Well, I can't upload my pics because I left my cord at work. :cry: But I will tomorrow. But I will post a quick report:
I met the crew over at Encanto (crew members: Cassave, Jpconrad, Magicant, Vertical Bob, Shprung, Laura & Patrick - who are not on here) and we took off on the money at 7:30am. I was a nudge and a bit of a pill trying to get us out the gate fast, but I was worried I'd be so slow as to hold the group up and that it would be hot. We got a great pace going (even with Bob yelling, "Piano! Piano" - to remind us to keep a slower tempo to pace, which he did for my benefit) and hit the bottom of Angeles Crest (where Stan joined us) and took off up the hill. As I predicted, I was immediately dropped except by Bob and Stan (who feel sorry for me). But instead of freaking out about it, I took up a faster than normal pace but not "kill myself" and climbed fairly well all the way to the Rangers Station. I was warmed up and delighted that although the day had turned warm, we had missed any real heat and were past it! Everyone seemed in great spirits and we were joined at that point by VanceMac (who just flew up the hill effortlessly and caught us). Then it was a nice five-mile climb up to Redbox (for cold sodas!). My legs were now feeling great, but I kept in mind the climbing left for the day so I had paced it up. I was the "rear" but I was still keeping up fairly well, so my confidence was building and I was feeling great. We saw Clem (of the ADO gang and Double Hall of Famer) out climbing solo (which he likes to do although he is very social). I, of course, had to go hug him and chat him up, as I still have the greatest appreciation for him and the ADO gang after my Butterfield Double experience with them. We took off from Redbox, and, you guessed it, climbed on up some more until we finally hit Necombs Ranch. They were packed and it took an hour and 20 minutes to eat lunch! :eek: But with great company, and well what are you going to do since there is NOTHING else up there - not even a convenient store - we just enjoyed ourselves. Big John, who must have flown up the hill at that point, had caught up and was with us for lunch and the rest of the ride, which I am personally relieved about! We took off at a little slower of a pace and hit the hardest climb of the day (IMHO) which is up to Cloudburst. It is just long and after lunch a little difficult. We all summited and everyone seemed to be doing great for such an ambitious ride. It was perfect weather today, and the descent down from Crystal Lake, although a bit harrowing with the rocks and debris in some parts, was glorious! I had the giggles and the fuzzies in my stomach (yeah, yeah, I know, I'm a goof) as we flew down that. The views took my breath away and as usual, I was just so grateful to be out there doing that ride! We all made it down 39 through some pretty heavy headwinds, but by the time I hit the bike path and was home free, I still had "leg" left so I hammered to catch up with Shprung and Magicant to finish the ride strong. Bob, Stan, Laura and I had linner at the Green Onion and now I'm home. Perfect, perfect, perfect day - weather, company (and I can't stress that enough - this group was a great match), and ride. For 89 miles and over 9k ft of climbing (according to my Garmin), I couldn't have asked for a better day of it. Thanks guys!
The BikeForums Team
-adv-
This is an archived thread, you can find the full version of this thread, with images, links and more content here.
Nice report, M.E.......glad you all had a wonderful ride! I hate sweeping hair on Saturdays! ..:D
spingineer
Bikeforums doesn't have a spill checker :D
Oh, BTW, ME is a strong hill climber ... she just doesn't know it.
merider1
You did it again.....misspelled dinner!
Nice report, M.E.......glad you all had a wonderful ride! I hate sweeping hair on Saturdays! ..:D
Oh, I forgot to mention...it would have been BEYOND perfect if you had been there. :o I missed you today, George, and you would have fit right in (but of course). ;)
merider1
Bikeforums doesn't have a spill checker :D
Oh, BTW, ME is a strong hill climber ... she just doesn't know it.
:lol: He knows that I purposely put "linner" meaning Lunch+dinner. ;) Oh, yeah, I'm a strong climber...kind of like a gassy goat. :p
big john
On your first post, last sentence, what did Big John do?
Great ride, perfect weather, good people. Bit long at the lunch break.
merider1
On your first post, last sentence, what did Big John do?
Great ride, perfect weather, good people. Bit long at the lunch break.
:eek: My report is not there in it's full glory. Ugh. :p I'll fix it. :o
VanceMac
Perfect weather, ideal route, fantastic company, and a Newcomb's lunch... how could it get any better than that?
