Southern California - The "Not Doing the Eastern Sierra Double" Ride - June 2nd

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hey... btw.... here's where you're gonna be riding when you show up here ;)


Now that's just mean...drool, drool. ;) :D I HAVE to get a date down. I hope Big Sean will want to see me too after I flaked.

:( You look hot in your avatar and, assuming you're single, I was hoping to flirt with you in a completely over-the-top and inappropriate fashion. Darn. :p


I may have to rethink this. :D

Now that's just mean...drool, drool. ;) :D I HAVE to get a date down. I hope Big Sean will want to see me too after I flaked.

of course he will... its not too difficult to get him out on a ride :p I haven't had him turn me down yet ;) ... okay, well other than when he got a huge piece of metal in his eye :eek:

I may have to rethink this. :D

yes you should... M.E. is worth the drive all by herself :p

You're so in :love:, Jason. :)
You would be too if you were in my shoes. I told her briefly (a few minutes max) about Breathless Agony while talking with her for the first time (early March 2006) when she asked me about how I spend my time outside the lab. She was just trying to figure out what grad school life looks like. Never discussed it again. About a week after Breathless Agony, I got an e-mail from her asking how the hilly century went.

And it wasn't a fluke... I told her how it went (not so well) and how some of us were planning a Memorial Day weekend hilly century, and again she checked on me. Turns out we decided to cut the ride short, but there was a coastal long ride coming up in July. Again, she checked on me shortly after the ride.

Then told her about my solo Pie Ride (after the fact) and outlined my "Century Month" plans for her (1 double metric, 3 centuries (2 very hilly), and 1 metric within the span of a month) and near the end of that month period, she e-mailed me the day after Baldy Challenge asking me how the highlight of my month of riding went. And all that was before the days we talked on the phone.

She knows I gave up riding with you to the Baldy ski lift to hang out with her in San Diego. She knows I'm giving up Grand Tour to visit Boston.

yeah, I'm a goober.... Joy left me out... and I hadn't read the whole thread :p

Sorry Trac'!!!! I was under the assumption that you were a BA veteran and I was trying to prod the virgin Mary into committing! Looks like we're all going to have a time of it!
:p

Sorry Trac'!!!! I was under the assumption that you were a BA veteran and I was trying to prod the virgin Mary into committing! Looks like we're all going to have a time of it!
:p


HA!!!! I'm gonna die and I have a whole year to prep for it :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

HA!!!! I'm gonna die and I have a whole year to prep for it.

We may die... but at least we'll die riding cool bikes....:D


I may have to rethink this.

That, my dear fellow, is an understatement.

We may die... but at least we'll die riding cool bikes....:D

Yeah... they'll float up the hills all on their own... we'll just go along for the ride :p

Hey...'m planning on making it to the lifts (or trying :rolleyes: ). What's beyond the lifts? When looking at the google maps, it looks like the road continues past. Or is that my imaagination?

I think it's a dirt or service road. I overhead some trifolk talking about riding to the lifts, and then running/hiking the rest of the way to the peak. I stopped listening at that point since they were obviously insane.

O.K., I may join for this, and I have invited some SFVBC members, too. I hate going up to the lifts, though.

innie. :D

I'm still in.

There's a guy on roadbikereview also named Roadfix, who's going to be there. How will we tell you apart?

There's a guy on roadbikereview also named Roadfix, who's going to be there. How will we tell you apart?
That guy over at the other forum keeps stalking me. Anyway, I will be wearing my sleeveless BF jersey.

that other roadfix guy is a troublemaker, i tell ya.

As of today I am a 99.999999 in for this test of BF strength ride. My wife is taking the kids to the mother in laws house on Friday so I am free for the day. I am looking forward to meeting everyone! I am also bringing a crazy Russian friend - Jack. He is very excited about this ride as it is near his house and he is a climbing goat less the beard (I am not joking). Also, I have heard through the grape vine that Herb puts on a hell of a ride with entertainment and snacks afterwards!!! Plus this merider with a sexy new avatar is going to be there and we could not miss this ride!!!

You need to be tied to your bed and forced to sleep in once in awhile. I'm sure there would be a volunteer or two or three on here willing to do just that. :p Speaking of, I saw Go Fast today and he looked beyond handsome in his work attire. Men in slacks/shirt/tie melt me like butter. He warmed my croissant for sure. :D
Do you want us "men" to be cycling in slacks, dress shirt, and tie? Perhaps a tux? Going up Baldy ??? :eek:

you are so funny :p wait til you see me after a ride... then you'll understand :D
But we have seen you after a ride ... here's proof.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/BF%20Memorial%20Day%20Ride/P5260050.jpg

Aren't they sooo cuuuuute.

I'm not going sleeveless as it might not get up past 73 tomorrow. Just FYI. Then again, it could be hot and I'll be tying my jacket around my waist again.
Will there be places to fill up with water? Otherwise, I may have to bring this huge friggin' 100 oz camelback up Baldy.

