PDA

View Full Version : BF Spring Ride


Pages : [1] 2


spingineer
03-29-08, 09:23 PM
Well, this is also known as uspspro's ride to the peninsula. Well, we didn't actually make it to the peninsula.

I met mtnwalker, bostic, bigsean, and ahpook at Peet's on Homestead and Foothill. We took a fairly brisk pace over to Robert's Market in Woodside. In fact, I think we got there 5-10 minutes before the northern peninsula group got there.

We climbed Old La Honda, and by the time we got to the top, it was very foggy. The ground was pretty wet too. Bigsean didn't want to go down, as the weather and road conditions were pretty dicey. After much debating, the rest of the group decided to head back down 84, and head over through Portola Valley.

On the way back through Portola Valley, we decided to climb Page Mill, and descend on Altimont. There is this well known turn, that is a little tricky, and caution should be taken into consideration here. Well, I didn't get that memo. I was going into that wacky turn, and my angle was terrible ... and I felt myself go out of control, and I think I had the barrier head on, and slid under it. Next thing I know, I'm down, with a really sore butt. Helmet was cracked pretty good too. Thank god for helmets.

Just to ease everyone's concern, I am alright. I went to the doctor, and everything turned out negative. Now all I have to do is heal myself. I know my butt is going to be in huge pains in the morning, so I'm prepared for that.

It's a good thing the rest of the ride into Los Altos was downhill. I wound up with 1 broken spoke, so that's the only casualty on the bike. We went to Peet's for coffee, and we relaxed there, while Bostic went home, and get his car, and drove me home.

Other than that, it was a great ride. I'll be off the bike for a little while, but at least I wasn't injured really bad. No blood gushing or anything like that.

Oh, and I did take lots of pictures.

spingineer
03-29-08, 09:26 PM
SesameCrunch
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3280118.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3280119.jpg

Taxi777
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3280120.jpg

uspspro, our fearless leader
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3280121.jpg

The Bow
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3280123.jpg

Spingineer, with the flower in his hair
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3280124.jpg

Taxi777 placing flowers in msincredible's hair
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3280125.jpg

msincredible, with the spring tulip
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3280126.jpg

msincredible returning the favor to taxi777
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3280127.jpg

taxi777, our resident poet
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3280128.jpg

spingineer
03-29-08, 09:31 PM
On the road
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3280129.jpg

Blastradius
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3280132.jpg

On Old La Honda .. Upenuf?
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3280133.jpg

kb5ql
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3280134.jpg

Blastradius at the summit at Skyline. Look at the fog in the background.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3280136.jpg

Genejockey
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3280140.jpg

NorCal BF Representing
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3280141.jpg

msincredible arrives
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3280142.jpg

Blastradius, so fast, waiting for everyone again
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3290144.jpg

msincredible arriving at Altimont
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3290145.jpg

spingineer
03-29-08, 09:32 PM
Bostic, doing countless hill repeats
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3290146.jpg

Back at Peet's
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3290147.jpg

Enjoying Java
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3290148.jpg

Relaxing at Peet's
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/spingineer/Spring%20BF%20Ride/P3290149.jpg

jonathanb715
03-29-08, 09:40 PM
Hey, sorry to hear about your fall, Ron. Lucky it was nothing worse!

We had the same nasty weather in the Oakland hills. We did the 3 bears, then went up Wildcat Canyon and Grizzly Peak, down Skyline to San Leandro, then worked our way over to Redwood and followed that back to Pinehurst and then to Moraga. 75 miles, 6,500 feet of climbing. At the top Grizzly and then most of the way down Skyline, we had the same foggy, wet conditions. Plus, the temps were about 10 degrees colder at the top of Grizzly than it was down in Moraga.

JB

x136
03-29-08, 09:43 PM
The "EPIC" (Tulip) Ride



It was epic alright, for various reasons. Epic amounts of people, epic climbs (planned), epic weather, epic numbers of detours and split-ups, and, unfortunately, an epic wreck.

I'd estimate that about 15-20 people showed up at the beginning of the ride. Pete had tulips for all of the ladies.

