Southern California - Crystal Lake 3/10 /07

Anyone up to climb Hwy.39 to Crystal Lake? 8a. from Encanto Pk. in Duarte. It's a long, difficult but rewarding climb up the most beautiful canyon in the San Gabriels. Many switchbacks with awesome views. Lots of options for as long and as high as you want to go. Great training for the climbs coming up soon on KOM/ B.A.

Anyone up to climb Hwy.39 to Crystal Lake? 8a. from Encanto Pk. in Duarte. It's a long, difficult but rewarding climb up the most beautiful canyon in the San Gabriels. Many switchbacks with awesome views. Lots of options for as long and as high as you want to go. Great training for the climbs coming up soon on KOM/ B.A.
:mad: and another :mad:

I'm interested. Maybe we can talk some SFVBC folks into it, since their group will be a little lighter due to Solvang participants. Hey, I can dream, can't I? :)

What's the mileage, Bob?

What's the mileage, Bob?

Might as well make it a century, eh Bob? ;)

What's the mileage, Bob?The mileage depends on how far you go. Yuk Yuk, from the start to the junction of A.C.its 30 miles, with 6000ft. of elevation gain and 6500 ft. of climbing. If you turn around at Crystal lake its about 25 miles up and 5500ft. On the way back down I turn east on the East Fork road over to the Cafe then Little GMR up to Big GMR then down to Glendora. This is where Vance can descide if he wants his Century by riding over to Baldy from there.Or you can continue on down 39 and back to Encanto for a 50 mile ride. The route from Encanto up 39 to A.C., down to the East Fork and GMR is 75 miles with 9000ft. Please don't get to idea that this is a Hammer ride on my part. More of a trudge up the road of happy destiny.

I'm interested. Maybe we can talk some SFVBC folks into it, since their group will be a little lighter due to Solvang participants. Hey, I can dream, can't I? :)I've already heard from a couple of club members who I think are in.

I've already heard from a couple of club members who I think are in.

Yea, I sent it out to a couple people, and it sounded like they had already heard from you. Beat me to the punch. :) But sounds like you could have a nice size group on your hands.

:mad: and another :mad: Sorry:o

Vertical Bob,

Are there stops along the way for water? I'm thinking about joining the ride although I'll probably be alot slower than most of the group.

Ian in SD

:mad: and another :mad:

Why are you mad? I don't see why you can't do two different rides in two different places on the same day. Doesn't everyone?

Vertical Bob,

Are there stops along the way for water? I'm thinking about joining the ride although I'll probably be alot slower than most of the group.

Ian in SD
Hi Ian. I think you and Bob climb at about the same speed. Keith and Vance are a different story, however, but I'm trying to enlist some others who will stay together and talk and enjoy the climbing at a human pace. If I can get my group to go, we would like to have you along.
There is no water on Hwy 39, you know about the camp store on East Fork, may go there on the way back, and you could go to Newcomb's Ranch Cafe on Angeles Crest, but that makes the ride harder. You need water for the way up, but once at the top, it's almost all downhill back to East Fork.

Hi Ian. I think you and Bob climb at about the same speed. Keith and Vance are a different story, however, but I'm trying to enlist some others who will stay together and talk and enjoy the climbing at a human pace. If I can get my group to go, we would like to have you along.
There is no water on Hwy 39, you know about the camp store on East Fork, may go there on the way back, and you could go to Newcomb's Ranch Cafe on Angeles Crest, but that makes the ride harder. You need water for the way up, but once at the top, it's almost all downhill back to East Fork.Hey John, sign me up for the human pace group. To answer Ian I would say that if it's hot[could be] I take an extra bottle of water, usually a 20oz bottled water that I finish first or those with camelbacks do that. Probably could get by with 2 bottles but why try. If it's not hot 2 no problem.

I take an extra bottle of water, usually a 20oz bottled water that I finish first or those with camelbacks do that. Probably could get by with 2 bottles but why try. If it's not hot 2 no problem.

