moved. It caused me to expend a massive amount of energy and put a massive amount of torque on my bike. Then we came to the Guajataca up and down. It is a pretty steep uphill. I called single speed coming left and 4 people made way for me to pass and then i came to that same rider and he did not move, i called it in spanish and when he still didnt move i had no chance, i almost fell off and went into the ditch, unclipping at the last minute. Getting blocked there caused me to walk the only time i had to the whole ride this year, not due to my inability to push through the climbs.
I also experienced something similar day 2 in the B group when i called single speed coming left and the person in front blocked me and said where are you going your not going anywhere. It is the main challenge of riding single speed in a peleton. I truly dont think it would be possible to ride fix gear in a geared peleton.
Overall a great ride and a great vacation, i cant wait until next year where the motto will be no getting off on 48-15 (at least as far as my own capabilities are concerned), now it is time to go fixie in NYC and gear 51-15 and then 51-13 for some strengthening for the RHC, MonsterTrack and the Gran Fondo NY.
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