What Are The Odds?
Since 2001, I've ridden on the uber famous Mavic Ksyrium wheels. The wheels are incredibly light but are considered "bomb proof" even more my considerable heft. Looking back at my cycling logs, I estimate that two wheelsets (about $800 a pop) have given me a little over 8,000 miles. Ksyrium's have their fans but they also have their critics since Mavic opted for a proprietary machine mounted, bladed spoke that builds wheels at incredible pressures and tolerances. It basically means that if you break a spoke while out on a ride, you are seriously screwed. The wheel would be so out of true that you wouldn't be able to rotate it even a few degrees.
I've broken two spokes on two different wheels in less than 70 miles. Thank god that both spokes broke at relatively slow speeds but it is still incredibly frustrating. I had just completed one of my best ascents ever of NE Ames Lake Rd. when this one bit the dust. When this happens, I have no choice but to call Amy or someone else to come and get me. I am now fresh out of "Amy Please Come Pick Me Up" calls.
NE Ames Lake Rd. profile and stats (click image for a full size version)
Preston Fall City Climb Statistics:
Total distance: 1.30 miles
Climb distance: 1.20 miles
Elevation Gain: 289.94 feet
Average gradient: 4.99% (max 13%)
Personal Best: 7:01 (11.14 mph)
