Southern California - sep 24th - grand tour lite

I don't have an official profile or anything but I can't think of any climb greater than 6%. There are two steep descents, but all gradual ascents.


and NO freaking CALI hill! YAY!

and NO freaking CALI hill! YAY!

Cali, with your hill climbing ability, you should do it in reverse!!!

nah..... my hamstrings hurt today!

nah..... my hamstrings hurt today!

Sandbagger!!

all three... see post #1

Ok, well, I guess if I'm driving up I'll do the double metric.

Sandbagger!!

today? yeppers! i've used about a bizzilion excuses.... i just didn't want to ride today!

anyone doing this?
I just realized I didn't even respond to this. I am riding the double with a group of friends (and very strong climbers). Just look for a female rider on a powder blue Trek (yes, girlie color) desperately trying to keep up with a group climbing Latigo. I'll also be swearing like a sailor and spitting.... I'm so appealing and sexy when I ride. :p
Hopefully, I will run into some of you there to meet you formally.

Ok, looking at the CB (cheap bastard) registration. What group are we? I'll do the double.

I just realized I didn't even respond to this. I am riding the double with a group of friends (and very strong climbers). Just look for a female rider on a powder blue Trek (yes, girlie color) desperately trying to keep up with a group climbing Latigo. I'll also be swearing like a sailor and spitting.... I'm so appealing and sexy when I ride. :p
Hopefully, I will run into some of you there to meet you formally.

What time are you all taking off? I'm sure somewhere along the route we'll meet up....:)

What time are you all taking off? I'm sure somewhere along the route we'll meet up....:)

I'm not sure to be honest, but I'm thinking earlier rather than later - most likely 6:30 or 7:00 a.m. Maybe even 6:00...like I said in another post, I'm a "peppy" morning person! :D

According to the website, it looks like the ride starts @ 7:30AM,


Sunday, September 24, 7:30 a.m. GRAND TOUR LITE.(Metric double century 125 miles, century 100 miles, metric century 68 miles)



Did you miss the Grand Tour? Or did you ride it and now want to relive some of those moments? Well, here’s a chance to capture some of the Grand Tour flavor in a reduced mileage format.



The Highland Double Metric Century 125-mile route is the same Century Challenge / Double Metric Century route offered in the Grand Tour. It climbs Latigo Cyn., then descends Potrero. A loop to Moorpark (lunch) and Port Hueneme (more food) before returning down the coast completes the day.



The Lowland Century 100-mile route simply travels up the coast to Ventura, making food stops in Port Hueneme going and coming, and returns on Pacific Coast Highway.



The Metric Century 68-mile route stays on the coast on P.C.H., going as far as Port Hueneme for lunch before returning.



All routes start at 7:30 a.m. and are supported with rest stops, sag support and a full lunch.



START: MALIBU CIVIC CENTER. Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu, turn inland on Webb Way (just south of Pepperdine hill), R - Civic Center Drive. Park on street (lot is used for farmer's market) and look for bicycles and check-in/registration table. Please arrive early so as to be prepared to start at 7:30 a.m. IF you are registering on the day of the ride, please come at least 30 minutes early (and call or e-mail in advance so that we know how many to expect for lunch!).



FEES: $25 per rider



DISCOUNTS: $5 for Los Angeles Wheelmen members;

$5 per rider for groups of 5 registering together (To qualify for discount, mail all 5 registrations together or, if registering on line, select group discount option and e-mail m.j.grove@att.net with list of riders to validate group.



LATE FEE: $5 after September 17th. Do not mail registrations after Sept. 17th -- bring them with you to the start. Please also call or e-mail in advance so that we know how many to expect for lunch!


What time do we want to start???????????????????

I plan to shadow caligurl for the whole ride and learn from her extensive century/double metric experience. I assume she's starting right at 7:30. In which case I'm starting right at 7:30.

7:30 it is!

Route sheets? We don't need no steenkin route sheets. Actually, a profile of this thing would be cool, don't want to show up with the wrong bike. :) Oh, we doing the century, or metric double?

