Southern California - Pine Mountain Summit

Saturday we went to Pine Mountain Summit. Weather was nice with a hint of warmth reminding us how hot it gets out there in the summer. Gentle southerly breezes provided a nice cool ride home.

VB (and others) The Wolff’s Inn looks like it will reopen. They were working inside on Saturday. I peeked in and it is an old bar. There was a sign lying on the bar that read “Wolff’s Inn”. (yes 2 f’s). I am not sure that will be the new name or was just an old sign hanging around. They still look like a few weeks from opening.

There was more motorcycle traffic than I have seen but I have to say they all seemed quite nice. I realize that when you get out in that open country, the throttle just has to be opened. But they did seem considerate of others, we even had some wave to us.

Our ride was 144 miles and 10,400 feet ascending. All in all, a great ride.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o229/thomson900/PineMountain.jpg

Looks like a great ride Jim...why are all of the good rides such a far drive from me? :(

...why are all of the good rides such a far drive from me? :(


wha..da..??? Aren't Palomar, Breathless Agony, Santiago Canyon, etc. down by you??? I think there are lots of good rides everywhere in California. It is something I really enjoy about our state, we have beaches, mountains, deserts all at our front door.

Jim,

When are you going to "host" a ride? You know the terrain from SFV to Solvang?, or even further north, like the back of your hand. I'm sure you have a secret Century route, the "best of Thomson routes", that you'd care to guide us through.

Sign me up. I'm sure there would be a lot of others too.

Jim,

When are you going to "host" a ride? You know the terrain from SFV to Solvang?, or even further north, like the back of your hand. I'm sure you have a secret Century route, the "best of Thomson routes", that you'd care to guide us through.

Sign me up. I'm sure there would be a lot of others too.

Hmmmm, interesting,,,,,Ya know Paul, I have actually considered a multi day ride, like San Francisco to Los Angeles. The problem is I don't know if I will have time to do it this year. Maybe a weekend trip to Refugio; ride there Saturday, camp, and ride back Sunday. We will see how the summer goes.

Hmmmm, interesting,,,,,Ya know Paul, I have actually considered a multi day ride, like San Francisco to Los Angeles. The problem is I don't know if I will have time to do it this year. Maybe a weekend trip to Refugio; ride there Saturday, camp, and ride back Sunday. We will see how the summer goes.
Yes, but in the meantime, why don't you plan a ride like the one we did when I first met you? That was a great ride, Jim, and I suspect many folks would come out for it. :)

Yes, but in the meantime, why don't you plan a ride like the one we did when I first met you? That was a great ride, Jim, and I suspect many folks would come out for it. :)

Hey, good idea Mary, lots of options there. San Francisquito Canyon is close to the Valley.

Hey, good idea Mary, lots of options there. San Francisquito Canyon is close to the Valley.
Yes, it is and it's lovely, not to mention Bouquet with the horse. :D

Yes, it is and it's lovely, not to mention Bouquet with the horse. :DHey M.E. did you see Jim's profile. That climb from mile 40 to Pine Mtn. is the first 3rd of Sea to Summit and the easiest climb of the day. Note I didn't say easy ,I said easiest. Wow Jim that was a hell of a ride.

Hey M.E. did you see Jim's profile. That climb from mile 40 to Pine Mtn. is the first 3rd of Sea to Summit and the easiest climb of the day. Note I didn't say easy ,I said easiest. Wow Jim that was a hell of a ride.
OMG...what am I getting myself into! And what did I let you talk me into! :eek: Oh, well, I'll just pedal in my granny ALL DAY LONG. :D

OMG...what am I getting myself into! And what did I let you talk me into! :eek: Oh, well, I'll just pedal in my granny ALL DAY LONG. :D


Oh Gee, Mary, do not be concerned, the charts always look a lot steeper than they are. The climb to Rose Valley is probably 6% and the last 5 miles up to Pine Mountain is about the same. You can do those easily.

From there, you have a nice 5 mile downhill, then there are two more hills, one is what they call Heartbreak Hill and is nothing. Then there is the climb to Mt Pinos, that is the toughest one for the day. (nice to have it at the end, huh?) IIRC, it is 11 miles. The Sea to Summit group has a couple of rest stops along the way so you can take a break.

