Perfect Surface ...

1speed

1speed

Incredibly profound yet fantastically flawed
So last night, I was out for a road ride and headed south of 263 to Upper Mountain Road that runs out to Peddler's Village (eventually.) Between Forest Grove Road and 413, though, the road is newly paved and right now possibly the most perfect road I've ever ridden on:
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It goes on like this for about two miles, most of which is a slight downhill if you are heading toward 413. I like a good climb as much as the next guy, but roads like this are a thrill.

Anyway, it got me thinking about my favorite stretches of road or trail anywhere. I think it's a toss-up between this section and a road I found out near Skippack a while back as to my favorite road anywhere right now. I wish this one were a bit longer because riding it really feels effortless. As for a trail, I think at this point I'd have to go with the descent on the Braley's pond section of Shenandoah. If you don't have anyone in front of you there, that's just pure bike joy. You can rip down that thing like you're in a fighter jet without white-knuckling or even tapping the brakes, and all it requires of you is to keep your head up to slip through the tight tree sections about two-thirds of the way down. And it's several miles of that, with some rocky creek-bed switch backs to keep you honest. It's the kind of trail that could probably make non-cyclists want to get involved in the sport.

So what's your favorite section of road? Section of trail? Anything goes here -- just where do you ride that makes you smile ear to ear in a way no place else does?
 
Local has got to be Cooper Road outside Huber Wood. Not a nice road surface, short, but there's just something about a dirt road. Like stepping back in time for .5 miles.
 
Ahhh, tis the season for new pavement:

Cherry Hill Road outside of Princeton between Cherry Valley and 518 has a large section that was just paved. I used to ride this road often when I worked in Princeton and just rode it again for the first time in a few years. it isn't the most scenic, but damn is it a fun road and the smooth pavement is a push.
 
on the trail its the sourlands as a whole. i will say bombing the pipeline when conditions are right and there is no one around puts a huge smile on my face. its not the hardest trail there by far, but its got a few loose rocks to keep it interesting and its a straight shot down at high speed. next TM i vote we put in a chairlift. or at least a rope-tow.

on the road it's a toss up between two roads. the first is going down dutchtown-zion to 601. now that its paved its real fast and the flat run out at the bottom pretty much means you don't have to use your brakes unless an animal or car gets in the way. its that or going down spring hill to 518. because the view is awesome and a 90 degree turn makes it much more interesting than just bombing.
 
stb222 said:
Ahhh, tis the season for new pavement:

Cherry Hill Road outside of Princeton between Cherry Valley and 518 has a large section that was just paved. I used to ride this road often when I worked in Princeton and just rode it again for the first time in a few years. it isn't the most scenic, but damn is it a fun road and the smooth pavement is a push.
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I've always ridden that in the opposite direction
 
clarkenstein said:
on the trail its the sourlands as a whole. i will say bombing the pipeline when conditions are right and there is no one around puts a huge smile on my face. its not the hardest trail there by far, but its got a few loose rocks to keep it interesting and its a straight shot down at high speed. next TM i vote we put in a chairlift. or at least a rope-tow.

on the road it's a toss up between two roads. the first is going down dutchtown-zion to 601. now that its paved its real fast and the flat run out at the bottom pretty much means you don't have to use your brakes unless an animal or car gets in the way. its that or going down spring hill to 518. because the view is awesome and a 90 degree turn makes it much more interesting than just bombing.
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I agree with your trail section - I love bombing the pipeline (look out for giant black snakes crossing!) especially now that it's cut back.

Road there are too many choices, DZ downhill is a good one, I like flying down Lindbergh too - a few turns to make it interesting and the little hump near the end.
 
wschruba said:
Local has got to be Cooper Road outside Huber Wood. Not a nice road surface, short, but there's just something about a dirt road. Like stepping back in time for .5 miles.
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go up and/or down that road several times a week.

considering that road riding is not my favorite thing (love the miles but hate the cars) and since I generally like less-techy trails, pictures like this REALLY make me think that I would be happiest on a gravel/ cross bike going on nice long rides on gravel roads.

maybe I can convince my wife to retire in Nebraska someday....

HillsInNebraska.JPG
 
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Earlier this year I noticed Coppermine Road off Canal Road near Princeton had recently be repaved. Smooth pavement makes that climb so much more fun.

wonderturtle said:
maybe I can convince my wife to retire in Nebraska someday....
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I don't know... I see that road and it brings to mind munching on dust after getting blown nearly off the road by farm trucks doing Mach speed...
 
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