Actually, I am interested in the route sheet so that in the event that I decide to just ride a portion to meet up with folks, I'll know where to go! If everyone really starts at 7:30, I'd have to figure on being at PCH by 8ish.

Sheldon

According to the website, it looks like the ride starts @ 7:30AM,




Yeah...okay...like I said, I'm starting around 7:30. ;)

so are we registering at the group rate? i need to do this before the price goes up!

I registered solo since I wasn't sure what was going on and didn't want to be too close to the deadline when I registered.

I have yet to register but if we have a group we can do this by Monday and save $5 per person.

1-me
2-hubby
3-markw
4-fixer
5-jonnelrc

I've already registered under the group rate...ahead of time...I already assumed I was part of it though I've never seen anyone of you...will you include me in the list, caligurl?

I just noticed my name on post #1. I can't plan for a century until I find a better saddle.

I put my registration in the mail earlier today, I didn't see anyone else doing the group thing, and I didn't want to register late.

Actually, I am interested in the route sheet so that in the event that I decide to just ride a portion to meet up with folks, I'll know where to go! If everyone really starts at 7:30, I'd have to figure on being at PCH by 8ish.

Sheldon

(from my very faulty memory)

The ride goes from Malibu Civic Center, PCH to Latigo
north on Latigo
north on Kanan,
west on Mullholland
north on Westlake
west on Portero
north on Lewis
east on Pleasant Valley, continue as it turns north and turns into Santa Rosa
north on Moorpark rd
west on Tierra Rejada Continue as it turns north through 118
east on Poindexter
lunch rest stop off Poindexter
continue east on Poindexter
north on Walnut Canyon (Route 23)
west on Broadway (still Route 23)
continue west on Broadway as Route 23 turns north, do not turn right as route 23 turns right. Use the left turn lane to continue on Broadway.
continue west as street name changes to Stockton
south on Balcom
west on Route 118
south on Route 34
I kinda forget how it gets from here to Pleasant Valley, the easiest way would be Lewis to Pleasant Valley but I think it makes some turns.
west on Pleasant Valley
I am going to give up here, there are a few good ways to get to the community center on Park Ave near Ventura Ave.
After leaving the rest stop, northeast on Park Ave
south on J street
east on Hueneme
south on Naval Air (the street sign says Navalair)
Naval Air ends at Las Posas, take PCH south here back to Malibu

Be cautious leaving early. I did this ride a few years ago and left right at 7:30 and the lunch stop at Moorpark was not setup yet. No one was even there!!

And, Sheldon, the ride is only on PCH for a few minutes at the beginning. 8:00 may be too late to see anyone who left at 7:30.

Your closest place to meet people would be Portero and Westlake rest stop. I would guess about 9:00

(from my very faulty memory)

And, Sheldon, the ride is only on PCH for a few minutes at the beginning. 8:00 may be too late to see anyone who left at 7:30.

Your closest place to meet people would be Portero and Westlake rest stop. I would guess about 9:00

Got it. I could climb Rock Store and meet up with the group at Kanan and Mulholland. Then go through HV, cutting off in Newbury Park and then back to home. Of if time allows, could go all the way to Tierra and then backtrack via Madera although that would consume more time that I'd probably have.

Thanks,

Sheldon

[QUOTE=thomsonYour closest place to meet people would be Portero and Westlake rest stop. I would guess about 9:00[/QUOTE]

Out of curiousity, do you remember if we are to climb Portero or are we going down it on this ride? I just want to be "mentally" prepared if I have to climb it!

I just noticed my name on post #1. I can't plan for a century until I find a better saddle.


... then you'd better get huntin' gurl!!! ;)

Out of curiousity, do you remember if we are to climb Portero or are we going down it on this ride? I just want to be "mentally" prepared if I have to climb it!


