Phil Gaimon's "Worst Retirement Ever" - Mt. Diablo

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Phil Gaimon wasn't good enough to be a pro cyclist anymore, and now he sucks at retiring, too. Join him as he travels the country chasing hillclimb records and Strava KOMs, sometimes from dopers. In episode 2, he goes for Mt. Diablo outside of San Francisco, made famous by the Tour of California.
Cannondale, Mavic, Castelli, Chamois Buttr, Velofix, Clif, ISM, Arundel, New Balance, Oakley, and Orucase all helped Phil get to the bottom of the climb. He'll have to get himself to the top.
Strava Segment for Episode 2:
www.strava.com...
Complete Strava Ride for Episode 2: / strava
Follow Phil:
/ philgaimon
/ philgaimon
/ philgaimon
/ strava
You can visit Phil's personal website: philthethrill.net/
Castelli: www.castelli-c...
Mavic: www.mavic.com
Cannondale: www.cannondale.com
Chamios Buttr: www.chamoisbut...
Cliff: www.clifbar.com/
VeloFix: www.velofix.com/
Arundel: www.arundelbike...
New Balance: www.newbalance....
Oakley: www.oakley.com/
Orucase: orucase.com/
Thanks to my friends at Appettite 4 Adventure Media: www.appetite4ad...
/ @appetite4adventurecha...

[@kchapdaily]

"I dont want to waste your time...", -awesome fan. "No, i'm wasting your time" - phil. Phil you are the best

[@chrissmyth8921]

Think the big takeaway from all this is.. still too much handlebar.

[@shonebowman]

I vote bullhorns and suicide shifters.

[@sebastianlogue7219]

true af.

[@GregaJuvancic]

And still too much brakes. Just remove both of them. Who needs brakes for going uphill? :D

[@superhilac]

Too much front brake.

[@ralph1269]

Humble suggestion: talk more about the profile of the segment you are about to tackle and what your strategy will be. Also, update your pace/status at 25%, 50%, and 75% of segment and build some more drama.

[@alanmillar9537]

Oh man - this is fun to watch. Pathos, humor, sarcasm and noble failure. Keep it up.

[@apexchaser]

"I like the idea of taking something silly very seriously. That appeals to my soul" - YES! Words to live by. :-) Go, Phil the Thrill! Keep'em coming. And thanks Cannondale, Castelli, Mavic and your other sponsors. I'll buy your stuff! (actually, correction: already own and will CONTINUE to buy a lot of your stuff) :-)

[@jan-erikbaars7413]

great story! loving it! join the GCN guys and become their Strava expert ;-)

[@globalnomad]

This is the best thing on KZbin! Keep it up Phil!

[@RMaier2249]

loving the series. keep em' coming!

[@jackseph03]

how many people googled 'how many kgs are 13.6 pounds'

[@jayp1359]

jackseph03 yep... and not impressed!!! 6.1kg ain't light!

[@433Joce]

Sure I did ! When I first saw 13.6, I told myself "oh it's a joke ! He probably put his foot on the scale". And then I realized it was not in kg :)

[@hansfagerstrom2690]

jackseph03 i do ! hahahaha

[@Stoo61]

haha yuuuup

[@jackglanville6466]

Nobody cause everyone uses lbs

[@jgrefrath]

Another great episode! Keep them coming! I really enjoyed being part of the entire experience and journey. Thanks for taking these on and Sam is the man! (We already know that Phil is..)

[@Chris-rx5ce]

Phil..This is Great! I've watched cycling for decades. I'm proud to say I watched 3 5 time tour winners live. I'm 44. yes I was a kid watching it. Love to hear your behind the scenes info. great video. I'm subscribing.

[@PaddleAsia]

'Signaling too long in your car is a sign of weakness'... great, now I've got beer all over my monitor. ;-)

[@MattRettmer]

Well done Phil...you tried and now you have even more of a reason and fuel to get the next attempt for the 3rd climb. 420 watts for 40 minutes...DAMN..and your not worth a contact on the pro circuit!! WTF!!

