Southern California - What I've learned in SoCal:

1) Within a few miles of my inlaw's apartment there are some good climbs.

2) I currently SUCK at climbing.

3) I can no longer resist carbon frames

4) Being off the bike for 3 weeks, riding 35-40mi on Saturday & Sunday two weekends, then taking another 11 days off the bike will completely destory what little cardio endurance one has (see #2). Also, getting fitted right before 3 weeks off the bike won't make getting major miles in right afterwards very easy.

5) I'd love to get a detailed elevation chart for Wells Dr between Winnetka and Del Moreno. Also Poe Ave between Wells Dr and Winnekta. I made it almost to the top of Poe, but walked the walk of shame up the last third of Wells on the way back to the apartment. :( :o

6) I need to be in better shape when I come back out here next time. And I will be... hopefully!

Jon, you happened to pick a weekend when everybody who is out riding has hit the mountains. I don't know the next time you are planning on being here but a little more ride time prior to the visit will almost certainly reward you with some magnificent riding.

Yes, you're in an area where the hills aren't very long but they are STEEP! I went from a 12-23 to a 13-29 when I moved from Agoura HILLS to Encino. I was shocked!

Not sure what my low gear is on Luwin's tarmac, I think a 34/25 or so. Climbed very nicely when my lugs and heart didn't want to explode. You are right, they are STEEP. There's a few short steep climbs around Dallas that I hope to start doing repeats on this fall and through the winter. Still won't help the extending climbing, but I might be able to do some long tempo high tension workouts on the trainer.

1) Within a few miles of my inlaw's apartment there are some good climbs.

2) I currently SUCK at climbing.



Welcome to California...

Welcome to California...

:beer:

glad you had fun while you were here, and got a sample tasting of the riding here. Some of the most diverse riding around. Hit the coast for flat stuff, head inland few miles for the lung busters. Head farther inland and you'll be hurtin on the drive home.

Or head to the desert where you can ride very flat but cuss at the wind the whole time.

you can cuss at the winds on the coast too, both ways LOL

I roll with a 12-21...

I roll with a 12-21...

Golf Clap. ;)

I'm used to the wind. Perhaps not in the gusts that you all have in the passes, but Dallas is I believe the 3rd windiest city in the nation. At least with wind you can share the pulling duties between the group. Climbing is 100% solo, unless you count the motivation from the taunts of those passing you!

I'm used to climbing Solo..
Asked a riding friend if He wasn't tired of waiting for me at the top of the hills.
The reply was " I like it, gives me a chance to enjoy the view".

7) Even a Toyota can let you down when you are in most need of being somewhere.

8) The second ride in a week usually goes better than the first if you've been off the bike for a while.

9) Climbing is fun when you're heart doesn't feel like it's going to explode.

10) I will always give chase to riders ahead of me even when I really shouldn't.

11) SoCal BF'ers are just as cool as the Texas crew. ;) Thanks again to Luwin to loaning me his Specalized. Next trip I'm going to head down to his neck of the woods for the warm up ride before heading for the hills. He's in the flat lands!