Southern California - Prep Rides in Santa Monica Mtns

Starting in a couple weeks, I'll be riding the Wednesday morning SFVBC ride.

I'm looking to expand it, though, in prep for Mulholland Challenge. I'll be doing the first half of the ride into Westlake Village (normal route). From Westlake, I'll be branching out and trying to take in the climbs of the Mulholland Challenge. The scheduled ride may change, however, at this point if enough people request something different. If I do these correctly, they'll get progressively longer and harder, helping to build the legs for MC.

Date: Wed, March 12
Start Time: 8:30am Calabasas Rd. & Mulholland Dr (http://www.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=34.158773,-118.636186&spn=0.004279,0.010471&z=17&msid=103784964147063798114.000446c112fbf907568e0)., Woodland Hills, CA, Village Roaster coffee shop in south-east corner plaza.
Route: Course map (http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=weidxqnpbabjbkjw) available on GPSies.com
Distance: 67 miles
Elevation Gain: Alot.

Summary
Start with traditional Wed AM ride out to Westlake Village and the Corner Bakery. Then south on Route 23 to Mulholland Rd to PCH. PCH south to Decker Rd. to Encinal Canyon to Mulholland and back home.

Anyone want to join?

(Due to schedule, I'll do only a couple weekend rides, instead letting others organize, and take the lead on those.)

Hi Mark,
I want to do lots of pre-rides in the Santa Monica Mountains to get ready for the Mulholland Double, but I work on Wednesday! Any rides planned for the weekend?

Rick / OCRR

Lemme check my calendar when I get home. (Races have a way of getting in the way.)

Obvious is to go to the beach & back. That's just Topanga/Old Topanga. Any other alternatives that'll get me ready for the MC? Any recommendations coming out of Westlake Village? Anyone want to join me?

Doesn't have to be. Instead of Old Topanga. Take Fernwood Pacific up from Topanga (by the fire station), then you can cut over to a descent on Stunt or Piuma.

Or, from PCH you can take Las Flores (steep), or the against the traffic on the one way street Tuna Canyon (steep). From the top of Las Flores you can go down Stunt or Piuma, or cut over to and descend Fernwood Pacific and then do Old Topanga to Mulholland.

From Westlake, you can go up 23 (steep) to the intersection of Decker & Mulholland which is right on the MC route.

Really, you have a myriad of options. Going back and forth over to PCH and back will give you about a minimum of 3500 feet of climbing if you don't use Malibu Canyon.

Doesn't have to be. Instead of Old Topanga. Take Fernwood Pacific up from Topanga (by the fire station), then you can cut over to a descent on Stunt or Piuma.

Or, from PCH you can take Las Flores (steep), or the against the traffic on the one way street Tuna Canyon (steep). From the top of Las Flores you can go down Stunt or Piuma, or cut over to and descend Fernwood Pacific and then do Old Topanga to Mulholland.

From Westlake, you can go up 23 (steep) to the intersection of Decker & Mulholland which is right on the MC route.

Really, you have a myriad of options. Going back and forth over to PCH and back will give you about a minimum of 3500 feet of climbing if you don't use Malibu Canyon.

I know. That's just the route the group "traditionally" takes. I'll be using bikely to create some new ones that will take in the MC climbs. I'll post when I get them done.

If you can ride on the weekends Mark, let me know and Ill show you all the cyn roads over here.

from PCH you can take Las Flores (steep), or the against the traffic on the one way street Tuna Canyon (steep). From the top of Las Flores.... and descend Fernwood Pacific and then do Old Topanga to Mulholland.

We did this several times last year, and makes for a great ride. Las Flores is indeed steep, but the rough part is only a mile and it will certainly whip you into shape for MC. Powerfully built guy like yourself, though, make sure you have right cassette!

A couple times, we also turned left on Westlake Blvd after going around the lake, which becomes Decker. Also very steep, but again, the steep section isn't tortuously long. From the top, lots of choices... for a long ride, descend Mulholland or Decker, then back up whatever. Short (but efficient!) ride, just head back Mulholland.

Does this mean you'll be off track during Spring Break (week before Easter)? If so, I'll join on one of these.

Where + when does your group leave from ?

Where + when does your group leave from ?

The weekly wed ride leaves from Calabasas, the plaza on Mulholland just south of the 101 (Village Coffee Roaster at 23351 Mulholland Drive, to be precise). 8:30am. The Ride heads over to Westlake where it takes a break... and then some people head straight back to Calabasas, and some head to Malibu (although lately, we've been going back via Mulholland).

Does this mean you'll be off track during Spring Break (week before Easter)? If so, I'll join on one of these.

Yea...March/April off. I'll try and get in some serious mileage (200+ per week..."serious" for me anyway :D )

March 19th (Wed before Easter) will hopefully be my 2nd one of these "prep" rides.

Where + when does your group leave from ?