[@Guoenyi]

Matt Rettmer 420W for days is harder. U gotta do it for survival in the world tours. Though I still think Phil should be able to get a pro contract.

[@jamesbertrando8688]

Phil I have watched many of your episodes and I have enjoyed every one. You are a part of why cycling is so tribal and we want to be a part of this type of experience.

[@worstretirementever]

Thank you James! Enjoy the holidays

[@tombarlow9463]

Do Palomar again, then you'll be better. This series is so good, now I've started hunting segments.

[@swolecyclist]

The only reason i log on to youtube these days! Cheers from down undahhh mate :)

[@MetallicaSindre]

You're at a disadvantage when the air is cold. Because the colder the temperature, the denser the air which leads a larger drag coefficiency

[@reinybrown451]

MetallicaSindre The density of the fluid through which someone is riding does not effect the drag coefficient. That is the whole point of having a variable that is only dependent on the shape of the object. However due to the drag equation denser air will cause a proportional increase in drag.

[@koDiacc]

MetallicaSindre there is also something about air pressure and the ability to absorb oxygen.. but not sure

[@wprann]

Phil, thanks for these videos! They are fun to watch and hearing your thinking and reflections on racing and this little adventure are priceless!

[@nicholasmann9655]

Keep going Phil. Solo is beast mode and we all respect your efforts.

[@hookflash699]

"...they might close the gates for me out of spite." Love the dry sense of humour:-D

[@batbawls]

Phil, the facial hair and eyebrows are worth at least 60 watts

[@BlackMesa322]

John Smith does he really need all 5 toes? I'm pretty sure that's a couple of gms per toe.

[@bb0xx]

your retirement is so fun to watch! thanks for making my day better. "SKY wouldn't even sign me" - had me in stitches.

[@MegaMatthewMartin]

If your schedule allows you to be back in Ellicott City, we are doing a Hill Climb TT up Illchester. Shorter than what you are chasing out there, but you are a beast. Come better your time and take the KoM.

[@pablocastanon9641]

The nuanced satire is what makes this series hilarious!!

[@hubey3160]

Hell of a series Phil ,keep fighting the good fight ,looking forward to the new book

[@eloyanzola]

keep pushing phil and enjoy every moment.

[@robertkirkpatrick2395]

Great video, thanks Phil...Enjoyed meeting you at the wedding...Ride on...

[@worstretirementever]

Hey thanks!

[@drdanbryant]

When you come to the fork in the road, take it! Keep 'em coming! Thanks!

[@mari0irvin]

that evil laugh while the handlebar was cut was hilarious. good editing too. subscribed.

[@graemehill9910]

I think that stubble must be worth 5 grams😎😎... keep powering on man

[@oekoonkel]

May I ask, why you never check the exact start and endpoint of the segment before you start racing? But awesome videos... keep it up and good luck at the next one...

[@solidstream13]

Please come back and try again. There is a race up the mountain every year the 1st week of October called the Mt Diablo Challenge

[@sward5106]

Love it. Brilliant channel. All the best!

[@gilbert6578]

This is the first video i've ever watched of you, and you have the funniest personality among the other cycling youtube channels, please make more content

[@prestonbooker5950]

Come do Pine Flat in Sonoma County. This was super fun to watch and good narrative!

[@ZachGrabill]

Can't be blamed for that one! Great effort. Watties that mortals can only dream of.

[@Trayla33]

I'm a "newer" cyclist. Phil - your series is genius. made my day.

[@gattmolson]

Loving this Phil! I think you need a TT helmet, drill more holes, take off both brakes next time, oh and try some of that "legal" EPOBOOST they advertise in magazines.

[@lisasikora8794]

I absolutely love. Best thing on the internet without a doubt.

[@robmalicki]

Epic video. Love this. I'm addicted. Smash it buddy - good luck!!!