Hey Jim, what is the fire damage like out there? Did the fire get as far south as the summit of Pine Mountain? We haven't done the 5 counties since last years Heartbreak Hundred.

Hey Jim, what is the fire damage like out there? Did the fire get as far south as the summit of Pine Mountain? We haven't done the 5 counties since last years Heartbreak Hundred.

Between Rose Valley and Pine Mountain Summit there were some spots of fire damage. Not from the big fire, just little fires they get out there over the years. From the north view at the summit (which for those that have not been there, it is exquisite) there was no sign of the fire at all. We would have gone down to Ozena and probably been able to see some fire damage but we had to turn back as I was jonesing for a big meal. I have not been north of Pine Mountain or through the Lockwood Valley since the fire so I really don't know how bad it is in that area.

Between Rose Valley and Pine Mountain Summit there were some spots of fire damage. Not from the big fire, just little fires they get out there over the years. From the north view at the summit (which for those that have not been there, it is exquisite) there was no sign of the fire at all. We would have gone down to Ozena and probably been able to see some fire damage but we had to turn back as I was jonesing for a big meal. I have not been north of Pine Mountain or through the Lockwood Valley since the fire so I really don't know how bad it is in that area.

where is Pine Mountain???

Oh Gee, Mary, do not be concerned, the charts always look a lot steeper than they are. The climb to Rose Valley is probably 6% and the last 5 miles up to Pine Mountain is about the same. You can do those easily.

From there, you have a nice 5 mile downhill, then there are two more hills, one is what they call Heartbreak Hill and is nothing. Then there is the climb to Mt Pinos, that is the toughest one for the day. (nice to have it at the end, huh?) IIRC, it is 11 miles. The Sea to Summit group has a couple of rest stops along the way so you can take a break.

I love your confidence in my abilities, Jim. ;) Now, let's see if I can borrow some of that! By the way, are you coming?? If so, bring tow rope...:D

where is Pine Mountain???


30 miles north of Ojai on State Highway 33. It is the summit just before entering the Cayuma Valley. Its elevation is 5261. (I just happened to remember that because I read it on the sign the other day) There is also a Mt Pinos (which I would guess is Pine Mountain in Spanish) but that is a separate mountain altogether, east of there, and over 8,000 feet above sea level. And to further complicate matters, there is an area called Pine Mountain Club over by Mt Pinos.

If you look at the profile I included on the first post, the area between mile 18 and 40 is Highway 150 going east and between 40 and 72 is Highway 33 going north.

I love your confidence in my abilities, Jim. ;) Now, let's see if I can borrow some of that! By the way, are you coming?? If so, bring tow rope...:D

I have confidence in your abilities because I have ridden with you. It is a fun ride, one of the real delights is when a van full of screaming teenagers passes you rooting and cheering for you. It is good.

And, nope, I won't be doing this so you will have to tow someone else. ;)

I have confidence in your abilities because I have ridden with you. It is a fun ride, one of the real delights is when a van full of screaming teenagers passes you rooting and cheering for you. It is good.

And, nope, I won't be doing this so you will have to tow someone else. ;)

:rolleyes: uh-huh...WHY aren't you doing it?? :p Oh, I know...some other obligation. I'm actually looking forward to it. I'm riding with Bob and he'll get me up it. He'll get his ear chewed off in the process, but he's used to it. I'll buy him lunch after the ride and that'll even everything out. :D

But on a serious note, this past weekend's ride scared me. I haven't felt that crappy on a ride in a while. I'm sure I'll feel it again, and I was lucky to have a kind riding partner (who didn't get his ear chewed off oddly enough), but those types of rides make me rethink my training.

:rolleyes: uh-huh...WHY aren't you doing it?? :p Oh, I know...some other obligation. I'm actually looking forward to it. I'm riding with Bob and he'll get me up it. He'll get his ear chewed off in the process, but he's used to it. I'll buy him lunch after the ride and that'll even everything out. :D

But on a serious note, this past weekend's ride scared me. I haven't felt that crappy on a ride in a while. I'm sure I'll feel it again, and I was lucky to have a kind riding partner (who didn't get his ear chewed off oddly enough), but those types of rides make me rethink my training.

Bob is going to ride it 2 or 3 times I hear.

And the year I did it, they had hot chili at the top. That soothed my hunger quite well.

