Southern California - GMR RIDE Sat. Feb. 23rd OCRR/bikeforums

M.E. You are going to pull not only me up but the whole C group as well. I saw you climb GMR almost a year ago and since that time it appears that you have subjected your body to a million miles of riding and another fifty thousand feet of climbing so........I can only imagine what a cycling monster you have turned into. Sorry Girl but your presence is quite needed on GMR, I hope you can make it.

You are too sweet. :o My climbing abilities are non-existent at this point. :( But I'll come for comedic relief. :p

All I know is Maria has improved 500% since I last saw her on GMR last summer. She kicked my butt on Latigo 3 weeks ago.

I tried to keep up with her on the last SGRT ride...she is FAST!!!

Dang, I need to pop my GMR cherry, but it's TOC time. Catch you on the next one.

You are too sweet. :o My climbing abilities are non-existent at this point. :( But I'll come for comedic relief. :p


OK, the only reason for the group C to be last at the top of GMR will be due to loosing significant amount of energy reserves to a process commonly known as "laughing, goofing off and having a good time".

OK, the only reason for the group C to be last at the top of GMR will be due to loosing significant amount of energy reserves to a process commonly known as "laughing, goofing off and having a good time".

Yup...that's the way I like to roll and the excuse I like to give for being last.:D

Yup...that's the way I like to roll and the excuse I like to give for being last.:D

Also, please note that anyone who participates in: "laughing, goofing off and having a good time" will not be considered to have been "sandbagging" because that is very different :eek:.

Rick / OCRR

Also, please note that anyone who participates in: "laughing, goofing off and having a good time" will not be considered to have been "sandbagging" because that is very different :eek:.

Rick / OCRR

I never sandbag. I do the opposite. When I say I'm slow, I'm lying...I'm not slow - I'm sluggish, snail-paced, barely moving. No one believes me, until they ride with me. :D

Well, I'll definitely join you guys on future rides, Rick, esp if the rest of the OCRR'ers are as nice as the ones I met on the Charity Ride. Have fun!

While I haven't ridden with them lately, back in my solo mode. OCRR was the 1st group that I hooked up with when I decided to check group riding back in Sept. I've ridden with them often, great bunch of people, great rides, something for every level. As Rick suggests, anyone interested-check out their website, very in depth and informative. Calendar always set out well in advance, with route slips, ride pix from the coffee stop, sometimes from the road if your in the right group. Amazing.

I'll be at GMR too Rick, are you getting a sense of numbers participating?

Hi mtnmn,
Good to hear all those positive things about the Rebels; thanks!

Regarding numbers, I learned from experience that you just never know until the day. As you may have seen here on prev. rides, we get a lot of last minute (or last day) "Sorry, I won't be able to make it after all" kind of posts.

On the other side, of course, there are usually quite a few riders who never communicate at all pre-ride, but show up on the day.

Of course, it also depends on the weather reports as we get closer, so that's another uncontrolable variable.

Hopefully we'll have a fine crowd, but you just never know.

Rick / OCRR

Were you by any chance rolling down PCH into Newport B 2/2 mid day along with a blonde and another dude?

No, not me . . .

On 2/2 I took an inland route from Irvine and hit PCH at Niguel, then left turn and down to Dana Point. No blonde, no other dude.

Rick / OCRR

Hehehehe Rick! I plan on riding but hate to say fo sho incase!:D...Gina hasn't been riding much. Pretty much dragging her along on tandem rides now, which makes it feel like I'm riding GMR!:eek:

Well, with the weather permitting, you can count me in. Will I see you there Mr. Beanz? Hey Drew and Cole505, will I get to see you there too? I hope so. And oh yeah, it will be my first GMR. Should be interesting. :o

Well, with the weather permitting, you can count me in. Will I see you there Mr. Beanz? Hey Drew and Cole505, will I get to see you there too? I hope so. And oh yeah, it will be my first GMR. Should be interesting. :o

Well like I said Mr Madone, I'll ride it with ya to make sure you don't get lost or miss a turn. Eventhough there is only one. :o

I've been trying to drag Drew up there too but he avoids me!:D

I've been trying to drag Teresa up there too, but so far I have not been successful! She "almost" agreed to this ride, then said it would be too cold. I'll get back to her if we get some warm weather, i.e. at least into the mid-60's predicted.

Someday, hopefully, we'll get every SoCal cyclist on GMR! That's my dream . . .

Rick / OCRR

I've been trying to dray Teresa up there too, but so far I have not been successful! She "almost" agreed to this ride, then said it would be too cold. I'll get back to her if we get some warm weather, i.e. at least into the mid-60's predicted.

Someday, hopefully, we'll get every SoCal cyclist on GMR! That's my dream . . .

