Southern California - First time up GMR

I had planed to ride from my home in Downey but changed my mind. I drove to the Lario Trail rest stop just above Foothill and started from there. I made a left to Todd, then Sierra Madre to GMR and started up and up and up. I started to fast at about 8 mph. The lowest gear i have is 42/24 so i had to grind. After a few quick stops to let my heart rate come down things started to get better. Almost to the Shack i found MrBeanz and his wife. We chatted for a few minutes and on i went again. I reached the shack and after a brief stop headed back. 20 minutes and i was at the bottom, 29 more minutes and i was at my van. I now know i can climb.
33 miles, 3000 feet elevation gain, RT 2 hours, 34 minutes 31 seconds, total time 2 hours, 50 minutes, 48 seconds, from my van and back to my van. Total weight 224 pounds(me+bike+liquid+bag of goodies). The weather was perfect, sunny, warm but not hot with a few cool breezes. I am 65. What a rush coming down the hill. :D

Great job....
Sorry I missed you..I was a bit ahead of them today!!

Yes Herb,

Lots of cyclists on the mountain on Labor Day, even quite a lot doing the bonus miles (and feet of climbing) to the Ski Lifts.

I was probably up by the Ski Lifts when you were at The Village!

Rick / OCRR

Pictures or it didn't happen!:D.......Did pretty darn good from what I saw of you trying to keep up for a clip.:thumb:

There were a bunch of riders and motorcycles. By the time we headed down it was fairly empty. But we did see a couple of motorcyle cops heading up so maybe they chased the crotchrockets off the mtn.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/090610Q500.jpg

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/090610W500.jpg

There's a clip of you in there somewhere, riding and interview. Don't take the song "Dancing Queen" personally, it's a Gina video.:p

I think you made the front page!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0a9zucfuHM

Looks like I missed out on a good ride. I did get some good climbing in up here in San Jose.

Good job on the videos/pictures Mr. Beanz. Looks like i picked the right day to go up GMR. Actually i felt good yesterday and better today. My legs have no pain or tightness. Mainly it was a matter of breath control and pace. The next time will be better as now i know what to expect. The last climb to the shack i kept it down to 5.5 mph and it was no problem. Hope to have many more climbs and extend distance in the mountains. Looking forward to meeting more Bike Forum members. Ride safe and have fun.

Good job on the videos/pictures Mr. Beanz. Looks like i picked the right day to go up GMR. Actually i felt good yesterday and better today. My legs have no pain or tightness. Mainly it was a matter of breath control and pace. The next time will be better as now i know what to expect. The last climb to the shack i kept it down to 5.5 mph and it was no problem. Hope to have many more climbs and extend distance in the mountains. Looking forward to meeting more Bike Forum members. Ride safe and have fun.

Thanks!...You wouldn't have a problem hitting the village if the shack was no biggie for you. The second section is a bit more mild compared to the section to the shack. One section at the 15 mile point kicks up like the first section. Not any steeper, more that the rider is tired from the climbing distance. After that section, almost seems downhill for a bit, nice for recovery then more gentle climbing and a big 1 mile downhill to the village. The climb back up to GMR (1 mile climb) can be uncomfortable after relaxing at the village.:D

Once i have ridden a few more times to the shack to develop my pace/style then i will add distance. Thanks for the info on going to the Village and the climb back. I will keep this in mind. If the weather is mild for the next month or so i should be able to reach it.

sounds fun

It is fun as i have just been riding the river beds and beach routes. Today i went back and did 3 2mile repeats from GMR and Sierra Madre Ave. I wanted to see the best way for me to start. I warmed up with 42/24, 2nd 42/21 and 3rd 42/24 at a higher cadence. Doing some more in the future will help me sort this out. It was fun coming back down.

Once i have ridden a few more times to the shack to develop my pace/style then i will add distance. Thanks for the info on going to the Village and the climb back. I will keep this in mind. If the weather is mild for the next month or so i should be able to reach it.

Here (http://www.toughascent.com/blog/?p=59)'s some reading material to prep you for the climb to the village (and beyond, if you are adventurous).

Here (http://www.toughascent.com/blog/?p=59)'s some reading material to prep you for the climb to the village (and beyond, if you are adventurous).
I got tired just reading and looking at the pics. Nicely done. Don't know if i would ever attempt any of these but for now i will keep it short and simple. Thanks.

Where's the best place to park near the GMR? Is George Manooshian Park safe from breakins? -or- Is the Linder Equestrian Park cordial to cyclists parking for the GMR? Any other places you recommend? I'm not familiar with the area. Many Thanks!

Where's the best place to park near the GMR? Is George Manooshian Park safe from breakins? -or- Is the Linder Equestrian Park cordial to cyclists parking for the GMR? Any other places you recommend? I'm not familiar with the area. Many Thanks!

Right across the street from the equestrian park is Boulder Springs Dr. Some cyclist park there, few feet in from Glendora Mtn Rd. Usually trying to keep the noise to a minimum for the residents.

I park 1/3 of a mile up from the Equestrian park in a little dirt lot on the left side. Quite a few riders park there, I've never had a problem there. Maybe cause there are always local hikers and residents walking up and down.

Also seen a few cyclist park right at the bottom of GMR as soon as yo turn onto the road from Sierra Madre. I do see garbage trucks emptying dumpster there at times.

Thanks for the excellent info on where to park! I was able to get a really good ride on the GMR before catching my flight out of Ontario.