Shprung
My photos are all in the ride map... visit and enjoy (http://shprung.com/sfvbc/index.php?ride=LAWM-T11#posts)
problems? try this link (http://shprung.com/sfvbc/G/index.php?ride=LAWM-T11#posts)
It truly was a perfect ride day. I enjoy it alot, and fill like I can do 50miles more...
jpconrad
Photos from today (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpconrad/sets/72157600332700640/)
tprevost
Well, I can't upload my pics because I left my cord at work. :cry: But I will tomorrow. But I will post a quick report:
I met the crew over at Encanto (crew members: Cassave, Jpconrad, Magicant, Vertical Bob, Shprung, Laura & Patrick - who are not on here) and we took off on the money at 7:30am. I was a nudge and a bit of a pill trying to get us out the gate fast, but I was worried I'd be so slow as to hold the group up and that it would be hot. We got a great pace going (even with Bob yelling, "Piano! Piano" - to remind us to keep a slower tempo to pace, which he did for my benefit) and hit the bottom of Angeles Crest (where Stan joined us) and took off up the hill. As I predicted, I was immediately dropped except by Bob and Stan (who feel sorry for me). But instead of freaking out about it, I took up a faster than normal pace but not "kill myself" and climbed fairly well all the way to the Rangers Station. I was warmed up and delighted that although the day had turned warm, we had missed any real heat and were past it! Everyone seemed in great spirits and we were joined at that point by VanceMac (who just flew up the hill effortlessly and caught us). Then it was a nice five-mile climb up to Redbox (for cold sodas!). My legs were now feeling great, but I kept in mind the climbing left for the day so I had paced it up. I was the "rear" but I was still keeping up fairly well, so my confidence was building and I was feeling great. We saw Clem (of the ADO gang and Double Hall of Famer) out climbing solo (which he likes to do although he is very social). I, of course, had to go hug him and chat him up, as I still have the greatest appreciation for him and the ADO gang after my Butterfield Double experience with them. We took off from Redbox, and, you guessed it, climbed on up some more until we finally hit Necombs Ranch. They were packed and it took an hour and 20 minutes to eat lunch! :eek: But with great company, and well what are you going to do since there is NOTHING else up there - not even a convenient store - we just enjoyed ourselves. Big John, who must have flown up the hill at that point, had caught up and was with us for lunch and the rest of the ride, which I am personally relieved about! We took off at a little slower of a pace and hit the hardest climb of the day (IMHO) which is up to Cloudburst. It is just long and after lunch a little difficult. We all summited and everyone seemed to be doing great for such an ambitious ride. It was perfect weather today, and the descent down from Crystal Lake, although a bit harrowing with the rocks and debris in some parts, was glorious! I had the giggles and the fuzzies in my stomach (yeah, yeah, I know, I'm a goof) as we flew down that. The views took my breath away and as usual, I was just so grateful to be out there doing that ride! We all made it down 39 through some pretty heavy headwinds, but by the time I hit the bike path and was home free, I still had "leg" left so I hammered to catch up with Shprung and Magicant to finish the ride strong. Bob, Stan, Laura and I had linner at the Green Onion and now I'm home. Perfect, perfect, perfect day - weather, company (and I can't stress that enough - this group was a great match), and ride. For 89 miles and over 9k ft of climbing (according to my Garmin), I couldn't have asked for a better day of it. Thanks guys!
SO cool M.E.!!!! Great Report as usual and great job pushing yourself as well!!!! :beer:
trac'
magicant
Great ride- probably the toughest ride I've done as far as climbing goes (and I'm including the doubles). It was just a lot of up, up, up. A lot of fun, though. Temperatures were darned near perfect the whole way. We hit a couple of hot spots, but overall, even in the peak of the day we hit cool spots, as well.
The descent was awesome. I looked at it on my Garmin and the twists and turns on 39 were crazy.
A few photos:
This license plate was so appropriate, as anyone who's ridden with m.e. knows.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n256/magicant2000/AngelesCrest/wheelmentrainer016.jpg
Stopping before the climbing begins!
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n256/magicant2000/AngelesCrest/wheelmentrainer018.jpg
A little cloud cover leftover in the distance, but we climbed above it.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n256/magicant2000/AngelesCrest/wheelmentrainer019.jpg
At the summit, before hitting the 39
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n256/magicant2000/AngelesCrest/wheelmentrainer006.jpg
Cassave and Shprung coming down the 39
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n256/magicant2000/AngelesCrest/wheelmentrainer014.jpg
Some of the descent yet to come.
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n256/magicant2000/AngelesCrest/wheelmentrainer011.jpg
Great pics, Joel. Looks like another fun BF ride, and these pics make me feel like I'm there.
vertical bob
Oh man that was fun. A great ride with a great group. Thanks for the pic everyone. I noticed that most seemed to be taken while the rider was stopped , bueno. The road repaving was further along than I thought. I saw that it was paved up to Dawson Saddle so when shall we do the Red Box to Grassy Hollow ride? For those who don't know, we start at Red Box and ride about 40 miles east on A.C.to Grassy Hollow visitor center just before Big Pines. This goes over Dawson Saddle out and back at an elevation of 7910 with an over all elevation gain of about what we did on Saturday, 9000ft. It's the highest point on A.C. The view from there out to the Mojavie Desert is pretty great and seldom seen. After all the road is closed to cars , the only way to get there is on a bike or an foot. I'm thinking of doing it in a couple of weeks.
magicant
Would love to do that ride sometime, Bob. My dance card is full for the next 7 weeks, though!!