Rick / OCRR

Rick;
I talked to her a couple weeks ago and she said she was coming for sure??!! And then I was working hard on a couple other OCRRs but now I hear that they don't want to do hills anymore. As I have said recently I give up but at the same time I understand..........and maybe I will keep being pushy ............nah, I give up..................I have been too pushy and I am done with this attitude, we all need breathing space. Oh my Goodness, I feel better already:D:D:D

Yeah Maria,

I hear you. I just love GMR so much, I keep pushing anyway, to at least give it a try. If they try it and don't like it, well, that's fine (I don't get it of course, but people are different, so I have to just say "Whatever!"). Most, though, really like it too!

So I don't think you've been too pushy!

Rick / OCRR

Yeah Maria,

I hear you. I just love GMR so much, I keep pushing anyway, to at least give it a try. If they try it and don't like it, well, that's fine (I don't get it of course, but people are different, so I have to just say "Whatever!"). Most, though, really like it too!

So I don't think you've been too pushy!

Rick / OCRR
"Whatever" sounds like a good solid and relaxed word, it's a keeper;)

Aw rats, I can change my work schedule quarterly. Bid appointments just posted and mine, to bid my March quarter schedule is 9:54am, 2/23. I'll look forward to the announcement of the next or just take my butt over and up there.

Well like I said Mr Madone, I'll ride it with ya to make sure you don't get lost or miss a turn. Eventhough there is only one. :o

I've been trying to drag Drew up there too but he avoids me!:D

Whats that... did I hear something???
naw, must be the wind.....






























Beanz said he'd pull me up if I got tired
I work that Sat, but might be able to switch days with someone.
So the's a "C" group is there.. that must be
"we'll C if their able to make it"

So the's a "C" group is there.. that must be
"we'll C if their able to make it"


Bwahahaha, good one Drewski!:D I'm so out of shape, I'll be in the we'll C group myself! I sure hope you can make it, not cause I like you, cause I don't! Just think it would be cool, you, me and Rob holding hands on the way up!:p

I don't do many group rides, but I'm getting really bored of my regular beach routes, and have a Saturday free from soccer.

Count me in as one of the GMR newbies.

Great to hear Billy,

I don't know how a fast a climber you are, but if you're fairly strong you may want to start with the "B" group instead of the "C's". Of course, if you're super-fast, there's always the "A's!"

Rick / OCRR

Bwahahaha, good one Drewski!:D I'm so out of shape, I'll be in the we'll C group myself! I sure hope you can make it, not cause I like you, cause I don't! Just think it would be cool, you, me and Rob holding hands on the way up!:p

Useless without pictures...:rolleyes:

Great to hear Billy,

I don't know how a fast a climber you are, but if you're fairly strong you may want to start with the "B" group instead of the "C's". Of course, if you're super-fast, there's always the "A's!"

Rick / OCRR

I don't know how fast of a climber I am either - this is the first time I've ever attempted anything like this. The only organized road ride I've done is the 50 mile Rosarito to Ensenada ride last year. I think my time was 3:05. That's approximately a 16 MPH average. On the 800 foot climb in the middle, I was mostly passing people.

So I'll go with whatever group you think I should start with. No worries if I get left behind - I'm self sufficient and have had enough bad wrecks in my younger days to not do anything stupid.

So I'll go with whatever group you think I should start with. No worries if I get left behind - I'm self sufficient and have had enough bad wrecks in my younger days to not do anything stupid.

I'm thinking you should start with the "B's" and see how it goes from there.

Rick / OCRR

I'm going to show up to this too. After after the Mulholland ride I'm growing fond of you people. Really I like the free coaching I get on group rides. This weekend I got 3 or 4 good tips on climbing and maybe if I hang out some more I can pick up a few new technical things.

Looking at the forecast. Is the ride still on if it rains?
thanks.

I don't remember if I asked already, but is it kosher to start w/A's and expect to be dropped? don't want to cause any issues, but I also don't really need to hang with anybody; I solo this route all the time.

I don't remember if I asked already, but is it kosher to start w/A's and expect to be dropped? don't want to cause any issues, but I also don't really need to hang with anybody; I solo this route all the time.

Totally kosher...check out post #6

"If you start with the A group and get dropped you can always fade back and pick up the B's!"

For those of you "C" riders who are wondering if you should try this ride...

I dragged my 5'8" 230+ lb ass up the same ride in Sep 2006 on another BF ride. It was REALLY hot that day (100+ in Glendora, definitely over 90 up the mountain). I just checked my Garmin records and found that it took me 3:07 to get to the village...I may or may not have been the last one to arrive (can't remember).

In any case, the ride was difficult but rewarding. No one gave a crap whether you were fast or slow and there always seemed to be someone going at the same pace.

