I'm planning to ride from Red Box again this Saturday, starting at 7am. My plan is to descend A.C.to Clearcreek to Angeles Forest Hwy, on to upper Big Tujunga,back over to Angeles Crest, then on to Newcombs and Dawson Saddle. I did this a couple of weeks ago and an early start helps to get back up to altitude before it gets hot lower. The low point on the ride is about 3000ft. and the high is 7910. It climbs about 9k in 80 miles but there are many places to turn around once the loop to Big T brings you back to A.C. at mile 25. If you haven't been on Upper Big T it's about the nicest road in the San Gabriels but challenging. This is a 3 bottle ride for me as the only water, and beer,:D is at Newcombs. Those wanting to start at the bottom could ride up to Clearcreek and make the left on Angeles Forest, getting water at Clearcreek. That's the route of the A.C. 100. Or, just start at RB and go where ever you want when ever you want. An Adventure Pass is required to park anywhere in the Forest and can be purchased for $5 at the Shell Station on Foothill or I think Big Five stores sell them.http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/vendors.php here's a link to buy a pass.

It will be a gorgeous ride, Bob. Enjoy! I can't make it on 9/1 as I have the cable guy coming to install internet/cable service that morning. I hope you get a big group up there.

I'll be around somewhere, I'll probably start at the bottom, though.

I'll be around somewhere, I'll probably start at the bottom, though.

What time do you think you'd leave from the bottom?

This ride sounds good, but I have absolutely no knowlege of the area, hence I have a lot of (probably stupid) questions.

1. Where is Red Box? Is it a city/town, a building or . . . just a box?

2. What is the actual address of Red Box so I can do a Mapquest from my house to Red Box?

3. Is there a route sheet in case I get dropped (quite likely), so I won't be totally lost?

4. If so, please advise link!

5. Since I don't have any knowledge of the area, should I just pass on this ride and do GMR/GRR and other areas I know? In other words, would I be better off to wait for the Angeles Crest Century or some other organized ride in the area rather than starting out with this BF ride that seems to have so many options?

Rick / OCRR

Rick, don't fear the AC! It is almost impossible to get lost up there (there's just one main road). And you'll be with VB's crew, which means you will be well looked after.

Red Box is indeed a red box, but there is also a large parking lot and a small station there. It is where Mt Wilson Rd branches off AC (route 2). Zoom in/out from here (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Sherman+Oaks,+CA&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=34.257855,-118.105001&spn=0.022807,0.049825&z=15).


Don't worry about the options. Just start with Bob.

Thanks Vance,

So do I need an Adventure Pass to park there, or was that for one of the other options?

Rick / OCRR

What time do you think you'd leave from the bottom?

I think 6 would be a good time...

Thanks Vance,

So do I need an Adventure Pass to park there, or was that for one of the other options?

Rick / OCRR

Yes - you need an Adventure Pass to park up there. You can get a day pass for $5 or so from the Shell station at the bottom of Angeles Crest or you can get an annual pass for $30 (I think the annual pass is good for all national forests and parks).

So do I need an Adventure Pass to park there, or was that for one of the other options?
Rick / OCRR

An Adventure Pass is required to park anywhere in the Forest and can be purchased for $5 at the Shell Station on Foothill or I think Big Five stores sell them.http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/vendors.php here's a link to buy a pass.


:)

This ride sounds good, but I have absolutely no knowlege of the area, hence I have a lot of (probably stupid) questions.

1. Where is Red Box? Is it a city/town, a building or . . . just a box?

2. What is the actual address of Red Box so I can do a Mapquest from my house to Red Box?

3. Is there a route sheet in case I get dropped (quite likely), so I won't be totally lost?

4. If so, please advise link!

5. Since I don't have any knowledge of the area, should I just pass on this ride and do GMR/GRR and other areas I know? In other words, would I be better off to wait for the Angeles Crest Century or some other organized ride in the area rather than starting out with this BF ride that seems to have so many options?

Rick / OCRRHi Rick, I saw you on Sunday at Baldy Village, you are in no danger of being dropped by me. We always re-group at turns and the top of the climbs. Red Box is 14 miles and about 30 minutes by car from the 210 and Angeles Crest. You could mapquest Foothill and sr2 in La Canada maybe, to get to the botom of A.C. No route sheet but I did put the turns in the original thread ,there aren't many ,and easy to see. Come with us , I'll show you around a little.

I think 6 would be a good time...

6am sounds good, I like to start at Glenola Park and the base about a mile north from Foothill Blvd. I'm trying to recruit some more riders from my club.

I did this a couple of weeks ago and an early start helps to get back up to altitude before it gets hot lower.

Bob- just curious what time you returned to RB last time you did this ride? Thanks

6am sounds good, I like to start at Glenola Park and the base about a mile north from Foothill Blvd. I'm trying to recruit some more riders from my club.Are you guys turning on Angeles Forest at Clearcreek? If you do you will be way ahead of us coming down from Red Box. eta 7:20 You could wait at Clearcreek and for sure you need to stop there for water.

It's been a while since I've gone up AC, Bob, how long do you think it'll take us to get to Clearcreek from Glenola Park?