Hey, wait a minute, does this mean you aren't supplying full SAG support? :p

Why are you mad? I don't see why you can't do two different rides in two different places on the same day. Doesn't everyone?
I'm not really mad, I just want to join. Bob knows that, but he also knows I already have a ride planned this weekend. I just don't see why everyone will not accommodate my every whim and desire with respect to riding. All rides should revolve around me, my shedule, and my mood (let's not forget that, mm-kay!) :p :p :p

Hey, wait a minute, does this mean you aren't supplying full SAG support? :p
:roflmao: Yeah! Bob will SAG it alright. He'll have fresh baked cookies waiting for you when you reach AC. :lol:

Hey, wait a minute, does this mean you aren't supplying full SAG support? :p I'll sag you. Most of the ride will be on roads closed to cars anyway. I did see a couple of deer hunters pulling trailers behind mountain bikes last fall. One was even going down with a deer strapped to his. So if you want sag then you get to pull the trailer. You know, we should be down by lunch anyway. How long can it take to climb 30 miles? I think you will be more concerned with clothes than food. I'm looking forward to this ride again. It's probably my favorite climb.

Ok , Vertical I just decided that Ill go. My knee was bothering me a little , but after a ride today I feel fine.

valleygirl, if you'll pick up Deb that would be special. You two can beat up on me.

I've got an out of town houseguest on Friday night so I'll be missing this one. You guys have all the fun.
If anybody's got anything left for Sunday from the college, I'll see you then.

Have fun, all.

Ok , Vertical I just decided that Ill go. My knee was bothering me a little , but after a ride today I feel fine. I'm so glad you are coming Cathy, Laura is as well. Now we can all beat up on John.

I'm so glad you are coming Cathy, Laura is as well. Now we can all beat up on John.
Tell Laura I said hi, please, Bob. You guys have fun up there.:D

Now we can all beat up on John.

Poor John, maybe he'll have some funny stories to distract us.

I'm bringing Eric and the 2 Petes to beat up on you guys. A lot of people are going to Solvang and Sarah has to work. See you at 8:00. What's the name of that exit?

I'm bringing Eric and the 2 Petes to beat up on you guys. A lot of people are going to Solvang and Sarah has to work. See you at 8:00. What's the name of that exit? I'll have my people beat up on your people. Exit the 210 East at Mt. Olive [ just under the 605] it cloverleafs around to the light at Huntington. Turn right [east] on Huntington past a couple of lights to Encanto Parkway on left[just past the 7-11] Left on Encanto to the park [about 3 blocks] on left. See ya there ,V.B.

Anyone up to climb Hwy.39 to Crystal Lake? 8a. from Encanto Pk. in Duarte. It's a long, difficult but rewarding climb up the most beautiful canyon in the San Gabriels. Many switchbacks with awesome views. Lots of options for as long and as high as you want to go. Great training for the climbs coming up soon on KOM/ B.A.
Hi vertical bob,

I need a ride like this to prepare for the Mulholland Challenge. I can't quite tell from all of the posts who's going on what route, but I'm interested most in the Crystal Lake then back to Encanto Park loop (50 miles?).

Also, based on what I'm reading, there is no water along this route so I need to carry whatever I want to drink. Si?

So count me in to be at Encanto Park at 8:00a on Saturday morning, March 10th. :) Looking forward to finally meeting some of you in person!

Cleave, I'm looking forward to meeting you, too. I think everyone will start together and go at least to Crystal Lake. Some may go on to Angeles Crest from there, and some may wish to go up GMR after coming back down. There is no water if you go to C.L. and back, but there is a store on East Fork a few miles off 39 on the way back. Of course, if you go to Newcombs Ranch on A.C., there's food and water there.

I'm hoping to make the ride. Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see a meeting time mentioned yet. Anyone care to give me the 411 on it.

Personally I know I would like to make a loop out of it. So, I"m riding from Pasadena and then continuing over the Crest and back down to La Canda, so if anyone wants to do it, I'm in.