Have you guys handled all the logistics of the one way ride? One way that you may not have considered is find someone that wants to do Summit to Sea. They drive a car with their bike in it to the top of Mt Pinos and then cycle home. You ride to Mt Pinos and your car is waiting for you.

And on this past weekend's ride, I am glad you turned around when you did.

Have you guys handled all the logistics of the one way ride? One way that you may not have considered is find someone that wants to do Summit to Sea. They drive a car with their bike in it to the top of Mt Pinos and then cycle home. You ride to Mt Pinos and your car is waiting for you.

And on this past weekend's ride, I am glad you turned around when you did.

:o Me, too...but again, I had a very kind and forceful riding partner.

As for the logistics, I don't know how that will be handled. I guess I'd better ask Bob. He said something about it, but I didn't quite understand. Too bad you're not joining though...you're fun on a ride and freaky fast. :D

Okay, so Jim...

When is the Tour de Thomson (or Jim's Backroads Ramble)?

You set it up, and your big meal is on me (my credit card, in case ME decides to twist that phrase mischieviously).

:o Me, too...but again, I had a very kind and forceful riding partner.

As for the logistics, I don't know how that will be handled. I guess I'd better ask Bob. He said something about it, but I didn't quite understand. Too bad you're not joining though...you're fun on a ride and freaky fast. :D
You will do great, you are in good hands.




Okay, so Jim...

When is the Tour de Thomson (or Jim's Backroads Ramble)?

You set it up, and your big meal is on me (my credit card, in case ME decides to twist that phrase mischieviously).
Paul, it will be at least summer before I could entertain such an endeavour.

Okay, so Jim...

When is the Tour de Thomson (or Jim's Backroads Ramble)?

You set it up, and your and m.e.'s big meal is on me (my credit card, in case ME decides to twist that phrase mischieviously).

:lol: Yes, I'm evil...:p And +1 on the setting it up. You gotta grab a date for the ride, Jim, as the dates around here go fast!

Bob is going to ride it 2 or 3 times I hear.

And the year I did it, they had hot chili at the top. That soothed my hunger quite well.

Have you guys handled all the logistics of the one way ride? One way that you may not have considered is find someone that wants to do Summit to Sea. They drive a car with their bike in it to the top of Mt Pinos and then cycle home. You ride to Mt Pinos and your car is waiting for you.

And on this past weekend's ride, I am glad you turned around when you did. Since my name is being tossed around this thread I guess I ought to get my 2 cents in. First of all Sea to Summit is the hardest ride that I do each year. It's all I can do to finish, but finish I do. Second, Heartbreak is not "nothing " to me. It's a gradual 4%? for several miles followed by at least a mile of double digit to what seems like the top but isn't, thats another mile further. By the last 14 mile climb from Lake of the Woods to Mt Pinos it's just slug it out with the mountain. I want to be truthful about this and it's only my opinion.To prepare for S-S I try to work up to at least 10,000ft. a couple of weeks before. It feels good to know that I have done that in the weeks previous. There are lots of chances to get in that kind of training rides in the next several weeks, I'll be doing one of them Sunday, B.A. Having said that I want to say that S-S, or Sea to Some of it, as is the joke on the ride, is really a grand ride. Rose Valley and Sespe are beautiful. Jim was right about the van full of cheering teen-agers, they are fun and the support ,encouragement, and the after ride stew are great. I would call it more like linner than lunch. Way to late for lunch. Talk about endorphins, man it feels great to have finished that ride. Good sag for those who can't finish, but the 70 something woman from the Conejo Club that does it every year brings up the rear in fine style. I encourage folks to do this but also encourage them to train hard for it. It's a wonderful ride and experience.

I encourage folks to do this but also encourage them to train hard for it. It's a wonderful ride and experience.

And, yet, you've talked me into this. YOU had better bring a tow rope. :mad: ;) :D


Seriously, Bob, I know what I'm getting into. I think I'd better get on Crystal Lake at least once before I attempt it. Maybe those cheering teenagers will pull me to the top. :p

And, yet, you've talked me into this. YOU had better bring a tow rope. :mad: ;) :D


Seriously, Bob, I know what I'm getting into. I think I'd better get on Crystal Lake at least once before I attempt it. Maybe those cheering teenagers will pull me to the top. :p


Mary, it might be best if you rode the last half of this ride ahead of time. As an example, drive to Ozena and go through Lockwood Valley (including Heartbreak Hill) and up to Mt Pinos or if you have less time, drive to Frazier Park and go up through Lake of the Woods to Mt Pinos. For me, that helps as I then know exactly what is in store for me on game day.

