Southern California - Baldy Lite Ride Report

whats the real baldy challenge? lol

The REAL Baldy Challenge (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=356289)

although I just say that because most everyone else did a short ride while I was out there for 103 miles...

Sally and I want to express our gratitude to Herb for organizing the ride and to all the BFers for introducing us to the GMR. It gave us a great sense of fulfillment and I enjoyed your good company.

I especially wanted to give thanks to my wife, Sally, who futher ignited my passion for cycling through her strong-will and support. [She is not only a great mom for our two beautiful children but a strong rider as well. Wow! -riding GMR with a smile -You go, Sally :D] In the words of Mr. Beanz, "Riding with the wife ....And loving it". I can trully appreciated the joy and pleasure I derived from riding with my companion. It is a far better experience and fulfillment to ride along with the partner than by myself. Of course, I won't forget to say thank you for the support from Merider and Gina who had made this trip so memorable.

By now, this posting is starting to sound very "mushy"(sp), but in light of the world that we live in which is full of temperment, self-gratification (greed), and "rush to the end and not the sum of the means to the end" (sentiment), I feel it is the right time to take a moment to appreciate all "that" are around us and give thanks to what we have and who we love.

Hey, beside it is almost X'mas time;so indulge me, okay!!??... please:)

Happy Holidays to all of you. I will get off the soap box now.

G&S

PS- I wish I can read all the previous postings, but since I'm staying at my parents house tonight I can only use dail-up...taken me 1/2hr just to bring this screen up. j/k I will post some pictures when I return home.

Cheers.

The REAL Baldy Challenge (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=356289)

although I just say that because most everyone else did a short ride while I was out there for 103 miles...

103 miles is too long, I would barely get to ride with you becaues i'll drop you at mile 10 :(

The REAL Baldy Challenge (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=356289)

although I just say that because most everyone else did a short ride while I was out there for 103 miles...

Hey, Phil! I couldn't figure out who this guy was wagging his finger at me, somebody told me it was you, then it clicked. I did recognize whitecarbondude, but he was alone near the top and we weren't up to speed yet. I didn't see Grumpy, was he with you? How many in your group?

Hey, Phil! I couldn't figure out who this guy was wagging his finger at me, somebody told me it was you, then it clicked. I did recognize whitecarbondude, but he was alone near the top and we weren't up to speed yet. I didn't see Grumpy, was he with you? How many in your group?I saw you in leading a small group on your descent. It was past the fork.

Hey Gary, welcome to the 'riding withthe wife and loving it' club. Nice write up! Much better than your math!:D

What a beautiful day for a ride up to the village. It was absolutely crystal clear as seen in the pictures of previous posts. There was a good size group at the start and it was nice to see everyone. Started the ascent up GMR with a big group that slowly began to separate as people were stopping to shed clothing. I ended up riding to the junction with Nacy and Jeff. We had a good steady pace up and I surprisingly felt really good. Then the damn headwind hits you like a brick wall.:eek:

As people start showing up at the junction, the talk of the winds convinced quite a few to go back at that point. The folks that did continue to proceed to the village were hit by winds that actually made us laugh and question why we were doing this. As Jeff had mentioned, at one point the crosswinds were so fierce that the lovely ladies we were saddled up to, began to sing through their frame and spokes. I guess it was their way of telling us to continue on.:)

When we got to the village, the peer pressure kicked in as Nacy and Jeff convinced me to attempt the ski lifts. Since Jeff had never been up there, we decided to give it a shot. The headwinds were brutal and i was trying to pull the group along, but my legs were telling me "What are you doing, you are pedaling into a wall of wind and not moving too swiftly through it!!" We made it to the Ice House and said that's enough. Nacy decided to continue on as Jeff and I headed back to the village for some food. Props to Nacy for making the climb!!

The ride back on GRR was slow and steady, but once I hit The descent of GMR That natural grin came upon my face and I was gone. I love that descent. It has been and always will be a highlight.:D

We got back to the cars, packed up, and called to see where the hard core Baldy Challenge riders were. I hightailed over to there start point in time to see them come in justbefore dark. We all went to dinner and shared in some stories and laughs. Chimivee and his lovely lady Amy joined us also.

Overall, I enjoyed the day and as usual the company was outstanding. I look forward to the next ride with the BF family of friends.:)

ME,

It was good to see you yesterday at the Green Onion. Al

ME,

It was good to see you yesterday at the Green Onion. Al

It is you!!! :) Hi Alan. I'll have to help you put up an avatar. ;) Great to see you and I look forward to the sufferfest next Saturday.

