Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - My Sunday Hill Ride (& pics of other Socal Members)

Had a chance to ride alone since Gina was shopping for the grandson's birthday present. She backed out of our ride at the last minute so it was a split second decision to hit up GMR. I didn't feel like getting caught out in the middle of GRR in the rain so I did the first 8 mile climb to the shack two times. 42000 ft of climbing, not bad and I'm happy with it! Sky was dark, it was cold and I've beenon GRR inthe pouring rain before. Didn't like it so I wasn't taking any chances. That and I'm ascared of lions. At the top of the second climb I ran into Brandy coming down from GRR,alone. Then I realized, "Gee I'm a wuss!":D

Oh well! AT the start of the ride I ran into Pinoybentrider (Ron). Covered up like he was riding in Alaska. We talked for a bit then did the poesur thing. Once I started the first descent, I knew why he was covered up like he was! It was friggin' cold and I was descending far later than he was. I must add, the guy was on a fixie/single speed. Only other guy I know besides Fixer crazy enough to do GMR on a fixie!:eek:

On the second time up, I was feeling pretty good. Till mile 3. Maybe it was a mind thing as a couple of young dudes flew by me like I was standing still. I swore they were wearing Postal Service uniforms, but they rode by way too fast making the letters blurry! Then another rider came up. At his point, I'm sucking wind. That's cool, If I make it up feeling this way, then I'm good. Riding the knobbies yesterday must have taken something out of my legs. I just keep thinking if I had'nt done 42 on knobbies, I would have kept up with the Postal boys today. Maybe not! OK...NOT!

As the third guy flew by me, I recognized him as my old friend Jason from another forum. This guy cracked me up! We did a GMR forum ride years ago with another forum. Plenty of guys on $8000 climing machines.This guy made them look silly on his $500 Scattante!:eek:.....Then after that, he dropped me bigtime on the descent like I was standing still! Anybody thinks a guy at 130/140 lbs can't descend, they are mistaken!

Pinoybentrider (Ron)
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/012509A.jpg
Me
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/012509B.jpg
Jason
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/012509C.jpg
Brandy
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/012509D.jpg
A look down from the first mile or so.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/012509E.jpg
A taste of the switchbacks
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/012509F.jpg

the only good thing about the wet weather is that it seems to keep the motorcycle riders away..

Yup, only saw 4 dudes on the first climb. They seemed to be doing repeats on the first 4 miles. Then 2 or 3 on the next climb!:D

42,000 feet of climbing on an 8 mile ride? I didn't even know that was possible. I've misjudged you. We don't have those kinds of hills around here.

Hey, i resemble that, i have to motorcycles. I do give you guys a wide birth when passing though. I have bicycles also.

I'm thinking 42000 feet in 8 miles was a typo. What kinda percent grade is there in 42000 feet over 8 miles.

No typo! It was a test and all of you passed!:p

well 1000 feet of elevation per mile is a 20% grade..