Oh my goodness... I'd rather go UP Portero than down it any time!!! That hill scares the bejeebers out of me! :eek: Of course, my only experience w/it was at this year's Cruisin' the Conejo having just gotten back on the bike after 8 years off and also having fallen going down a hill on my roller blades in January and breaking my arm :eek: . It certainly did NOT help that it was SO foggy that water was dripping off of our helmets, glasses etc. and that the road was wet and slick! UGH!!!

t~

Oh my goodness... I'd rather go UP Portero than down it any time!!! That hill scares the bejeebers out of me! :eek: Of course, my only experience w/it was at this year's Cruisin' the Conejo having just gotten back on the bike after 8 years off and also having fallen going down a hill on my roller blades in January and breaking my arm :eek: . It certainly did NOT help that it was SO foggy that water was dripping off of our helmets, glasses etc. and that the road was wet and slick! UGH!!!

t~

Okay, fine, :rolleyes: it WAS slick and dangerous at this year's Cruisin' the Canejo, I agree - I almost slid out myself going down it at 20 mph (and I'm really not kidding - this was before I spent money I don't have putting Continental 4000 tires on my bike). However, I really never want to climb that puppy. I did go up Balcolm Cyn (yes, I did, don't anyone question me), with the Oilers earlier this year. I had to unclip at one point, of course, because even in my triple -granny, I couldn't turn the pedals! :eek: But I got right back on and eeked up the damn thing. I really don't want a repeat during the GT Lite next Sunday! (I've heard Potrero is worse than Balcolm - anyone want to weigh in on that?)

Okay, fine, :rolleyes: it WAS slick and dangerous at this year's Cruisin' the Canejo, I agree - I almost slid out myself going down it at 20 mph (and I'm really not kidding - this was before I spent money I don't have putting Continental 4000 tires on my bike). However, I really never want to climb that puppy. I did go up Balcolm Cyn (yes, I did, don't anyone question me), with the Oilers earlier this year. I had to unclip at one point, of course, because even in my triple -granny, I couldn't turn the pedals! :eek: But I got right back on and eeked up the damn thing. I really don't want a repeat during the GT Lite next Sunday! (I've heard Potrero is worse than Balcolm - anyone want to weigh in on that?)


You were going 20???? You are a brave woman! I think I went down the whole thing at like.... maybe 6-8 mph... totally terrified! Maybe it'll be better next year... crossin' my fingers anyway! :rolleyes:

t~

You were going 20???? You are a brave woman! I think I went down the whole thing at like.... maybe 6-8 mph... totally terrified! Maybe it'll be better next year... crossin' my fingers anyway! :rolleyes:

t~
#1 I was "chasing" 8 incredibly strong male riders (the nicest guys those Colavita Oilers, but my gosh can they hammer!)
#2 I'm foolish and didn't know any better (I've only been riding 3 years - there is lots for this girl to learn and hopefully without being injured in the process!) - this would be how I almost slid out! My speed reduced to about 5 mph after that. :D

#1 I was "chasing" 8 incredibly strong male riders (the nicest guys those Colavita Oilers, but my gosh can they hammer!)
#2 I'm foolish and didn't know any better (I've only been riding 3 years - there is lots for this girl to learn and hopefully without being injured in the process!) - this would be how I almost slid out! My speed reduced to about 5 mph after that. :D


I had put my foot down when I stopped in a driveway just prior to going down the hill and it completely slid (totally flat area) so I knew I couldn't put my foot down on the hill so I'm sure that added quite a bit to the fear factor! Plus at that point I was still really really scared of downhills due to the rollerblade incident! I'm not that much better now but at least more so than in May ;)

I'm hopin' next year will be a little dryer!!! :p

t~

II'm hopin' next year will be a little dryer!!! :p

t~
Well, normally there is overcast on that ride, but not that wet thing going on - so hopefully better. But in the meantime, we've got that "little" hill facing us on the 24th. And I'm hoping to be going DOWN it! :o

Well, normally there is overcast on that ride, but not that wet thing going on - so hopefully better. But in the meantime, we've got that "little" hill facing us on the 24th. And I'm hoping to be going DOWN it! :o


Okay, well since I don't have to ride it.... I'll send 'downhill' vibes your way! :p

Okay, fine, :rolleyes: it WAS slick and dangerous at this year's Cruisin' the Canejo, I agree - I almost slid out myself going down it at 20 mph (and I'm really not kidding - this was before I spent money I don't have putting Continental 4000 tires on my bike). However, I really never want to climb that puppy. I did go up Balcolm Cyn (yes, I did, don't anyone question me), with the Oilers earlier this year. I had to unclip at one point, of course, because even in my triple -granny, I couldn't turn the pedals! :eek: But I got right back on and eeked up the damn thing. I really don't want a repeat during the GT Lite next Sunday! (I've heard Potrero is worse than Balcolm - anyone want to weigh in on that?)