Is anyone doing this ride?

:p

Will there be places to fill up with water? Otherwise, I may have to bring this huge friggin' 100 oz camelback up Baldy.
1 stop on East Fork and 1 stop in Baldy Village. I typically go up there with just 2 bottles, but if hot it doesn't hurt to carry an extra bottle. I've gone up with riders who do wear camelbacks, so if you want to, please do. I can then kill you and take your water if I need to. :D

But we have seen you after a ride ... here's proof.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/BF%20Memorial%20Day%20Ride/P5260050.jpg

Aren't they sooo cuuuuute.


... but again... that's after a shower :p

As of today I am a 99.999999 in for this test of BF strength ride. I am also bringing a crazy Russian friend - Jack. Also, I have heard through the grape vine that Herb puts on a hell of a ride with entertainment and snacks afterwards!!! Plus this merider with a sexy new avatar is going to be there and we could not miss this ride!!!
First off, yippee! :) I'm glad you and Jack can come - I rather like crazy Russians. :p. Second, and I hate to dissapoint, but Herby isn't coming and I charge for post ride entertainment and snacks.:D

... but again... that's after a shower :p
Well, demnit women, stop showering after rides. Stink like the rest of us. :p

1 stop on East Fork and 1 stop in Baldy Village. I typically go up there with just 2 bottles, but if hot it doesn't hurt to carry an extra bottle. I've gone up with riders who do wear camelbacks, so if you want to, please do. I can then kill you and take your water if I need to. :D
If I do carry the camelback up, I might actually want you to take some water, to alleviate all that extra weight. I'll probably decide some time tonight .... so wishy washy

Well, demnit women, stop showering after rides. Stink like the rest of us. :p
ME, I'm beginning to think you like it being sweaty and stinky ... :p

Well, demnit women, stop showering after rides. Stink like the rest of us. :p
I can't... it'd be way too skeery!!! :eek:

1 stop on East Fork and 1 stop in Baldy Village. I typically go up there with just 2 bottles, but if hot it doesn't hurt to carry an extra bottle. I've gone up with riders who do wear camelbacks, so if you want to, please do. I can then kill you and take your water if I need to.
Does this mean we're going up east fork/rte 39? I thought it was up GMR to GRR?

Does this mean we're going up east fork/rte 39? I thought it was up GMR to GRR?
According to the route slip, we are.

Does this mean we're going up east fork/rte 39? I thought it was up GMR to GRR?
Yes, Mark, that is the plan. Little GMR is a bit steeper, but shorter. Plus, this gives us a water/fuel stop. From the cafe on East Fork, I believe it is about 22 miles to the Village, where there is the 2nd water stop.

First off, yippee! :) I'm glad you and Jack can come - I rather like crazy Russians. :p. Second, and I hate to dissapoint, but Herby isn't coming and I charge for post ride entertainment and snacks.:D

Someone will have to tie a rope to Jack to keep him from climbing all the way to Mt Whitney!!

Yeah...definitely sorry I can't do this....yeah right....:rolleyes:

According to the route slip, we are.
Okay...where did I get the idea we were going up GMR?

<slink><shuffle> I swear...I don't do this intentionally...

Did someone post a profile of this via routeslip.com? I thought I saw it one time, but cannot find it now.

Did someone post a profile of this via routeslip.com? I thought I saw it one time, but cannot find it now.


http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=3577569&postcount=302

http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=3577569&postcount=302
I have that ... but what I was hoping for was an elevation profile. If no one has done it, no problem.

I have that ... but what I was hoping for was an elevation profile. If no one has done it, no problem.

there's one floating around somewhere in this thread. Basically, it goes up.

OK , ME put me down for this one. See ya.

there's one floating around somewhere in this thread. Basically, it goes up.
I know it goes up, I just want to know when it goes down.

Okay, so I realized that there may be some of you who have not ridden up to Baldy, so here comes my Mother Mary speech (those of you who have done this ride and know it – skip this post, please):