The wind was CRAZY at the top gate!!!! I pushed ME to go on GRR with us. Going down the first DH, I starting laughin hard, the wind was making whistling noises as it passed though the frame and spokes. Paul started laughin too. Next thing I know, NO ME:( About 50 yards later the winds stopped!!!! Not much more wind til we go near the Saddleback sign. Paul was a gerat riding buddy, lots of talk as we pedaled our way to the village. My lil trio group attemped to climb to the lifts but it was BAD, damn winds were headon at about 15mph steady. I pushing my 25ring at 4.4mph and it HURT. less then 2 miles of it, the trio turned into a solo mission as Paul and I went back to the lodge for a burger:p Ate with Ed and Greg as well as we waited for the brave soloist to come back from the lifts.



Jeff, I should have pushed through. You boys didn't see me turn and take off, did you? I was petrified as I'm a wuss in wind. I would have thought the wind was worse up at Baldy. Oh, well...there will be another Baldy run soon, I'm sure. :)

Sounds like a fun time was had by all, despite the winds. Wish I could've been there!!!!

Good pictures and reports everyone. I wussed out totally.....the wind and cold kept this sister in. Catch you guys next time.

Good pictures and reports everyone. I wussed out totally.....the wind and cold kept this sister in. Catch you guys next time.

FYI, I left the sequin home. :lol:

FYI, I left the sequin home. :lol:

Figures ... I make one comment about the sequins and they're gone forever :cry:

Just checked the original thread . . . 11/24! I just missed it, but that's what I get for not checking the bikeforums.net / SoCal.

I did ride GMR and GRR to the village (and back GRR-GMR) today, 11/25 (not the lifts this time), and it seems like it was pretty much like yesterday, i.e. a bit cool, a bit windy, but overall pretty nice (and yes, wonderful clean air and terrific views).

Had a warm cinnimon roll and hot coffee at the Village Cafe to warm me up and give me carbs for the ride back to Glendora. Sure didn't see may cyclists out today (may 5 or 6), but obviously that's because they were all there yesterday!

Sorry I missed everyone, but from the reports you all had a great time!

Rick / OCRR

Well, this was to be my first group ride in about 15 years. Just got back into cycling 3 months ago and this weekends climb was a rude awakening for me. I realized how bad a shape I am in. First off, I ended up riding with the Adobo Velo group up the 39 to Crystal Lake instead of the Baldy lite group. 3 miles into the climb and I was already hurting. My back was in so much pain riding on the saddle that the fastest I could climb was 6 mph. Out of the saddle I felt good but you can only do that for so long. I made it to the East Fork junction where the group was waiting. Not sure if that was normal for them to regroup or they just felt sorry for me. I tried to climb up some more with the group up to Crystal lake but had to quit after only 3 miles from east fork. The ride back down to Encanto was not all that enjoyable either. Drove back home completely demoralized. I was completely regreting why I started cycling again. Too old and just didn't have the proper motivation anymore. The bike was too old too. Sure I got the compliments of "nice classic" but riding a 21lb bike up the 39 on a 42/21 gearing and only about 500 miles of recent riding, I just wanted to throw the darn bike into the lake.

Then I got online last nite and read this ride report. It got me motivated again. I went out for a short ride this morning and felt a lot better. I have decided to continue cycling and not give up. I just have to shed a few lbs off the body and off the bike, watch the diet, and keep on training. I met some of you guys at the parking lot, too bad I was not able to ride with some of you though. You all seem like a good bunch of people. The Adobo velo group were a nice bunch as well. I just looked them up and it seems they have weekly training rides up to East fork. Can't wait for the next Baldy ride.

Jeff, I should have pushed through. You boys didn't see me turn and take off, did you? I was petrified as I'm a wuss in wind. I would have thought the wind was worse up at Baldy. Oh, well...there will be another Baldy run soon, I'm sure. :)

yah I didn't see you slip away, we got to the bottom of that DH and looked back you were gone. Prolly u turned when you heard me start laughin:D Yah I'm looking forward to the next climb up. That was only me 2nd time big GMR, first time was in the rain so this time was much better. Climbing palomar last week gave good confidence for me yesturday.

riding a 21lb bike up the 39 on a 42/21 gearing and only about 500 miles of recent riding

You're probably not as out of shape as you think, as 42x21 is crazy insane even for a someone in top shape. If you want to continue your re-entry into cycling (with healthy knees), I highly encourage lower gearing!