I'm not sure if I will join you guys this Saturday as I am training for a race on April 13th and this ride may not be the best way to prepare.

If you're on the fence about it, I recommend it.

EDIT: Here's the ride report from that day. Unfortunately, all of the pictures are gone but it's still a good read http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=224989

Cheers.
-CJ

I just checked the forecast and it says 60% chance of rain. If it's over 50% we'll cancel but otherwise probably go for it. Long time till the weekend, . . . lets look at the forecast on Friday.

Hey, what would Lance do (bring a rain jacket)?

And yes Gr@sshopper, please start with the A's, but no worries if they drop you, the B's will be happy to welcome you!

Also, CJ, thanks for the encouraging words!

Rick / OCRR

Rick, there was a lot of snow up on Baldy yesterday. If it rains this week, Baldy will likely be a mess, especially in the area just before Cow Saddle where there is shade across the road. That is the most dangerous, IMO, as you really don't see the thick patch of ice (entirely across the road) until you're upon it. I love Baldy, so I do not mean to be a naysayer, but this ride (if not canceled due to rain), may be a GMR only climb (which is fine by me). I just wanted to warn you in case you weren't aware. If you were, forgive me, as I am not trying to step on your toes either (especially considering that you need them to pedal :p). Just giving an FYI. :)

Thanks Mary,

I totally agree with you regarding the ice. Not fun. Dangerous, actually. And that place you specify is where I have seen (and ridden over!) ice before. So . . . we will see when it gets closer to the weekend. Weather.com has 63 deg. for Baldy Village this afternoon, but in the shade it could be a bit cooler!

Good idea to make it a GMR (not GRR) only too. Sounds like a viable option to me!

Missed you on Butterfield. Your buddy Ron Hansen was helping to hold down the San Onofre checkpoint (which we visited on both the south and north-bound stages). Roland wasn't there, and I don't remember who your other ADO buddy was last year, but if it was Clem, he was there, along with his daughter (who is really fast!).

Best Regs,
Rick / OCRR

Missed you on Butterfield. Your buddy Ron Hansen was helping to hold down the San Onofre checkpoint (which we visited on both the south and north-bound stages). Roland wasn't there, and I don't remember who your other ADO buddy was last year, but if it was Clem, he was there, along with his daughter (who is really fast!).


Thanks, Rick. :) I'm surprised that Ron didn't ride. Yes, it was Clem and his daughter, Renee, is very fast. Two of the nicest people too! I hope to be back out there next year.

Actually Mary,

Ron did ride . . . but the weekend before. He rode the Butterfield course with Lynn Katano, Dave Evans, John Long, and maybe someone (or two) else that I'm forgetting. I only know this cause John Long called Jackie and warned her about certain parts of the course pre-ride.

John Long also worked the ride (same checkpoint as Ron in fact), but I think Lynn was with Eric (her honey) up at the Tour de CA. Not sure what happend to Dave!

Rick / OCRR

I'm thinking you should start with the "B's" and see how it goes from there.

Rick / OCRR

Today I went out and did some hill training. They weren't very long hills, but they were all pretty steep. First time in a year I've done any hill training at all.

For those of you "C" riders who are wondering if you should try this ride...

In any case, the ride was difficult but rewarding. No one gave a crap whether you were fast or slow and there always seemed to be someone going at the same pace.


After doing some hill training today, I am nominating myself as:

"Most likely to puke"

To the leader of group C - When you see the guy in the MTB shorts and soccer jersey hurling on the side of the road, you'll know you've found me.

Hi Billy,

Maria is the leader of the "C" group. I'm sure she will watch over and take good care of you and all those in her group. She's just that kind of woman.

Sir Steve, on the other hand, will hammer the "A" group (but they love that).

I will have an approach somewhere in the center of those two, leading the "B" group.

See you there (if it doesn't rain),

Rick / OCRR

Drat Rick! I can't make it this weekend...I'm leading a Anaheim-Solana Beach train ride Saturday for a couple friends getting ready for Solvang.

To those who don'y think they can do this ride: Last summer I joined Joy, M.E. jchen, ronjon and thomson and dragged my 200 lbs up GMR to Baldy, then continued all the way to the lifts. This was my first really serious climbing ride since I started riding again a couple years ago after a long layoff. The ride to Baldy Village is TOTALLY doable by just about anyone if they have an appropriately geared bike.

Rick, there was a lot of snow up on Baldy yesterday. If it rains this week, Baldy will likely be a mess, especially in the area just before Cow Saddle where there is shade across the road. That is the most dangerous, IMO, as you really don't see the thick patch of ice (entirely across the road) until you're upon it. I love Baldy, so I do not mean to be a naysayer, but this ride (if not canceled due to rain), may be a GMR only climb (which is fine by me). I just wanted to warn you in case you weren't aware. If you were, forgive me, as I am not trying to step on your toes either (especially considering that you need them to pedal :p). Just giving an FYI. :)


Hey ME - on saturday, there was only 1 patch that was slightly problematic. 18" across, so really not a big thing. If they get more snow up there, something to think about, but probably everything will be ok.

