RATE THE LA Wheelman's Grand Tour

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LA Wheelman's Grand Tour (http://www.lawheelmen.org/)
Malibu
June

rate using this format, please!
1 = Dismal, will never ride again and wouldn't recommend it!
2 = Not so great, but others seemed to enjoy the ride
3 = So-so, with minor improvements I'd do it again
4 = Darn good ride, I'd do it again and recommend it
5 = Outstanding on every level that matters to me! I'd suggest you do it next year for sure!

Please include the following:

Name of Ride:
Location:
When:
Type: (century, double, double-metric, metric)
Number of Riders: (Approximate)
Organizer: (name of bike club/organization)
Rating: (please use the 1-5 scale)
Comments on SAG support and Rest Stops: (what food was provided, SAG support presence etc.)
Comments on the route: (constructive thoughts, ideas, favorite aspects, etc.)



Name of Ride: L.A. Wheelmen Grand Tour (http://www.lawheelmen.org/) LOWLAND

Location: Los Angeles & Ventura Counties

When: Every June

Type: Double century 200 mile Lowland route. (the route I rode)

Cost: $50

Number of Riders: Approx 110 finishers on 200 mile Lowland route last year (2006)

Route: Organized double metric, 200, 300, & 400 mile routes

Organizer: Los Angeles Wheelmen

Rating: 4.5

Comments on SAG support and Rest Stops: Excellent support and well equipped rest stops. Full lunch and post ride dinner included. No complaints whatsoever. I don't expect anything less since they've been doing this for 50 years!

Comments on the route: I did this double century back in 1994 and again in 2006. The route and route slips were clearly marked and easy to follow and they've obviously chosen the best route possible as it has not changed over the years. The only reason I did not give this ride a 5 rating is because you do have to ride the busiest part of PCH heading back to the finish in Malibu. This is a great route for those doing their very first double century as it has relatively little elevation gain. The climb up to Ojai and you're pretty much done with most climbing for the day. I chose to do this last year on my fixed gear bike and had no trouble finishing this ride. I plan on doing this ride again this year on my fixed gear. :)

copied (if you want to repost in your own post so it's edittable by you... i can delete your's and meriders! just let me know!)

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Name of Ride: L.A. Wheelmen Grand Tour - Lowland

Location: Los Angeles & Ventura Counties

When: Every June on the longest day of the year (most sunlight filled double)

Type: Double century 200 mile Lowland route. (the route I rode last June)

Number of Riders: Approx 110 finishers on 200 mile Lowland route last year (2006)

Route: Organized double metric, 200, 300, & 400 mile routes

Organizer: Los Angeles Wheelmen

Rating: 4+

Comments on SAG support and Rest Stops: Excellent support and well equipped rest stops. Full lunch and post ride dinner included. No complaints whatsoever. I don't expect anything less since they've been doing this for 50 years! Kermit is a sweetheart. :)

Comments on the route: I did this double century last June. The route and route slips were clearly marked and easy to follow. The only reason I did not give this ride a 5 rating is because you do have to ride the busiest part of PCH heading back to the finish in Malibu (I agree, George!). This is a great route for those doing their very first double century as it has relatively little elevation gain, is easily marked and has lots of urban stops in case you need them (for gatorade, bathroom, etc.). The climb up to Ojai and you're pretty much done with most climbing for the day. I really enjoyed this ride and highly recommend it!

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[OC Roadie]

Name of Ride: L.A. Wheelmen Grand Tour HIGHLAND

Location: Los Angeles & Ventura Counties

When: Every June

Type: Double century 200 mile Highland route. (the route I rode)

Cost: $50

Number of Riders: Unknown

Route: Organized double metric, 200, 300, & 400 mile routes

Organizer: Los Angeles Wheelmen

Rating: 5

Comments on SAG support and Rest Stops: The support is terrific, rest stops were appropriately placed and stocked. I remember being bummed the lunch food at the stop for the Metric Double riders, was not available to the DC riders. I did this in 2005 and can't recall the SAG Support.

Comments on the route: I did this ride in 2005, where I stumbled upon fellow BF member, Extort:D . I had put up a ride report on BF, but it seems that the database doesn't go that far back. Here's a link to the same report posted on "the other forum". (http://cyclingforums.com/t252162.html) One thing I recall, the Highland route is advertised with about 8500' of climbing, IIRC it's closer to 10,500'.