Southern California - Pasadena Bike tour

Hello everyone, I have signed up to ride to Pasadena Bike tour (CA) this March 22nd. Even though its only 26 miles, I thought it would be a good experience for me since I have never ridden with more than 2 people at a time. A friend of mine is also joining me and we would like to try out the course before the day comes. My question is the following: Does anyone know where I can download the course so I can upload to my Garmin Edge 705? I can see the map on their website and instead of printing the map and taking it with me I would rather upload it to my Garmin. I have tried motion based and cant find it? Any suggestions?

Pasadena Marathon & Bike Tour (http://www.pasadenamarathon.org/course.htm)

You'll have to re-create the course map on a site like mapmyride.com. From there, you can download a .crs or .tcx file--compatible with Garmin--then upload that file to your Garmin.

(These instructions assume the 705 operates similar to my 305. If things have changed, my apologies.)

I visited the website: I only see a map of Pasadena with some "hotspots" on it: "A", "B", etc... But I don't see any route between them. I tried two different browsers, just in case. It also sounds like they haven't finished planning out the route which doesn't make sense. Maybe they haven't updated their website?

This appears to be a reasonably complete map, but it's a pdf:

http://www.pasadenamarathon.org/forms/PasadenaMarathonCourse.pdf

Wow this sounds awesome, I've never ridden with others either, this sounds awesome.
Definitely going to register.

Just signed up for it with a friend. First time riding with a large group of people.

found the route on mapmyride

http://www.mapmyride.com/run/united-states/ca/pasadena/877188454

You can use the "Save to Garmin/CRS" to save it on your computer as a TCX file. You can then import it to you 705.

Sounds like a great ride - also a good introduction to large group rides. My first organized ride was the LA Acura Bike Tour before the LA Marathon last year, and while it was a lot of fun, there was a bit of carnage getting 15,000 + people headed in the same direction at 6:00 am! This sounds like a very nice ride. I'm riding in the Tour De Sewer in Bell Gardens the day before - send a post out on Sunday night and let us know how the ride went.

Do people have to register to ride. the route on their site is pretty close to where I ride every Sunday morning. Are they gonna block it off for other non-regular riders?

I think you gotta be registered. I don't know what happens to you if you ain't. The streets will be all closed, except for some specific crossings, which will be controlled.
dc

Do people have to register to ride. the route on their site is pretty close to where I ride every Sunday morning. Are they gonna block it off for other non-regular riders?
Yes, the roads will be blocked for at least 4 hours. If you live in the area, you should have gotten a flier that shows the map and closure times for the related streets. Thanks for reminding me, as I have to take a detour to get to church and I can't be late or skip out this week because I'm serving as usher.

Yes, the roads will be blocked for at least 4 hours. If you live in the area, you should have gotten a flier that shows the map and closure times for the related streets. Thanks for reminding me, as I have to take a detour to get to church and I can't be late or skip out this week because I'm serving as usher.
I'm surprised Pasadena didn't object to a Sunday event. Always thought the possible interference w/ church was the primary reason the Rose Parade is postponed a day if 1/1 ever falls on a Sunday. Regardless, looking forward to meandering through Pasadena at 6 a.m. w/ the gf and 1000s of others!

I'm embarrassed to ask this, but is it ok to ride casually along the route? When I say "casually" I mean I've never ridden in a group, I'm basically a commuter, and I've never gone this far before, LOL. I only signed up because I'm right next to the start area and my bro was gonna ride with me (but he backed out). :/

I'm embarrassed to ask this, but is it ok to ride casually along the route? When I say "casually" I mean I've never ridden in a group, I'm basically a commuter, and I've never gone this far before, LOL. I only signed up because I'm right next to the start area and my bro was gonna ride with me (but he backed out). :/
Ride as fast or slow as you feel like riding it. There are no bike-ride police.

Tips for group riding:

Ride in a straight line. No swerving back-and-forth. Especially when other riders pass you.
Relax. Enjoy.
Do not overlap your front wheel with someone else's back wheel.
Ride in a straight line.
Keep your eyes at least 4-5 riders in front of you so you know what's coming.
Ride in a straight line.

Hope this helps.

Thanks, that's good to know. I don't have a group and I intend to stay near the back anyway. :) Please say hi if you see me--I'll probably be the only folder in the race!

Anyone have some pics and ride report from this event?

There were many photographers at the marathon. Most are form marathonfoto.com, they charge for photos.

I posted 2 reports, but no px. The reports under Southern California and 50+ riders.
dc

Thank you sir!