Southern California - GMR this Sat

I've read about it a few times here, and now I'll give it a shot, maybe in the spirit of the tour.
On the map it seems to be a steady rate of 6%, pretty brutal.

Anything I should know? I'm hoping to keep the speed on the decents to 35 and under just to be safe.

not a bad climb at all. the first 1/3 is the steepest and it's just a nice climb with a good view too.

Start early if you can. Temps will get hot, and there's very little shade on GMR. Also, there's no water on GMR, so bring at least two full bottles, and hydrate before you start your ride.

Consider doing the "Azusa loop" wherein you go North on 39, then East on East Fork (allowing you to refill your bottles at Camp Williams on East Fork), then hang a U-turn to climb the backside of GMR (a.k.a. Little GMR) and finally descend GMR to get back to your start point (Encanto?)

GMR is a great ride, you'll love it! If you start from Boulder Springs, the worst part of the climb is between miles 14 and 17.5. All the rest is fairly easy; ride at your own pace. Don't try to race everyone that goes by you.

Bring a GU, Hammer Gel or your favorite bar in case you need a boost mid-ride. Eat and drink at the Mt. Baldy Lodge Cafe. Great people, great food!

Rick / OCRR

ride at your own pace. Don't try to race everyone that goes by you.
Rick / OCRR

Only the ugly fat slow ones! Happens to me all the time!:D

There are only a couple of short straight sections where you might hit anything over 35. The switchbacks make sure of the rest.:p..If it's hot, don't use the brakes too much or it may cause a heat induced blowout. Make sure you have good tires in the heat.

Not sure but last I heard (around the 4th) the gates were closed. If so, tkae caution on the descent after the shack, 8 miles up from the starting gate. IF gates are closed, you will approach the second one ona a fast descent, about 9 miles into the ride.

Better to go when it's not 100 degrees.

bring a 3rd bottle to fill at the camp ground, you'll need it!!! Once you empty a bottle, put that one in your back pocket so you don't carry the weight any more.

Start early if you can. Temps will get hot, and there's very little shade on GMR. Also, there's no water on GMR, so bring at least two full bottles, and hydrate before you start your ride.

Consider doing the "Azusa loop" wherein you go North on 39, then East on East Fork (allowing you to refill your bottles at Camp Williams on East Fork), then hang a U-turn to climb the backside of GMR (a.k.a. Little GMR) and finally descend GMR to get back to your start point (Encanto?)

If you're thinking GMR is a "tough" climb, this will be a little more advanced for you. an up & down GMR is a good way to start slowly. no water up there.

If you're thinking GMR is a "tough" climb, this will be a little more advanced for you. an up & down GMR is a good way to start slowly. no water up there.


Hehehe! Well if you guys happen to see a big fat FUGLY slow guy up there in an orange jersey on Saturday, He just may have a support vehicle 'round the corner!:p

Heat, what heat?

Rick said it's "Beat the Heat" on AC....I'm gonna roll out of Encanto and try the AC/39 loop this Sat.

If I go solo, I'm thinking of reversing the OCRR route by doing the 39 leg first and then descending down AC. Thinking about water at that spring on side of road up 39 (VB's 'secret spot') and then lunch at Newcombs. Right now I think I'd rather ascend the 39 and descend AC.

I'd thinking AC instead of GMR 'cause that heat advisory does look like it's sticking around and I'm hoping it does cool off a tad on AC.

I guess we're starting at San Dimas Park and going up to the Ranger station and back.
I'll do the camelback and we're starting early to avoid the heat.
I'm looking forward to it in a "It's going to hurt so bad but feel so good to stop" sort of way.
I hope a 39-26 gear is good enough, it's all I got!

I guess we're starting at San Dimas Park and going up to the Ranger station and back.
I'll do the camelback and we're starting early to avoid the heat.
I'm looking forward to it in a "It's going to hurt so bad but feel so good to stop" sort of way.
I hope a 39-26 gear is good enough, it's all I got!


What ranger station? On GMR?

If it is super hot I will add a couple bottle cages for rides I know do not have water available.. Picked these up a few weeks ago.. Gives you 2 extra cages on the seatpost..

http://cgi.ebay.com/Profile-Design-Aqua-Rack-2-bottle-Aero-Bottle-Holder_W0QQitemZ270423268316QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item3ef67b9bdc&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|293%3A1|294%3A50

Dunno, never been there, just going by what the lead guy is saying (friend of a friend, haven't met him yet)

Dunno, never been there, just going by what the lead guy is saying (friend of a friend, haven't met him yet)

....................:eek:.......:roflmao2:


There is a small abandoned (?) building about 8 miles up referrred to as by "the shack". Ithink they use it to store road equipment now and then ,bulldozers and stuff. Many cyclist turnback as a rondezvous point.

