Southern California - Back to the Beach - Ride Report and Pix

What a wonderful day! Darn near perfect. I picked up Joel right as planned at 6:50am, met George at the Rose Bowl and we took off (after I fiddle-farted around a bit), arriving at Encanto Park just under the wire. Lots of folks were there and Herb was wearing his usual warm smile. Right away, I was asked to sign in by Renee, who deserves such a huge thank you for Sagging this ride today (yes, folks, she spent her whole day greeting us with homemade cookies and snacks, driving to meet us at the beach with homemade zucchini bread and more snacks (as well as water and fruit juice) and at the end! What a sweetheart – seriously, Renee, thank you so much!

After grabbing one of Renee’s mouthwatering cookies, we were off on the trail. Well, Joel, who’s been “kidding” about bringing a karaoke machine, had this little boom box (I mean miniature that he just stuffed into his jacket pocket) that had 110 songs downloaded. He popped it on and we were treated to tunes along the route ranging from MC Hammer, Janet Jackson and Sir Mix a Lot to Queen, Bruce Springsteen and Joe Cochran! He also sang along as did I to the pure delight of everyone I’m sure! :p I loved it, thanks MC Joel!

The weather was perfect, warm but with a nice wind and although we were hit with “side” winds (pretty strong too) near the beach, for the most part we got very lucky! Everyone seemed to enjoy the ride and the company was great. There was NYgirl (can the woman be any more gorgeous and fun to hang out with!), Luwin, Sky Green Blue (I hope I got that right!), Justme, Mr. Beanz and Gina (she DOES exist and she’s even prettier in real life as well as a really strong rider! This was her longest ride to date and she was booking! You go, girl!), Herb (of course), Drew12, Sonny and several others whose handles I don’t know (sorry!). Lots of lovely ladies on this ride! If I missed anyone, I'll buy you a beer on the next outing!

Along the way, I even ran into Ron Hanson (one of the ADO guys that I had met at Butterfield). That was a treat. He was out doing a ride of 100+, getting ready for the Solvang Double I’m sure.

When we got back, Joel, George and I headed over to the restaurant, ate and then booked. Sorry guys, since we had to get back to the Rose Bowl, we went ahead and took off. I heard one person went missing and I hope that person was located!:eek:

But overall, this ride was just great and I hope to do it again! It’s an easy hundred, by the way, relatively speaking (not to say that it is an easy ride – there are always winds on that trail and the path itself is 73 miles)

Thanks for the great ride, Herb! :)

Pics to come as I'm uploading...

making my popcorn now

making my popcorn now

She always has the best ride photos. :::hitting refresh constantly:::

yeah, yeah, yeah - would you update my CAM standings already?!?


;) :p

(seriously, you need to write travelogues for the bike tour company we're going to start in 5 years...)

Hi,

Sounds like a great time.

I'll have to figure out another time when I can ride with some of you. BTW, I think that I saw a bunch of BF SoCal jerseys around 12:00p at the ToC stage in LB. There were 8-10 riders turning on to the course towards the start line from Pine Ave. Were you in that group ME?

Thanks M.E.
Great report as usual...
Yes..thank goodness the weather bozos got it wrong as usual...beautiful, sunny, warm...and no winds ..at least until we were 6 or so miles from the beach..
Yes...DJ Jazzy Joel did a great job with the karoke machine..I am sure other riders were wondering what the heck was going on there...
We had an incredible turnout....a few San Fernando Valley Bicycle Club members came out and assorted friends of some of the other riders...
Unreal that NYgirl literally came in from Las Vegas for this...

The good new is our lost rider did finally appear, via cab no less...that is a story in itself...but we we were very concerned as it would be dark in another 20 minutes and we are debating having to put a call into 911..seriously!!

I must thank Renee for the incredible job she did as a our sag support person...the water and goodies were incredible...and she was so organized with her list of riders, we immediately knew who was missing...
Thanks again Renee!

This did bring up a few things that I will probably post on a seperate thread for discussion.......

But overall we could not have asked for a better riding day!

We had quite a few people who did a new personal best mileage today...way to go!

