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

Weather permitting, I would like to give GMR a try. I would certainly be a "C" group climber (at best), as I have never attempted a climb like this. I am used to doing 50 miles or so, but on relatively flat or rolling terrain. Perhaps I will see y'all out there.

- Matthew

Weather permitting, I would like to give GMR a try. I would certainly be a "C" group climber (at best), as I have never attempted a climb like this. I am used to doing 50 miles or so, but on relatively flat or rolling terrain. Perhaps I will see y'all out there.

- Matthew

Welcome, Matthew. :) GMR is a ride I believe most can accomplish. It is a sustained climb, and you just have to go at your own pace. Baldy is more daunting, but one can always turn around if need be. Just be sure to bring fuel with you.

Weather update as of Thur. morn. chance of rain down to 10%, high temp still 50 deg. F in Baldy Village. 10% rain and 63 deg.F high for Glendora.

Just FYI!

Yes Matthew, please join us! You'll have a great time and I know there are lots of great personalities in the "C" group. You may have so much fun that you'll forget you're climbing a mountain!

Rick / OCRR

I'm in and thanks for organizing this:), not sure whether I'll ride with the "B" or "C" group yet.



-Erik

I'd like to join also. Due to having about 350 base flat miles in 07' it would be presumptuous to ride with B.

Is there a D group? :D

Thanks Rick.

-Al

I'd like to join also. Due to having about 350 base flat miles in 07' it would be presumptuous to ride with B.

Is there a D group? :D

Thanks Rick.

-Al

Sorry Spinerguy,

There is no "D" group. But you can either start with the "B" group and fade back to the "C's" if you're too slow, or start with the "C" group and motor away up to the "B" if the "C's" are too slow :).

The truth of the matter is that each cyclist has his/her own comfortable climbing speed. We're tried to set up the groups so that each rider will be "approximately" the same speed as the group.

That said, it's lots easier for a faster rider to slow down a bit to hit the Group's speed, than it is for a slower rider to speed up to hit the Group's speed. In any case, come on out, give it a try, and see how you do! Lots of friendly riders on these rides, regardless of what speed you're riding!

Rick / OCRR

I may not make this ride after all and stick closer to home. I finally got a hair appointment today and it's for Saturday at 2:45pm. I have to get my hair done as I look like a walking Weeping-Willow. It's scary. :(

I may not make this ride after all and stick closer to home. I finally got a hair appointment today and it's for Saturday at 2:45pm. I have to get my hair done as I look like a walking Weeping-Willow. It's scary. :(

OH Mary, I am sure your hair looks great. Hair appointment over GMR:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
I hope you change your mind. I kind of counted on your experience in helping me keep the newbies going up and then coming down (BTW: We are going to have a group D while going down to Glendora as I am always the slowest on the descends:eek:)

OH Mary, I am sure your hair looks great. Hair appointment over GMR:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
I hope you change your mind. I kind of counted on your experience in helping me keep the newbies going up and then coming down (BTW: We are going to have a group D while going down to Glendora as I am always the slowest on the descends:eek:)

I can't get in for TWO weeks if I don't grab Saturday. I tried for tomorrow or Sunday, but my hairdresser has no openings. Unlike you, Maria, my...um...beauty takes work. ;) :p

I can't get in for TWO weeks if I don't grab Saturday. I tried for tomorrow or Sunday, but my hairdresser has no openings. Unlike you, Maria, my...um...beauty takes work. ;) :p

At your age you don't have to do anything to look hot Girl :D:D:D

At your age you don't have to do anything to look hot Girl :D:D:D

Flattery would get you everything if you were a man. :p:D

Flattery would get you everything if you were a man. :p:D

OK, I am not a man and I definitely don't want "everything" but how about just joining us for the GMR ride?

OK, I am not a man and I definitely don't want "everything" but how about just joining us for the GMR ride?

:lol: Usually, that's about all any man wants...me to join on a ride and then that's it. ;)

I'll see if I can push the appt. back, but I doubt it, in which case I'll have to join on the next one. :o

Lookit M.E.