If you are starting at SanDimas Park, it may be a good idea to refill your waterbottles at BoulderSprings (first and only stoplight intersection as you make a right to head up GMR. There is a small horsepark there, and a WATERFOUNTAIN!:thumb:

You should be fine with a 39/26. I'm a bigboy (230-245lbs) and do it with a 39/25. Nothing to steep, just constant. After the first 2 miles of serious climbing (after the gate), IMO, the grade eases up a bit.

If you only go to the shack, should be a breeze!:D

If it is super hot I will add a couple bottle cages for rides I know do not have water available.. Picked these up a few weeks ago.. Gives you 2 extra cages on the seatpost..

http://cgi.ebay.com/Profile-Design-Aqua-Rack-2-bottle-Aero-Bottle-Holder_W0QQitemZ270423268316QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item3ef67b9bdc&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|293%3A1|294%3A50

I've seen bikes with those before. I like them...maybe I'll get one.

If it is super hot I will add a couple bottle cages for rides I know do not have water available.. Picked these up a few weeks ago.. Gives you 2 extra cages on the seatpost..

http://cgi.ebay.com/Profile-Design-Aqua-Rack-2-bottle-Aero-Bottle-Holder_W0QQitemZ270423268316QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item3ef67b9bdc&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|293%3A1|294%3A50

I'm thinking about those but, doesn't that limit the size of your saddle bag?

I've seen bikes with those before. I like them...maybe I'll get one.

Get one! We'll be happy to have you up on GMR with us!:D

I'm thinking about those but, doesn't that limit the size of your saddle bag?

It seems to angle downward and away from your seatpack unless you have a huge one.. They normally sell for 35.00, so 19.00 w/ free shipping seems like a good deal..

Heat, what heat?

Rick said it's "Beat the Heat" on AC....I'm gonna roll out of Encanto and try the AC/39 loop this Sat.

If I go solo, I'm thinking of reversing the OCRR route by doing the 39 leg first and then descending down AC. Thinking about water at that spring on side of road up 39 (VB's 'secret spot') and then lunch at Newcombs. Right now I think I'd rather ascend the 39 and descend AC.

I'd thinking AC instead of GMR 'cause that heat advisory does look like it's sticking around and I'm hoping it does cool off a tad on AC.

If you're going up 39 first you will hit the hot part in the hottest part of the day and you will finish in the heat. I have gone the other way, (up AC down 39), when it was 110 at Encanto at the end. Hard day, but it's only deadly hot at the end and most of the climbing is done.

I'm hoping Sat is like today. We headed out after 8:30 and it didn't feel warm at all. Last year we'd head out at 7 (same course) and Gina would suffer from the heat. Today was sweet! Gina barely broke a sweat.

If Sat is like today, a 7 am start on GMR will be real nice!:thumb:

7:00 Start from Bolder Springs works for me.

Okay with you Beanz?

Okay with you Obie?

Okay with you Alice?

Rick / OCRR

Attach insprational GMR/GRR photo here:

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee179/bikephoto1/7TheLongandWindingRoad.jpg

If you're going up 39 first you will hit the hot part in the hottest part of the day and you will finish in the heat. . . .
How's that John?? If you go up 39, and then over Cloudburst before stopping for lunch, it sounds to me like you've beat the heat. The rest of the loop is pretty much down hill with the exception of a few short climes. And once your down to LaCanada, the route back to Encanto is pretty much a gentle descent from 1330 to 600 ft.

How's that John?? If you go up 39, and then over Cloudburst before stopping for lunch, it sounds to me like you've beat the heat. The rest of the loop is pretty much down hill with the exception of a few short climes. And once your down to LaCanada, the route back to Encanto is pretty much a gentle descent from 1330 to 600 ft.

It will get hot by Newcomb's and you have that (short) climb up to Red Box that is an oven. While the climbing may be mostly done, you still have to ride in the high temps. Going the other way it's only awful at the end. YMMV

is GMR the same as azusa canyon?

pretty pumped, I grew up in baldwin park and moved to SD a few years back, but heading home and gonna bring the bike with me for the azusa canyon ride saturday morning around 7am.

Hope to see a few of you guys out there, I ride a red giant defy 2 with a green and grey jersey.

Mike

It will get hot by Newcomb's and you have that (short) climb up to Red Box that is an oven. While the climbing may be mostly done, you still have to ride in the high temps. Going the other way it's only awful at the end. YMMV

You're right big john,

I rode that bit from Newcomb's to Red Box last Sat. and even though it was only 12 miles it was rather on the toasty side!