The bike was too old too. Sure I got the compliments of "nice classic" but riding a 21lb bike up the 39 on a 42/21 and only about 500 miles of recent riding, I just wanted to throw the darn bike into the lake.

that is a TOUGH gear to ride up a mountain without much riding before. If you want to climb GMR and such more, you should look into changing out your gearing. Since your bike might be a classic, changing the rear cogs out might be tough. Look into some compact cranks, so you can have a 50/36 up front. 36/21 is a much better to climb 30 miles with. Talk with you LBS and see what they can do for you to lower that climbing ratio or check ebay. Also post a question in the "classics" forum as well

Don't give up!!! Keep on riding, it WILL get easier:D

dakila........yes, I agree with the others, you need lower gearing. We'll see you on our next ride up! :)

that is a TOUGH gear to ride up a mountain without much riding before. If you want to climb GMR and such more, you should look into changing out your gearing. Since your bike might be a classic, changing the rear cogs out might be tough. Look into some compact cranks, so you can have a 50/36 up front. 36/21 is a much better to climb 30 miles with. Talk with you LBS and see what they can do for you to lower that climbing ratio or check ebay. Also post a question in the "classics" forum as well

Don't give up!!! Keep on riding, it WILL get easier:D

I'm going to keep the classic as is. I will be building up a new bike though. Already have the frame, Dean Titanium, and it's gonna have compact cranks, 12-25 cassette and definitely lighter wheels. My goal is a sub 17 lb bike and to loose 17 lbs in 17 weeks. I like the number 17.

Well, this was to be my first group ride in about 15 years. Just got back into cycling 3 months ago and this weekends climb was a rude awakening for me. ide.

Welcome, Dakila. You must know Francis if you were riding with the Adobo boys. Nicest group. I've ridden with them before, and they will wait, and they rarely mind. Good for you to give it a go. I agree on the lower gears as well (I have a triple and you couldn't pay me to part with it). Look foward to meeting you on a BF ride. :)

the new bike sounds great, will climb well w/ few bail out gears if needed which is always nice to have.
Hope to see you up there next time up!!!


Here are a few pics I took, not much since I was talking to much I guess

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/jsigone/Roadie/groupshotonbaldy.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/jsigone/Roadie/paulonbaldy.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/jsigone/Roadie/baldyvalley.jpg

I like the number 17.During high school 17 was my favorite number.

That's a shot of Mary on GRR 30 seconds before she bailed. I was behind Ed in that shot. I bailed with Mary...:p

http://www.trunkbunker.com/johnhavlicek1.JPG

That's a shot of Mary on GRR 30 seconds before she bailed. I was behind Ed in that shot. I bailed with Mary...:p

You can't tell in the pic, but the wind is just picking up there.

You can't tell in the pic, but the wind is just picking up there.

Yea, but you looked like you were having so much fun!

BTW, seeing you coming down the hill was a welcome sight. I was actually thinking of turning back about 2 miles before ... :(

Welcome, Dakila. You must know Francis if you were riding with the Adobo boys. Nicest group. I've ridden with them before, and they will wait, and they rarely mind. Good for you to give it a go. I agree on the lower gears as well (I have a triple and you couldn't pay me to part with it). Look foward to meeting you on a BF ride. :)

I actually met you at the parking lot. This is me in the middle dressed like you. Even my jersey is old.
http://shai.impcash.com/07/baldyNov/DSCF2593.jpg

Man, back at home, I am soooo appreciative of the high tech DSL rather than dial-up. I hope ME likes the picture I took of her & Sally. Both have such great smiles!

Tom and Sally cheering each other
http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc174/wkend_Warrior/IMG_0436.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
Just look at the back scenery...what a switch back turns
http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc174/wkend_Warrior/IMG_0438.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
more...
http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc174/wkend_Warrior/IMG_0441.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
Now those are beautiful smiles
http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc174/wkend_Warrior/IMG_0446.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc174/wkend_Warrior/IMG_0441.jpg

Sorry didn't do it right ....lets try it again.[QUOTE=Wkend_Warrior;5690741]Man, back at home, I am soooo appreciative of the high tech DSL rather than dial-up. I hope ME likes the picture I took of her & Sally. Both have such great smiles!