I will get my pix up asap....

Thanks for setting up a great ride, Herb. And thanks again to Renee - that was amazing! Having all that food & drink accessible along the ride was an unexpected plus!

Beautiful ride and the extra stretch from the Rose Bowl was nice. I was absolutely shocked at how many people showed for the ride - a great surprise since we got to ride with some new people (who didn't appear to be totally turned off by the singing and dancing - although the reality may be otherwise).

Thanks also to m.e. and Fixer for the company to & from the Rose Bowl!

I didn't take any pics on this one - I was too busy futzing around with my music.

She always has the best ride photos. :::hitting refresh constantly:::
You guys are such sweeties. I'm uploading now. Others took lots of photos too. :D

singin and dancin sounds fun

First batch:

Arriving at Encanto:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic1group.jpg

Renee, the sweetest!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic2-1.jpg

Taking off:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic3takingoff.jpg

Heading to SGRT over the bridge:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic4overthebridge.jpg

Joel, Sonny, George and Herb
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic5-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/thegang.jpg

Ed and Gina with a very sweet, lovely gal whose name alludes me (I'm dreadful)
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic8-1.jpg

NYgirl:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic9nygirl.jpg

Were you in that group ME?
Hi, Cleave. :) No, not me. But you DO have to join on a ride! ;)

yeah, yeah, yeah - would you update my CAM standings already?!?


;) :p

(seriously, you need to write travelogues for the bike tour company we're going to start in 5 years...)
I'm not updating yours until March 31st just to torment you. :p ;) :D

dammit me..hand someone else that camera so we can see some pics of that cool blue trek...oh and love nygirl's bike too!

Yeah thanx Herb. Was a great ride. Everything was entertaining, even the lost guy! Big thanx to Renee for the goodies and taking the time to watch our backs. Lots of prep on her part. Had all the goodies,cell # list, rider list and check in. Good thing as the lost guy wasn't even a forum member. Might not have know he was lost if it weren't for the list! Great job Renee.

Man, I thought the people were great today. Everybody was nice. The SF people were great too! Plenty of wimmins on the ride for femile encouragement. Great to see Luwin,ME,Fixer,MTBLurker,Drew, JustMe,Paul, Joel, Herb and Renee again. Also met a couple of BF'ers, SkyBleuGreen (Kevin, prolly got the handle wrong too),great guy and NYgirl (great lady and looks YOUNG and a great rider!). Was nice to meet and see you all. I myself was pretty impressed with Magicant's singing!:D

The ride? Man, I thought it was great. Well mainly cause this is Gina's longest ride on a single. Was 50, now 72! She did great. I was thinking I'd be happy even if we were last just as long as she finished. Wow, she impressed me. Carried a good pace for most of the ride. We hit 50 and I was waiting for some whining, but nope. At 66, she finally got tired but I was still impressed as this was way past her usual. We slowed for a while then she was able to somewhat pick it back up! I think with a few more long rides, she'll be an animal! I'm proud of her as we were about middle of the pack. Really great as there were plenty good riders out today!

After a long wait for the lost guy to show up in a taxi, only a handful of us headed to the food joint. We had a few good laughs and some good talk about the ride. Was fun! Thanx to all the peeps today. We had a great time!

Gina's stats for her longest ride:71.98 miles @15.72 average and 4:34 time!:D

I'll get my pix up in a few!

cool ride report, glad you guys n gals didn't get get any of the winds, it was pretty nasty here heading east then we got some more nasty head/cross winds about 5 miles from the coast. Great day to be out there too.

Note to self: don't ride a SS with OCroadie and Pico:eek:

BTW I'm waiting for more pics:p

More pics:

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic10pack.jpg

Herb, the Man who brought us all together!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic11-1.jpg

Linda (Thanks, Herb!):
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic12gal.jpg

The many faces of Fixer - and his So Cal Advertising Gig!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic13fixerjoking.jpg
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic14fixerjoking.jpg
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic15fixernormal.jpg
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic17fixerback.jpg

Ed and Mel (another lovely - we had all gorgeous women today!!!!)
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic16-1.jpg

Paul (Thanks, Fred!):
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic18guy.jpg

Luwin, representing the Bruins!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic19luwin.jpg

is that a new fixie I see George on??????????????????????????????????????????