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/1182/img0487la5.jpg

Okay, one for Ron and Pete as well (It matched his bike and outfit, how very OCP!).

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/5895/img0490an9.jpg

First on the menu was a quick (ha!) jaunt up Epic, err, [I]Old La Honda. For some of us (not me), it was more than once up the hill. Once up at the top, it was determined that the weather was a bit too piss-poor (it was) to ride in, so some people decided to head back, while others pressed on and split up on modified routes. What those routes are, I really have no idea. Lots of numbers and names that I'm not terribly familiar with, so someone else can fill in that information. Lots of fun descents and grueling (for some of us (me)) ascents, though.

The first of a few roadside mechanic sessions.

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/7895/img0494zg9.jpg

A while later, the luck and magic held within Ron's tulip apparently ran out...

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/8240/img0499jn3.jpg

...and he got in a pretty serious wreck. As I came around the corner of a steep descent, I saw him laying against a guardrail, with his bike a bit further down the road. After I found out that the power of the cantilever brakes on my bike far exceeds the ability of a bike tire to grip the road, and almost joined him (:rolleyes:), I was extremely relieved to see him eventually start to move. He seems to be in one piece, with a huge amount of help from the helmet he was wearing at the time. Once we determined that he wasn't seriously injured, and was able to walk, we turned our attention to getting the rest of the way down the mountain. Ron's bike managed to avoid much serious damage, apparently just losing a spoke in the back wheel, a bar-end plug, and a big chunk of foam out of the seat. We were able to get it mechanically sound enough to make it down the mountain and to a place to stop and grab a bit to eat, and Ramon rode to his house to pick up his car.

Some much-deserved snacking at Peet's Coffee.

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/7848/img0501gk1.jpg

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/1726/img0507ah4.jpg

Ron's helmet got a boo-boo.

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/833/img0509fy8.jpg

Okay, it was a really, really large boo-boo.

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/746/img0511xr9.jpg

Afterward, Ramon took Ron home, a few people split off, and the rest of us did a bit more riding. My computer ended up with figures of about four hours of ride time, and about 52 miles. I doubt anyone else's computer says the same thing. It was all very scattered, for numerous, epic, reasons.

BigSean
03-29-08, 09:52 PM
Great report and great pics Ron.

I light of recent events(accidents), I didnt think it wise to proceed down into the cold wet fog. It is early spring and there will be plenty more days for the coastal routes. After riding down foothill and through Stevens Canyon, Pierce, Mt Eden and home via Los Gatos, I still managed 6000ft of climbing. AThe early brisk pace with Eric, then the group on the way to the Market reaelly tired my legs.

msincredible
03-29-08, 09:57 PM
Thanks for the report and pictures guys, you pretty much said it all.

Ron, coming around the corner and seeing you lying there under the guardrail completely still was one of my scariest moments ever. :eek: My heart was in my throat as I quickly pulled over and walked to you.

I was so happy to see you start talking and moving around. Seeing the beating that your helmet took (the rear half of it was demolished) was amazing, I'm sure it totally saved you.

I'm glad you're going to be ok, ice and Advil and lots of rest should help. And your bike ended up much better than it could have, all things considered. Heal up quick!

Thanks Marco for organizing, Doug for all the alternate route suggestions, Doug and Henry for the emergency roadside bike assistance, Ramon for riding home to give Ron a ride, Pete for my tulip, and everybody for all of the wonderful company. :)

spingineer
03-29-08, 10:04 PM
Ron, coming around the corner and seeing you lying there under the guardrail completely still was one of my scariest moments ever. :eek: My heart was in my throat as I quickly pulled over and walked to you.

I was so happy to see you start talking and moving around. Seeing the beating that your helmet took (the rear half of it was demolished) was amazing, I'm sure it totally saved you.



