I decided to take my new 1998 Porsche Bike S "bike B" for a long distance test ride today. Purchasing my second Porsche Bike S on eBay for only $600, I thought it would be my secondary or "B" bike for parts and wrenching fun. After rebuilding the front shocks, tuning the shifting and brakes and replacing the seat and tires, I decided this bike needed a good test ride. So back to Sacramento to ride my favorite long-distance paved bike trail along the American River. The temperature was a cool mid to upper 40s. A little cold but that keeps the traffic to a minimum.
Getting the bike up to speed was so much fun. The Continental SportContact tires are so fast. I was blasting by everyone on the path like an 919 LMP1 passing GTE cars. Only two guys passed me, both on fast road bikes and wearing cycling jerseys. One dude was younger, on a speedy road bike and wearing an Audi racing bike outfit. Oh was I mad getting passed by an Audi guy. I road 50 miles and only passed by two guys ... Not too bad for 49 year old legs on a 17 year old mountain bike.
My trusty Adidas GPS provided the mile splits with usual consistency. This "bike B" was clipping miles faster than my primary Porsche Bike S. I was averaging about 18 miles per hour. One mile averaged 20.3 mph ... fastest mile I've ridden to date.
The bike performed flawlessly. The shocks, the gears, everything. I hit the 25 mile turnaround point with no issues. Well, I did then realize my cell phone only had 13% battery left! I snapped these photos before the phone, and my GPS, died. So I only was able to record the first half of the ride, below, and rode back.
Getting back to the car and recharging the phone I found I averaged 16.7 mph to mile 25 - new fastest ride to date. I wish I would have been able to record the entire 50. It might have been a new personal best. I suppose that leaves an opportunity for the next ride.
So, after a fun and successful test ride, I think I should call this bike "B", bike "A"!