I assume you were going north on Balcom? That is harder than Portero. It is steeper and longer. Portero is really not that bad.

And, the GT Lite goes down Portero. No steep climbs on this ride.

I assume you were going north on Balcom? That is harder than Portero. It is steeper and longer. Portero is really not that bad.

And, the GT Lite goes down Portero. No steep climbs on this ride.

Thanks, Thomson! You made my whole evening. I was getting all nervous...:o To answer your question, I was going UP on Balcolm...really UP...like look up to your ceiling UP. Is that north? :D

Thanks, Thomson! You made my whole evening. I was getting all nervous...:o To answer your question, I was going UP on Balcolm...really UP...like look up to your ceiling UP. Is that north? :D

What is really funny is I was thinking south but typing 'north'. You were going south, for sure. North has a steep part at the end, but it is short.

Anyway, I live close to Balcom and it is part of my regular riding. I use that as a benchmark on other hills. Like I said, if you can do Balcom, you can do Portero (but it will have to be a different day than the Grand Tour Lite).

For an additional challenge, interested in giving Fargo a try? It makes Balcom look flat!!!

...Fargo a try? It makes Balcom look flat!!!

Funny, funny...I have a friend who does that by the way. His name is Francis and he's one of those triple/quadruple century guys who climbs every hill possible. He rode on the 2 Tujunga ride today, and smoked me (of course, I told him to go ahead, otherwise he would have waited since he's a nice guy). Anyway, NO, NO, and, oh yeah, NO, I do NOT want to try Fargo! :eek: But I would like to go watch with popcorn and a six-pack just for entertainment. I would have gone this year but it was the day after my first double and I slept in. :D

Funny, funny...I have a friend who does that by the way. His name is Francis and he's one of those triple/quadruple century guys who climbs every hill possible. He rode on the 2 Tujunga ride today, and smoked me (of course, I told him to go ahead, otherwise he would have waited since he's a nice guy). Anyway, NO, NO, and, oh yeah, NO, I do NOT want to try Fargo! :eek: But I would like to go watch with popcorn and a six-pack just for entertainment. I would have gone this year but it was the day after my first double and I slept in. :D

I was going to go there this year as well but, like you, I did the Solvang Double. I will probably go there next year though. I have ridden it, just not with all the pomp of the LA Wheelmen. Sounds like it would be fun.

I was going to go there this year as well but, like you, I did the Solvang Double. I will probably go there next year though. I have ridden it, just not with all the pomp of the LA Wheelmen. Sounds like it would be fun.

Oh...wait a minute. I didn't do the Solvang Double, I backed out (I did do the Wheelman GT in June). Hmmm...I wonder what kept me from going just to watch. Anyway, back to...YOU'VE RIDDEN THAT JUST FOR FUN???? Okay, you must be climber guy if you're doing Balcolm and Fargo. Ever ridden with the Colavita guys in Simi? Great, great group who are really strong riders. Another woman and I are the only women who ride with them on solo bikes (a couple of others are on tandem) and I have never ridden as hard as I have trying to keep up with those guys! They waited at the top for me to summit Balcolm, but they had to be up there placing bets...if you know what I mean. ;)

Oh...wait a minute. I didn't do the Solvang Double, I backed out (I did do the Wheelman GT in June). Hmmm...I wonder what kept me from going just to watch. Anyway, back to...YOU'VE RIDDEN THAT JUST FOR FUN???? Okay, you must be climber guy if you're doing Balcolm and Fargo. Ever ridden with the Colavita guys in Simi? Great, great group who are really strong riders. Another woman and I are the only women who ride with them on solo bikes (a couple of others are on tandem) and I have never ridden as hard as I have trying to keep up with those guys! They waited at the top for me to summit Balcolm, but they had to be up there placing bets...if you know what I mean. ;)

I have not ridden with your friends. I like hills but I am am not all that fast. They sound fast!!
But it is a good place to live if you like hills. They are all over!!!