Paula, sorry for scaring you like that. I can only imagine how scary that sight must have been. I am just grateful that I was riding with such a fantastic group of friends, and I am really appreciative of everyone's support. Thanks to everyone and I promise not to scare everyone on the next ride (or at least that won't be my intention).

alainp
03-29-08, 10:11 PM
Wow, Ron. Sorry to hear about your mishap but glad to hear you're doing well and in good spirits. Hope you heal quickly.

x136
03-29-08, 10:16 PM
Paula, sorry for scaring you like that. I can only imagine how scary that sight must have been. I am just grateful that I was riding with such a fantastic group of friends, and I am really appreciative of everyone's support. Thanks to everyone and I promise not to scare everyone on the next ride (or at least that won't be my intention).
I was right behind her, and I echo her sentiments. Once my mind interpreted what it was that I was seeing, my brain was a gridlock of horror, panic, fear, and swear words. It really wasn't a pretty sight.

I have a feeling you're going to feel pretty awful in the morning. I hope it passes quickly, at least.

jobob
03-29-08, 10:43 PM
Geeze Ron !!! :eek:

I on the other hand hung out at home today being a lazy sloth. :D

t4mv
03-29-08, 10:51 PM
Get well soon, Ron. 2nd Skin or that J&J band aid that you leave on for weeks at a time is good stuff. Just keep it moist and covered.

taxi777
03-29-08, 10:53 PM
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Bikes.jpghttp://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Henry.jpg

Just woke up. Kind of a strange ride from the start. Picked up Henry and drove down to 92/Canada. I forgot the name of the bike store that was demo-ing bikes. They were pushing the hard sell, so with very little time I relented and let them set up a Trek Madone. Big mistake, instant bike lust. I rode it about 50 yards after all that work setting up but had to get going. Alex, Doug, Paula, Marco and Ruth we’re also there, so we headed to Roberts Market. Huge turnout. We road down to Old La Honda and Marco took of to the top barely touching the ground. I hung with Ramon just barely. I was bitter cold at the top.http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/group1.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/BigFog.jpg
QPliu was In the throws of hypothermia after riding in the fog from Santa Cruz! Alan had enough of the cold and had done a ton of climbing already and went down with Qpliu to make sure he was ok. BigSean was not ready to take a chance in the cold and wet, and had one of those gut feelings that maybe it wasn’t the day to go out to the coast. I wasn’t quite sure where we were and kind of remained oblivious to our location. I just felt like riding and blindly following everyone else.
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Xman2.jpg
We we’re beginning to enjoy ourselves after descending back to the valley.
Ramone rolling up a Doobie for the gang.
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Doobie.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Paula-1.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/WhadUsay.jpg
After a couple of stops and minor mechanical problems we ended up at Foothill College. 4 or 5 of us had gotten ahead of the pack. We waited for quite sometime. I started back tracking a bit. I started thinking the next hill, the next corner…Where are they? I started getting completely lost. I called Ron and Henry, but right to voice. So I just started heading North, at that point my BF ride was over. I did get a voice mail from Paula and was able to finally get Ron who told me the news of the crash. I’m glad I wasn’t there to see it. I’m sure it would have been pretty unnerving. Seeing friends getting hurt just freaks me out. That’s the area where I really suck. I’m a big baby, I probably would have fainted or something :) which in turn probably would have made everyone laugh their asses off : ( I’m glad Ron’s ok. I ended up at Roberts, ate some food and was going to do Kings Mountain to 35 but I was getting cold and tired. I had some of Henry’s stuff in my car so I didn’t want to miss him. I met everyone back at 92/Canada. I think I’m kind of worn out from this week. So off to sleep. I had a great time before I got lost. I hope the next ride isn’t as cold and the whole group is able to ride together a little longer. See ya next ride.
Pete

taxi777
03-29-08, 10:57 PM
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Ruth_Ramone.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/RonTulip.jpghttp://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Ron2.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/PeteRonTulip.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/GirlsTulip1.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/FrenchGuy.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/DougAlan.jpg

kb5ql
03-29-08, 10:57 PM
I started back tracking a bit. I started thinking the next hill, the next corner…Where are they? I started getting completely lost. I called Ron and Henry, but right to voice. So I just started heading North, at that point my BF ride was over.
Pete

That's it... 705s for everyone (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=10885)!!!

taxi777
03-29-08, 10:59 PM
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Couple.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Andrea_Eric.jpg

I wanted to post this for my friend Roberta...Pardon the indulgence...
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Roberta.jpg

kb5ql
03-29-08, 11:01 PM
The "EPIC" (Tulip) Ride

Okay, it was a really, really large boo-boo.

