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Rick@OCRR
07-16-07, 02:44 PM
Hi Forumites,
The Rebels and doing a GMR ride this coming Saturday and you're all invited :) .
Yes, it will be hot, but bring at least a couple of large water bottles or maybe a Camelback AND water bottles! 7:00 AM start so it will be as cool as possible!

Here is the announcement I wrote for the Rebel website, all of which is applicable to bikeforums.net riders (well, except you can wear your Bike Forums Star Jerseys)!

Saturday, July 21st

Hi Forumites and Rebels,

This note is to announce a GMR (Glendora Mountain Road) ride this coming Saturday, July 21st, 2007.

As many of your know, this is my favorite place to ride in Southern California, with climbs that are neither too steep, nor too long for the average Rider. I talked to several riders who have never done GMR and they all said Saturday would be best for them, so Saturday it is!

When:

Saturday, July 21st, 2007, 7:00 AM Start. Why so early? Because it can get very hot up on the mountain this time of year, and if we start at 7:00 AM we are back down the mountain before it gets too toasty. Please note that you will need to arrive a bit before 7:00 AM so that you’re Cleared for Take-Off at 7:00 AM.

Where to Start:

Glendora Mountain Road and Boulder Springs Road, Glendora, CA and into the Angeles National Forest.

How to Get There:

From Irvine take the 57 Freeway North to the 210 (Foothill Freeway) West, and exit at Grand Ave. in Glendora.
The exit ramp will put you on Baseline, so left on Baseline, right on Grand.
Take Grand North (toward the mountains!) for 2.5 miles, then right onto Sierra Madre.
Take Sierra Madre for 2.5 miles, then left onto Glendora Mountain Road.
Drive ½ mile, then left at Boulder Springs, the only traffic signal on Glendora Mountain Road.
Mapquest says it’s a 45 min. drive from Windrow Park to Boulder Springs, and the traffic will be very light at that hour on a Saturday morning.

Please try to be quiet when getting ready to ride, since Bolder Springs is a residential street and we don’t want to wake the natives.

What to Bring:

Due to the mid-summer start, bring at least two large (32 oz.) water bottles and/or a 70 oz. Camelback. Water is good, Gatorade, CytoMax, etc. would be better. Don’t forget your sunscreen! There are no services between Glendora and Baldy Village, so you may want to bring a Clif bar (or equivalent), GU or Hammer Gel for quick carbs mid-ride. There is a Café, and soda machines at The Village, and yes, they like bike riders.

What is the course?

We start at Boulder Springs in Glendora and take Glendora Mountain Road through the Angeles Forest to Glendora Ridge Road, to Mt. Baldy Road and Mt. Baldy Village. 43 miles round trip, out and back the same way. 80% of the climbing is on the way to Baldy Village, so save a little energy for the 20% on the way back. Total climbing will be 5000 feet. There is no route sheet, so remember this: When you get to an intersection: Go Up! This instruction will get you to the Village and back (as counter intuitive as that may seem).

Is it steep?

No, and that’s one of the things that makes it so wonderful. The vast majority of the climb is only 5% and 6% grade, with few (momentary) blips to 7%. GMR also features a very good road surface and terrific scenery.

Is it open to motor traffic?

Yes, the entire route is now open to motor traffic; however, there will be very few cars and motorcycles on the road. As always, please ride to the right side of the road and respect the yellow line. Lewis rode it last weekend and said he saw four or five cars . . . so no worries!

Is there wildlife about?

Yes, there is! We always see lizards, with the occasional coyote in evidence, and have seen deer, bobcats and even one bear. Not likely, but it happens!

Best Regs,
Rick / OCRR

roadfix
07-16-07, 02:54 PM
In! :D

nacy333
07-16-07, 04:09 PM
I'm in as well. :D

jsigone
07-16-07, 04:23 PM
I'm in, might be playing catch up though......

Rick@OCRR
07-16-07, 05:27 PM
I've seen you play catch up before! Reminds me of how Rasmussen plays catch up!

Good to have all of your along! Tell your friends!

Rick / OCRR

jsigone
07-16-07, 05:44 PM
I think it was the other way around for Rasmussen yesturday, he dropped the entire field by 5 minutes on the first climb with some wheel suckers LOL

How hot has it been up there lately?

Rick@OCRR
07-16-07, 05:51 PM
I thought there were some riders off the front before he started his charge, and he just rode past them one by one. Anyway, that's what I meant!

I haven't been up there for three weeks, but the last time it was high 80's but not quite 90.

Rick / OCRR

jsigone
07-16-07, 05:55 PM
last time I was up there was the last group ride we had. I havn't been on the bike that much, so I better get a few rides in this week before GMR kicks my tail.

Tonight is going to be soo boring without TdF on.......yah there was a group in front that he caught up with, I forgot about them. I wish I can climb near half that speed. His average over yesturday's stage was still 24mph!!!!!!

spingineer
07-16-07, 06:15 PM
last time I was up there was the last group ride we had. I havn't been on the bike that much, so I better get a few rides in this week before GMR kicks my tail.

