Beginning Climbing

[MightyTACO]

So up until now I have been riding mostly along PCH between Long Beach and Huntington Beach and for the most there are very few elevation changes. I was hoping someone could recommend some routes in the Orange County area that would be good for a beginner to get some climbing training that won't kill me. Thanks in advance!

[OC Roadie]

Santiago Canyon
Laguna Canyon- climbing from PCH
Newport Coast Drive

[Brandy]

Training is not fun unless it kills you. ;)

I second OC Roadie. Hit Newport Coast, then go up Vista Ridge, descend and go up Ridge Park. Rinse and repeat. :D

[prendrefeu]

Head North, leave the OC.

[Brandy]

That's not entirely true. There are plenty of suitable hills here in OC, you just have to know where they are and/or be willing to do some repeats to get the climbing in.

[Grumpy Pig]

Head North, leave the OC.Or South.

[prendrefeu]

That's not entirely true. There are plenty of suitable hills here in OC, you just have to know where they are and/or be willing to do some repeats to get the climbing in.

The reference was both to climbing and living. ;)

I find the OC, as a whole, a scary, scary place. I try to avoid it like the black plague. When cycling to SD, I push my hardest through the OC and try to find the shortest route, specifically, through the OC.
This isn't to say that people in the OC are bad - in fact, I know many that are really great people. I'm sure you could be one of them (as in, a great person) and I assume so from what little I've known so far - but as all of those friends are desperately trying to get out of Orange County with each passing day.

Just my opinion.

Then again, OC > IE.

[mateo44]

Why don't you just circumvent OC altogether next time you're heading to SD?

I can suggest a good route, if you're interested.

The reference was both to climbing and living. ;)

I find the OC, as a whole, a scary, scary place. I try to avoid it like the black plague. When cycling to SD, I push my hardest through the OC and try to find the shortest route, specifically, through the OC.
This isn't to say that people in the OC are bad - in fact, I know many that are really great people. I'm sure you could be one of them (as in, a great person) and I assume so from what little I've known so far - but as all of those friends are desperately trying to get out of Orange County with each passing day.

Just my opinion.

Then again, OC > IE.

[MightyTACO]

Thanks for the route info. I'll check that route out this weekend. Yeah the OC is an interesting place. It is sad to think that shows like the OC and that Desperate Housewives of OC are pretty accurate in depicting parts of it ... I would really say that is more the coastal towns like Newport Beach and then South County. North County is not as bad. I'm not a huge fan of a lot of the people here. If it wasn't for the fact that all my friends and family and job are here, I would probably leave it myself.

[mateo44]

Just like Beverly Hills 90210 or Melrose Place doesn't represent LA very well.....

Sheesh, we're talking about major metropolitan areas, right (OC population is 2.8 million)?

Can we overgeneralize any more?

[chimivee]

Just like Beverly Hills 90210 or Melrose Place doesn't represent LA very well.....

Sheesh, we're talking about major metropolitan areas, right (OC population is 2.8 million)?

Can we overgeneralize any more?
Dude, it's cool to hate the OC.

[mateo44]

Dude, it's cool to hate the OC.

:roflmao:

[mateo44]

Thanks for the route info. I'll check that route out this weekend. Yeah the OC is an interesting place. It is sad to think that shows like the OC and that Desperate Housewives of OC are pretty accurate in depicting parts of it ... I would really say that is more the coastal towns like Newport Beach and then South County. North County is not as bad. I'm not a huge fan of a lot of the people here. If it wasn't for the fact that all my friends and family and job are here, I would probably leave it myself.

And, isn't Seal Beach in LA County, not OC? It's very important to know this before I make inferences about you.

(just kidding!) :D

Onto the original question -- we'll be climbing Newport Coast a few times on Sunday, if you're interested. Probably around 11:00am.

[chimivee]

And, isn't Seal Beach in LA County, not OC? It's very important to know this before I make inferences about you.

(just kidding!) :D
Aren't you late for your botox appointment?

[rooftest]

People who call it "the OC" are ******bags - similar to calling Cailifornia "Cali" or San Francscio "Frisco."

As for hills, I second Santiago Canyon (from Jamboree to Portola is a better climbing workout than the opposite way), with an out and back up Silverado Canyon. That's good beginner climbing training.

[Happytime]

Just like Beverly Hills 90210 or Melrose Place doesn't represent LA very well.....

Well, the Beverly Hills 90210 high school was actually in Torrance. As was the high school from the Buffy show. Melrose Place was filmed in Culver City (I think). The OC was filmed in Palos Verdes.

Even LA doesn't represent LA very well.

[mateo44]

Aren't you late for your botox appointment?