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/746/img0511xr9.jpg


Ron, ready to join the catlike whisper (http://www.prendas.co.uk/details.asp?ID=1836) club?

http://www.prendas.co.uk/images/full/20080505_whisperplus_grp.jpg

taxi777
03-29-08, 11:05 PM
That's it... 705s for everyone (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=10885)!!!
That's my next bike toy!!

kb5ql
03-29-08, 11:12 PM
REPOSTING so you don't have to read the end of the other non-related thread...

Here are some pics:

Andrea at the top of OLH : 30.5 minutes. Not too shabby for a first timer.
http://www.zaftig.net/files/images/gallery/03.29.2008_09.54.19.jpg

Somewhere on Portola
http://www.zaftig.net/files/images/gallery/03.29.2008_10.38.38.jpg

Don't know who this is... ;)
http://www.zaftig.net/files/images/gallery/03.29.2008_10.48.10.jpg

x136 back on familiar flat territory. Causeway repeats just aren't doing it for him...
http://www.zaftig.net/files/images/gallery/03.29.2008_10.48.15.jpg

Marco and Ruth
http://www.zaftig.net/files/images/gallery/03.29.2008_10.48.30.jpg

Andrea ruining a great shot of the Bike Friday
http://www.zaftig.net/files/images/gallery/03.29.2008_12.08.48.jpg

Ahhh Bike Friday. That's better.
http://www.zaftig.net/files/images/gallery/03.29.2008_12.09.09.jpg

Thanks for the great ride. Sorry the weather didn't work out for us today. Hope you feel better soon Ron.

msincredible
03-29-08, 11:19 PM
Here's the final route I ended up doing, 63.5 miles, 4500'.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/BF-Tulip-Ride

genejockey
03-30-08, 12:04 AM
What a day! Despite wrong turns, and split ups, and down right miserable weather up at the top of OLH, I had a lot of fun.

That corner where Ron wiped out gave a lot of us trouble - and it wasn't even wet! IIRC, there's a left, then a right, and then that left. I slowed down a lot for the first two, after seeing the "Danger" sign. But they were easy, so I let my speed build up going into the next left...YIKES! I grabbed so much brakes I could feel the bike starting to squirm. That's an easy corner to misjudge.

But I did realize that this is the second big BF ride I've been on, and the second where somebody wrecked (Alain P went over the guardrail on 84 the last time) - I think I must be a jinx!

You know, I think it was colder at Canada and 92 when I got back to the car than it was when we rolled out this morning!

zorrov999
03-30-08, 12:08 AM
Great photos and reports. Too bad the weather didn't work out today.
Ron, hope you heal quickly!

BlastRadius
03-30-08, 04:49 AM
Heal up quickly Ron. Now you have a reason to go shopping for bike schwag.

Thanks everyone for a great ride. We'll tackle Tunitas soon enough...
that fog was just miserable. I hope Peter made it home OK and without hypothermia.
Alan, how was the Dim Sum?

Here's the Little Yellow Taxi when we arrived at Canada/92 and x136 arrives
for his assault on the Bay Area hills.

taxi777 and his taxi
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2099/2372810517_9d252a9179_o.jpg
x136
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3161/2373648126_77357c6126_o.jpg


Summit Bicycles was having their Trek demo day and after riding a new Madone,
Pete was almost ready to pull out his credit card. Luckily we had to getting rolling
so we could make it to Robert's Market in time.

Rolling out from Canada/92.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3007/2372810661_e488b89a35_o.jpg

taxi777 (Pete)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/2372810755_99797781c7_o.jpg

Ruth and x136 (Ruth and Alex)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2090/2373648382_c11b3d5439_o.jpg

Genejockey and uspspro (Doug and Marco)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/2372810933_9c9ae6dc4b_o.jpg

msincredible (Paula) leading the pack
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2077/2373648544_ac1123f3a0_o.jpg


We met up with the rest of the group at Robert's Market right on time. We had
a tailwind already so we didn't have to work too hard. The AM tailwind doesn't bode
well for the headwind situation on the way back though.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3261/2373648644_bc00a465c1_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2247/2373648728_1f76699a5f_o.jpg

spingineer (Ron) just before going up Old La Honda.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2322/2372811285_96b841f7a3_o.jpg


Somewhere along the way we lost Ahpook (Eric) who didn't make the OLH turnoff.
Was that you that sent me the TXT message? I hope you still got in a good ride.

