Southern California - Cruisin' ride up GMR this Saturday

OCRebel Rick's wife, Jackie will be leading a cruise sightseeing paced ride up GMR on Saturday at 7 am. They are encouraging non speed demons to attend. If you've never been up GMR, you should give it a try, it's a beauty. I've been up there before with these ladies and they will not leave you out on your own. They stayed together when they rode. Should be a great first time GMR ride for the ladies.

If you were intimidated by the forum member's ride (too many mtn goats), give this one a try! Rick is out of town but the Rebels are good people so don't be ascared if you are a GMR newbie!

I'd like to get Gina out there again but I work till 2 am on Fri nights. 2 hours of sleep then a GMR ride will ruin my whole day, so I doubt we will attend, but maybe.

I'll go fetch the link!

http://www.ocrebels.com/special.htm#gmr

Maybe some one can pass the info onto the team oxygen forum,or whatever that ladies' forum is that I've heard about!:D

If you were intimidated by the forum member's ride (too many mtn goats),
Hey, now, we goats can chill out from time to time! ;) I'm already planning to ride the two-Tujungas route or else I would consider joining (GMR/Baldy is my favorite ride). Hope they have fun, and tell them to be careful on the way down. I had my back tire blow out recently on the descent. (and that's not a negative comment on Tom "the sweeper guy's" efforts - there is simply lots of debris up there!)

Thanks for posting that Beanz! All ladies of a not-to-fast nature, and even non-climber men are invited to attend. I know, it may seem funny at first, a ride with 4,800 feet of altitude gain for non-climbers.

But really, it will be fun in a very non-competitive way!

Best Regs,
Rick / OCRR

I really want to get Gina up there again but getting out of bed after 2 hours of sleep can be tougher than getting up after 4 or 5. I don't think I would let her go without me. As experienced as the others may be, I don't trust anybody when it comes to fixing a flat. I've seen some people make a mess out of a tire. Not that they would (cause Gina doesn't know how), but to think of Gina coming down at 35 mph and have something go wrong! I'd never forgive myself for not fixing it myself!

It would be nice though to have her start with the group instead of cheating again!:D

No worries Beanz,

Both Jackie and Kriss are talented (and careful) when changing flat tires!

Best Regs,
Rick / OCRR

Is there parking at the take off point? (GMR & Boulder Springs Dr)

Is there parking at the take off point? (GMR & Boulder Springs Dr)There's plenty of parking on GMR before you hit the gate.

It looks like MarkAJ and I will be coming to this ride...we have never done GMR and have alwa

I am a terrible climber and I am still coming off an injured foot, so I will go as far as I can....not even sure if I can finish GMR, let alone up to the village...we'll see!
thanks

It looks like MarkAJ and I will be coming to this ride...we have never done GMR and have alwa

I am a terrible climber and I am still coming off an injured foot, so I will go as far as I can....not even sure if I can finish GMR, let alone up to the village...we'll see!
thanks

I just did my first GMR ride, and I'm not a strong climber. You'll make it to the village -- the important thing is to pace yourself and rest when needed (and eat/drink). I switched to a 12-27 cassette before the ride, which really helped (I rode 39-27 all but about the first 100 yards!).

If you're like me, you might have to fight the urge to "get it over with" by going too hard.

Have fun and enjoy the views!

It looks like MarkAJ and I will be coming to this ride...we have never done GMR and have alwa

I am a terrible climber and I am still coming off an injured foot, so I will go as far as I can....not even sure if I can finish GMR, let alone up to the village...we'll see!
thanks

you'll do it! i did gmr to the village as a brand new rider and made it! (i had only been riding for about 6 weeks at the time!) so i KNOW you can do it!

like mateo said... pace yourself... and think positive!!!!!!!!!

you'll do it! i did gmr to the village as a brand new rider and made it! (i had only been riding for about 6 weeks at the time!) so i KNOW you can do it!

like mateo said... pace yourself... and think positive!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Cali....
I know the positive thinking is important, and I am very bad about that...
The physical issue is more of a concern right now...I still can't stand and pedal, flats are ok...but the mashing on hills is tough on the foot...but it is slowly getting better!
But thank you for the encouragement...
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can
I was going to program my mp3 player with some drill sargent yelling...hmm...maybe not...