Damn it! I hate it when my personal assistant forgets to remind me! Does yours ever do that?

Sometimes, mine even forgets that it's only soy lattes that I drink!

[chimivee]

People who call it "the OC" are ******bags - similar to calling Cailifornia "Cali" or San Francscio "Frisco."
Dude, it's cool to be a ******bag.

[mateo44]

Well, the Beverly Hills 90210 high school was actually in Torrance. As was the high school from the Buffy show. Melrose Place was filmed in Culver City (I think). The OC was filmed in Palos Verdes.

Even LA doesn't represent LA very well.

Yep! Exactly the point!

[chimivee]

Damn it! I hate it when my personal assistant forgets to remind me! Does yours ever do that?
No, my personal assistant is also my botox injector-guy.

[Blastinbob]

If you don't want to deal with traffic you can go straight up the river trail 20 miles and exit to the right just before Beverly and do Turnbul Canyon. I will be riding up there from Eldorado Park next weekend if you want a guide. Or if anyone want to tag along.

Bob

[MightyTACO]

Actually Seal Beach is still considered Orange County ... we are right on the border of LA and Orange County.

[mateo44]

People who call it "the OC" are ******bags - similar to calling Cailifornia "Cali" or San Francscio "Frisco."

As for hills, I second Santiago Canyon (from Jamboree to Portola is a better climbing workout than the opposite way), with an out and back up Silverado Canyon. That's good beginner climbing training.

How about "the Big Apple?" Is that OK to say?

How about Beantown? Or Chi-town?

[prendrefeu]

Well, the Beverly Hills 90210 high school was actually in Torrance. As was the high school from the Buffy show. Melrose Place was filmed in Culver City (I think). The OC was filmed in Palos Verdes.

Even LA doesn't represent LA very well.

If you have the time, and the fascinated mind for it, you may want to watch Los Angeles Plays Itself (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0379357/). Very well done essay-film, really. It shows every once in a while at the Egyptian.

From an sociological-meets-architectural standpoint, however, I feel that the film is a bit unbalanced. It tends to lean more towards the more easily understood, and less contested, aspects of architecture and representation of Los Angeles.

[mateo44]

Actually Seal Beach is still considered Orange County ... we are right on the border of LA and Orange County.

You're right, it is in OC. I conclude that people from Seal Beach really know their geography! :p

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seal_Beach,_California

Hope to see you on the road sometime! :beer:

[merider1]

Just like Beverly Hills 90210 or Melrose Place doesn't represent LA very well.....

Sheesh, we're talking about major metropolitan areas, right (OC population is 2.8 million)?

Can we overgeneralize any more?

+1 - and wasn't this thread about finding routes for good climbing in the OC and not about the people/stereotypes of the OC?

MightyTaco, just jump on Brandy's wheel and try to stay on it. She'll get you all the climbing you need in the OC and then some! (Repeats!!!) :p

[Indolent58]

People who call it "the OC" are ******bags - similar to calling Cailifornia "Cali" or San Francscio "Frisco."


But lots of people who live there refer to it as "the OC".

[merider1]

People who call it "the OC" are ******bags - similar to calling Cailifornia "Cali" or San Francscio "Frisco."




Good to know that I'm a ******bag. I've found my true calling in life. :rolleyes:

[merider1]

Dude, it's cool to be a ******bag.

Good to know that I'm cool cause I'm a ******bag. Thanks, James. :):p

[mateo44]

But lots of people who live there refer to it as "the OC".

You SD people are all the same.....

[prendrefeu]

People who call it "the OC" are ******bags - similar to calling Cailifornia "Cali" or San Francscio "Frisco."

In that same line of thinking, people who refer to themselves as a "roadie" rather than a road bicyclist are ******bags as well... oh wait... YOU call yourself a roadie. Huh....

Get over it.

[prendrefeu]

Good to know that I'm a ******bag. I've found my true calling in life. :rolleyes:

I think you're great either way.

[Indolent58]

Can we overgeneralize any more?

Why yes, thanks for asking.:D

My contention is that everyone and everywhere in OC stereotypically looks the same. If you were to take down the street signs and house numbers throughout OC you would eventually have people going to the wrong offices for work and coming home to the wrong families --- and no one would notice.

There, how's that?

[MightyTACO]

LOL ... well not sure we are whizzes at all geography, just my local surroundings ... take me out of my comfort zone would I be as good ... doubtful.

And where is this Brandy and her magical wheel. Must work on this balance to stay on a wheel. That probably takes some serious skill.