Here's QPLiu (Peter) at the top of OLH. He'd ridden there from Santa Cruz and was
waiting in the cold for us to arrive. Pete loaned him the NorCal vest to help warm
him up. Check out the fog behind him... it was so thick that dew dripping from the
trees felt like rain. Standing to pedal up switchbacks would cause wheelspin.

That's all the pics that turned out...

You all know the rest of the story. In addition to x136, we also had Gary join us
for the ride. He hasn't posted but maybe he'll sign up and post. He's a strong and
knowledgeable rider. Thanks for coming out and hope to see you again.

Henry

cccorlew
03-30-08, 08:11 AM
Glad you're OK.Ron. Hope it doesn't hurt too much Sunday morning.
You talk a good game, but I myself never ever want to smack it in again.

You guys, your ride looks too fun. All I did was go to the gym and spin a while....boring,

spingineer
03-30-08, 08:56 AM
Glad you're OK.Ron. Hope it doesn't hurt too much Sunday morning.
You talk a good game, but I myself never ever want to smack it in again.

You guys, your ride looks too fun. All I did was go to the gym and spin a while....boring,

Thanks. So far, the pain has not reached critical stage. On a scale of 1-10, I'd say it's at about a 6. I'm comparing this to my previous fall, where I just could not survive without some Vicodin. That's where I said I was at an 8.

gpelpel
03-30-08, 09:27 AM
Wow... that must have been scary!
I wish you a prompt butt recovery and hope you will be back on the saddle soon.

The photos of your crush helmet and you enjoying a latte afterwards should be posted on a bike safety site for helmet advocacy. Actually I remember reading some helmet manufacturers like to hear about such accident where their product really did the job they are intended to.

spingineer
03-30-08, 09:32 AM
Wow... that must have been scary!
I wish you a prompt butt recovery and hope you will be back on the saddle soon.

The photos of your crush helmet and you enjoying a latte afterwards should be posted on a bike safety site for helmet advocacy. Actually I remember reading some helmet manufacturers like to hear about such accident where their product really did the job they are intended to.

I think it was probably more scary for everyone else who saw me there lying there. Also, that split second moment where you know you are going down. So many thoughts run into your head at the same millisecond ... it's quite amazing how the human mind works.

SesameCrunch
03-30-08, 09:37 AM
Here's my ride report previously posted on the other thread. Ron: Glad you're OK!
------------------------------------------

I left the house at 8:15am. Looking forward to a nice long ride. It was 45 degrees and foggy, not good. But hey, the weatherman said it was clearing up, right? So, I dress for moderate temperatures. Just my long sleeve jersey and a wind breaker.

Went up Tunitas in fine fashion. It's about 1 hour and 15 minutes from my house up Skyline, so I pop in my MP3 and grooved all the way up. Averaged 10.8mph to the top, just a little under my best time. It was damp all the way, but I stayed warm because, well, that's what hills do to ya.

That was the good news - the bad news was the descent down King's Mountain. I was damp on the outside from the fog, damp on the inside from a bit of perspiration. The normally short and fun descent down Kings was interminable and FREEZING! BRRRRRR :eek:! By the time I got to Robert's my cheeks and lips were so cold I couldn't talk for a while. Took about 20 minutes for me to thaw out and be human again.

It was great to see the big turnout. Wow! Lots of folks I hadn't seen since last year. Too many to mention! We'll let the pictures do the talking. Within about 15 minutes, everyone had assembled and we rumbled up OLH. I half heartedly pushed myself up the hill, but with just having done Tunitas, my legs were not into more punishment. When I got to the top, the usual suspects were waiting - Marco, Henry, BigSean, Bostic, and Pete, plus some others.