Tonight is going to be soo boring without TdF on.......yah there was a group in front that he caught up with, I forgot about them. I wish I can climb near half that speed. His average over yesturday's stage was still 24mph!!!!!!
Well, tonight is the night where you can view all the past stages on Tivo. At least that's what I'm going to do.

big john
07-16-07, 08:51 PM
Will Maria be there?

Rick@OCRR
07-16-07, 09:34 PM
Hi Big John,

I don't honestly know, but I hope so. I will send her a special email invitation! She's been doing a lot of hiking instead of cycling lately, but she said she'd be back on the bike soon. Haven't seen her on a Rebel ride lately; and not since Ride Around the Bear (it was her first Bear), now that I think about it.

Rick / OCRR

big john
07-16-07, 09:47 PM
Maybe she got a little burned out on road riding after the Bear. Last time we went to Baldy I had a friend at work post a message to her in Polish. I think she got a kick out of it.

robncircus
07-16-07, 10:50 PM
Hi
I'm just getting back on the bike and have been doing several 15-20 mile rides a week and did La Tuna Canyon and some other hills last Wednesday for a bit over 30 miles. How is it for someone in average shape?
(well, kind of a pear shape but that should be changing soon)

Rob

spingineer
07-16-07, 11:00 PM
In! :D
Bringing your fixie?

jsigone
07-16-07, 11:16 PM
Hi
I'm just getting back on the bike and have been doing several 15-20 mile rides a week and did La Tuna Canyon and some other hills last Wednesday for a bit over 30 miles. How is it for someone in average shape?
(well, kind of a pear shape but that should be changing soon)

Rob

if you can handle 2+ hrs of consistant climbing, you can do this ride. GMR alone takes about an hr or a few minute less, GRR is a good nother hour (13 or so miles) of almost consistant climbing, there are a few roller sections in there, then you have to go back. But you'r pretty much following te ridgeline to higher places for a while. There are no stores in between, carry what you can, figure you will go throught more then a bottle per hour, so 3+ bottles are needed or camelback in the heat. Start drinking some water on Wed, don't over do it though for it will make you bloated and heavier.

spingineer
07-17-07, 08:18 AM
I'm still unsure if I'm doing this ... the lack of water on the route concerns me ... otherwise, I'll probably have to bring a camelback ... that big kitchen sink that I brought on the Solvang Double earlier this year.

nygirl777
07-17-07, 08:39 AM
I'm still unsure if I'm doing this ... the lack of water on the route concerns me ... otherwise, I'll probably have to bring a camelback ... that big kitchen sink that I brought on the Solvang Double earlier this year.

Ron I wouldn't worry too much. I did GMR this past Saturday with 2 water bottles. Only used 1 actually.

Rick@OCRR
07-17-07, 09:34 AM
Yes Ron,

I completely agree with nygirl! 2 Large bottles and you'll be fine. Refill at the Village for the ride back, of course.

Or . . . a Camelback is not a bad idea in my opinion. I will have a 70 oz. Camelback and a large Polar bottle for hydration. Look at it this way: One bottle for 11 miles!

Rick / OCRR

roadfix
07-17-07, 09:51 AM
Bringing your fixie?No, I'll be riding my new single speed conversion. I'd like to be able to coast on the way back. My arms start to hurt on long down hills on a fixie. :)

VelodromePhoeni
07-17-07, 10:00 AM
Of course, there's always the Masters State Track Championships at the Encino Velodrome this Saturday (and Sunday). Two days of sunrise to sunset thrills and excitement!!

jsigone
07-17-07, 11:04 AM
No, I'll be riding my new single speed conversion. I'd like to be able to coast on the way back. My arms start to hurt on long down hills on a fixie. :)

thats exactly why I like the freewheel:D I'm in no shape to climb GMR on my SS, so I won't even bother.

Rick@OCRR
07-17-07, 12:33 PM
Will Maria be there?

Yes big john,
I just received an answer from my email to Maria and she says she will be there!

Rick / OCRR

big john
07-17-07, 12:36 PM
Uh,oh. Now I have to decide what to do. Maybe I'll come, too.

octico
07-17-07, 09:29 PM
I'm in, might be playing catch up though......

Jeff I will be playing catch up with if you go. If want you can sleep on my couch the night before so you don't have to drive that far that early in the morning. If you don't or can't we can always carpool to the ride.
John

jsigone
07-17-07, 10:44 PM
Jeff I will be playing catch up with if you go. If want you can sleep on my couch the night before so you don't have to drive that far that early in the morning. If you don't or can't we can always carpool to the ride.
John

thanks for the offer, but I have to throw the paper route in the morning and head straight up after that. I usually finish the saturday route a lil before 6am + the 90-110 minute drive up from SD (farther south then my house). After the ride I'll prolly nap for a few because last ride up there, I was falling asleep in traffic on the freeways getting back home. It was a LONG trip home:(

octico
07-18-07, 08:19 AM
thanks for the offer, but I have to throw the paper route in the morning and head straight up after that. I usually finish the saturday route a lil before 6am + the 90-110 minute drive up from SD (farther south then my house). After the ride I'll prolly nap for a few because last ride up there, I was falling asleep in traffic on the freeways getting back home. It was a LONG trip home:(

Well if you change your mind you can stop by my house on the way up and we can carpool. I will drive from my house so you can get some sleep.
John

WhiteCarbonDude
07-19-07, 03:36 PM
Good to have all of your along! Tell your friends!

