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10-05-09, 04:14 PM
I did my planned ride up Palomar yesterday (Sunday the 4th). Almost didn't when I woke up at daybreak to see thick dark low clouds rolling in and a stiff southwesterly wind pushing them along. The sub 60 degree temp (where did summer go?) showing on the thermometer in my hosts backyard certainly didn't help either. The deciding factor was that as long as it didn't rain, temps in the 60's on a mountain climb was acceptable. Having a wind to my back for most of the way up was also a positive. For the sure to be chilly descent I dressed in layers and brought along a windbreaker (I also added a layer of newspaper from the restaurant).
While heading up just before 9am, I couldn't see the tops of the mountains because of the cloud cover, so there was the possiblity I'd get wet. I decided that if I wasn't "feeling it," or it started raining (even if drizzle), I'd just turn around and call it a day. Sure enough, my legs weren't feeling it. I was also alone, which meant I didn't have anyone to distract me from thoughts of abandoning the ride. But then around the 3000 mark I rounded a corner and noticed a photographer pointing his lens at me, then a "flash." The sign on his truck said Rick Clemson. Figuring he was taking pics of cyclists and bikers and would later post them on a website for sale, I'd be sure to check out his website. It was that little bit of excitement that "got my head straight" about completing the ride to the top, no matter the discomfort or conditions. The rest of the way up went smoothly, and the pumpkin pie and hot spiced tea at the restaurant was marvelous.
Along the way up and down I was photographed at least three more times. The last shot took place while descending and rounding a fast bend in the drops with a "knee dragger" in frame just in front of me. That has to be a cool picture! When I later did a search for Palomar photographers, I could only find Rick Clemson, who didn't take that last picture. Those of you familiar with the Palomar scene, do you know who those other South Grade photographers might be?
Here's a few of my pics:
On the way at 9am.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f140/michsis/palomar104.jpg
Good advice around 4000 feet and 50 degrees F.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f140/michsis/palomar104c.jpg
Just passing 5000 feet and looking at the still out of view top.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f140/michsis/palomar104b.jpg
While heading up just before 9am, I couldn't see the tops of the mountains because of the cloud cover, so there was the possiblity I'd get wet. I decided that if I wasn't "feeling it," or it started raining (even if drizzle), I'd just turn around and call it a day. Sure enough, my legs weren't feeling it. I was also alone, which meant I didn't have anyone to distract me from thoughts of abandoning the ride. But then around the 3000 mark I rounded a corner and noticed a photographer pointing his lens at me, then a "flash." The sign on his truck said Rick Clemson. Figuring he was taking pics of cyclists and bikers and would later post them on a website for sale, I'd be sure to check out his website. It was that little bit of excitement that "got my head straight" about completing the ride to the top, no matter the discomfort or conditions. The rest of the way up went smoothly, and the pumpkin pie and hot spiced tea at the restaurant was marvelous.
Along the way up and down I was photographed at least three more times. The last shot took place while descending and rounding a fast bend in the drops with a "knee dragger" in frame just in front of me. That has to be a cool picture! When I later did a search for Palomar photographers, I could only find Rick Clemson, who didn't take that last picture. Those of you familiar with the Palomar scene, do you know who those other South Grade photographers might be?
Here's a few of my pics:
On the way at 9am.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f140/michsis/palomar104.jpg
Good advice around 4000 feet and 50 degrees F.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f140/michsis/palomar104c.jpg
Just passing 5000 feet and looking at the still out of view top.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f140/michsis/palomar104b.jpg