The weekly wed ride leaves from Calabasas, the plaza on Mulholland just south of the 101 (Village Coffee Roaster at 23351 Mulholland Drive, to be precise). 8:30am. The Ride heads over to Westlake where it takes a break... and then some people head straight back to Calabasas, and some head to Malibu (although lately, we've been going back via Mulholland).

I don't know dolophonic's abilities. The 8:30 group is generally a fast, pseudo-race pace until Westlake Village. There is an 8:15 group that is a slower pace.

I don't know dolophonic's abilities. The 8:30 group is generally a fast, pseudo-race pace until Westlake Village. There is an 8:15 group that is a slower pace.

'psuedo' race :rolleyes:

All I know is, I show up, meet some very friendly folks, mothers, friends etc. The pace starts off nice, then all of a sudden, the hammer goes down and this once friendly pack turns into vicious leg ripping vampires and I'm left a charred ruined husk. :p

Actually, I'd love to do this ride regularly, it is a great crew and a nice tough pace. Unfortunately my work schedule just won't allow it.

'psuedo' race :rolleyes:

All I know is, I show up, meet some very friendly folks, mothers, friends etc. The pace starts off nice, then all of a sudden, the hammer goes down and this once friendly pack turns into vicious leg ripping vampires and I'm left a charred ruined husk. :p

Only on the uphills... :D ;)

vicious leg ripping vampires and I'm left a charred ruined husk. :p


The wed ride has definitely gotten peppier in the year and a half that I've been doing it. At least that's my perception. When the racers show up (which is almost every week during the winter), it does get spunky... not on a Simi ride or Montrose ride level, not consistently anyway, maybe during stretches (like once they get to the lake).

There are several cut-offs/short-cuts, for those who don't want to start with the 8:15 group (which is a very relaxed pace, and takes a different route). Most of them will get you to the break ahead of the main group. And after the break, things calm down considerably.

Ronjon kicked butt on the ride, but likes to play the victim. Hippies... whaddya gonna do? :p

FWIW,

I'll be going to the Wed AM ride and starting my "SM Mtns Prep Rides" on Wed's, March 12, 19, 26 and April 2. I'll post intended routes here in a little bit, but I'm sure if anyone from the group wants to come along, I'll be open to changing course as I know the SM Mtns not very well at all. I'll update the OP to reflect current info.

I'll be available to do this on only a couple Saturdays, but need to confirm dates yet. Tentative dates are: March 1, 8 & 29.

Okay, first one--March 12th--will go south on 23 and back up Decker and back to start via Mulholland. Kick it off with a bang! See the OP for details.

Okay, first one--March 12th--will go south on 23 and back up Decker and back to start via Mulholland. Kick it off with a bang! See the OP for details.

Holy cow, man... 10,000ft in 67 miles! That is so 'core. :D

Holy cow, man... 10,000ft in 67 miles! That is so 'core. :D

Really??!! The mapping website did say something like 3,000 meters, but I thought they were wrong. I've never done Decker before. Done all the rest (Mulholland, et. al.) Poor choice for first ride?

Poor choice for first ride?

No way, go for it! Just give yourself enough time. I'll definitely join you... can probably talk another couple suckers into it, as well.

No way, go for it! Just give yourself enough time. I'll definitely join you... can probably talk another couple suckers into it, as well.

You'll have to point out to me places to stop and get food/water. I know on Mulholland after Cornell, there really isn't any 'til the finish. I'm not sure where the Rock Store falls, though...

Rock Store is down the hill, in between where Mulholland comes off of Kanan and where it pulls up alongside it.

Bump for the ride this Wednesday. If your schedule allows, come out to Calabasas for Mark's epic ride in the Santa Monicas. We've managed to con a few others from the regular wed ride into joining us. Weather looks nothing short of perfect.

Boy...I better show up then :p :D ;)

As long as my legs feel better Wednesday than they did today. Just sore and tired from Solvang. I'm such a wuss.

Can't make it this Wed, but I'll be checking this thread for rides next week when I'm on Spring break.

Bump for the ride this Wednesday. If your schedule allows, come out to Calabasas for Mark's epic ride in the Santa Monicas. We've managed to con a few others from the regular wed ride into joining us. Weather looks nothing short of perfect.

Tickets still available. Act now. Limited time offer.

Tickets still available. Act now. Limited time offer.

Um yeah, you have fun with that. :)

Um yeah, you have fun with that. :)

We may end up going right by your house... can we stop in for punch and pie?

We may end up going right by your house... can we stop in for punch and pie?

You miss my house on that route. The normal Wed route which comes up Topanga from PCH passes right by my place though. Stop by anytime, Murphy (the dog) loves guests.

You should make that route a little more interesting, go down Encinal and then come back up Decker from PCH. That'd be a real party.

Stop by anytime, Murphy (the dog) loves guests.