Entropy906
Oh man that was fun. A great ride with a great group. Thanks for the pic everyone. I noticed that most seemed to be taken while the rider was stopped , bueno. The road repaving was further along than I thought. I saw that it was paved up to Dawson Saddle so when shall we do the Red Box to Grassy Hollow ride? For those who don't know, we start at Red Box and ride about 40 miles east on A.C.to Grassy Hollow visitor center just before Big Pines. This goes over Dawson Saddle out and back at an elevation of 7910 with an over all elevation gain of about what we did on Saturday, 9000ft. It's the highest point on A.C. The view from there out to the Mojavie Desert is pretty great and seldom seen. After all the road is closed to cars , the only way to get there is on a bike or an foot. I'm thinking of doing it in a couple of weeks.
It's actually freshly paved all the way to Vincent Gap. The washed out portions are easy to get around as well. I took a picture a couple weeks ago. I tried to get back up to Dawson Saddle last week but there were too many Caltrans trucks about. On the weekend I suspect you wouldn't run into Caltrans. And you're right the views are great.
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/1244/dawsonsaddleride014ya0.jpg
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/5513/dawsonsaddleride013zb8.jpg
vertical bob
It's actually freshly paved all the way to Vincent Gap. The washed out portions are easy to get around as well. I took a picture a couple weeks ago. I tried to get back up to Dawson Saddle last week but there were too many Caltrans trucks about. On the weekend I suspect you wouldn't run into Caltrans. And you're right the views are great.
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/1244/dawsonsaddleride014ya0.jpg
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/5513/dawsonsaddleride013zb8.jpgAre there any warning signs forbidding bicycles, not that I would obey them but would hope that they wouldn't be enforced.
Entropy906
Are there any warning signs forbidding bicycles, not that I would obey them but would hope that they wouldn't be enforced.
There is one little sign on the Big Pines side of the washout that forbids pedestrians and bicycles. Easily ignored;)
merider1
Bob, I really want to do the Grassy Hollows ride, but I am out of pocket for the next four weeks. :( I'll just have to hear about it and hope you'll go back up there in the fall.
jsigone
great pics and report!!!!
Go_Fast
great pics and report!!!!
+1
merider1
Okay, finally got my pics uploaded. Here they are:
Some of the views
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/lawheelman/1.jpg
Following Big John up the last real climb of the day to where 39 meets AC:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/lawheelman/31.jpg
Regroup - everyone still smiling:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/lawheelman/32.jpg
Crossing the gate at 39 and about to head down past Crystal Lake:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/lawheelman/33.jpg
The view of the road going down (I was not riding at this point, I was off my bike waiting for a flat to be fixed - so, Bob, don't get mad):
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/lawheelman/34.jpg
Bob and Stan waiting for Laura and Patrick - we went through some bad debris, and one tube bit the dust!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/lawheelman/35.jpg
Looking down at 39 below:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/lawheelman/36.jpg
spingineer
Great pics, as usual. Looking at these makes my legs tired, and gets me short of breath ... :eek:
This definitely looks harder than my ride ... also looks a lot hotter too!!!
VanceMac
Great pics, as usual. Looking at these makes my legs tired, and gets me short of breath ... :eek:
This definitely looks harder than my ride ... also looks a lot hotter too!!!
It was actually pretty mild! Could not have been a better ride. Great photos John, Shai, ME, and Joel.
Cassave
Great pics, as usual. Looking at these makes my legs tired, and gets me short of breath ... :eek:
This definitely looks harder than my ride ... also looks a lot hotter too!!!
The weather was perfect, never above about 78 F, which is perfect basking at Newcomb's weather.
The descent from Cloud Burst was actually chilly.
vertical bob
Great pics, as usual. Looking at these makes my legs tired, and gets me short of breath ... :eek:
This definitely looks harder than my ride ... also looks a lot hotter too!!!I don't know how you can tell the air temperature by looking at a picture but FYI the high at Chilao [5300ft] on Saturday was 76.
merider1
I don't know how you can tell the air temperature by looking at a picture but FYI the high at Chilao [5300ft] on Saturday was 76.
Felt like 100...:lol: Before you growl at me, I'm just kidding. :D It was PERFECT weather. If the weather was like that all summer, I'd be a happy camper...er...rider.