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Old 11-07-2013, 11:55 PM
 
Location: Stasis
15,823 posts, read 12,460,508 times
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Amtrak Sunset Limited at El Paso,TX
Amtrak Sunset Limited at El Paso,TX [3744x856] : TrainPorn
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Old 12-11-2014, 06:50 PM
 
Location: Florida
3,398 posts, read 6,079,830 times
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This is looking up Trans Mountain today. My goal is to ride it before the end of the year. My route will be starting from the west side, over the mountain, down 54 to Montana to Mesa and then back to the west side. I calculate it to be about 30 miles or so.


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Old 12-12-2014, 08:12 AM
 
Location: Sacramento Mtns of NM
4,280 posts, read 9,160,714 times
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I wouldn't advise trying it - but there used to be an annual road race that went over Trans-Mountain and then looped around by way of the 2-lane hiway between Anthony and Chaparral back to the starting point. I wonder if that race is still active - haven't heard about it in years. I know there is a mountain bike race now, but not a road race for road bikes.

I used to ride the Trans-Mountain regularly when it first opened and remember the battle to get bike lanes included in the highway layout at that time.
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Old 12-12-2014, 10:36 AM
 
Location: Florida
3,398 posts, read 6,079,830 times
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You wouldn't advise it because of the traffic? I can see your point. My way to mitigating the risk for that is to head out early and beat the traffic. I was thinking heading out at 6am. By the time I run out of walking/jogging/biking trail along 375, the sun should be coming up and light will be much improved.

I think the toughest part is after I pass the Tom Mays entrance. Seems like it is just a long and painful incline but after I hit the first observation point, it is either level or decline from that point out.

I see a lot of people riding it but they have road bikes. My bike is a hybrid, not exactly built for speed but I'm going to will my way up that hill.
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Old 12-12-2014, 05:21 PM
 
Location: Sacramento Mtns of NM
4,280 posts, read 9,160,714 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Army_Guy View Post
You wouldn't advise it because of the traffic?,,,My bike is a hybrid, not exactly built for speed but I'm going to will my way up that hill.
The road through Anthony Gap is one of the most dangerous in the area and NOT bicycle friendly except when it's under the control of race officials - if that is still a race route.

As for road bikes vs fat tires - the gearing is what matters in both instances. The advantage of hybrids is being able to ride all surfaces and I would choose a fat tire with teflon reinforced tread over a road bike for any sort of paved shoulder (ie; bike lane) riding where punctures are always a huge problem. For cross-country touring or road racing, of course a bike built for those activities beats out the hybrids.

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Old 12-12-2014, 07:55 PM
 
Location: Florida
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Going over Trans Mountain is called the Anthony Gap?

I mostly ride around the west side. Can I use teflon reinforced tread even though I am still running with tubes? I just slime my tires.
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Old 12-14-2014, 08:07 AM
 
Location: Sacramento Mtns of NM
4,280 posts, read 9,160,714 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Army_Guy View Post
Going over Trans Mountain is called the Anthony Gap?

I mostly ride around the west side. Can I use teflon reinforced tread even though I am still running with tubes? I just slime my tires.
Anthony Gap is at the north end of the Franklins. NM-404, also known as Ohara Rd. runs through Anthony Gap. Trans-Mountain runs up Fussleman Canyon on the east side and crosses over to the west side through Smugglers Pass.

You may already have teflon belted tires if you're riding a fat tire hybrid. Otherwise, the teflon belt is not noticeable since it's embedded in the tire "as purchased." You may be thinking of the teflon tape (belt) sold separately for insertion inside a tire casing - and I do not recommend those due to the possibility of pinching the inner tube. Teflon belted tires are sold for all bicycle sizes, as far as I know. I use them on both my road bikes and my AT bikes.

Slime is added to the inside of inner tubes and is just another level of insurance, especially considering the local danger to off-roading imposed by goatheads and mesquite thorns that can penetrate the sidewall even on teflon belted tires since the belt usually only cover the part of the tire that meets the road.

Last edited by joqua; 08-08-2015 at 04:27 PM..
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Old 12-14-2014, 09:08 AM
 
575 posts, read 883,968 times
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kudos to you!
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Old 12-15-2014, 06:55 PM
 
Location: Florida
3,398 posts, read 6,079,830 times
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Going to give Transmountain a shot this weekend. I'll take some pics along the ride and let you guys know how it goes.

I need to get out and do some more photography and update this thread.
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Old 12-17-2014, 08:47 AM
 
Location: Sacramento Mtns of NM
4,280 posts, read 9,160,714 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Army_Guy View Post
Going to give Transmountain a shot this weekend.
If you are able to, you might wish to choose Sunday rather than Saturday - less traffic usually. Hope you have some great weather.
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