Thanks Cali....
I know the positive thinking is important, and I am very bad about that...
The physical issue is more of a concern right now...I still can't stand and pedal, flats are ok...but the mashing on hills is tough on the foot...but it is slowly getting better!
But thank you for the encouragement...
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can
I was going to program my mp3 player with some drill sargent yelling...hmm...maybe not...

ahem...that would be: i KNOW i can, i KNOW i can, i KNOW i can!

http://www.smileycons.com/img/Fun_pak/cheerleader.gif

p.s. don't mash... spin!

ahem...that would be: i KNOW i can, i KNOW i can, i KNOW i can!

http://www.smileycons.com/img/Fun_pak/cheerleader.gif

p.s. don't mash... spin!


oops...right...
I try to spin...doesnt always work that way!...I am thinking of a new cassette to help climbing...

I'm a clyde at 220-230 (depending on how many Ben & Jerry's) I do GMR with a double 39/25. Even the Bear with twice as much climbing.

If you aren't going to push the pace, 12/25 set up should be good.

I'm a clyde at 220-230 (depending on how many Ben & Jerry's) I do GMR with a double 39/25. Even the Bear with twice as much climbing.

If you aren't going to push the pace, 12/25 set up should be good.

I am about 212-215....I have a 12-26....and a triple...
I was looking at a 13-30...
This should be interesting....

There's plenty of parking on GMR before you hit the gate.


Suggestion (and forgive me if anyone else has already suggested this - I don't have time to read the whole thread at the moment): Park at Encanto Park in Duarte. It's safe, easy, has a restroom and adds more miles (depending on the route, more climbing too, but nothing significant). It's a meeting spot for many riders and there is a way to cut over using the bike path to either HWY 39 (which would lead them up little GMR using East Fork Road - steeper but 1/2 the distance up than big GMR - or to Sierre Madre). If you would like me to give more detail, let me know. But if they add more miles, they will be warmed up and ready for the climb. I parked at the bottom of GMR just before the gate last Saturday and had no warm up. I had strong legs that day, so it didn't matter, but on one of my weak days, I wouldn't have been a happy camper.
:D

Ahh... it depends on the rider. Some of us like climbing from mile 1. If you're not one of those, either start farther away or have some low gears to take it easy at the beginning.

herbm, a long sustained climb can be hard, but mostly because you risk going at it too hard and burning yourself out early. A 30/26 gear should be low enough, though lower gearing never hurts. What I would do if you've never done a long climb is to simply start off the ride in your lowest gear. Get a nice smooth spin going and hopefully find yourself a nice steady relaxed effort. Just like on flat ground, except probably at a lower cadence and without the scenery moving by as quickly.

Ahh... it depends on the rider. Some of us like climbing from mile 1. If you're not one of those, either start farther away or have some low gears to take it easy at the beginning.

herbm, a long sustained climb can be hard, but mostly because you risk going at it too hard and burning yourself out early. A 30/26 gear should be low enough, though lower gearing never hurts. What I would do if you've never done a long climb is to simply start off the ride in your lowest gear. Get a nice smooth spin going and hopefully find yourself a nice steady relaxed effort. Just like on flat ground, except probably at a lower cadence and without the scenery moving by as quickly.


Thanks...I have done a few climbs, I dont think anything this long???
I do agree about a little warm up...I think we will get there early...(no traffic at this time of the AM) and I'll ride around a bit to warm up...
weather looks like it is going to be perfect!!!
And I can always get off, walk a hundred feet or so and get back on!
h

Suggestion (and forgive me if anyone else has already suggested this - I don't have time to read the whole thread at the moment): Park at Encanto Park in Duarte. It's safe, easy, has a restroom and adds more miles (depending on the route, more climbing too, but nothing significant). It's a meeting spot for many riders and there is a way to cut over using the bike path to either HWY 39 (which would lead them up little GMR using East Fork Road - steeper but 1/2 the distance up than big GMR - or to Sierre Madre). If you would like me to give more detail, let me know. But if they add more miles, they will be warmed up and ready for the climb. I parked at the bottom of GMR just before the gate last Saturday and had no warm up. I had strong legs that day, so it didn't matter, but on one of my weak days, I wouldn't have been a happy camper.
:D

Encanto Park is nice especially if you're planning on doing a loop....up 39>>East Fork>>up little GMR>>down main GMR>> and back to Duarte, or the other way around (counter-clockwise).