I always fear Angeles Crest ... I think subconsciously, my mind says not in SoCal this weekend ... coincidentally at the same time there is an AC ride.

It's been a while since I've gone up AC, Bob, how long do you think it'll take us to get to Clearcreek from Glenola Park?

It will only take you about 50 minutes, I'd guess, even at warm-up pace.

Hmmm, maybe we should leave at 6:15 instead?

It will only take you about 50 minutes, I'd guess, even at warm-up pace.
Wow Vance you were close, last time we did it, it took us 48 min. On the way back from Red Box it took 17 minutes to get to Clearcreek.

Bob- just curious what time you returned to RB last time you did this ride? ThanksI'm not sure, maybe 3pm. We always stop at Newcombs Ranch restaraunt out and back. Sometimes we eat lunch on the way back sometimes just drinks and fries.:D

Hi Rick, I saw you on Sunday at Baldy Village, you are in no danger of being dropped by me. We always re-group at turns and the top of the climbs. Red Box is 14 miles and about 30 minutes by car from the 210 and Angeles Crest. You could mapquest Foothill and sr2 in La Canada maybe, to get to the botom of A.C. No route sheet but I did put the turns in the original thread ,there aren't many ,and easy to see. Come with us , I'll show you around a little.

Thanks Bob,

I'm going to try to make it! Has the start time been revised to 6:00 AM or was that a revised time for a different starting point?

I have been advised that "Red Box" is not an actual box, but is really a parking lot named after Red Box Canyon which it is in, or is nearby. Also, I will try to find the Shell station to buy my Adventure Pass!

Rick / OCRR

Rick, 6am is for Jon and John starting at the bottom. You are still starting at 7 with Bob at Red Box. And, I assure you, there IS a red box. But you can't miss the parking lots on either side of the intersection of Mt Wilson/Red Box Road. Here is the google maps satellite image: click here (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Sherman+Oaks,+CA&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=34.258072,-118.105457&spn=0.001459,0.00298&t=h&z=19&iwloc=addr).

You can even, just barely, see the red box -- it is just to the right of the word "wilson". :)

The Shell station is also very hard to miss. On Angeles Crest Hwy (rte 2) just north of where it starts at Foothill Blvd. At the corner of Craig Avenue. Click here (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Sherman+Oaks,+CA&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=34.205081,-118.19948&spn=0.005838,0.01192&z=17).

Thanks Bob,

I'm going to try to make it! Has the start time been revised to 6:00 AM or was that a revised time for a different starting point?

I have been advised that "Red Box" is not an actual box, but is really a parking lot named after Red Box Canyon which it is in, or is nearby. Also, I will try to find the Shell station to buy my Adventure Pass!

Rick / OCRR

No change as far as I know, Rick, the 6 am start time is for the ones starting at the bottom.

The Shell station is also very hard to miss. On Angeles Crest Hwy (rte 2) just north of where it starts at Foothill Blvd. At the corner of Craig Avenue. Click here (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Sherman+Oaks,+CA&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=34.205081,-118.19948&spn=0.005838,0.01192&z=17).

Hi Vance,

Thanks for the info. When I look at the map, it looks like I'll go South (from the 210 West) to get to the Shell station, then go back North over the 210 for the 20 min. drive to Red Box. Is that correct or am I looking at the map wrong?

Also, Mapquest is telling me 38 min. from my place in Whittier to the 210 / 2 junction, so if I add 20 min. that puts it at a very do-able +/- one hour drive. Which, really . . . is only 15 min. more than my house to GMR. Of course, I will add another 15 min. to purchase the Adventure Pass.

Sorry for all the new-bee (to A/C) questions and thanks for all the good answers from everyone!

Rick / OCRR

Hi Vance,

Thanks for the info. When I look at the map, it looks like I'll go South (from the 210 West) to get to the Shell station, then go back North over the 210 for the 20 min. drive to Red Box. Is that correct or am I looking at the map wrong?

Also, Mapquest is telling me 38 min. from my place in Whittier to the 210 / 2 junction, so if I add 20 min. that puts it at a very do-able +/- one hour drive. Which, really . . . is only 15 min. more than my house to GMR. Of course, I will add another 15 min. to purchase the Adventure Pass.

Sorry for all the new-bee (to A/C) questions and thanks for all the good answers from everyone!

Rick / OCRR

You're correct on your driving directions and I think your times are reasonable.

You're correct on your driving directions and I think your times are reasonable.

Thanks J.P.

I think I'm good to go! Hopefully will see you all a few minutes before 7:00 AM at Red Box! If you see a dark green Miata wandering about looking lost, . . . just yell at me! :)

Rick / OCRR

You won't see me and Jon or the others who're starting at the bottom until you make it to Clearcreek. You may pass us while driving to Red Box, though.

Rick, there is a large red box at the corner when you get to Red Box road. You will see a "Phone 1/4 mile" sign just before you get there. 14 miles from the fwy. Yes, the Shell is to your right as you exit the fwy.

