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@ StellarStoic
2023-06-04 10:41:15Yesterday, I participated in an exhilarating bike competition called Red Bull Goni Pony. This event has been a yearly tradition for me since its inception in 2015. Sponsored by Red Bull, it features a unique twist by allowing only 20" wheel bikes with no gears.
We tackled a challenging 13.5 km mountain road towards Vršič pass, conquering an ascent of 801m, with an average slope angle of 7.25% and a maximum slope angle of 10.8%. This was no ordinary ride in the park, but fortunately, we had a generous time limit of 2 hours to reach the summit.
The record set by the fastest rider in 2020 is truly mind-boggling, completing the race in under 40 minutes! However, it's important to note that walking alongside the bike is permitted for us normies, as the steep slopes combined with the crowded road make it nearly impossible to conquer with these specific bikes. The solution to tackle steep slopes with these bikes is to employ a zig-zag technique, which theoretically helps in navigating the challenging terrain. However, in practice, it often becomes tricky to execute the zig-zag maneuver smoothly due to the presence of other competitors who unintentionally obstruct your intended path, preventing you from completing the desired zag.
The name "Goni Pony" refers to riding a Pony, but not the small horse you might imagine. "Pony" is actually the name of a folding bike model from the former Yugoslavia, manufactured by the ROG company (recently resurrected from the dead and now producing new modern models of these bikes). To learn more about this bike and its rich history, you can check out this short [Blog post] (https://mbreznik.home.blog/2019/05/10/the-79-pony-in-ocean-blue-and-how-it-became-hipster/).
There are many variants of these bike models, and if I'm not mistaken, the first company to produce these 20-inch folding bikes is an Italian company called Graziella, where my bike was also manufactured. My Graziella bike weighs 21kg, made of steel, and is between 50-60 years old, yet it still holds strong and is ready for many more challenging climbs to conquer.
In the old days, bikes were built to last for generations. Craftsmanship and durability were the top priorities, ensuring that bikes could withstand the test of time. Unlike modern mass-produced bikes, which often prioritize lightweight materials and short lifespans thanks to [Planned obsolescence] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planned_obsolescence), older bikes were made with sturdy frames, robust components, and timeless design. Many vintage bikes from the past are still in use today, serving as a testament to their longevity and quality. These bikes were not just means of transportation; they were cherished possessions that could be passed down through families, carrying the memories and stories of previous generations.
PS: I warmly welcome you to join the next year's Red Bull Goni Pony event in [Kranjska gora] (https://www.openstreetmap.org/changeset/72868241#map=13/46.4531/13.7642)