Bob, I think I tend to underestimate hills as I sit here in my recliner. They all seem easy after the fact even though I struggle going up them. You are more accurate in their difficulty. And also, yes, it was stew, not chili at the top. I thought it was delicious.

Mary, it might be best if you rode the last half of this ride ahead of time. As an example, drive to Ozena and go through Lockwood Valley (including Heartbreak Hill) and up to Mt Pinos or if you have less time, drive to Frazier Park and go up through Lake of the Woods to Mt Pinos. For me, that helps as I then know exactly what is in store for me on game day.

Bob, I think I tend to underestimate hills as I sit here in my recliner. They all seem easy after the fact even though I struggle going up them. You are more accurate in their difficulty. And also, yes, it was stew, not chili at the top. I thought it was delicious.

Will you go ride them with me? Because I haven't a clue where these hills are. I like your advice though. Hills, no matter how tough, are always a little easier the second go around (usually - although I don't think Balcom would be!).

Also, stop the sandbagging by saying you "struggle going up them." Hills are nothing for you...I've seen you climb them! ;) :D

Will you go ride them with me? Because I haven't a clue where these hills are. I like your advice though. Hills, no matter how tough, are always a little easier the second go around (usually - although I don't think Balcom would be!).

Also, stop the sandbagging by saying you "struggle going up them." Hills are nothing for you...I've seen you climb them! ;) :D

I will have to get back to you on that. Sorry...

As for the sandbagging, trust me, there are some great climbers here. I give it my all but it is work. If I happen to get ahead of the pack, no one can see that I spit up a lung so I just pretend that all is good. I have a bad habit of just remembering the great parts of the climb and not the agony so my accounts of the rides tend to all be "ahh piece of cake". If you want a real assessment of the ride, I have to be a little more realistic.

I was thinking about the S2S climbs and would order them this way, hardest to easiest

Mt Pinos (including Cuddy Valley)
Rose Valley
Heartbreak Hill
Pine Mountain


I won't even count the slight ascent between Ventura and Ojai.

Will you go ride them with me? Because I haven't a clue where these hills are. I like your advice though. Hills, no matter how tough, are always a little easier the second go around (usually - although I don't think Balcom would be!).

Also, stop the sandbagging by saying you "struggle going up them." Hills are nothing for you...I've seen you climb them! ;) :D

I'd be willing to ride them with you, but I have no idea where they are.

I'd be willing to ride them with you, but I have no idea where they are.
Maybe I can get Bob to work us up a Sunday ride and head out there to try them out since he knows where they are. I'd love it if you'd join. :)

Maybe I can get Bob to work us up a Sunday ride and head out there to try them out since he knows where they are. I'd love it if you'd join. :)

I bet you the Alta Sierra Challenge would be a good training ride for you, too! :D

I bet you the Alta Sierra Challenge would be a good training ride for you, too! :D
:rolleyes: Uh...well...hmmm...let me think about that. ;) :D

Maybe I can get Bob to work us up a Sunday ride and head out there to try them out since he knows where they are. I'd love it if you'd join. :)


http://www.toporoute.com/cgi-bin/getSavedRoute.cgi?routeKey=TXNVNRJRQLPLIDO

I did a quickie route from Frazier Park To Mt Pinos, looks like 42 mile round trip. This is the easiest to get to (right off Interstate 5) and has services at Lake of the Woods and Pine Mountain Club (on Cuddy Valley prior to the Mt Pinos road).

btw, you might notice a "Mt Pinos Way" near the beginning off Frazier Mountain Park Road. That just goes through a small residential area landing back on Frazier Mountain Park Rd. Don't bother.

[Edit]
ok, I did from Ozena to Mt Pinos also
http://www.toporoute.com/cgi-bin/getSavedRoute.cgi?routeKey=SWVIUEYJHLMQXMY
looks like 82 miles round trip.

