I just completed 428 mile/6 day ride on the Natchez Trace on my Cruzbike S40. It was a “credit card cruise”, staying in hotels rather than camping. This put me over 1000 miles on my bike and greatly added to my confidence on the bike. My biggest surprise was that the Ventisit cushion was so much more comfortable than the more padded stock cushion. It will come as no surprise to experienced Cruzers but at the end of each 70 or so mile day, nothing was sore. I was tired for sure but no neck pain, wrist pain, etc. Thanks to everyone at Cruzbike and on this forum for all of the info and tips!
Natchez to Nashville on the Natchez Trace
- Thread starter Doccus
- Start date
Greg S
Guru
Well done! I did the Natchez Trace 1500k a number of years ago on a DF and "if I knew then what I know now...".
The Trace is right in the Cruzbike's wheelhouse, especially the Southern part where it's flatter. There are some challenging climbs as you get closer to Nashville.
Which direction did you do it in?
The Trace is right in the Cruzbike's wheelhouse, especially the Southern part where it's flatter. There are some challenging climbs as you get closer to Nashville.
Which direction did you do it in?
I went from Natchez. Mileage is about 20 miles short due to a detour that I did not ride. I had done it from Nashville a couple of years ago on DF.. This time, one hill on the way to a look-out forced me to walk up the last 1/4 mile. On the other hand the almost 40mph downhills restored my soul! Ha.
I have read your old posts about tires. I want your thoughts……I am on the stock Maxxis Refuse tires. I have a pair of Continental GP 5000’s 32 mm. How much difference in speed do you think I would notice? Risk of flats? (To the credit of the stock tires and tubes, I checked pressure each morning and never added air. Also (I have been saving up to pick your brain) do you see any problem with cutting off about 1 1/2“ off each end of the handlebars? I never use the last two inches.
I don’t expect noticeable improvement but just looks stuck out there.
Thanks.
