First Mountain Training Ride

Went to Dahlonega (Georgia) and rode the first three Gaps, Neals, Wolfpen and Woodys. For those not knowledgable, these are the "gaps" between mountains that are part of the lower Appalachian mountains. Just down the road from here is Springer Mountain the official starting point of the Appalachian Trail for you hiking afficianados out there. I am not sure of the total elevation gain but my ride totaled 36 miles with Neals Gap 6+ miles of climbing averaging about 6%-7% grade and Wolfpen a shorter 3+ miles at 8%-12%. Woody's Gap is only a couple miles and not that steep but the decent is about 5 miles of all out screaming down the mountain at about 30+mph. The decent at Neals is actually steeper and faster but probably not quite as long. Lots of twists and turns, fun and a little scary at the same time. Well, I rode with a bunch of other people from both the upcoming trip and with Atlanta Cycling, the trip sponsoring bike shop and with whom and where most of my training rides originate. It was my first Gaps ride since early fall last year and I kind of surprised myself at how well I did. I rode strong and actually did not totally trash myself on the ride. I have enough left to go out and cut the front and back yard (ugh!). Riding in the mountains is unlike all other riding. You have to ride at your own pace and find a rhythm that you can hold for a long period of time. I rode with my Ipod today which I normally wouldn't do but I figured that the traffic would be low. I usually only ride with my Ipod at Stone Mountain which has a bike lane and a 30mph max speed limit. Funny thing, when I was about 3/4 of the way up Wolfpen and my legs were sceaming, John Mellencamps "Hurt So Good" came on. Funny how stuff like that happens. Anyway, I guess I'm getting stronger and more fit and that is the plan.