I'm happy to pick up a day pass at the Shell station this evening for anyone who needs one. I live right there so it isn't a problem. You can just pay me back in the parking lot. It might be a good idea since I'm not totally sure how early they open up for sales tomorrow morning. If you'd like me to get one for just send me a pm by 6:00 pm tonight. Thanks

I'm happy to pick up a day pass at the Shell station this evening for anyone who needs one. I live right there so it isn't a problem. You can just pay me back in the parking lot. It might be a good idea since I'm not totally sure how early they open up for sales tomorrow morning. If you'd like me to get one for just send me a pm by 6:00 pm tonight. Thanks

Thanks kerhart,
I just PM'd you!

Rick / OCRR

Thanks kerhart,
I just PM'd you!

Rick / OCRR

Rick- Got it. No problem.

Thanks J.P.

I think I'm good to go! Hopefully will see you all a few minutes before 7:00 AM at Red Box! If you see a dark green Miata wandering about looking lost, . . . just yell at me! :)

Rick / OCRRHi Rick, I'll see you at Red Box starting at 7am. Remember to bring extra water/camelback, it's summer you know.:eek:

Rick Yes, the Shell is to your right as you exit the fwy. The Shell Station is to the South of the fwy. I think Rick is coming from to East. Red Box is North, or up the hill.:D Are you coming John?

Have fun on AC, I would like to join you, but after last week, I think it will be even hotter up there on those climbs. Instead I am heading to Malibu, PCH and climb a couple of the canyons there with some friends that want to stay out of the heat.

What time does the Cafe on AF open, Bob? Are we planning on stopping there to refill our bottles?

What time does the Cafe on AF open, Bob? Are we planning on stopping there to refill our bottles? The Cafe doesen't open till 10am. The water stop is Clearcreek then Newcombs. I'm bringing an extra bottle and food.

Have fun on AC, I would like to join you, but after last week, I think it will be even hotter up there on those climbs. Instead I am heading to Malibu, PCH and climb a couple of the canyons there with some friends that want to stay out of the heat.I've tried that before. Sorry to say just a short way in from PCH on any of the canyon roads it's hot as hell. :)

The Shell Station is to the South of the fwy. I think Rick is coming from to East. Red Box is North, or up the hill.:D Are you coming John?
I don't know yet, my stomach is acting up for the last 2 days, plus I'm sick of the heat. I can't get anyone to commit to a beach ride, though, so I may come up for at least part of it. Christy, too. I'll decide at the last minute, like always.

The Cafe doesen't open till 10am. The water stop is Clearcreek then Newcombs. I'm bringing an extra bottle and food.

Ok, I guess I'll pick up a disposal bottle then.

I don't know yet, my stomach is acting up for the last 2 days, plus I'm sick of the heat. I can't get anyone to commit to a beach ride, though, so I may come up for at least part of it. Christy, too. I'll decide at the last minute, like always. Heat? Hell I've been framing a roof all week. This will seem cool to me. At least I'll be moving:eek:

Ok, I guess I'll pick up a disposal bottle then.Good idea

Heat? Hell I've been framing a roof all week. This will seem cool to me. At least I'll be moving:eek:

Be careful in the heat, Bob. Make sure you're drinking plenty of liquids and wearing tons of sunscreen and a hat. Don't mean to mother you, but people DO die of heatstroke. Just sayin'.

I don't know yet, my stomach is acting up for the last 2 days, plus I'm sick of the heat. I can't get anyone to commit to a beach ride, though, so I may come up for at least part of it. Christy, too. I'll decide at the last minute, like always.

John , Sarah and I are going to Rose Cafe, you can wimp out with us.

Be careful in the heat, Bob. Make sure you're drinking plenty of liquids and wearing tons of sunscreen and a hat. Don't mean to mother you, but people DO die of heatstroke. Just sayin'.

Yeah Bob, if you don't we'll tell ME on you! :p

Be careful in the heat, Bob. Make sure you're drinking plenty of liquids and wearing tons of sunscreen and a hat. Don't mean to mother you, but people DO die of heatstroke. Just sayin'. Like I said , this will be cool day for me.

John , Sarah and I are going to Rose Cafe, you can wimp out with us.Have you checked the noaa weather site? It calls for highs in the mid 80's in the Mountains. The high at Chilao today was 87. Hot ,but not 107. Must be the clouds up there.

Like I said , this will be cool day for me.

I'm not talking about when you're riding :rolleyes: I meant when you are on the roof of houses! That has to be hot! :eek:

I'm not talking about when you're riding :rolleyes: I meant when you are on the roof of houses! That has to be hot! :eek: Yup!

I don't know, Bob. I always felt like the roofers had it pretty bad, but they knock off early, too. I have to stay there until 5, and when I stick my head under the hood of a running car, I feel like I'm gonna hurl.

I don't know yet, my stomach is acting up for the last 2 days, plus I'm sick of the heat. I can't get anyone to commit to a beach ride, though, so I may come up for at least part of it. Christy, too. I'll decide at the last minute, like always.

I woke up with a sore throat this morning. Would like to do a short loop tomorrow, maybe ride to the top of Upper Big T and either head back to Red Box or ride to Newcomb's & then back to Red Box. I'll have to decide tomorrow morning about riding, depending on how I feel.