I'm hoping to make the ride. Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see a meeting time mentioned yet. Anyone care to give me the 411 on it.

Personally I know I would like to make a loop out of it. So, I"m riding from Pasadena and then continuing over the Crest and back down to La Canda, so if anyone wants to do it, I'm in.
Start time is 8:00. I've done that loop the other way, it's about 85 miles.

I'm hoping to make the ride. Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see a meeting time mentioned yet. Anyone care to give me the 411 on it.

Personally I know I would like to make a loop out of it. So, I"m riding from Pasadena and then continuing over the Crest and back down to La Canda, so if anyone wants to do it, I'm in.

SR 2
[LOS ANGELES & VENTURA CO.'S]
IS CLOSED FROM ISLIP SADDLE TO 5 MI WEST OF BIG PINES (LOS ANGELES CO)
- DUE TO WINTER STORM DAMAGE - MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE

Be careful up there...

SR 2
[LOS ANGELES & VENTURA CO.'S]
IS CLOSED FROM ISLIP SADDLE TO 5 MI WEST OF BIG PINES (LOS ANGELES CO)
- DUE TO WINTER STORM DAMAGE - MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE

Be careful up there... That road has been closed for years.

I'm hoping to make the ride. Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see a meeting time mentioned yet. Anyone care to give me the 411 on it.

Personally I know I would like to make a loop out of it. So, I"m riding from Pasadena and then continuing over the Crest and back down to La Canda, so if anyone wants to do it, I'm in.Its a long way from the bottom of 39 to Newcombs[ 40+]. Be sure to take plenty of water and food to get you there. There is nothing on the way.

Hi vertical bob,

I need a ride like this to prepare for the Mulholland Challenge. I can't quite tell from all of the posts who's going on what route, but I'm interested most in the Crystal Lake then back to Encanto Park loop (50 miles?).

Also, based on what I'm reading, there is no water along this route so I need to carry whatever I want to drink. Si?

So count me in to be at Encanto Park at 8:00a on Saturday morning, March 10th. :) Looking forward to finally meeting some of you in person!Hi Cleave, If you want to get ready for Mulholland then this is the ride for you. Everyone will I think head up the only road up there and all will have to turn around at some point. Believe me I will want to. After we come down the loop around on the East Fork to Little GMR is an option to go further. Otherwise you can continue back down to the start for 50.I will bring some bottled water for those who want to take an extra one but its for sure a 2 large bottle ride. I made a map to show people where we are going . Its pretty hard to get lost when there is only one road. See ya there. 8am start.

I'm wondering if there are any BFers who aren't doing the Solvang Century or some gawdawful ride through the city who would like to come along. Mr Beanz? Sonny? jschen? jslopez? zzzwillzzz?

Hi Cleave, If you want to get ready for Mulholland then this is the ride for you. Everyone will I think head up the only road up there and all will have to turn around at some point. Believe me I will want to. After we come down the loop around on the East Fork to Little GMR is an option to go further. Otherwise you can continue back down to the start for 50.I will bring some bottled water for those who want to take an extra one but its for sure a 2 large bottle ride. I made a map to show people where we are going . Its pretty hard to get lost when there is only one road. See ya there. 8am start.
Hello Bob,

I've done this ride many times, but never started at Encanto Park. Usually we park at the last shopping center on Highway 39 and ride up from there. However, it's been about 4 years since I've ridden up there. The last time it was hot and I had two standard bottles. Not enough but somehow I survived (actually there is a bit of a long story about getting water on the descent).

I will be doing the short (50 mile) loop as I have to get back to Long Beach for my son's Little League game.

Looks like it's going to be warm on Saturday so I'll have two large bottles and a regular bottle in my jersey. Again, looking forward to meeting you, John, and anyone else who makes it.

I've already said this to Bob, but you boys (and girls) have fun up there on Saturday and a safe ride. You will have gorgeous/perfect weather for sure!

