The tweaks continue with the new bike. This time it was a change of the saddle and its position. The verdict: more work needed. I went with the Brooks Cambium C17, which is an excellent saddle — just about my favorite on the previous bike. But the saddle position on this bike is set back further, making big climbs a bit tougher because I kept slipping backwards and couldn’t get the power I wanted. So I’ll keep tweaking. I’m going to switch to the Selle Anatomica for more comfort, move it up as far as I can, and, if that fails, spring for a zero-offset seat post. I wish I’d known of this issue before I brought the bike home from the shop — may have been able to get a swap for the part. As it is, maybe they’ll take a trade-in…although I doubt it. Still with the current exchange rate, this $85 seatpost can be had here for probably closer to $60. Definitely not a showstopper, as the bike still is the perfect bike for me here.
As for the ride, it wore me out more than usual. Either that, or all of the conditions were right for just getting tired. We did nearly 4,000 feet of climbing, to include Viking Death Ship — a beautiful climb, but getting up to 18% grade, and, in this case, 50+ miles into a ride that had a few hills before that. Still, I’m not minding much, and I slept like a rock last night — nearly 12 hours all-told, which is about double of what I normally sleep.
The target for the ride was just to go east and explore some new routes. As far as the scenery (and this was helped by the beautiful weather), it was absolutely gorgeous. And yet I took fewer pictures than I usually do, probably because I know that the pictures never do the views justice. You’ll just have to believe me on this. I really like the “Central Valley” (I don’t know its name actually, but the expressway that runs through it is called the “Central Expressway,” so it’s as good a guess as any). It’s one of those places that has a certain feel for me on a bicycle. Maybe a little older. Maybe a little less busy than the rice plains on which Pyeongtaek and Osan Air Base are located. Certainly better views, especially when you’re off the beaten path, climbing over the crests of hills on winding, one-lane roads. And we did get into a little gravel and a few rough spots, but of course, the bike can handle that with no worries.
I rate the day high.