If you can't do the whole ride, at least do the GMR part (up to the shack?) with us. If you're not there, ride participation will drop precipitously.

No, really, all the single guys who ride just to meet and be with you . . . what are they gonna do if they hear you're not going to be there?

I'll tell you . . . they won't be there either! Without you, I mean (Lookit), what is the point? If they show up and there's no M.E. they're going to feel like badly microwaved potatos, that's all.

On the other hand, there will be more single guys for Maria, . . . so there's always that.

I mean, I'm happily married, I'll be fine. But I'm just concerned for everyone else. Hey, I used to be a single guy, I remember what it was like!

Rick / OCRR

You want me there for shacking up with single men who are looking at me like a badly microwaved potato? :eek:

I need to go back and re-read that as I think I misunderstood. :p

You want me there for shacking up with single men who are looking at me like a badly microwaved potato? :eek:

I need to go back and re-read that as I think I misunderstood. :p

Did I say that?

I didn't mean to say that . . . :eek:

Rick / OCRR

Did I say that?

I didn't mean to say that . . . :eek:

Rick / OCRR

I'm just teasing, Rick. ;) And you're the last person I should tease like that with. I really appreciate you guys arranging a ride and fully support attendance at it (although, I can guarantee you that you'll lose a few if the weather is overcast, cold and threatening like today!). If I'm not there this Saturday, I will show up on the next one, and quite honestly, I'm going to try to get up Baldy this year as much as I can. I need the climb. But I also need to keep a balance and life does get in the way...like this little haircut that I'm two months overdue for. :o

What time is estimated about being back at our cars? Thanks!

Hi Prolene,

If you're an "A" rider, and don't hang at the Village too long = 10:30 AM BATC (Back At The Cars)
If you're a "B" rider, and don't hang a the Village too long = 11:30 PM - Noon BATC
If you're a "C" rider, and don't hand at the Village too long = 1:00 - 2:00 PM BATC

If you're an "A" or fast "B" and add the Ski Lift climb (above the Village) add another hour to the times above.

Oh, and these are my best estimates . . . your time may vary!

Rick / OCRR

Very thorough and helpful information, Rick! I hope the clouds hold back the precipitation, then I'll be there.

Fairweather Al. :o

If you're an "A" rider, and don't hang at the Village too long = 10:30 AM BATC (Back At The Cars)


Are you sure about that, Rick? That's only 90 minutes total. 22 miles up to Baldy Village in one hour, half hour to descend? Seems like something might be off, but I might be missing something. :)

If you're an "A" rider, and don't hang at the Village too long = 10:30 AM BATC :eek:29.3mph/avg.(Back At The Cars)


Rick,

I wish I could ride that fast. I couldn't do that on a flat road. I'd like to think I'm a good climber and it takes me a little under 2 hours to get to the village. I can descend GRR/GMR with the best of them and it takes me 60 minutes to get down from the village. So for me it would be 3 hours total time. The lifts add an hour for me 45 min. up 15 min. down.

Okay, so maybe I'm over-estimating the "A's" . . . I know that when I'm in good shape ("B" rider that I am), I can make it to the Village in 2 hr. with just a little plus/minus. And it takes me about an hour to get back (a tad faster now with no gates to climb over).

But you're right, there's no way the "A's" will average 29.3!

Now I have seen how quickly Sir Steve pulls away from me on GMR (and Big Bear, Newport Coast, etc.). and I know some of the other "A" riders are close to Steve's speed on climbs.

However, those are just "best guess" estimates, and there are lots of ways I could be plus / minus on my guesstimates. So I will change the "A's" BATC to what? How about 11:30 AM? That would move the "B's" back to half past noon and the "C" group to 2:00 - 3:00.

Maybe I've just been too impressed with the TOC riders and figured the "A's" could go almost that fast!

I do know that Jon (whitecarbondude) climbs 1.2 times faster than me. He told me so!