Guy's name is Paul! :D

The ride? Man, I thought it was great. Well mainly cause this is Gina's longest ride on a single. Was 50, now 72! She did great. I was thinking I'd be happy even if we were last just as long as she finished. Wow, she impressed me. Carried a good pace for most of the ride. We hit 50 and I was waiting for some whining, but nope. At 66, she finally got tired but I was still impressed as this was way past her usual. We slowed for a while then she was able to somewhat pick it back up! I think with a few more long rides, she'll be an animal! I'm proud of her as we were about middle of the pack. Really great as there were plenty good riders out today!

Gina's stats for her longest ride:71.98 miles @15.72 average and 4:34 time!:D


Fred, one of the things that I admire and respect about you most is the way you treat Gina. It is so obvious, especially after today, how much you love and encourage her. I was very taken by that and think the two of you are just the nicest couple. Gina is a doll, and yes, she will be an animal in no time. Don't be surprised when she smokes ya! ;) :D

And some more:

Justme:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic20justme.jpg

A couple of the very nice SFVBC folks who showed up.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic21.jpg

Joel with his little boombox in his jacket!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic22joelbox.jpg

Is this a great photo or what? ;)
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic23nygirl.jpg

Seal Beach
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic24sealbeach.jpg

Looks like you all had a great ride today and Fred, pass on my congratulations to Gina for her milestone ride!http://purplepixelations.com/march42006/dancingfruits.gif

Here is a link to my pix..

Oh we even had a band playing for us at the Seal Beach turnaround....

Back to the Beach Pix (www.meyerowitz.net\sgrt030307\index.html)

And if anyone is interested...I showed elevation of 2040ft for the 71 miles

I have to agree Mr B...Gina is the sweetest!! You are one lucky guy!!

ME...my friends name in the blue is Linda!
I am bad with names also!

Final ones I have to share:

At Rivers End Cafe taking a break:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic25takingabreak.jpg

Around the bend and headed home:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic26headedback.jpg

NYgirl and me - don't I look delicious with all the zinc paste on my face! Quick, someone lick me! :p
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic27nygirlandme.jpg

I just liked this shot, shows what I found beautiful on that path today:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic28back.jpg

Sea Green Blue (Kevin - it was nice to see him again!):
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic29kevin.jpg

Favorite scenery shot. SGRT really is beautiful if you look close enough:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Pic30path.jpg

Fred, one of the things that I admire and respect about you most is the way you treat Gina. It is so obvious, especially after today, how much you love and encourage her. I was very taken by that and think the two of you are just the nicest couple. Gina is a doll, and yes, she will be an animal in no time. Don't be surprised when she smokes ya! ;) :D


Thanx ME! Now I just gotta stop Sonny form thinking she's his girlfriend! I aint afraid to fight!:D

Thanx though, that means alot to me! She is a DOLL!:p

Looks like you all had a great ride today and Fred, pass on my congratulations to Gina for her milestone ride!http://purplepixelations.com/march42006/dancingfruits.gif

We missed you. :(

Heck I missed her and I wasn't even there...

We missed you. :(

I wanted to be there but was so afraid that I'd miss my curfew and didn't want to chance it with the winds. :( So...lay it on me...what time did you reach Seal Beach???? <~~~not sure if I want to hear this.

Heck I missed her and I wasn't even there...

Cute dauphin. :p

Looks like you all had a great ride today and Fred, pass on my congratulations to Gina for her milestone ride!http://purplepixelations.com/march42006/dancingfruits.gif


Thanx, I told her, she says thank you!:p ...Now if I can get her to ride with you on your doubles!:D

I wanted to be there but was so afraid that I'd miss my curfew and didn't want to chance it with the winds. :( So...lay it on me...what time did you reach Seal Beach???? <~~~not sure if I want to hear this.
I really would like to lay on you...oh, wait...you said lay IT on you. :p ;) I don't remember when we got to Seal Beach, to be truthful. I was too busy singing! :D

Sounds like another fun ride today! Sorry I had to miss it. :( I'll catch up with you guys... hopefully sooner rather than later.