Why is my spidey sense tingling? :D

Tickets still available. Act now. Limited time offer.

Go ahead, rub it in.
My office window has a fine view of the SM's so I'll be reminded of what I'm missing.

But then again, I have a job to go to.;)

Hey BF, just a heads up to those who have weekday jobs, at least felt1 and I are doing a prep ride this Sat. We'll be following the MC route without the opening loop down to PCH and back Topanga/OTC. That's roughly 80 miles give or take, total climb? we'll know that by the end of the ride. Cooling trend to Sat. points to excellent weather.

So the opening is Las Virgenes to Mulholland (R), etc, etc. Full details on page 2 of SoCal posts search "revised" to drop on it.

Go ahead, rub it in.
My office window has a fine view of the SM's so I'll be reminded of what I'm missing.

But then again, I have a job to go to.;)

I understand Steve....my office is in Montrose...and I see riders here all the time as I walk to lunch...

Go ahead, rub it in.
But then again, I have a job to go to.;)

Go ahead, rub it in.
I know where to set up my squatter's tent when I get evicted. ;)

You miss my house on that route. The normal Wed route which comes up Topanga from PCH passes right by my place though. Stop by anytime, Murphy (the dog) loves guests.

You should make that route a little more interesting, go down Encinal and then come back up Decker from PCH. That'd be a real party.

I'm sensing some sarcasm here. As one who doesn't know all the roads/climbs, what's wrong with going down Encinal?

Hey BF, just a heads up to those who have weekday jobs, at least felt1 and I are doing a prep ride this Sat. We'll be following the MC route without the opening loop down to PCH and back Topanga/OTC. That's roughly 80 miles give or take, total climb? we'll know that by the end of the ride. Cooling trend to Sat. points to excellent weather.

So the opening is Las Virgenes to Mulholland (R), etc, etc. Full details on page 2 of SoCal posts search "revised" to drop on it.

Wish I could join ya. However, I have a race on Sunday, so I'll be taking the easy #1 or #2 ride with SFVBC.

I'm sensing some sarcasm here. As one who doesn't know all the roads/climbs, what's wrong with going down Encinal?

Mark, I think he wants people to climb Decker. Descending Encinal is no big deal.

Mark, I think he wants people to climb Decker. Descending Encinal is no big deal.

Oh. Okay. Decker is on tap for tomorrow. Hmmm. What did I do to myself? :eek:

Oh. Okay. Decker is on tap for tomorrow. Hmmm. What did I do to myself? :eek:

You'll have to let us know what you think of the first mile of Decker. That is why I only ride it once a year, during the MC. MC is tough because of all the climbing, but the 1st mile on Decker is just hard. Especially for those of us that are mass challenged. :rolleyes::D

You'll have to let us know what you think of the first mile of Decker. That is why I only ride it once a year, during the MC. MC is tough because of all the climbing, but the 1st mile on Decker is just hard. Especially for those of us that are mass challenged. :rolleyes::D

Yeah..."mass challenged"...that would be why Vance is selling tickets...going to be quite a spectacle...er...show.

Mark, I think he wants people to climb Decker. Descending Encinal is no big deal.

I'm just looking out for their safety. By going down Encinal and up Decker, you take a right onto PCH from Encinal and a right onto Decker. Doing the reverse, you have to take a left off Decker onto PCH and a left off PCH onto Encinal. That's just dangerous!

;)

Wish I could join ya. However, I have a race on Sunday, so I'll be taking the easy #1 or #2 ride with SFVBC.

Good luck Sunday, have kind thought, knowing that these innocents are about to visit this place called Decker Cyn for the first time. :beer:

Have a safe ride .... And make sure Mark smiles climbing Decker from PCH ;)

Have a safe ride .... And make sure Mark smiles climbing Decker from PCH ;)

He'd better not have a "conrad", I mean a mechanical, before we go over Westlake! :D

Anyone want to ride the crest some time next week? I have Mon, Tue, and Wed completely free so I figured it would be a great chance to go up to Red Box for a 60+ mile route with plenty of climbing.

Anyone want to ride the crest some time next week? I have Mon, Tue, and Wed completely free so I figured it would be a great chance to go up to Red Box for a 60+ mile route with plenty of climbing.


LAUSD is off next week? We start our Break the next Friday (Good Friday) and the following week. Same with Las Virgenes.

sheldon

Yep. We get the week before Easter off, and you guys all get the week after (plus Good Friday)

It was a great day in the Santa Monicas. We had several takers -- if we agreed to reroute without Decker. :)

So nine of us ended up going over Los Virgenes to Malibu, up PCH to Latigo, then back down Kanan. About 68 miles and 5500 ft. Weather was perfect.

It was a great day in the Santa Monicas. Weather was perfect.

<---- Jealous

Here's the data from my Garmin:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2329330069_8bae2caaec_o.gif