I couldn't believe it was still foggy and cold up there, having expected the fog to burn off, but frankly, it was worse than when I crossed Skyline the first time. After some considerable debate with myself, I decided I didn't want to freeze my cheeks again going down Hwy84. My wife happened to be in the car nearby, so I called her to meet me back at Robert's. I had gotten both the climbs in, so it wasn't a wasted day. I felt like a weeenie, but having just unthawed from the King's descent, I really wasn't up for another popsicle imitation. I kicked myself (figuratively) for trusting the weather report and not wearing a heavier jacket, but hey, live and learn.

I was disappointed not to get the full ride in, but at least I got some climbing done. Hope you all had a great time. Look forward to reading the reports.

jinws
03-30-08, 12:27 PM
I think it was probably more scary for everyone else who saw me there lying there. Also, that split second moment where you know you are going down. So many thoughts run into your head at the same millisecond ... it's quite amazing how the human mind works.

I tell ya, it is very scary to see someone go down right infront of you. Glad you're not hurt too bad. I had a close call on sat too, almost went down, had to go into on-coming traffic to prevent going down. Heal soon! I'm sure I'll see you on the road very soon.

spingineer
03-30-08, 01:25 PM
I tell ya, it is very scary to see someone go down right infront of you. Glad you're not hurt too bad. I had a close call on sat too, almost went down, had to go into on-coming traffic to prevent going down. Heal soon! I'm sure I'll see you on the road very soon.

Glad you didn't go down. This year has been really bad for cycling. I hope I'm the last for a while. I think this may put a wrinkle on the Davis Double plans.

uspspro
03-30-08, 02:01 PM
Glad you didn't go down. This year has been really bad for cycling. I hope I'm the last for a while. I think this may put a wrinkle on the Davis Double plans.

Ron, once you feel up to it... I would be happy to ride some flat easy miles with you to ease you back into things. Since I need to get Ruth more base miles anyway. I think the big time climbing routes are a little much for her until she gets more of a "base."

Let me know, I am always glad to help out.

spingineer
03-30-08, 03:30 PM
Ron, once you feel up to it... I would be happy to ride some flat easy miles with you to ease you back into things. Since I need to get Ruth more base miles anyway. I think the big time climbing routes are a little much for her until she gets more of a "base."

Let me know, I am always glad to help out.

Thanks for the offer, Marco. I'll let you know. As it stands now, I've got on-call next weekend anyways, so the combination of the crash and on-call has forced me off the bike.

BikeWNC
03-30-08, 04:04 PM
Wow... that must have been scary!
I wish you a prompt butt recovery and hope you will be back on the saddle soon.

The photos of your crush helmet and you enjoying a latte afterwards should be posted on a bike safety site for helmet advocacy. Actually I remember reading some helmet manufacturers like to hear about such accident where their product really did the job they are intended to.

Some helmet manufacturers have a crash replacement program. Check to see if your brand has one.

mtnwalker
03-30-08, 06:12 PM
Hey Ron. I'm sorry to read about your accident. On the other hand I'm glad you are OK and didn't get seriously hurt. Rest up and heal up soon.

BlastRadius
03-30-08, 11:53 PM
I think it was probably more scary for everyone else who saw me there lying there. Also, that split second moment where you know you are going down. So many thoughts run into your head at the same millisecond ... it's quite amazing how the human mind works.

First thought = "how do I position my body to best protect my bike from damage" :D

Red Rider
03-31-08, 12:22 AM
I think it was probably more scary for everyone else who saw me there lying there. Also, that split second moment where you know you are going down. So many thoughts run into your head at the same millisecond ... it's quite amazing how the human mind works.

It's pretty darned scary reading about it, that's for sure.

Glad you're okay and will live to post another BF ride.

One thing you can say about BF rides-- they're never boring!

spingineer
03-31-08, 10:40 AM
First thought = "how do I position my body to best protect my bike from damage" :D

Well Henry, I must have done a pretty good job. Only lost a bar end light and a broken spoke. Not even a flat tire! My shorts were not ripped, no jersey was ripped, so everything there is still intact. Just have to replace my helmet.

johnny99
03-31-08, 11:05 AM
Sorry to hear about your crash and I'm glad you're OK.

