Greenwood, Mark TQO

I thought I'd update the group on the condition of West Union Rd between

Helvetia and Glencoe/Shadybrook. I tried riding it today, figuring that

enough time had passed that the loose gravel might be out of the way and the

surface would have set up. I won't say I'm ecstatic, given that it used to

be such a smooth surface, but it was better than I expected it to be this

soon after the rework. I would say the surface is comparable to the present

condition of Helvetia Rd from 26 to the tavern, which we ride at least a

couple of times a week.



I didn't have my computer on the bike as I'm trying to break my usual habit

of obsessively focusing on "the numbers" during training, so I can't tell

you my difference in average speed compensated for wind, or the relative

increase in coefficient of rolling resistance (maybe Ernie can take his

Bianchi "command center" out there and update us with all the stats) but

qualitatively, it's a passable riding surface. And I didn't get any

punctures.



Words of caution: There is still lots of loose gravel on the shoulder

although the road surface is pretty well clear, and putting down the new

surface has raised a nice little "lip" at the edge of the pavement (don't

slip off!) which is hard to see because of the loose gravel and the lack of

painted lines on the new road. If you're heading east, the conditions on

the south edge of the road are a little worse (gravel-wise) than if you're

westbound. Take it easy at the intersections as there is still gravel on

the turns.



At any rate, if you've been hesitating, don't cross it off your list until

you go out and try it for yourself. Yeah, smooth-as-glass is better, but

it's certainly ridable. Think of it as pave' for wimpy Americans.



Mark Greenwood