Rick / OCRR

Rick,

Will Lewis be joining or is he still in England?
Jon

Extort
07-19-07, 04:57 PM
This looks fun, so count me in.

big john
07-19-07, 06:31 PM
It's starting to look like it will be hot, so I might go to Angeles Crest instead. Some people are talking about a ride there, so we'll see if they do. It's cooler on AC.

pmc
07-19-07, 10:02 PM
Is it open to cars? or motorcycles?


pmc

Rick@OCRR
07-19-07, 10:04 PM
[/quote]Will Lewis be joining or is he still in England?
Jon[/quote]

No, sorry, got an email from Lewis and he won't be able to make it this time.
Don't know if he's still in the U.K. or what.

However, Chuck will be there, and he's almost as fast a climber as Lewis!
It will be the first time on GMR for Chuck, but he hammered The Bear!

Yes, PMC, it is open to cars and motorcycles, but even when GMR is open,
there are very few cars / trucks.

Rick / OCRR

octico
07-19-07, 10:16 PM
This looks fun, so count me in.
Hey if you want to carpool just PM me.

pmc
07-19-07, 10:36 PM
I'm on vacation woohoo :beer:

So, if I can wake up in time I'll make it.

Although as fast as I climb I might need to start at 6am


pmc

octico
07-20-07, 08:03 AM
I'm on vacation woohoo :beer:

So, if I can wake up in time I'll make it.

Although as fast as I climb I might need to start at 6am


pmc

Don't worry I will be in the back with you. I am a total slug.

Rick@OCRR
07-20-07, 08:12 AM
7:00 AM Not Early Enough for you?

Speaking of starting "early" i.e. 7:00 AM isn't early enough for you, Maria emailed to say she will be starting early; approx 6:30 AM. So at least you would have some company (yes, her English is excellent, but if you know Polish that would be fine too!).

Rick / OCRR

octico
07-20-07, 08:57 AM
How fast is this group going to be? I don't want to hold anyone back.

chimivee
07-20-07, 09:30 AM
How fast is this group going to be? I don't want to hold anyone back.
I wouldn't worry about it. On climbing rides like this, the group typically always spreads out.

jsigone
07-20-07, 09:53 AM
just climb your own pace, its a long climb to baldy so just pace yourself.

roadfix
07-20-07, 09:59 AM
Yes, ride at your own pace as the entire group will be so strung out. You can blow up trying to stay with someone faster than you. :)

Happytime
07-20-07, 10:00 AM
Yes, ride at your own pace as the entire group will be so strung out. You can blow up trying to stay with me. :)

Translation. :p

Mr. Beanz
07-20-07, 10:02 AM
George, is that a Babyruth on your poolside lounger table?:eek:

roadfix
07-20-07, 10:08 AM
Translation. :pNo, my bike is not a pipe bomb! :D

roadfix
07-20-07, 10:09 AM
George, is that a Babyruth on your poolside lounger table?:eek:How can you tell? I thought it was an ash tray...:D

Mr. Beanz
07-20-07, 10:34 AM
How can you tell? I thought it was an ash tray...:D

I can't tell, that's why I was aksin'! All I see is something brown about 6 inches long!:p

jsigone
07-20-07, 11:28 AM
I'm out of this one, Looks like I'm gonna stay local for my Saturday ride. Maybe next time!!!

spingineer
07-20-07, 01:44 PM
What time do you think we'll be finished with the ride? I can't spend all day, so that may dictate if I do this or not.

Mr. Beanz
07-20-07, 01:45 PM
Well Gina's gotta work again, so I guess I will join you guys! I may be the last one up but boy do I need the exercise. Don't get me wrong, If I can drop you, I will !:D.....just not sure if I can drop anyone right now!:p

roadfix
07-20-07, 01:50 PM
What time do you think we'll be finished with the ride? I can't spend all day, so that may dictate if I do this or not.

We should defintely be done by 11:30...12:00 at the latest. That's one reason why I'm doing this ride tomorrow....short and get done early. :)

big john
07-20-07, 01:59 PM
We should defintely be done by 11:30...12:00 at the latest. That's one reason why I'm doing this ride tomorrow....short and get done early. :)
Wouldn't you rather do 9 hours on Angeles Crest?

Mr. Beanz
07-20-07, 02:01 PM
Gate to gate used to take me 2:10, maybe 3 now!:p

Return is about an hour zactly. So depends onhow long you sit at the village.

11:30 should be easy to do!