Tom and Sally cheering each other
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc174/wkend_Warrior/IMG_0436.jpg

Just look at the back scenery...what a switch back turns
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc174/wkend_Warrior/IMG_0438.jpg

more...
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc174/wkend_Warrior/IMG_0441.jpg

Now those are beautiful smiles

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc174/wkend_Warrior/IMG_0446.jpg

Now those are beautiful smiles
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc174/wkend_Warrior/IMG_0446.jpg

Ahhh, that's a great pic, Gary. She's so pretty. :)

You can't tell in the pic, but the wind is just picking up there.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/jsigone/Roadie/groupshotonbaldy.jpg
The wind couldn't have been too bad - you're still upright. Wussy.

were not all quite as tough as you frank....i almost went down three times that day, all because of the wind....no bueno!

The wind couldn't have been too bad - you're still upright. Wussy.

:eek: Oooh...that's just mean.:mad:

True. But mean. :p

I knew the extra weight I put on last month would come in handy.

I knew the extra weight I put on last month would come in handy.

:rolleyes: Oh for cry-eye...now, YOU'RE fatbagging?

... Next week the Tour de Francis
It is Decmber 1st, so its a good way to start another month with a century; Who is in?
A nice (and friendly) group of SFVBC will be there, and I got the news that it gets 80-100 riders

It is Decmber 1st, so its a good way to start another month with a century; Who is in?
A nice (and friendly) group of SFVBC will be there, and I got the news that it gets 80-100 riders

I'm in. See you there.

I know it's late, but I forgot my USB cable, so I finally got back home. Some more pics:

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Baldy%20Lite%2011242007/PB230022.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Baldy%20Lite%2011242007/PB230023.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Baldy%20Lite%2011242007/PB230024.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Baldy%20Lite%2011242007/PB230025.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Baldy%20Lite%2011242007/PB230026.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Baldy%20Lite%2011242007/PB230027.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Baldy%20Lite%2011242007/PB230028.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Baldy%20Lite%2011242007/PB230029.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Baldy%20Lite%2011242007/PB230030.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Baldy%20Lite%2011242007/PB230031.jpg

Joe, Scootcore, Cole, Magicant, and Mary

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Baldy%20Lite%2011242007/PB230033.jpg

Nice pics, Ron. I love my new SIDIs :D

Nice pics, Ron. I love my new SIDIs :D

Thanks. When I first got my Sidi's, I bought it, with the idea that I should not look at the price, but feel how cumfy it is. Comfort in shoes is just as important as bike fit, IMHO.

I can't believe it's taken me so long to chime in but I haven't really been feeling well since the ride. First of all I must thank Gina for driving all the way to the village to make sure that those of us that decided to brave the winds were all okay. Thanks Gina! Anyways, this ride really kicked my butt! Unfortunately it was all my fault. The night before I only got like 5 hours of sleep, and the morning of I failed to take in any liquids and I also failed to have a good breakfast. Riding up to Baldy I was so pre-occupied with fighting the winds and aslo since it was on the cool side I ended up drinking only a small amount of water and Gatorade, and I also failed to take in enough calories. Big mistake...about 2.5 miles before the village my legs started cramping up and I ended up "bonking"! Had lunch at the lodge with Rob and I made the mistake of drinking a sugar laced soda instead of water not knowing that I was dehydrated. The ride back was awful. Whatever small hills I encountered just killed me. I started experiencing some major side aches and light diziness as I was approaching Encanto and by the time I got to my truck I was experiencing some difficulty when breathing. I was seriously considering going to the hospital sat. nite but I told a friend of mine about my symptoms and he mentioned that he experienced severe dehydration once before and what I had sounded familiar to him. I've been hydrating myself alot since sun. afternoon and I am feeling much better. Regardless, I'm still glad I showed up for the ride and I was glad to see all the familiar faces.

I was seriously considering going to the hospital sat. nite but I told a friend of mine about my symptoms and he mentioned that he experienced severe dehydration once before and what I had sounded familiar to him. I've been hydrating myself alot since sun. afternoon and I am feeling much better. Regardless, I'm still glad I showed up for the ride and I was glad to see all the familiar faces.


:( Sorry to hear, Ed. Nothing worse than that kind of ride. Liquids are so critical and what I realized after the ride on Saturday is just how dry it was out there to begin with! We probably all could have been drinking more.

:( Sorry to hear, Ed. Nothing worse than that kind of ride. Liquids are so critical and what I realized after the ride on Saturday is just how dry it was out there to begin with! We probably all could have been drinking more.

+1. I always don't drink enough, but I don't think that would have helped me. When you have more than a half bottle of water left, after coming down the mountain, something is wrong.