Rick / OCRR

. . . I know that when I'm in good shape ("B" rider that I am), I can make it to the Village in 2 hr. with just a little plus/minus.
Rick / OCRR

My best was 2:06 when I was in shape (05)! Darn Rick just always seems to beat me!:mad:...........That's ok cause I'm a "D" rider!:D

My best was 2:06 when I was in shape (05)! Darn Rick just always seems to beat me!:mad:...........That's ok cause I'm a "D" rider!:D

No Beanz,

You're a B+ rider! We missed you on Butterfield last weekend. I was looking forward to riding with you on your first double!

Oh, and speaking of BATC time, I forgot to add time to re-group for the "B's" and "C's" so maybe add another half hour for that.

Rick / OCRR

Very thorough and helpful information, Rick! I hope the clouds hold back the precipitation, then I'll be there.

Fairweather Al. :o

Hi Al,
This ride was carefully scheduled to be just between two rain storms (or so it looks now, on Thur. afternoon). It will probably be overcast, but dry, and cool (50 deg. F for the high until we get back to Glendora.

Rick / OCRR

I do know that Jon (whitecarbondude) climbs 1.2 times faster than me. He told me so!

This is true.:D

But you're right, there's no way the "A's" will average 29.3!

For reference, I think the winning time last year in the pro/1/2 field at the San Dimas Stage Race time trail was about half that. And that was less than 4 miles.

I would just give up and quit riding my bike for good if anyone ever goes up gmr at 29 mph. :D

As much as I want to do this ride and meet fellow BFers, I am too affraid of the mountain just after a storm. I know, go outside and run around in the rain with my skirt on. You guys have fun and I will make the next one during good weather. Stay safe and thanks to Rick for posting and organizing.

Okay, wait a second kids,
I just got an email from Jimmy . . . as follows:

I heard through the grape vine that GMR might be closed this weekend. I don't know if you are still planning to go ahead with the ride, but you might want to check into this. I'm out anyway - even if the road is open, it will be freezing cold.
Cheers
Jimmy


http://dpw.lacounty.gov/rmd/roadclosure/results.cfm

GLENDORA RIDGE ROAD from GLENDORA MOUNTAIN ROAD to MT BALDY ROAD ROAD CLOSED HEAVY SNOW AND POOR CONDITIONS ON MOUNTAIN - CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 01-23-2008 TBD

So if this is true, and it looks like it is . . . we'll have to reschedule this ride.

Sorry! Anyone who lives up there (or close) could have a look? And let us know . . .
Mr. Beanz, where are you?

Rick / OCRR :(

As much as I want to do this ride and meet fellow BFers, I am too affraid of the mountain just after a storm. I know, go outside and run around in the rain with my skirt on. You guys have fun and I will make the next one during good weather. Stay safe and thanks to Rick for posting and organizing.

Well, why in heaven's sake would you want to run around outside in the rain with a skirt on? :rolleyes: :p. And I doubt anyone on here is going to make fun of you for not riding a road after a storm, Barabus. It's all personal comfort level. Besides, these OCRR riders will do this again, I'm sure. They're friendly that way and they like to climb. ;)

Right M.E.

And it looks like this ride is off for this weekend anyway . . . The Forest Service doesn't have a sense of humor about these things . . .

Rick / OCRR

Right M.E.

And it looks like this ride is off for this weekend anyway . . . The Forest Service doesn't have a sense of humor about these things . . .

Rick / OCRR

I'm sorry, Rick. :( I'll be honest, I was nervous about those roads anyway (my hair appt. just gave me an excuse to back out). That mountain is wonderful in ideal conditions, but in the winter, it's a fickle beast. It's not going anywhere, and I will join on the rescheduled ride if I can. I look forward to climbing with Maria and getting to know her better, and meeting some of the OCRR members that I've yet to meet. :)

It says reopened 2-21. Look at the website.

It says reopened 2-21. Look at the website.

Right John, Thanks . . . GMR is on the "Recently Re-Opened Road Closures." So maybe we'll be okay. I'll check the site tomorrow and make a determination.