And I also am a ******bag (but then again I think I might have already known that) because I call Orange County the OC, call California "Cali" (although for a long time I would always say California in my best Arnold impression) and I refer to SF as "Frisco". Guess I am a triple threat of ******baggery!!! :D

[BCIpam]

Taco: If you are interested, BCI (Bike Club of Irvine) just started its Bear Training program (it runs every January to June). If you want to find all the hills in Orange County this is the way to do it. Everyone is welcome to participate. The rides are alternate Sundays. The paid off is the "Ride Around The Bear" in June but just us regular folks that want to improve skills are invited to join in.

Also if you go to the website (bikeirvine.org) to check out information about the Bear rides, look up Rides, and then check the Sunday rides and route slips with distance and elevation gain will be posted. Find one with 2500' + of climbing and give it a try!

[mateo44]

Why yes, thanks for asking.:D

My contention is that everyone and everywhere in OC stereotypically looks the same. If you were to take down the street signs and house numbers throughout OC you would eventually have people going to the wrong offices for work and coming home to the wrong families --- and no one would notice.

There, how's that?

...and they'd arrive home in the wrong Range Rover.

[prendrefeu]

My contention is that everyone and everywhere in OC stereotypically looks the same. If you were to take down the street signs and house numbers throughout OC you would eventually have people going to the wrong offices for work and coming home to the wrong families --- and no one would notice.

+1

Coincidentally, there is a true story from a family friend (a co-worker of a parent) who lives in Irvine. One night, he worked the late shift and overtime, got home really, really late. He drove up to his driveway at around 3:00 am. Opened the garage door. Pulled in, stepped out of the car, opened the door to the house and closed the garage door behind him. Put his stuff from work down on the couch, walked up stairs, entered the bathroom and turned on the lights. He opened the faucet - and immediately noticed that things next to the faucet were different. In fact, everything was different. HE WAS IN SOMEONE ELSE'S HOUSE. He turned 1 block later than his street.

[merider1]

I think you're great either way.

So, you think I'm great since I'm a ******bag or great since I'm cool? Apparently I'm both, so you needn't be torn. :p

[BCIpam]

I just went to the bike irvine website and this year they are posting each ride (with progressively get harder) and the route slip. Here's the agenda (it started 1/13)

Ride Miles - Climb Start Location Rest Stop Route
1 41 miles
2400’ Deerfield Park Starbuck’s, Oso & Marguerite Pkwys, Mission Viejo BTR01
2 46 miles
3100’ Deerfield Park Peet’s Coffee / I Love Bagels, Golden Lantern & Via Ladera, Laguna Niguel BTR02
3 43 miles
2900’ Deerfield Park Gelson’s Market, San Joaquin Hills & San Miguel, Newport Beach BTR03
4 51 miles
3400’ Deerfield Park Amsterdam Coffeehouse, Pacific Park & La Paz, Laguna Niguel BTR04
5 47 miles
3050’ Deerfield Park Starbuck’s / East Coast Bagel, Antonio & Santa Marguerita Pkwys, R.S.M. BTR05
6 49 miles
3100’ Deerfield Park Latte da Bagelery, Serrano & Weir Canyon, Anaheim Hills BTR06
7 55 miles
3200’ Deerfield Park Starbuck’s / Juice Stop, Pacific Park & Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Niguel BTR07
8 57 miles
3600’ Deerfield Park Peet’s Coffee / I Love Bagels, Del Avion & Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel BTR08
9 48 miles
3800’ Yorba Linda Region Park Imperial Hwy & Santa Ana Canyon, Anaheim Hills BTR09
10 44 miles
4000+’ Pala Casino, Pala, Ca – Mt. Palomar Multiple rest stops BTR10
11 88 miles
Flat to Hilly Deerfield Park Multiple rest stops BTR11
12 35 miles
4327’ Deerfield Park Starbuck’s / Juice It Up Passage & Quail Hill Pkwy, Irvine BTR12
13 24 miles
2002’ Deerfield Park Starbuck’s / Juice It Up Passage & Quail Hill Pkwy, Irvine BTR13
14 48 miles
6350’ Oak Grove Park, La Canada Flintridge – Angeles Crest Hidden Springs Café, KOM (King of Mountain) Option: +10 & to Mt Wilson Observatory
* * *

Here's the writeup:

Bear Training
Our Bear Training rides help you train for the Ride Around the Bear Century, hosted by the Orange County Wheelmen.

There are ten scheduled Bear Training rides, which increase in climbing and distance over the six months. Interspersed with the regular Sunday rides, these periodic remote rides such as Angeles Crest, Palos Verdes, and Graduation Day (to Mount Palomar) are a real challenge! The distances begin in the high 30-mile range and progress to 40 miles quickly. More attention is paid to the amount of climb, so the first ride has about 2400 ft. of total climb.