However . . . I packed my Camelback with ice at Newcomb's so that kept me cooled off a bit, plus well hydrated, so really . . . it wasn't that bad.

Rick / OCRR

I have to admit that when I rode it a few weeks ago, you definitely felt the increase in temps coming down 39 from about 4000 ft. on. But after climbing AC in the morning, I didn't hit that area until the afternoon, and then had to ride 25 miles back past AC to Tujunga in the late afternoon, so I had more climbing late in the day.

You're right big john,

I rode that bit from Newcomb's to Red Box last Sat. and even though it was only 12 miles it was rather on the toasty side!

Most of that 12 miles is down hill. It might be warm, but at least it's mostly downhill.

is GMR the same as azusa canyon?

Mike

No, GMR is Glendora Mountain Road which connects to Glendora Ridge Road, which leads to Baldy Village.
Azusa Canyon is Hwy 39 which can connect to GMR/GRR via East Fork.


Most of that 12 miles is down hill. It might be warm, but at least it's mostly downhill.

Gene, Gene, Gene. My point was to obie, who said he was starting at Encanto, that he would face 45 miles (at least ) of heat going up 39 first, but a quicker return via 39 going clockwise. Yes, I know there are 2 little climbs at the bottom of 39. peace:)

You confused me John. The minor amount of grade at the bottom of 39 never even entered my mind. I was talking about from Newcomb's to Chaleo, and the 2 miles before Red Box, which I think is what Rick is referring to, and another small ascent to Clear Creek on AC. I just thought Obie's idea of going up 39 in the morning when it was cooler, then descending AC, and returning to Encanto in the afternoon, when it was warmer, had merit.

7 am Bouldersprings!:D

Anybody know if the gates to GRR are still closed?

There is 1000ft of climbing from Newcombs to Clearcreek. You guys are starting on GMR then heading up39 to AC and around to Pasadena and back? Sounds like a hard day to me:thumb:I'm stayin above 5000ft all day on AC. Maybe I'll see ya.

You confused me John. The minor amount of grade at the bottom of 39 never even entered my mind. I was talking about from Newcomb's to Chaleo, and the 2 miles before Red Box, which I think is what Rick is referring to, and another small ascent to Clear Creek on AC. I just thought Obie's idea of going up 39 in the morning when it was cooler, then descending AC, and returning to Encanto in the afternoon, when it was warmer, had merit.


The OCRR ride on Aug 8 is Encanto-Sierra Madre-Foothill-AC-39-Encanto.

If I want to do this loop on Sat., and solo since I haven't seen anyone from OCRR interested yet, I kinda think the reverse of the loop is my best bet.

I just want the miles and, remembering how gnarly 39's road surface is, I thought it might be wise to ascend that leg first ,since I'm solo, and would rather take my chances on the AC leg in the afternoon.

I figure it's hot all over the Southland this weekend so I'll just deal with it. My main concern is a mechanical on 39 in the afternoon and I'm looking at a long hike-a-bike, being out of range of any support.

I'm just going to go and figure it out when I get to Encanto and see what's going on.

I went up GMR today at between 11-noon. That's too late. It was hot. There were several people that were in the same boat, though. They passed me going down. I only passed 1 guy going up on my way down. What a fun descent.

FWIW, All the gates were open, that I saw.

7:00 Start from Bolder Springs works for me.


Okay with you Obie?


Rick / OCRR

Attach insprational GMR/GRR photo here:

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee179/bikephoto1/7TheLongandWindingRoad.jpg

Rick, I need to see the AC leg for the Aug.8 ride. I've been up the 39 then AC up to Dawson Saddle with VB.

I'd like to get a look at the other side of AC down past Newcomb's and to the bottom of AC.

Have fun.

Here are a few pictures of AC from Islip Saddle down to Clear Creek from a few weeks ago. Since you're familiar with 39 up to Islip, I left those out.

Upper end of 39 where it meets AC at Islip from an overlook just west of the junction.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w177/imspec/cycling/AC%20to%2039/IMG_1082s.jpg

Cloudburst Summit which is 6 miles east of Newcomb's Ranch.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w177/imspec/cycling/AC%20to%2039/IMG_1081s.jpg

AC from Cloudburst Summit down to Newcomb's.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w177/imspec/cycling/AC%20to%2039/IMG_1079s.jpg

View southwest from Red Box toward Clear Creek.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w177/imspec/cycling/AC%20to%2039/IMG_1076s.jpg

AC below Clear Creek down to La Canada.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w177/imspec/cycling/AC%20to%2039/IMG_1074s.jpg

Here are a few pictures of AC from Islip Saddle down to Clear Creek from a few weeks ago.