Dang, somehow I transposed the dates, thinking the 10th was Sunday and not Saturday. So it looks like I won't get to meet some of you again. I don't have that much time on Saturday, so I was planning on doing it on Sunday, so, have fun guys.

That road has been closed for years.

The 2's been closed for years?

The 2's been closed for years?

I ride Metrolink to work with a guy that works downtown for CalTrans. He was telling me a couple of weeks ago that he understands that the 2 will be open some time later this year. Apparently the rain & snow from a couple of years ago wiped the road off the mountain and that section had to be re-engineered.

I ride Metrolink to work with a guy that works downtown for CalTrans. He was telling me a couple of weeks ago that he understands that the 2 will be open some time later this year. Apparently the rain & snow from a couple of years ago wiped the road off the mountain and that section had to be re-engineered.

Really? Is it possible to go up hwy 39 and return on the 2, or is that part of it that's closed? I haven't driven it in a couple years, I just thought it was the standard winter closure.

Really? Is it possible to go up hwy 39 and return on the 2, or is that part of it that's closed? I haven't driven it in a couple years, I just thought it was the standard winter closure. A.C. is closed between Islip Saddle and Vincent's Gap. There is a big wash out about 1/2 mile west of V.G. We walked around it a couple of times last year but they have a major re-build to do before that road is open to cars. Better for us. You can certainly go up the 39 and down the 2 to La Canada.

A.C. is closed between Islip Saddle and Vincent's Gap. There is a big wash out about 1/2 mile west of V.G. We walked around it a couple of times last year but they have a major re-build to do before that road is open to cars. Better for us. You can certainly go up the 39 and down the 2 to La Canada.

Cool, I couldn't figure out where Islip Saddle was. I'm planning on doing the loop from Pasadena myself one of these weekends.

The top few miles of 39 is gated to cars, and there is a gate on the 2 just east of the 39. You can go around that gate and climb to Dawson Saddle and the washout is down the other side. The last time (last summer), we were there, we got through and went to Grassy Hollow Visitor Center and turned back there.

Now that was a great ride. 9400ft. in 75 miles. What fun to have such a select group of climbers along on one of my weekly rides. It was great to ride with a lot of friends from the San Fernando Club and to meet Cleave and Paul from B.F. Almost everyone finished the whole thing ,although it took a little convincing to go up Little GMR after lunch, but its great when its over. Keith and Stan went on over on A.C. for more miles but I doubt anymore climbing than we got. Met Exhort on GMR and Brandy and Verieo back at the park. A very select group that I was proud to be with. Big John, Valleygirl, Deb, Laura, Pete, Pete, Eric, Stan, Keith, Vance, Cleave, Paul, hope I didn't leave anyone out. Let's do some more next week.

Thanks for organizing this great ride, VB. Just gorgeous up there. Was good to meet Cleave for the first time, and of course, see everyone else again. I can't wait to head back up there and/or Baldy.

Okay Vance, second time we've been in the same spot and I have missed meeting you. What's up with that? :p

Okay Vance, second time we've been in the same spot and I have missed meeting you. What's up with that? :p

Yea, you are giving me a complex. I'm actually very nice, despite you may have heard. No need to run away. :) I'm the guy in the dark gold jersey in your pre-ride pictures... I didn't chase you down as you walked away because I figured we would cross paths with you again later in the day. Either that, or the same reason I didn't talk to girls in the 8th grade. :p

You should have chased me down! Now you're giving me a complex...you knew who I was and didn't think I was worthy of an introduction. Hmmmmmmppppppphhhhhhhhhhhhh! :( ;) :p

Hi Bob et. al.,

It was great to meet and ride with all of you. I ended up riding 60 miles with 6,900 ft of climbing. Just what the doctor ordered.

The wind and cold at the top of the climb really killed me but my youngest was intrigued by the fact that there was snow on the side of the road. To bad I didn't have my camera.

It was great to meet everyone (however briefly) and i was good to see some old friends and meet others that I have always heard about. Sorry that I missed you Cleave!