Thanks for the road condition reports Gr@sshopper!

Rick / OCRR

Today I went out and did some hill training. They weren't very long hills, but they were all pretty steep. First time in a year I've done any hill training at all.



After doing some hill training today, I am nominating myself as:

"Most likely to puke"

To the leader of group C - When you see the guy in the MTB shorts and soccer jersey hurling on the side of the road, you'll know you've found me.

OK, Billy B;
You might not be able to go all the way up but please for God's sake do not wear MTB shorts and a soccer jersey. You want to feel like a cycling PRO attacking GMR and if you do you will get up there no problem, so mixing soccer with cycling is not recommended:D. And if you need to empty your stomach on the way up that should be fine too. I remember one day somebody told me that if you don't train hard enought to feel like you might puke then you are not going to get stronger. So don't worry, come and ride with us, we shall keep an eye on you and I will keep my camera handy to catch all the funny moments (maybe when you are puking????????? OK, it's a joke, I promise no photos like this).

We don't want to ride on ice for sure. So far the weather forecast for Saturday is looking good. I am keeping my fingers crossed:D

We don't want to ride on ice for sure. So far the weather forecast for Saturday is looking good. I am keeping my fingers crossed:D




Maria, it's not just the day of but the days leading up to Saturday. If it rains Thursday and Friday, I'd bet there will be more than a patch of ice across the roads up there. I'm no expert and perhaps the Billy goats can weigh in (Vertical Bob??? Big John????), but I know in the past that in the winter months when it's rained the week before, it is highly likely the roads up there are hazardous. Again, I'm just the little cautionary voice in the background and certainly am no weather (wo)man. I personally will bail on the ride if it rains on Friday, but that's just me. :o

In any case, the ride was difficult but rewarding. No one gave a crap whether you were fast or slow and there always seemed to be someone going at the same pace.

I agree 100%!!!:D

Very good point M.E. Let's keep a super close eye on weather all this week. The summer is around the corner so we shall have lots of trips up GMR I suspect. I must admit however that I enjoy going up there when the weather is a bit cooler, even cold as I tend to suffer there tremendously and break tons of sweat :cry:.

BTW; are you back on your bicycle? I think I saw your photos on one of the threads here; I think it was from this Sunday's ride. Does it mean that if the roads are clean and it doesn't rain/snow you would join us for the GMR ride?

BTW; are you back on your bicycle? I think I saw your photos on one of the threads here; I think it was from this Sunday's ride. Does it mean that if the roads are clean and it doesn't rain/snow you would join us for the GMR ride?

Thanks for asking, Maria. :) I am back on my bike and, in fact, rode up GMR on Sunday with a friend. I'm still snail slow on the climbing, but I loved it and can't wait to get back up there. Yes, absolutely! If the roads are good, I'm going up. And if we have to reschedule, I will try to make it. I'm going to ride in your group, remember? :D

Thanks for asking, Maria. :) I am back on my bike and, in fact, rode up GMR on Sunday with a friend. I'm still snail slow on the climbing, but I loved it and can't wait to get back up there. Yes, absolutely! If the roads are good, I'm going up. And if we have to reschedule, I will try to make it. I'm going to ride in your group, remember? :D
Yappie !!!!! Welcome back Girl!!!! Glad to hear that you have already been on GMR?!!!!! way to go.
And yes, we shall reschedule if the weather sucks. We don't need any more crashes:o:o

Yappie !!!!! Welcome back Girl!!!! Glad to hear that you have already been on GMR?!!!!! way to go.
And yes, we shall reschedule if the weather sucks. We don't need any more crashes:o:o

Thanks, lady. Crashes aside, it's downright cold and miserable up there if rainy. I rode up one year with a couple of friends when it was overcast and lightly drizzling. We rode all the way to Baldy and back and my knees hurt for a couple of days after. I'm convinced that it was the wind chill coming off that mountain (I had on tights but no knee warmers, my bad).

Let's keep our fingers crossed. I'd really like to get back up there soon for sure. I love Baldy.

Attn: All GMR Riders,

Chance of rain has been lowered to 20% for both Glendora and Mt. Baldy for Saturday. I will watch the weather updates, but right now, this ride is on! The high is expected to be 50 in Baldy Village, so dress warm!

Rick / OCRR

:D:D:D
Super, the weather forecast is starting to look better indeed but of course we shall see on Friday. Rick, thanks for keeping an eye on it. On Saturday I will wear my cross-country skiing jersey for sure.