But for riding up GMR to Baldy Village out and back, I like parking at the GMR gate.
In fact I'd like to take advantage of the cool temps this weekend so I'll be at the GMR gate at 7 on Sat......as long as I'm done by noonish..:)

Hey, Fixer, what do you look like? I bet I've seen you up there. I've done the loop you refer to many times (I prefer climbing little GMR and I'm not sure why since motorists are allowed on that stretch), but in terms of Baldy Vlg, if you start from EP, it's roughly 60 miles roundtrip give or take and it's what I was "trained" on when first introduced to the Baldy ride. It just stuck...but it does make the ride longer for sure! ;)

I just did my first GMR ride, and I'm not a strong climber. You'll make it to the village -- the important thing is to pace yourself and rest when needed (and eat/drink). I switched to a 12-27 cassette before the ride, which really helped (I rode 39-27 all but about the first 100 yards!).

If you're like me, you might have to fight the urge to "get it over with" by going too hard.

Have fun and enjoy the views!

thanks...that is my goal..to make it to the village...

Hey, Fixer, what do you look like? I bet I've seen you up there. I've done the loop you refer to many times (I prefer climbing little GMR and I'm not sure why since motorists are allowed on that stretch), but in terms of Baldy Vlg, if you start from EP, it's roughly 60 miles roundtrip give or take and it's what I was "trained" on when first introduced to the Baldy ride. It just stuck...but it does make the ride longer for sure! ;)

What we've done the last couple of times, we started out with the Sat morning Montrose group from Trader Joes in So Pasadena and on the way back while on Foothill in Azusa, we broke off, headed up 39, came back down GMR, and back to So Pas......about 75 miles.

But for riding up GMR to Baldy Village out and back, I like parking at the GMR gate.
In fact I'd like to take advantage of the cool temps this weekend so I'll be at the GMR gate at 7 on Sat......as long as I'm done by noonish..:)
Fixer, are you riding up with the OCRR group, or on your own? To the village, or lifts? I'm thinking I want to tackle GMR again while the days are long and the weather's nice (not sure if I'll hack Baldy Challenge).

James, do Baldy Challenge with us! You climb a bit faster than I do, and I plan to be there, so you have nothing to worry about.

You climb a bit faster than I do, and I plan to be there, so you have nothing to worry about.
I don't know abou that, but thanks for the vote of confidence. If you recall, I was hurtin' getting up to the lifts when we rode it... and Baldy Challenge is, what, 50 miles longer and 4,000' more climbing? Anyway, I'll see what my legs think when we get closer to the date.

Everyone hurts there. Just look at history. You beat me up Newport Coast. You beat me up Vista Ridge. You beat me up Baldy Rd. You'll do just fine.

Fixer, are you riding up with the OCRR group, or on your own? To the village, or lifts? I'm thinking I want to tackle GMR again while the days are long and the weather's nice (not sure if I'll hack Baldy Challenge).

Well.....I was thinking about hooking up with the OCRR people just up to the village and back. I do need to get done by noon if possible.

I'll be out there sunday morning with my inline downhill crew. We'll be skating down GRR and Baldy. Have a good saturday ride. If anyone remembers, we could use a road report if you don't mind.

T

Well.....I was thinking about hooking up with the OCRR people just up to the village and back. I do need to get done by noon if possible.
Well, I may tag along.

Well.....I was thinking about hooking up with the OCRR people just up to the village and back. I do need to get done by noon if possible.

The gals that are hosting the ride are more Gina's pace, so keep that in mind if you need to be back by noon......I have no idea if the fast riders are going too!

Well, I may tag along.

Right on! If you can, can you bring the jersey samples? Anyone else thinking of heading up GMR Sat morning?

Right on! If you can, can you bring the jersey samples? Anyone else thinking of heading up GMR Sat morning?


MarkAJ and I will be there....

Right on! If you can, can you bring the jersey samples?
Sure, I'll bring the samples. So, are you parking at the gate or at Boulder Springs Dr where the OCRR group is meeting?

Sure, I'll bring the samples. So, are you parking at the gate or at Boulder Springs Dr where the OCRR group is meeting?I'll park at Boulder Springs Dr......let's hope a sizable group shows up...:)


Anyone else reading this thread must attend this ride! Weather will be nice and cool, perfect for climbing up to Baldy Village! You won't regret doing this ride! I gaurantee it!

I'll park at Boulder Springs Dr......let's hope a sizable group shows up...:)


Anyone else reading this thread must attend this ride! Weather will be nice and cool, perfect for climbing up to Baldy Village! You won't regret doing this ride! I gaurantee it!