Rick / OCRR

Rick - RIDGE road is closed. Has been for a while. Glendora mountain road was open last saturday, and the friday before that.

I'll go up baldy tomorrow after work for a look see. Park the car at cow saddle and dash down Ridge road a few miles.

Thanks Gr@sshopper,

Yes, report back to the forum so we can decide whether to schedule for another day, or go ahead and try to ride it on this Saturday. Obviously, check for ice on the road and what the fallen rock situation is.

Rick / OCRR

Well, why in heaven's sake would you want to run around outside in the rain with a skirt on? :rolleyes: :p. And I doubt anyone on here is going to make fun of you for not riding a road after a storm, Barabus. It's all personal comfort level. Besides, these OCRR riders will do this again, I'm sure. They're friendly that way and they like to climb. ;)

So I don't have to post those pictures of me running in the rain with my skirt (I mean kilt) on? Oh, good. Your eyes would have burned.

Rick, I probably won't be up there with the group, I'm planning on doing Montrose, instead, since I have to get home.

Thanks Gr@sshopper,

Yes, report back to the forum so we can decide whether to schedule for another day, or go ahead and try to ride it on this Saturday. Obviously, check for ice on the road and what the fallen rock situation is.

Rick / OCRR

I think we should cancel this lovely ride Rick. What do you say?

Hi Maria,

Yes, I'm leaning in that direction, but waiting to hear from Gr@sshopper. I just received an email from Sir Steve, and he thinks we should cancel. His group of Rebel "A" riders agrees.

Jackie told me this morning that we should cancel, but I told her I wasn't sure . . . Guess I'm still not sure.

Other forumites; what do you think?

Should we stay or should we go?

Rick / OCRR

My best was 2:06 when I was in shape (05)! Darn Rick just always seems to beat me!:mad:...........That's ok cause I'm a "D" rider!:D

Sandbagger...I remember the way you pulled away from me on GMR the one time I rode there. I guess that makes me an "F"

I'll be in for the next ride...any day after 4/13.

Should we stay or should we go?

Rick / OCRR

Well, you should stay, of course! ;) But if you are not 100% sure by now about the roads, I vote reschedule. Then I can join :D

EDIT: End or March or April will be warmer.

Well, you should stay, of course! ;) But if you are not 100% sure by now about the roads, I vote reschedule. Then I can join :D

EDIT: End or March or April will be warmer.

Thanks for your vote M.E.

Also, if we do reschedule, we'll need to know the appointment dates for your beauty shop / hair / nails etc. so we don't have a time / date confilct. :) . . . just kidding, but you knew that . . . right?

Rick / OCRR

Hi Maria,

Other forumites; what do you think?

Should we stay or should we go?

Rick / OCRR
I actually like cold weather, as it's a nice change of pace from all of the damn sunshine we get in SoCal.

If you decide to go - I'll be there, but I could probably use a couple more hill training rides to make this ride more enjoyable.

Thanks Also, if we do reschedule, we'll need to know the appointment dates for your beauty shop / hair / nails etc. so we don't have a time / date confilct. :) . . . just kidding, but you knew that . . . right?

Rick / OCRR

:p I'll have you know that I have not had a manicure/pedicure/facial/hair cut for well over four months! :eek: I'm a disgusting, ratty thing right now. Given the fact that I'd rather ride anyday than do any of those things, I rarely have an appt. Tomorrow's hair cut is an emergency appt. - it has to be done!

I just called the Mount Baldy Fire Dept. and he told me that it's fine up there. Just that with the rain brings falling rocks on to he road so look out for road debris. The snow level is around 6000 feet and it looks like Saturday will be cloudy rain in the evening.

I will be going with or without the group, only I will be rolling at 7am and doing a repeat to the village and back.

How about we all go cross-country skiing this Saturday?:D

I will be going with or without the group, only I will be rolling at 7am and doing a repeat to the village and back.

Show off :rolleyes: :p