[@iaf-gerardodeluzenberger2774]

Extra points for the Calvin and Hobbes strips.

[@scottbb2]

these are the best videos on youtube hands down

[@aznsnstn]

Shout out to Calvin and Hobbes

[@silmarillion3]

Hi Phil - Love the video - PLEASE PLEASE try old La Honda, near to Palo Alto

[@GotYourWallet]

You're my hero and I only bike to the train station.

[@eteokles3]

Hey Phil, I don't know how your sponsorship commitments are at the moment, but you should reach out to Germany. There are so many companies specializing in super light weight carbon parts. AX-Lightness, Lighweight, Tune, THM, etc. They are pretty serious about that silly weight weenie stuff...

[@FinnDodgson]

Love the series, and keep believing Phil!

[@hakonb-p8456]

Loving this series Phil, and that bike is goddamn obnoxcious

[@hakonb-p8456]

and take of those goddamn glasses. You need those watts

[@BoardsDarkglasses]

And cut that hair

[@johnbailey520]

Haakon B-P And a helmet? Goddam I thought you were serious about this!?

[@hakonb-p8456]

Nah man, you gotta be an example for the kids. Helmet stays.But then again, he is riding uphill.

[@segmentkings]

Indeed. What do you need a helmet for if you don't even have a brake?

[@acgoh1]

Excellent video! I enjoyed it very much.

[@tqubed]

Love watching these videos! Go Phil Go!

[@hedleykerr3564]

Where was the cookie segment? Well done Phil I just order your book 10 dollars a day just started reading!

[@eddog6666]

Here is a route. From the duune Ave and Condit road parking you can go up to the Henry Coe Park and the actual climb is 8 miles and gains 2,000 feet in elavation. Someone did the unofficial part of the climb and the climb and back in 1:23:55. So I’m assuming the actual climb which starts at the end of the bridge was done in about 35-45 minutes.

[@toddtucker323]

Keep it up! you'll get one! Love this series.

[@famder2]

cant wait for ep3

[@sjdj3000]

Mt. Diablo is closed to cars right now. Perfect time to ride and it’s open all the way to the summit.

[@MatthewWalker_93_]

God,..I miss Diablo!!! And Palomar! Never been up to Diablo in winter. painful enough in the spring and summer.....especially that damn summit kicker!

[@ElonMuckX]

Matthew Walker THE WALL!!!

[@MatthewWalker_93_]

totally. 50 meters of dread. but a bag of kettle chips awaits at the end.

[@wackery_zeimer]

Can't wait for the next one!

I loled at the evil laugh when the mechanic was cutting the handlebars xD And even more when they put it on the scale and realized it was only 5 grams !

[@statebicycle]

Love this Phil! Keep doing it.

[@Alessiucciocaro]

Phil, loved your book and following you since! To me, you're winner no matter what strava says! Score: +infinite and 0!

[@tschwiesow]

420 watts for 40 minutes. All I have to say.

[@greg_loper]

Pulling for you. I'd volunteer to lead you out but then it would truly be the worst retirement ever. Keep going!

[@JohnMFlores]

2:43 is cinematic gold.

[@EmilyFowler]

Greatest videos on KZbin. Amazing.

[@philosopherprince1]

Keep it up. Worthy.

[@evan-kylelardinois2729]

Dis-advantage he has to adhere to line rule as to when the pro's raced the climb they had the whole road.

[@nathanong87]

that ISM saddle is probably 200g (half pound) heavier than a fizik with carbon rails.

[@2WheelsGood.01]

Phil you need to go 1x on that bike and go with an EC90SL crankset.

[@michaelhorner4011]

Hair inside a helmet must equate to some drag.....would be a great wind tunnel test :) I say go baby face / full shaved head = 3 seconds saved ! I love the youtube channel .....the sarcasm level is a full 10/10.

[@braddemarco8040]

These are great videos

[@dkharris111]

I hate to say it but cutting handlebars isnt a new thing. But his humor about it is what makes it funny.