I wanted to be there but was so afraid that I'd miss my curfew and didn't want to chance it with the winds. :( So...lay it on me...what time did you reach Seal Beach???? <~~~not sure if I want to hear this.


11ish I think....
the Santa Anas did not affect us...but there was a crosswind coming from the south from Long Beach to the ocean...but wasnt too bad...
We did miss ya!

Damn! Could have done it...oh well, I'll get with all of you sometime soon. I think I might plan a Sunday ride for the 11th, leaving from here in HB.

Cute dauphin. :p
yes...I've been told that..

Damn! Could have done it...oh well, I'll get with all of you sometime soon. I think I might plan a Sunday ride for the 11th, leaving from here in HB.


Wish I could ride then....I will be in NY...

Wonderful thoughtful SAG by Renee!
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/SAG.jpg

Sexy strike a pose SAG by Renee!
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/strikeapose.jpg

Heading out
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/Headingout.jpg
A breather a few miles in.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/Breather.jpg

NYgirl and ME. MTB lurker in the background checking the birds!:D
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/AM.jpg
Kevin, Sonny and Gene
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/KSG.jpg

Gina planning her ride strategy
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/GG.jpg
Fixer and Gina
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/FG.jpg

man, this is fun

Pfft! Who needs the Borrego ride? Herb managed to hire a band to play for us at the beach? And the t-shirt is in the mail!:D
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/band.jpg
Drew, Gina Nygirl and George
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/DGAG.jpg

Here is a link to my pix..

Back to the Beach Pix (www.meyerowitz.net\sgrt030307\index.html)


Herb, your link has some errors in it, I think. This (http://www.meyerowitz.net/sgrt030307/index.html) one works. :)

Herb suggesting a list of songs Joel should sing with the band!:D
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/request.jpg
Crew at the beach
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/beachcrew.jpg
One of the quickstops on the way!..ok, I had to pee!:p
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/quikstop.jpg

Gina, Drew and Ed Didn'thelpme!:p
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/EdandDrew.jpg

Paul singing backup vocals
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/Paul.jpg

Fixer,Nygirl,Gina, and some guy that keeps insisting that he's a TDF rider!:p
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/FAGTDF.jpg

Great ride today. My friends Mel and Lani had a great time also. Thanks Renee for the SAG support and HerbM for organizing the ride.

Kevin, Renee, and George
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/wonged1/BF%20SGRT/bfsgrt1.jpg

Enjoying music and sun
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/wonged1/BF%20SGRT/bfsgrt2.jpg

How to finish a BF ride
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/wonged1/BF%20SGRT/bfsgrt3.jpg

Man, what a fun ride!! (I only rode half - met the family down at Seal Beach and let the little one romp in the sand/waves - more on that later.)

What a group we had - folks of all different walks of life, always good to see familiar faces, as well as meet new ones. Got to see nygirl's bike in person - that machine is frickin' sweet. George was riding a sweet Cinelli fixie, Joel was mixing it up with his tunes, Fred doing his thing with Gina (don't think dirty now), Herbie doing an excellent job organizing this ride and watching out for everyone, M.E. hammering away as usual, funny Dick and the good group of SFVBCers, etc., etc. - good to meet mtblurkr, Drew, and others - crosswinds blew a sweet sheet of sand over my face a few miles out, but luckily none got in my eye. Bike was a little squirmy in those winds, but that's what I get for being so fine and skinny (NOT). Many thanks to Renee for the food/water/snacks/moral support.

Great people, great ride, great day - can't ask for too much more than that. Til next time!! ;)

How to finish a BF ride
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/wonged1/BF%20SGRT/bfsgrt3.jpg


So Dick got lost?? What happened to the gal that turned back?

So Dick got lost?? What happened to the gal that turned back?
Dick had a problem with the dam and the girl that turned around found her way back ok.