That's the stuff...thanks Gene!

I have the Mt. Tam Double on Aug. 1, so hopefully I'll be recoverd enough to do WU's AC ride on Aug. 8th.

GMR/GRR is still on for this Sat. Boulder Springs at 7:00 AM, plus we'll be riding AC from Red Box to Grassy Hollow on Sunday, also 7:00 AM start.

Rick / OCRR

Dunno, never been there, just going by what the lead guy is saying (friend of a friend, haven't met him yet)


I'm thinking to get ther real GMR experience, you ought to join us from Bouldersprings at 7 am. 42 miles roundtrip, 5000 ft of climbing.

Headcount so far of forum riders that I know should be there

5 Leaky Fountain Boyz
Me
JustMe
Alex
Dutchboy2
OccrRick (maybe a few more Rebels?)

That totals um, err, umm let's see, that's about 10 riders, atleast!:p

For the real experience, one needs to hang with Rick on GMR. He's an ol pro at the ride. Conquered it a million times!:thumb:

I'm thinking to get the real GMR experience, you ought to join us from Boulder Springs at 7:00 am. 42 miles roundtrip, 5000 ft of climbing.

Headcount so far of forum riders that I know should be there:

5 Leaky Fountain Boyz
The Beanzer
JustMe
Alex
Dutchboy2
Rick / OCRR
Lauretta (super fast on descents!)
Lou Ann (cute freckels!)
Arthur Shapiro (entertainingly grumpy)
Chuck Wentworth (always under-values himself)

That totals um, err, umm let's see, that's about 14 riders, at least!:p

For the real experience, one needs to hang with the Beanzer on GMR. He's an ol pro at the ride. Conquered it a brazillion times!:thumb:

Fixed it!

Rick / OCRR

Well, I think 2500 feet of climbing is just about a hair from death for me so I'll see how it goes. I guess no shade means no convenient places to stop and have a "flat tire".

I'm all ready for an early ride tomorrow, maybe next time I'll do the big ride.
:giver:

Obie, if you come across this, nice meeting you today. Would've kept you company to the bottom of the hill if I hadn't been parked just down the road. Hope you made the rest of the route without incident.

Sorry I bailed out on you today Leaner meaner Beaner, but the motivation just wasn't there this morning. Looks like everyone faired well considering the temps.

No problem JM! But I think you would have had a good time today!

Obie, if you come across this, nice meeting you today. Would've kept you company to the bottom of the hill if I hadn't been parked just down the road. Hope you made the rest of the route without incident.


Gene, nice chatting with you. Rest of ride went well. Will do it clockwise next Sat: Encanto-AC-39-Encanto. See you guys then.

I'm sensing a group hug here!:p

I'm sensing a group hug here!:p

Altitude giddyness.

Kim's bike?:eek: Slick ride. Kim rocks it.

Seemed like v.low humidity on AC?

Baldy hot/low humidity? Drank a lot but didn't feel too wasted like I do after 90's/humidity heat furnace.

Checking out a bladder for my REI backpak. It's got the compartment and hole already. Mayber 70oz.
It's a hassle pulling btls. out of it, stopping etc. Hydrated like crazy up 39 - 6 btls. Filled up 2 at that spring on side of mtn....was wondering if people use that in summer and...yea, there were 3 guys filling up when I got there.

Oh ya; that spring is in a handy location.

Were you carrying bottles in that backpack today?? I've been trying to decide whether I should just get a bladder for my daypack, or bite the bullit and buy a hydration pack.

Were you carrying bottles in that backpack today?? I've been trying to decide whether I should just get a bladder for my daypack, or bite the bullit and buy a hydration pack.

Had 2 btls. in the pak. Last time I do that....they move around and felt like two blocks of wood. I'm running the REI 'Flash18' pak which has a seperate compartment for the bladder. A Camelbak 70oz bladder is probably what I need...that would give me 128 oz on board...should get me around. The smaller Camelbak (backpak w. 70oz. bladder) seems too small to me and doesn't have a waist buckle. The 'Flash18' has two buckles (chest & waist) and a lot more room for pump, gear, food etc.

Good turn-out on the GMR/GRR ride today. Thanks to Gina for driving SAG with lots of cold water!

Lou Ann made her 2nd GMR ride, Lauretta her 5th! Beanz rode really well too, plus Kim and Dan Crain, the other Rick on the Paramount, Arthur, etc.

Great ride! I took photos and will post them on this thread later.

Rick / OCRR