[@JohnRadford-iy7db]

Time checks along the route would help you know where your at on the time trail.

[@TurneyUK]

that saddle looks like it has standard metal rails. Get a nice full carbon one if you want to shave off some more weight. 13.62 lbs, about 6.1kg is not really that light. a Supersix Hi-mod Evo black inc is 5.8kg and there are lighter bikes on the market now. Certainly more room for weight savings with your equipment, but the pros have a 6.8kg weight limit on their bikes so it is like compairing apples and oranges. you could have a super light hill climb specific bike 4.5kg but it would that be a fair comparison?

[@jayp1359]

TurneyUK agreed. disappointing

[@georgec2894]

I'm one of those super-obnoxious SSE black inc owners! I also spend most of my en of season period chasing KOMs!

[@jonathanlowe9431]

This is good, never liked that comedian from the 'Office' but this is in the same vein. Love it 😀

[@gebhardt2]

Bravo Phil. I love Diablo and maybe you'll have another chance.

[@markcavandish1295]

Maniacal Laugh is Top Shelf

[@Edan503]

You had me at "framed Calvin + Hobbes comics".

[@rerewine11]

Phil... I believe I saw you on the Thursday Worlds ride around Fiesta at the end of August! I thought it was you.... You were subtle hilarious... me** this porta pottie or should we pull to the next porta pottie?

[@Naturalhighz]

Definitely right about the draft. I think at around 20 mph being aerodynamic really makes a difference and with the handlebars cut its limited how low you can get. What I find odd is the weight of your bike. It seems very heavy when thinking about the savings you are trying to make. My bike is roughly 7-7.2kg in a size 58 and I'm not even trying to make it lighter and my old bike shop has an owner who made a bike that weighed in at 3,7kg about 10 years ago and that was a complete bike with a full set of handlebars and both brakes. Really think it is awesome that you are doing this though, I wish I had continued to ride when I stopped after my Junior years. now I would need to drop 40kg just to be able to feel like I am going somewhere.

[@xyz936]

Naturalhighz s

[@trolletariat9524]

I'd love to hear more about the record you are trying to beat before you start, if I'd have known you were going against team sky on this one it would have been a lot more suspenseful, and basically mental that you were trying this on conditions that looked more suited to a cyclocross haha

[@emubomber]

so many good climbs have roads closed in northern California right now..

[@koDiacc]

The piano theme music is epic!

[@Dangarangg]

Have you already done Mount Umunhum? If not, I’d love to see an episode!

[@MrJonnyb120]

another great episode!

[@BlueL1n3]

take off the handlebar to the bottom of the hoods Phil! I feel we should chant "Cut more off! Cut more off!"

[@Phaidrus]

Mavic Zxellium Ultimate (in fact rebranded Time Xpresso 15) pedals weigh 135g, quite lighter than the LOOK pedals on this S6E.

[@Brian-pk1ol]

That's it! Pull the front break too...

[@saferider1094]

wrong time of the year for that run. The cool air is denser and will create more drag. You will be faster in the summer

[@howlingfjord106]

Loved the joke about Craddock and Dennis NOT being dopers. :p

[@freddy1262]

Awesome video 😁😁

[@willeigo8468]

Phil you totally inspire us. No reconnaissance on this attempt ?

[@bbikerlawrence]

awesome, love this!

[@SpendMaverick]

I laughed. I cried. I left. Good luck on episode 3!

[@Nigelv]

love it! great videos

[@samsanders3150]

keep on!

[@rossage5]

I like how every episode you get more sponsors...maybe Sky will sponsor you by episode 10

[@jeffteng2343]

Haha, Phil, you have nothing to blame if you were slow. Love your video

[@CorinneTheMountainGoatBlack]

Snow in LA??? Wow!

[@roboisgod]

You rule Phil!

[@bitsurfer0101]

You know you're at the end when you see the 14% pitch.