I'm reading it and felt like I was caught with my hand in the cookie jar. ;) So, ummmm.... I have to work. :D

I'm reading it and felt like I was caught with my hand in the cookie jar. ;) So, ummmm.... I have to work. :D

if it wasn't so freakin far to drive.... we'd go to ride with fixer!!!!!!

(i'm not reading this thread.... so i'm not obligated to go!)

I just got back from the OC Rebel GMR ride up to the village. Great ride with much cooler temps today than we had two weeks ago. We came across lots of riders today, both coming and going. We rode to the village and came back the same way. Although it was a casual slow ride, I ended up riding almost all the way to the village with James. We need to schedule this ride again now that the temps are pleasant and before they open GMR to traffic. The road repair crew were out in full force this morning just at that one section on GMR. It was nice meeting herbm, MarkAJ, and a few of the OC Rebelers. Some photos later this evening.....:)
Thanks again to Tom the sweeper doing his thing.....we saw him near the bottom of GMR when we started and on our way back he was sweeping 3/4 up near the top....:)

I just got back from the OC Rebel GMR ride up to the village. Great ride with much cooler temps today than we had two weeks ago. We came across lots of riders today, both coming and going. We rode to the village and came back the same way. Although it was a casual slow ride, I ended up riding almost all the way to the village with James. We need to schedule this ride again now that the temps are pleasant and before they open GMR to traffic. The road repair crew were out in full force this morning just at that one section on GMR. It was nice meeting herbm, MarkAJ, and a few of the OC Rebelers. Some photos later this evening.....:)
Thanks again to Tom the sweeper doing his thing.....we saw him near the bottom of GMR when we started and on our way back he was sweeping 3/4 up near the top....:)


It was great meeting you and James...

Well I made it to the village!!! thanks Cali and Mateo for your encouragment and advice...
It was tough, but the weather was perfect!!!
We came down Mt Baldy rd...sweet down hill....even got up to 46mph!!
Of course I was the trailer...thanks to everyone for waiting for me at the viillage!
But we had a great time....well MArkAj sort of did...he was following some riders and they turned left on East Fork...he realized it, but figured he would ride down, then decided to ride back up and over GMR....but he had a good time as well!
It was nice the meet Jackie, Kriss and everyone else....I hope we can ride with them again....

Definitely the perfect time to do more GMR rides....temps are perfect!

can't wait to see the pix!
h

Congrats, herbm. :beer:

Congrats, herbm. :beer:

Thanks...it actually felt as good as when I did my first century!
Wish everyone else was there...certainly was cooler than when you all rode it Labor Day weekend!!

Good job Herb! Sorry we didn't make it, didn't get off work till 2:30 am!:(

If you guys do schedule another GMR ride, please try for a Sunday so we can go too!:D ....I know with cooler temps, she can do it!

Good job Herb! Sorry we didn't make it, didn't get off work till 2:30 am!:(

If you guys do schedule another GMR ride, please try for a Sunday so we can go too!:D ....I know with cooler temps, she can do it!


Sorry you couldn't make... whoa..2:30am...that would make riding a bit brutal!

We talked about doing it again since the weather is so great...but at this point would be in October at the earliest...Sundays are usually doable....

Great ride. Nice meeting Herb and Mark for the first time. Weather was perfect... well, a bit cold for me sometimes in the shade on the way up. The group split right from the start, so Fixer and I rode at our own steady pace. It's amazing how his fixed-gear doesn't really affect his ability to climb... Actually, he stills climbs faster than me on it! We also rode with a single-speed (freewheel) guy for a bit on the way.

On the way back, some took Baldy, but Fixer myself and another rider from OCRR chose to ride GMR back. Lot's of fun. Just a few pics...

Fixer went fixie? Again, I am so not worthy.

MarkAJ, herbm, fixer:

http://three91.com/bike/rides/gmr091606/IMG_1070.JPG



The group:

http://three91.com/bike/rides/gmr091606/IMG_1073.JPG



http://three91.com/bike/rides/gmr091606/IMG_1076.JPG

http://three91.com/bike/rides/gmr091606/IMG_1079.JPG


http://three91.com/bike/rides/gmr091606/IMG_1080.JPG


http://three91.com/bike/rides/gmr091606/IMG_1083.JPG

http://three91.com/bike/rides/gmr091606/IMG_1085.JPG



Fixer flipping the hub for the downhill:

http://three91.com/bike/rides/gmr091606/IMG_1089.JPG

Fixer went fixie? Again, I am so not worthy.
Join the club.

Join the club.

My sporting a a 53/39 would be enough of an accomplishment for me.