Please join us. It’s a great way to build endurance, even if you don’t plan to participate in the Ride Around the Bear. We recommend that you ride at your own pace. Don’t try to keep up with faster riders or slow down for slower ones.

The Ride Around the Bear is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, and begins in the city of Redlands, at the base of the San Bernadino Mountains. It climbs up Rte. 330 to Big Bear Lake and from there up to Onyx Summit, at an altitude of 8,400 ft. The descent is down Rte. 18 and back to Redlands. The total climb is approximately 9,500 ft.

[merider1]

Why yes, thanks for asking.:D

My contention is that everyone and everywhere in OC stereotypically looks the same. If you were to take down the street signs and house numbers throughout OC you would eventually have people going to the wrong offices for work and coming home to the wrong families --- and no one would notice.

There, how's that?

:lol: I need to get in on that action. There are some hot men in the OC.

Oh, wait...is that a generalization?

[merider1]

And I also am a ******bag (but then again I think I might have already known that) because I call Orange County the OC, call California "Cali" (although for a long time I would always say California in my best Arnold impression) and I refer to SF as "Frisco". Guess I am a triple threat of ******baggery!!! :D

:lol: I like you already. ;)

[MightyTACO]

Taco: If you are interested, BCI (Bike Club of Irvine) just started its Bear Training program (it runs every January to June). If you want to find all the hills in Orange County this is the way to do it. Everyone is welcome to participate. The rides are alternate Sundays. The paid off is the "Ride Around The Bear" in June but just us regular folks that want to improve skills are invited to join in.

Also if you go to the website (bikeirvine.org) to check out information about the Bear rides, look up Rides, and then check the Sunday rides and route slips with distance and elevation gain will be posted. Find one with 2500' + of climbing and give it a try!

Thanks for the info... will definitely check out the site. Where does the BCI meet on these alternate Sundays?

[chimivee]

My contention is that everyone and everywhere in OC stereotypically looks the same.
Sometimes I mix myself up with my neighbor. And he's a ******bag.

[Happytime]

Sometimes I mix myself up with my neighbor. And he's a ******bag.

Funny how your neighbor keeps popping up on my rides. Or maybe that's another OC'er?

::: confused :::

[rooftest]

How about "the Big Apple?" Is that OK to say?

How about Beantown? Or Chi-town?

You'll have to ask someone who lives out there - it's far enough away that I don't care, although I suspect calling New York City "the Big Apple" anywhere within 300 miles of it will identify one as a tool.

[chimivee]

You'll have to ask someone who lives out there - it's far enough away that I don't care, although I suspect calling New York City "the Big Apple" anywhere within 300 miles of it will identify one as a tool.
Once, in junior high, I called my friend's PK Ripper "neato!"... and all the kids laughed at me. :(

[merider1]

I'm beginning to see a pattern here. West coast - ******bag, East coast - tool. So is the Misissippi River the dividing line to determine whether one is a ******bag or a tool when abbreviating geographical locations or tossing out nicknames? I'm originally from northeast Ohio, otherwise known as "Steeltown," so I'm guessing that makes me a tool. Cool!

Well, maybe the Mississippi River, but not anywhere past southern MO, I can tell you. There's the west coast and east coast....and then there's the south. I'd recommend you not call the rednecks ******bags or tools. They don't take kindly to that.

There, we call a tool or ******bag, Bubba.

[chimivee]

Oh man, one time a kid threw up at his desk in the second grade. It was totally gross, but we still laughed about it during recess. Good times.
What a toolbag.

[rooftest]

I'm beginning to see a pattern here. West coast - ******bag, East coast - tool. So is the Mississippi River the dividing line to determine whether one is a ******bag or a tool when abbreviating geographical locations or tossing out nicknames? I'm originally from northeast Ohio, otherwise known as "Steel Valley," so I'm guessing that makes me a tool. Cool!

No - tool and ******bag - are interchangeable in this case and have the same meaning. For instance, you don't want to use the same word twice in a sentance, so "Hey, ******bag in the red - hold your line and stop riding like like a tool!"

The terms "******bag" and "tool", as fighting words, should be used with caution. I'm not familiar with Bubba, but I suspect it's at least a step lower on the insult scale than the two previously mentioned slurs.

[merider1]

I'm not familiar with Bubba, but I suspect it's at least a step lower on the insult scale than the two previously mentioned slurs.

You are quite correct, sir. Only it isn't the word so much as how it's used. Two bubbas calling each other bubba followed by a slap on the back and a hearty smoker's laugh is acceptable. But if you see a bubba and call him bubba with a sneer and with a derogatory twang, you'd better be able to back it up with brawn or a shotgun in your cab window.