Also, the map shows Pine Mountain Club after the Mt Pinos cutoff. There are stores and stuff before you get to Mt Pinos though, I just don't remember what that community is called.

http://www.toporoute.com/cgi-bin/getSavedRoute.cgi?routeKey=TXNVNRJRQLPLIDO

I did a quickie route from Frazier Park To Mt Pinos, looks like 42 mile round trip. This is the easiest to get to (right off Interstate 5) and has services at Lake of the Woods and Pine Mountain Club (on Cuddy Valley prior to the Mt Pinos road).

btw, you might notice a "Mt Pinos Way" near the beginning off Frazier Mountain Park Road. That just goes through a small residential area landing back on Frazier Mountain Park Rd. Don't bother.

Thanks, Jim! :) I'll check the calendar and find a Sunday to do this before Sea to Summit and then set it up. It might draw some climbers who don't want tons of miles since it is under 50. I can get a taste of what I'm in for! :D

Thanks, Jim! :) I'll check the calendar and find a Sunday to do this before Sea to Summit and then set it up. It might draw some climbers who don't want tons of miles since it is under 50. I can get a taste of what I'm in for! :DI think it's more than 50, actually. I might be willing to do the 86 mile loop through Pine Mountain Club, but it would have to be a Saturday. It's a long drive to just do 50 or less. Lockwood Valley is a great ride, but you never know about the wind.
The area before Cuddy Valley is Lake of the Woods.

Thanks, Jim! :) I'll check the calendar and find a Sunday to do this before Sea to Summit and then set it up. It might draw some climbers who don't want tons of miles since it is under 50. I can get a taste of what I'm in for! :D

I editted my original post to include from Ozena also.

Ozena to Mt Pinos is all included on the S2S route. The first one, Frazier Park, only from Lake of the Woods to Mt Pinos is on the actual ride. But it will give you the final climb and with that the confidence that you can do it.

I think it's more than 50, actually. I might be willing to do the 86 mile loop through Pine Mountain Club, but it would have to be a Saturday. It's a long drive to just do 50 or less. Lockwood Valley is a great ride, but you never know about the wind.
The area before Cuddy Valley is Lake of the Woods.

John, I probably confused things, I tried to include two routes

1. From Frazier Park (and Interstate 5) to the top on Mt Pinos, 21 miles each way.

2. From Ozena to Mt Pinos, 41 miles each way.

[Edit] John, I think you are measuring all the way around Route 166 (the 5 Counties Ride without the Los Angeles section) These rides are just to the Mt Pinos summit and back.

I think it's more than 50, actually. I might be willing to do the 86 mile loop through Pine Mountain Club, but it would have to be a Saturday. It's a long drive to just do 50 or less. Lockwood Valley is a great ride, but you never know about the wind.
The area before Cuddy Valley is Lake of the Woods.
Oh and oh...:o Well, hmmm. I'm running out of Saturdays! I may be doing the 86 mile route after Sea to Summit! (but I'd do it in a heartbeat, John - and I bet Vertical Bob would join).

I too would be very interested in riding up there one Saturday . The 86 mile loop is one of my favorites and I would like to try climbing Mt Pinos.

I too would be very interested in riding up there one Saturday . The 86 mile loop is one of my favorites and I would like to try climbing Mt Pinos.

We just need Bob to log on and take the helm on this one. He'll be thrilled, I'm sure. ;) :D

I would be interested in a Saturday ride up @ Mt Pinos also!!
That way i could have some clue what the HeartBreak Hundred is like.
I have mountain biked in that area and it is beautiful!!!!!!!!!

I would be interested in a Saturday ride up @ Mt Pinos also!!
That way i could have some clue what the HeartBreak Hundred is like.
I have mountain biked in that area and it is beautiful!!!!!!!!!
The 86 mile loop I refer to is the Heartbreak without the section from the freeway to Lake of the Woods.This is one of my favorite rides,too. It has 7000 feet of climbing, but it seems harder than that.
Jim, I know what you meant, I just thought it was more than 20 from Ozena to Lake of the Woods. It feels farther when riding it. I used to live up there and we would do the out and back sometimes.

The 86 mile loop I refer to is the Heartbreak without the section from the freeway to Lake of the Woods.This is one of my favorite rides,too. It has 7000 feet of climbing, but it seems harder than that.
Jim, I know what you meant, I just thought it was more than 20 from Ozena to Lake of the Woods. It feels farther when riding it. I used to live up there and we would do the out and back sometimes.

Oh..Perfect!! then we HAVE to do it, soon I hope!!