Southern California - Questions about the Molholland route

2. Is 7 minute Hill, well that is what we used to call it. It is a stretch on Mulholland just prior to Stunt Rd. [/B]
7 minute hill is the part just after stunt as you're heading towards old topanga

7 minute hill is the part just after stunt as you're heading towards old topanga

Yes, going that direction (north). However, the MC goes south on that hill. It certainly doesn't take 7 minutes to climb it that direction. But I was just pointing out peak 2 that was indicated in the first post.

I am glad it is still called 7 minute hill, I remember calling it that in the 80's. The term probably way preceded then.

Yes, going that direction (north). However, the MC goes south on that hill. It certainly doesn't take 7 minutes to climb it that direction. But I was just pointing out peak 2 that was indicated in the first post.

I am glad it is still called 7 minute hill, I remember calling it that in the 80's. The term probably way preceded then. The story is that Barry Wolfe named that part of Mulholland from Stunt to the top of Cardiac, 7 minute hill. Kinda miss that old buzzard, he was a legend.

The story is that Barry Wolfe named that part of Mulholland from Stunt to the top of Cardiac, 7 minute hill. Kinda miss that old buzzard, he was a legend.

That is a nice piece of trivia. I am not surprised he dubbed it. He probably had ridden it a million times or more.

I never had the pleasure of knowing him.

to have three rides and a race named after you shows his status in the history of cycling in the area. we always knew the simi ride as the barry ride back in the 80's as well as the tues and thurs rides that still happen that used to leave from his aircraft parts shop in north hollywood.

you never saw anyone change a sewup as fast as barry. by the time the whole group stopped, he already was installing the new tire on the rim. if they had co2 cartridriges it would have taken less than a minute

I rode with him when he was training Pam for the U.S. National team. We did a century and when Pam wanted to stop for the bathroom he barked, " You should go to the bathroom before you leave the house", and when she wanted water, "You can get a drink when you get home"! It was in jest, of course and she went on to become a top 20 racer in some big international events, partly because of Barry giving his time and knowledge to her.
Once, when I stupidly took a long pull with a group of much stronger riders, he told me that if I was willing to do the work, they were willing to let me.

Good idea V.C. on Sunday I was descending from Mulholland Dr.down to Encino feathering my brakes as usual and right at the bottom ,BANG, the front tire blew. The tube ripped open at the seam and I rode to a stop on the rim. Whew, the rim was really hot, even though I was tapping them off and on. I've heard that could happen but its a first for me and it wasn't even a hot day. Maybe another reason to run a lower psi like 100. As far as descending in the drops, watch the pro's. They never descend in any other position, hell, they climb in the drops. It's too easy to have your hands knocked off the bars on the hoods + your hand has much more gripping strength squeezing in the drops. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is to stay way back on your seat. That keeps the rear wheel from coming off the ground and we don't want that do we? Remember Pantani descending so far back on his saddle that it was almost on his chest, that was cool. I tried it once, never again. I was in a pack of racers years ago descending Mulholland around Cold Creek and at 40mph the guy in front of me reached back and grabbed the back of his seat with both hands. He pulled away and I freaked out, amazing. There is no substitute for bike handling skills. See you guys out there on Saturday

Thanks for bringing up the fact that you should stay way back on your seat! I was JUST wondering about this. I am a mountain biker originally so I know this to be true in mountain biking but I wasn't sure if it was the same in road biking! I Have been practicing descenting in the drops just recently since Brandy, I were discussing it last weekend. I still don't feel 100% comfortable in that position but am getting there.
See everyone Saturday!

Karen

Thanks for bringing up the fact that you should stay way back on your seat! I was JUST wondering about this. I am a mountain biker originally so I know this to be true in mountain biking but I wasn't sure if it was the same in road biking! I Have been practicing descenting in the drops just recently since Brandy, I were discussing it last weekend. I still don't feel 100% comfortable in that position but am getting there.
See everyone Saturday!

Karen

Just to be clear, this is not always true when you are cornering. While I agree that you should have your weight shifted back when descending there are instances when you are doing sharp corners where you actually want to shift your weight forward. One of the reasons that you want to be in the drops (and shifted forward) when making a sharp turn is that you want to have weight on the front wheel. This will keep you balanced and lead your through your turn. This is subtle and does not need to be too pronounced. However, consciously pressing down on the fiont wheel when you corner will really help keep your turn stable and smooth.

Another important note is you want to try to finish your braking before you make a turn. You really want to avoid trying to brake heavily and turn at the same time. Hard braking will actually attempt to straighten the bike out and counteract your steer. Your best bet is to brake and setup the correct speed before you start the turn. Keep your weight on the outside pedal and point your inside knee to where you are turning.

Descending like this will also keep you from wearing out your brakes and overheating your rims. Much better to get on the brakes before the turn, let go of the breaks and smoothly make the turn and get back on the brakes after the turn if you need to correct your speed. Constantly being on your brakes for long periods of time will definitely over-heat your pads/rims and also can cause your hands to start to cramp up.

Ride safe.

Another important note is you want to try to finish your braking before you make a turn. You really want to avoid trying to brake heavily and turn at the same time. Hard braking will actually attempt to straighten the bike out and counteract your steer. Your best bet is to brake and setup the correct speed before you start the turn. Keep your weight on the outside pedal and point your inside knee to where you are turning.

Descending like this will also keep you from wearing out your brakes and overheating your rims. Much better to get on the brakes before the turn, let go of the breaks and smoothly make the turn and get back on the brakes after the turn if you need to correct your speed. Constantly being on your brakes for long periods of time will definitely over-heat your pads/rims and also can cause your hands to start to cramp up.

Ride safe.

+100

I rode up Westlkae/Decker last night to Mulholland then decensed Rock Store.

Roads look good and clean ! The wind blew all the crap away.