Who says that you can climb San Carlos Gate 2 only using 24 (granny gears)?

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
December 14, 2016

Whenever I climb SCH and climb Gate 2 (the one that  leads to the Sacred Heart church) the steepest part of the climb to SCH, they say you can only climb that using the triplet or the granny gear.  And sure enough the last times I ascended that hill, I used 24 x 28 or 32.

This morning though I used 32 x 36 and it was more than enough.  How did I know I can do this?

Last week I tried the diversion the Morong side using 42 x 36.  I was able to do this comfortably.  Early this week, I tried the foot of the SCH II using 42 x 32.  I was able to negotiate the same well.
So if I shift to 32, I concluded I could do this.  Morever, I can do 5 to 10 minutes standing on the trainer using 39 x 17 on medium heavy setting.  That is strength and endurance.

Riding up Gate 2 of San Carlos on a MTB with relative ease

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
August 27, 2016

Biking up San Carlos even from Gate 1, Tolentino.   You have to be in your lowest gear.  Most of those who I see riding up use their granny gears : 24 x 32 to 36.   (I try to ride 32 x 28 or 32)  As a matter of fact single motor bike offer a towing service who are less inclined to suffer.

It is even more so riding up from Gate 2. From Ynares st, it is a hard steep ride.  Not many attempt riding up this path.  I have seen only 2:   MTB from Taytay and Smith.   They all use granny gear.

First time I rode this path, I had to stop and walk.  I had difficulty in breathing and pedalling.   I am able to ride this up with relative ease.  This morning in our PE I rode this route again.   Less hard breathing compared before.  Mabuhay

Climbing Eastridge with 32 x 32 up to 36t cogs

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
July 2 2016

Today our office PE was at Eastridge.  The ladies walked and I biked.   Before, I could not climb even up to Unamonte.  I feared that the bike would willy or that I did not have enough gear and stamina to make it at least to the gate of Unamonte.

Well today I did.  I stopped inside the Unamonte subdivision, and then rode again just before the gate.  After the gate I rode up to the main gate using 32 x 36.  I did not have to shift down to the granny. (All other riders were using granny gears  24 x 32 or 34)  The 32  36t was more than enough.

At the top I met 3 Taytay MTB.riders.  They left behind somebody who had 1 x 10.   32 front and 32 biggest at the back.  I suggested that he go back to the triplet or have 42 t at the back if he wants still to retain the 1 x 10 set.  up.  That is why I avoided the 29;  not very efficient in climbing

I am happy with this ride.  This has proven that at 65 I am still strong, and I had levelled up my MTB skills and strength

We met MTB riders at Eastridge in our company PE

Real Cyclists

Eastridge, Angono, Rizal   May 5, 2013

                                      Alan almost at the top

We met several MTB riders from Pasig on the way up to Eastridge yesterday, May 4, 2013.  It is part of our corporate practice on Saturday to stay healthy and strong.   The group whom we saw climbed the hill 2x. 

They were all on granny gear:    24  x34 and doing crossstich.  I have not climbed Eastridge yet on roadbike.  A was not even able to approach Unamonte.

                                     Near the checkpoint, one left turn and long climb remaining

                                         The MTB behind the ladies