The route we are taking tomorrow pretty much goes like this –

-we start out of Encanto Park Driveway, left onto the bike path and up to where it meets Hwy 39
-39 almost immediately becomes a climb (gradual, not steep) and it climbs with some rollies for about 11 miles
-around mile 11 or 12, you will turn right on East Fork Rd (there is a little Bridge there) and follow it (more rollies) to the East Fork Café on your left (about 2 miles)
-the café has food and water and a public restroom. PLEASE BRING CASH as they do not accept credit cards.
-left out of the Café parking lot and approx. 1.5 miles up, take a right on Glendora Ridge Road (which is what I call Little GMR and at which there will be a sign telling you which way to go to Mt. Baldy) and you will hit the first REAL climb of the day. It is about 5 steep miles up until you come to the intersection at which you turn left to head up to Baldy. Take your time up that and enjoy the climb!
-For the next 14 miles (approx.) you will be climbing with several rollies thrown in, coming to the top of GRR (Cow Saddle, I think?), which is a tiny lookout spot.
-you then descend down a steep ½ mile or so to the Village. There is a stop sign at the bottom, so please do NOT go flying down that hill.
-At the stop sign, turn left and the lodge (it’s tiny – so don’t picture a massive place) is on your right. Water/food/bathroom here!
-for those who wish to climb to the ski lifts, you simply go straight, past the lodge and you climb very steep up five miles.
-Returning from the village is a climb out (that ½ mile you descended) and then you pretty much descend (with some rollies) down Glendora Ridge Road until you come to the intersection again (14 miles with no more water stops, so be sure to fill up your water bottles!). You go STRAIGHT onto BIG GMR (Glendora Mountain Road) and it is a sweet descent down to Sierra Madre.
-At the bottom you will come to a stop sign (Sierra Madre) and turn right. From there if you take SM back to the bike path entrance (which I plan to do), there is one kick-butt hill left (very short). If you are not comfortable crossing gravel on Sierra Madre, you can follow the route slip to avoid those sections of Sierre Madre. It is a little tricky to find the entrance to the bike path, so if you do not know where it is, you may wish to pair up with a rider who does!
-as for water, I carry two bottles and refill at both stops as well as drink extra at the stops.

NOTE: THERE WILL BE TRAFFIC ON ALL SECTIONS OF THIS ROUTE TOMORROW. PLEASE USE CAUTION AND STAY TO THE RIGHT BOTH ON THE ASCENT AND DESCENT.

This ride is my very favorite of all rides I have ever ridden. It always challenges me no matter how I feel (strong legs or no mojo). It is NOT an easy ride, but it is not too terribly difficult either. I realize there are some folks on here that fly up that mountain in their big ring and they may think it a piece of cake. But I’m not one of those lucky Billie goats, and I feel this ride on my legs and butt by the time I’m done. It is always worth it to me for the view alone – and with good company, it cannot be beat!

We will be a large group, and although I did not give birth to any of you, I do always worry about the safety of riders. As usual, some will climb faster than others and quite possibly be done before others. My hope is that everyone will have a riding partner or two and I hope all of you will bring your cell phones (yes, in certain sections up there, you can get reception). I also ask that if you do end early and decide to take off, please call my cell phone (which is on the route slip) and provide me the name of riders who may have finished early with you. Anyone who wants to ride with me (I am neither a fast nor slow climber, I just pedal), I’d love your company. I do plan to go up to the lifts tomorrow, but I’m taking my own sweet time down off that mountain, and if you ride with me, you will NOT be left behind (like Grumpy Pig was on the Bloat Ride, for which I still feel horrible :o). As I come off the lifts, I will stop by the lodge to pick up anyone who may have waited there and had snacks. But everyone should ride at his/her own pace and, hopefully, have fun!

As for lunch/dinner after, I like Chris’ suggestion of the GREAT ONION, located at 2150 Huntington Dr , Duarte CA (not to be confused with the Green Onion). I have no idea how good their food is, but let’s give it a try.

And last but not least, any lurkers on here who are up for this ride but uncomfortable showing up at groups where you don’t know the people I would encourage you to join. The BF riders are very friendly and inclusive!

Okay, enough Mother Mary…I’m now going back to my naughty Catholic girl self. :p:D

Big John and Valleygirl - :beer: I look forward to seeing you both! :)

Okay...where did I get the idea we were going up GMR?

<slink><shuffle> I swear...I don't do this intentionally...
:lol: You're so funny. You got the idea from my original OP. I've updated it to now reflect what we are doing. So, it was my bad, not yours. ;)

is it quitting time yet?

OK, I think I talked in at least one riding buddy to come along and he even offered to drive. Woohoo!! There might be 1 or 2 others as well but I don't know for sure yet.

Is this info correct:
Time: 7:30am meet; 8:00am roll
Meet Location: Encanto Park, 751 Encanto Pkwy, Duarte

And just so you know I haven't done a ride over 60 miles all year and I hate climbing and I just got over this chest cold thing and my left pinky toe has been hurting and... :D

And just so you know I haven't done a ride over 60 miles all year and I hate climbing and I just got over this chest cold thing and my left pinky toe has been hurting and... :D


... are you reading this M.E.????? :rolleyes:

last time it was gr@sshopper.....

... are you reading this M.E.????? :rolleyes:
Yeah...we got another Sandbagger on our hands. :rolleyes: :p Glad you can join, TCR, and your buddy. But we need more estrogen, so are your wives coming?

last time it was gr@sshopper.....
huh? Are you feeling okay today, George. :p;)

OK M.E., put me down for this one.
Since some of my SFVBC buds are riding it I'm just going to blend in.