I did the Forest Hill loop today on my new-to-me Spot single speed, which was probably the most difficult mountain bike ride I have ever done with one gear. I owned the Surly 1x1 for a while of course, and rode it a lot, but I only used it around the Lake Natoma and Folsom Lake areas for the most part, which is fairly flat. I also rode it up in Sly Park, which definitely has some extended climbs, but they are long and gradual and non-technical. Riding a single speed up in Auburn definitely took it up a notch.
I'd like to say that I'm so freaking strong that it was easy on the single speed, but that would be a lie. A couple times my heart rate went into places it hasn't visited in some time, even when racing.
Most of the loop is very rideable, but a few of the hills really hurt. I can say that I did not walk anything, so I felt that was a small victory. There is some definite elevation gain.
I finished with 26 miles hard-fought miles. My legs felt OK but my arms were shot. Sawing away on steep, standing climbs and holding on during rough downhills with only a rigid fork takes a toll on your arms.
I was still smiling at the end, and that's what matters.
Later.