For people not familiar with Altamont Road - there is a big yellow sign at the top of the hill saying something like "BICYCLES - DANGER - 15 MPH". From where the sign is, the road doesn't look too bad, but within 100 yards there are 3 quick turns on a steep descent and several cyclists have gotten seriously hurt here. Unless you really know what you are doing, obeying the sign is a good idea.

jinws
03-31-08, 11:17 AM
First thought = "how do I position my body to best protect my bike and Assos bibs from damage" :D

fixed. ;)

msincredible
03-31-08, 11:19 AM
Yes it is quite an attention-grabbing sign, typically I don't see signs specific for bikes.

After the crash Marco pointed out that it is an off-camber turn which definitely makes it more tricky than it looks from the approach.

Bostic
03-31-08, 11:30 AM
After I dropped off Ron I went over to Shaw's cycles to pick up my fixed gear bike (bullhorn bars installed). I mentioned to Jerry that we had a spill on a steep hill in Los Altos and he said "Altamont"

BlastRadius
03-31-08, 11:34 AM
I've never noticed the sign :rolleyes:
Everytime I've gone down that descent with the Giro di Peninsula I just remember it being very fast for such a short descent.

BlastRadius
03-31-08, 11:36 AM
In addition to being off-camber, one of them seemed to have an increasing (or is that decreasing) radius part-way into the turn.

msincredible
03-31-08, 11:51 AM
Henry, that's decreasing radius (tightens up as you go through the turn).

I noticed the sign cause you almost never see warning signs like that specifically for bikes.

Reminded me of this UK safety commercial (for motorcycles):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvsnGQchHn0&e

taxi777
03-31-08, 12:19 PM
In addition to being off-camber, one of them seemed to have an increasing (or is that decreasing) radius part-way into the turn.

I don't remember the sign or the turns obviously since I got completely lost looking for everybody:( Next time I'm drinking more coffee and bringing a pocket full of bread crumbs so I can find my way back :) One thing I did notice though was Ron was pretty Zippy on the downhills. I usually have no trouble catching riders on the downhill, but there we're a couple of times I actually had to pedal to keep up with Ron! Do you think we should do an intervention with the group to get Ron off the Sugar Pops and Caffé Americano's before rides?
Pete

Ron! step away from the Barrista!

spingineer
03-31-08, 12:23 PM
Ron, ready to join the catlike whisper (http://www.prendas.co.uk/details.asp?ID=1836) club?

http://www.prendas.co.uk/images/full/20080505_whisperplus_grp.jpg

Oooh boy! Maybe then, I'll get all the whistles ... :p

spingineer
03-31-08, 12:28 PM
Ya know, the crazy thing about all of this is I know of the warning descending down that road. I remember from doing the same descent last year on Giro. It's not like I didn't know about this dangerous turn, but I guess sometimes, it's not in the cards for you.

Maybe it would have been better if we went all the way up to Moody, and come down from there. :p

spingineer
03-31-08, 12:31 PM
One thing I did notice though was Ron was pretty Zippy on the downhills. I usually have no trouble catching riders on the downhill, but there we're a couple of times I actually had to pedal to keep up with Ron! Do you think we should do an intervention with the group to get Ron off the Sugar Pops and Caffé Americano's before rides?
Pete

Ron! step away from the Barrista!

I have to admit, I love going downhill. That's the whole reason for the climb, right? I really suck at climbing hills, but I really do descend like a bullet ... but I guess it just caught up to me when I flew down Altimont.

jinws
03-31-08, 12:47 PM
I have to admit, I love going downhill. That's the whole reason for the climb, right? I really suck at climbing hills, but I really do descend like a bullet ... but I guess it just caught up to me when I flew down Altimont.

I remember coming down on when we did the Mnt Tam ride, Ron zipped right pass me. I was like whoaa! Zipped right pass me an went to the front, and I tell ya, it's not like I wasn't trying, tucked in, aero and hands off the brakes.