I have not ridden with your friends. I like hills but I am am not all that fast. They sound fast!!
But it is a good place to live if you like hills. They are all over!!!

I concur...IF you like hills. ;) Seriously, Ventura County is my favorite place to ride. And as far as fast goes, I'm the slowest climber (well, not the slowest, but I felt like it today!). It's so frustrating too, because I just don't know how to get faster (other than drop 20 pounds or spend $5K on a bike - and neither seems to be happening).

I concur...IF you like hills. ;) Seriously, Ventura County is my favorite place to ride. And as far as fast goes, I'm the slowest climber (well, not the slowest, but I felt like it today!). It's so frustrating too, because I just don't know how to get faster (other than drop 20 pounds or spend $5K on a bike - and neither seems to be happening).

When I first started cycling (coming off a 4-pack a day cigarette hobby) I used to have to stop 4 times going up Santa Susana Pass. Yes 4 times!! I kept doing it and pretty soon it was just 3 times.....etc. These days I can almost sprint the thing.

Right now, I am about middle of the pack, hill-wise. I keep doing them to try and improve. It is kind of the "improve the weakest part" kind of thinking.

So, my suggestion, to get good at hills, do hills. The $5,000 bike won't help all that much.

So, my suggestion, to get good at hills, do hills. The $5,000 bike won't help all that much.

Yes, fair enough, but I DO do hills (I mean 8K ft of climbing today!). I noticed, by the way, that you were sweet (smart) enough not to make reference to the "lose weight" suggestion which we all know is a good one ("want to lighten your bike? lighten your butt"). Smart man, very smart man... ;)

Yes, fair enough, but I DO do hills (I mean 8K ft of climbing today!). I noticed, by the way, that you were sweet (smart) enough not to make reference to the "lose weight" suggestion which we all know is a good one ("want to lighten your bike? lighten your butt"). Smart man, very smart man... ;)

Oh, I forgot that part. <grin>

signing off..,

Oh, I forgot that part. <grin>

signing off..,

uh, huh...:mad:

Have a good night. I'm out of here too. I've gotten addicted and need to curb my usage. ;)

http://www.routeslip.com/map.php?map=8190

I just noticed my name on post #1. I can't plan for a century until I find a better saddle.

Here's what I'm riding, very comfortable. Almost fall asleep on it. Pretty easy to do 25+ too.
http://www.bacchettabikes.com/recumbents/accessories/euromesh.htm

1-me
2-hubby
3-markw
4-fixer
5-jonnelrc


just to repeat in case you missed it: if you signed up or are signing up under the group rate... PM me so i can send you name as one of the 5 or more!

http://www.routeslip.com/map.php?map=8190

Nice job Mark, that approximates it closely enough.

Oh my goodness... I'd rather go UP Portero than down it any time!!! That hill scares the bejeebers out of me! :eek: Of course, my only experience w/it was at this year's Cruisin' the Conejo having just gotten back on the bike after 8 years off and also having fallen going down a hill on my roller blades in January and breaking my arm :eek: . It certainly did NOT help that it was SO foggy that water was dripping off of our helmets, glasses etc. and that the road was wet and slick! UGH!!!

t~

Yep, conditions sucked during the first half of that ride. As the route passes within a few blocks of my house after about 15 miles, I came pretty close to just going home and back to bed. I've gone down Portrero several times but it's really only the top portion that is bad. After the first 3/4 mile, it's just one long run out to the bottom. Unfortunately, the road itself really needs re-paving. That part is scarier than the steeps.

Problem with going up that road is some blind corners. I'll have to try it one day.

Sheldon