Reply #17: It unnerves me as well

[prolesunited]

Imagine it going downhill. I didn't walk UP any hills, even though I crested a couple at a snail's pace. However, I did walk down the steepest gravel one after witnessing a wipe out and hearing word of others.

On the first day, I went by a severe accident at the bottom of a steep decline. There was an ambulance and people around pleading with the guy to hang on. I found out later that he died at the hospital. Apparently he was racing downhill and got his tire wedged in a crack and flew over his handlebars. He was wearing a helmet, but he had slammed into the ground very hard.

I was very cautious as a result. I did cruise down several hills at 30 mph when the pavement was good and there weren't many people around me.

Didn't have any saddle issues. I have a really nice Terry butterfly gel seat and used a thick coating of chamois butter every morning.

The only thing I had issues with was shoulder pain. I know I was gripping my handlebars a little too tightly at times, but between some of the descents and the two mornings of rain, it really did a number on me.