The Tourmalet Sat 2/9/08

[vertical bob]

It looks like a warm day in the San Gabriels for Feburary so I'm gonna do So Cal's version of the Tourmalet. At least thats what a guy that I ran into at Camp 9 who had just done the real one in France told me. Only 57 miles but 8600 ft up Little T, Santa Clara Divide, Sand Cyn, and Camp 9. We did this last year and had a blast. Not for the faint at heart or the fragile bike but doable. Hell, I can do it. Leave from the Lakeview Terrace rec center at 11075 Foothill, Lakeview Terrace. Off the 210 fwy at Osborne at 8am. Here's the thread from last years ride. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=289996&page=2 ps this is an out and back ride so yo can turn back at any time

[magicant]

Looks like a great ride, Bob.

I'm booked up for the weekend again (I admit it, I'm a chronic planner - I plan weeks in advance). Should be a warm(er) weekend so this'll be fun. But I'm betting you'll still be above the snow line. :D

[prendrefeu]

Can't make it this weekend, but it looks like a great ride.
Any chance you could provide a link to a route-map? (For personal future referencing)

Thanks!

[vertical bob]

Can't make it this weekend, but it looks like a great ride.
Any chance you could provide a link to a route-map? (For personal future referencing)

Thanks!Sorry I don't have a clue how to do that but the route is : starting from Foothill ,up Little Tujunga to Bear Divide. That's where the road changes names to Sand Canyon. Just around the corner from there is Santa Clara Divide Road which we take as far as it's paved about 5 miles. Back down to Sand Canyon and down to Sand Cyn. and Soledad for a break. Return on Sand Cyn to Bear Divide where the road to Camp 9 is , up to Camp 9 and back down the same way then back on Little T to Foothill. This ride has a lot of out and back, so you can do as much as you want.

[Brandy]

Oh Bob...I wish I could make it. :( This was one of the best climbing rides I did last year. Those who take you up on your offer won't be disappointed.

[vertical bob]

Oh Bob...I wish I could make it. :( This was one of the best climbing rides I did last year. Those who take you up on your offer won't be disappointed. Darn, I was hoping to see you , we had great fun last year. There will be another time I hope. I've been up to Camp 9 so often that I know the fire camp dog, Joe.:D

[vertical bob]

Looks like a great ride, Bob.

I'm booked up for the weekend again (I admit it, I'm a chronic planner - I plan weeks in advance). Should be a warm(er) weekend so this'll be fun. But I'm betting you'll still be above the snow line. :D Actually I rode up to camp 9 on Monday and you could see the high point on Santa Clara Divide at 5000ft. No snow up there but Mt.Gleason at 6k+ sure had some on it

[vertical bob]

Well, I have a few takers for this ride. All gals, Woo Hoo.

[merider1]

:) Good, Bob. Would hate to think of you riding up there alone (I know, you're a grown man, etc., etc... :p)

Is Laura going? If so, say hi to her for me, please.

[roadfix]

Well, I have a few takers for this ride. All gals, Woo Hoo.I don't want to spoil that for you Bob, so I'm riding locally. :D

[blarnie]

Altitude, climbing, Camp 9. Lucky.

I really like that climb. I haven't been on Santa Clara since the 80's. And the last time I went to Camp 9, round Aug. or Sept. I encountered some of the strongest winds I had ever ridden in. I like to throw La Tuna in, then Foothill, LT, BD, Camp 9.

Good riding to you.

[valleygirl]

See ya there VB

[vertical bob]

See ya there VB Yay:D

[big john]

At the last minute, I decided to join these guys.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u308/bigjohn53/S2010004.jpg
There is the first summit.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u308/bigjohn53/S2010001.jpg
And the first downhill.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u308/bigjohn53/S2010003.jpg

[merider1]

:beer: Nice, John!! Wow, looks gorgeous out there.

<---- jealous.

[roadfix]

Very nice shots John!

[big john]

First time I met Adam.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u308/bigjohn53/S2010002.jpg
In a strange coincidence, I caught up to these guys while heading to Acton. Bob jinxed me with wind, so I didn't go to Acton.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u308/bigjohn53/S2010007.jpg