Southern California - Crazy ride planned for Sunday

I'm training to race the Climb to Kaiser later this month, and I've been ramping up the mileage significantly. The Climb to Kaiser is 155 miles and ~13.5k ft of climbing. First half is basically all up, second half basically all down. For my training, I've been doing 100-120 mile training rides, and I am planning a very long ride this Sunday as my final training ride or the event.

I had been planning to do a ~150 miler from Santa Monica, riding through the Santa Monicas to Ojai and back. However, my friend asked me if I wanted to ride up 33 from Ojai. I said sure, so we're going to drive out there on Sunday morning. However, the route he wants to do is only about 75 miles (Ojai to Lockwood Valley road and back) so I decided I'm going to do his ride (Lockwood Valley road and back), but then ride from Ojai back to Santa Monica via Balcom Canyon and Portero. I would like to think I'll end on Stunt, but there is no way I'll be in the mood.

Route is below...it's gonna be brutal!
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/ca/ojai/700127622004413294

That is one epic ride ben, but given your recent high altitude training, you are probably ready. 33 and Lockwood are great roads to ride w very little traffic and reasonable grades. In fact they might feel flat after what you did last month.

Good luck on the CtK. I've always wanted to do that but I'm just not man enough.

That is one epic ride ben, but given your recent high altitude training, you are probably ready. 33 and Lockwood are great roads to ride w very little traffic and reasonable grades. In fact they might feel flat after what you did last month.

Good luck on the CtK. I've always wanted to do that but I'm just not man enough.

I hope you're right! Thanks re CTK. How's your riding going? Hope to see you at the simi ride later this year or sooner.

Should be an epic ride indeed! That 33 climb is an excellent one - the grade is moderate so you can actually push up it at a decent pace.

Its been an up and down year given lots more biz travel than I expected. That said its been fun. I did a bunch of races in the NCNCA in March & April, and will be up in Oregon getting my head handed to me at the Elkhorn Stage Race next week. In July I'm heading to the Pyrenees with a group of 10 crazies to tackle all the great climbs. We'll also catch two Tour stages, including the one that finishes on the Tourmalet.

I must say your pictures from Italy were downright incredible! Just epic. I think next year I'm going to do the Giro w TBT. Great stuff! Get thyself to S Barbara one of these days and you and UMD can take turns flogging me on our local climbs.

You will not regret going with TBT. I've done two trips with them and had a phenomenal time on both. I'm jealous of your pyrenees trip - should be awesome!

I'm considering doing at least a part of your ride during my trip here, therefore many thanks for the route. Let us know how it went today!

I survived!!! 160 miles and 12k ft in 9:44. Rode the first 75 miles with a slower friend but that actually turned out to be a blessing for me because I finished the last 85 feeling good. The wall at Balcom was not so bad even when I hit it with 100 miles and 9k ft in my legs (with 90 degree temps!). Same with the Portrero wall at 118. Kept the wattage and HR down on the ride for the most part. Ojai to Lockwood and back was HOT! The climb from Lockwood Valley road to Pine Mountain on the way back was brutal. Last 12 miles on PCH were cool and foggy and I powered on the flats at 20-24mph with no wind. Climbing the 30 miles and 5500 ft from the 150/33 junction to the summit lasted forever. Had to budget the water because there was absolutely nothing. Temp gauge hit 92 and no cloud cover.

One other funny (or not so funny) thing - when I was descending from Ojai to Santa Paula I came around a curve and a small rattler was coiled up in the middle of my side of my road!!! I swerved (luckily no one behind me) and barely missed it!!!

I may do an extensive ride report. Lots to talk about. Ride was magnificent. I really want to climb up 33 to Lockwood and then do the 100 mile loop taking Lockwood Valley road to 95 to 33.

Pics

Mile 31 - Pine Mountain Summit
http://i47.tinypic.com/2v7yo79.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/2m4o9hw.jpg

Mile 37 - Coming up to Lockwood Valley road
http://i50.tinypic.com/33nb1nn.jpg

Mile 74 - Brunch in Ojai (the crepes omelet and biscuit are all mine)
http://i48.tinypic.com/x6cy9g.jpg

Mile 90 - Santa Paula
http://i48.tinypic.com/15hzo14.jpg

Mile 100 - Balcom Canyon Summit
http://i48.tinypic.com/11w5aba.jpg

Post ride dinner at Umami Burger
Appetizers - Tempura Onion Rings and Parmesan Tater Tots
http://i45.tinypic.com/ke6yjb.jpg

Entree - Umami Burger (Burger with Shiitake mushrooms, parmesan crisp, grilled onions, sun dried tomato ketchup)
http://i49.tinypic.com/nvw77q.jpg
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The climb from Lockwood Valley road to Pine Mountain on the way back was brutal.

That climb was on the 209 mile ride I did with my teammates a few months ago.

That climb was on the 209 mile ride I did with my teammates a few months ago.

The climb was actually technically easy but the temp averaged 90 on the ascent and I had to budget water

The climb was actually technically easy but the temp averaged 90 on the ascent and I had to budget water

That's what I dread the most about long distance rides on these remote local routes - no water! That alone would give me the most anxiety. Even with my little loop rides of 50 miles or so in the Santa Monicas, I map out in my head where I have to refill. I suppose bringing two bottles would solve that problem, but I don't see the point if I'm smart about the refill.

Also, congrats on the finish! 90 degrees aside, you probably couldn't have picked a better time with much of the land still green and the really hot temps yet to come. Please do write at length about it.

Please do write at length about it.

+1. Sounds like a great ride and any further commentary on it would be most welcome.

The food looks amazing. Is that the Umami Burger here in Silverlake? I always wanted to try that place. I've wanted to climb Balcomm too.

Good luck on C2K. You should get one of their jerseys. They look kinda cool.:thumb: