Southern California - San Gabe Trail Ride with Members (5/5/12)

Nice ride today with a few members, HerbM, Mark AJ, Hansolo and friends Mike, Ivan, Glen and Aimee. The first section was a nice warm up as the group held the pace down for a bit. Once we hit the bottom of the the damn dam they lifted the pace 22-24 mph. Actually pretty nice. We hung with the group for a while so I took my turn in the rotation. But once we hit 4 corners, I thought it best to back off, let the fast guys go. Pretty sure Aimee could have hung on and I felt I could but the only problem would be riding back. 71 miles is no joke and pretty painful if you blow yourself out at the start so I chose to do my own pace.

HerbM, Aimee and I did a pretty good ride to Seal Beach (from Encanto Park) but once we got close to the coast we ran into the Long Beach organized ride. Some decent riders (meaning behavior) but my gosh there are a ton of dangerous riders. At one point we had to nearly stop as the wannabe's were flying off the bridge from the side into our path with no regard as to "right of way". For 6 miles it was sheer horror ha ha! Again, lots of good slow riders but too many without a clue. We slowed our pace to about 10 mph trying to get around rider after rider when it was clear. HerbM stopped to have a few words for one of the organizers at the PCH turn.

But even so, I felt so much better on today's ride than I did last month. Even with the 10 mph pace, we still averaged 17.2 for the 71 mile ride. Not sure what MarkAJ and the fast group did but they rode strong!

Oh, and thanks to the other riders for offering food. I accepted a P&J sandwich from Glen, Herb offered and Aimee hooked me up with a power waffle treat. Aimee and I showed up a bit early so that I could install her new tire. Somewhere in the mix I managed to hide my 2 P&J's behind my gear. 5 minutes into the ride I remember. Too late now, so thanks guys! Gina got up extra early today to make me breakfast and the sandwiches. So unless I can get down a couple of baked P&J's (in truck for hours), Gina might have a few words for me. So if you don't hear from me for a few day send help!:D

BTW, as we neared the park, Aimee said it would be funny if we added another 30 to the ride. Uh no Aimee, it's not funny!:D


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


http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/050512A.jpg

Also caught a glimpse of LewisAClark riding by. Never expected to see him on this trail.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/LAC.jpg

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/gulpxtreme/Ride%20info/ride.jpg

Very nice. I always enjoy your videos. Maybe some day Ill be in one of them.

Very nice. I always enjoy your videos. Maybe some day Ill be in one of them.

Thanks!:thumb: If I can get back into shape, we can do GMR. If not, you'll have to settle for SART!:D

Thought that was you, passed you in the opposite direction at the Pico Golf Course.

Thought that was you, passed you in the opposite direction at the Pico Golf Course.

The 3 guys coming around the fence?

Awesome day MrB..thanks for all the pulls!!!
You were very strong today!!

Awesome day MrB..thanks for all the pulls!!!
You were very strong today!!

Thanks! Been on the bike a little more lately. :D

Cool jersey, Herb.

Is it true they repaved part of the trail? Particularly the first few miles of it starting from the coast? I'm planning on hitting that trail soon. Maybe even tomorrow if i'm not too sore.

Nice crew there, you guys were fast. I rode to Angeles Oaks, never again, climbing kills me.

Is it true they repaved part of the trail? Particularly the first few miles of it starting from the coast? I'm planning on hitting that trail soon. Maybe even tomorrow if i'm not too sore.



Yup, it was nice! Much better but in order to get the full experience, one must ride the full 71 from Encanto Park to SB and back.:D

Nice crew there, you guys were fast. I rode to Angeles Oaks, never again, climbing kills me.

They were fast! I ended up backing off to pace myself. It's a long ride back and the little rollers take their toll once you get back near the damn dam.

Freaking Aimee!:D I kept standing up each one of the little whoopty-doo's to keep pace. Something I don't normally do (stand). When I'd sit I'd say, "Ooo my legs". then she just kept giggling over and over after each whoopty-doo! I had no energy to giggle, she makes it look so easy!:p

I must say we did well. The average was .1 higher than last time even though we had about 6 miles at 10 mph. :D

Looks like you guys got some great paceline practice. :) Herb's butt looks like it has joined the Dark Side with that red glow, lol.

Looks like you guys got some great paceline practice. :) Herb's butt looks like it has joined the Dark Side with that red glow, lol.

:roflmao2:

Hey I was out there yesterday! Don't remember running into you guys, though...

Perfect day, my favorite time of year with all the wildflowers blooming...:)

The 3 guys coming around the fence?


Yeah, was going to shout out, but...kind of a sharp turn around that spot...hope it was a good ride.

Hey I was out there yesterday! Don't remember running into you guys, though...

Perfect day, my favorite time of year with all the wildflowers blooming...:)


Hmm, nope didn't see you. flowers? I was too busy trying to dodge the millions of bugs to see any flowers.:D

Yeah, was going to shout out, but...kind of a sharp turn around that spot...hope it was a good ride.

Yeah, that is a scary little turn. :D

They were fast! I ended up backing off to pace myself. It's a long ride back and the little rollers take their toll once you get back near the damn dam.

Freaking Aimee!:D I kept standing up each one of the little whoopty-doo's to keep pace. Something I don't normally do (stand). When I'd sit I'd say, "Ooo my legs". then she just kept giggling over and over after each whoopty-doo! I had no energy to giggle, she makes it look so easy!:p

I must say we did well. The average was .1 higher than last time even though we had about 6 miles at 10 mph. :D

Orale!!! Maybe a quick call to "Knuckles" and he can fix her knees to slow her down!!!:D

It looks like you guys had a great time.
When I get things straightened out with the situation with my mom I'm going to join you guys!

Cool jersey, Herb.

Thanks GP....matching socks too!!!

Orale!!! Maybe a quick call to "Knuckles" and he can fix her knees to slow her down!!!:D


:roflmao2:


It looks like you guys had a great time.
When I get things straightened out with the situation with my mom I'm going to join you guys!

We always do! Be cool if you joined us! :D

This trail goes through some sketchy areas. I passed by a group of gang bangers around the Norwalk area.

I think I will stick to the SART to Yorba Linda and back.

This trail goes through some sketchy areas. I passed by a group of gang bangers around the Norwalk area.

I think I will stick to the SART to Yorba Linda and back.

I like SART myself but three of us were together in the area. Herb and I were never once in trouble, Aimee scared them off.:D

I like SART myself but three of us were together in the area. Herb and I were never once in trouble, Aimee scared them off.:D


Yes...I personally felt much better knowing that AMiee was there to protect us both!!!!

Yes...I personally felt much better knowing that AMiee was there to protect us both!!!!




:roflmao2:

When we're you on the SGRT between Carson and PCH? I rode the Tour and it was rough from Carson until it swung into El Dorado. I was trying to get past some slow riders that were riding side by side....should not have tried as riders were coming north and I got yelled at (maybe not just me) to get over. I was trying to but needed to find space. If anyone on here was involved....I felt terrible as I do try to be a good rider and not be a safety hazard.

After I got back on the SGRT after taking a short snack break people were spread out a bit more again and I was able to ride my usual pace.

Obviously inexperienced riders were everywhere. At one point I came upon a fire truck on the SGRT to aid a couple fallen riders and I had to dismount and walk around the truck on the dirt.

This was my first large group ride and I will know what to do better when things get bunched up.

To clarify....I was trying to leapfrog a few at at time and no riders were coming when I began my pass attempt. But there was nowhere to move back over and I got hung out there as riders were approaching.

Riders were riding side by side and often with one rider using the oncoming lane thinking I guess that the whole route was for the ride and that no other riders would be on it. On the LA River there was less "traffic" bunched up and hogging the river trail. I was glad that I took a short break and let things thin back out before I got back on the trail. Made for a more enjoyable ride for me and safer to boot.

When we're you on the SGRT between Carson and PCH?

I can't say what time it was as we started in Duarte at 8 am, took a bit over 2 hours to get there. I'll guess 10:30. First group saw the firetruck but we didn't (few minutes behind).

All I know is that the riders that complain about bike paths should have been on SGRT that day. :D It aint no place for an organized ride, I can tell ya that! ;)

Obviously inexperienced riders were everywhere. At one point I came upon a fire truck on the SGRT to aid a couple fallen riders and I had to dismount and walk around the truck on the dirt.

This was my first large group ride and I will know what to do better when things get bunched up.I was on the TOLB ride too. Give yourself plenty of space and expect the unexpected. I made that mistake riding with my friend and went down hard when an inexperienced rider suddenly braked around mile #20 (SGRT about 2 miles from PCH). My friend was able to avoid, I was not so lucky as I was too close. Went down partially on those boulders. Banged up shoulder, ribs and bleeding from my elbow I rode to the next SAG stop to get patched up and I finished the ride. Thumbs up to the staff at the final SAG stop :thumb: Hard lesson learned.

BTW - No boulders or bikes were harmed in my incident :lol:

I was on the TOLB ride too. Give yourself plenty of space and expect the unexpected. I made that mistake riding with my friend and went down hard when an inexperienced rider suddenly braked around mile #20 (SGRT about 2 miles from PCH). My friend was able to avoid, I was not so lucky as I was too close. Went down partially on those boulders. Banged up shoulder, ribs and bleeding from my elbow I rode to the next SAG stop to get patched up and I finished the ride. Thumbs up to the staff at the final SAG stop :thumb: Hard lesson learned.

BTW - No boulders or bikes were harmed in my incident :lol:

Glad you are ok and weren't hurt worse.

I'm getting a hello kitty bell for my bike for the trail. It'd be perfect for those kinds of rides.

I wish they would do a little more education of the riders (they can email it)...like when on bike trails to stay on the right side of the trail just like on a road. Leaving the oncoming lane open for riders going the other direction and to allow for passing. That was what annoyed me most was how two riders who were obviously riding together would take up the whole trail...one in the right lane and the other in the oncoming traffic lane. The info given out by the TOLB clearly indicated that the route was not closed to other traffic but think more education as to rules/etiquette would have been beneficial.

One of the worst parts was when the riders came over the bridge at Carson and made a right onto SGRT, none of them stopped or even looked...we were heading down in a pace line..had the right of way, but had to slow and almost stop due to the riders who thought this was ToF not ToLB...
At Seal beach when the riders exited the path, I spoke to one of the volunteers there...There were no signs north of Carson informing us of the ride, there should have been a person at the entrance to sgrt for them to be stopped when oncoming traffic was coming down the path....he was going to make those recommendations....he even commented that this was totally amateur hour....
Was a very dangerous ride the next 9 miles to seal beach....very unenjoyable....and I so wanted to enjoy that new pavement south of the bridge...At least going back was better!

but think more education as to rules/etiquette would have been beneficial.

As far as the issue Herb mentions, I doubt education would help. The guilty riders were more of the already been educated wannabe racers looking to "Win" the ride.

As far as the mob near the coast, I can understand that many might not have too much experience but hey it's a fun ride. But again, it was the guys trying to "win" the ride that were the biggest threat. An experienced/inexperienced rider making a mistake on a fun ride is understandable. But not for those with no regard to right of way or safety for the sake of victory.

Thank you Herb for speaking up so next years ride might be safer.

Thank you Herb for speaking up so next years ride might be safer.
Flat organized rides are always a cluster****. Some people are trying to complete their first century, others are trying to "win" the ride. Next year will be the same. The best thing you can do is keep improving your bike handling skills to give you an edge while riding near idiots.

Just curious. If there's a big ride like that, why does one choose to ride there? Wouldn't it behoove you to ride elsewhere???
Honestly, this is not meant as sarcasm. I'm a motorcyclist of 39 years and I've never had to deal with drunks on holidays simply because I don't ride or drive on those days. I choose to do the same on my bicycle. Avoid mass crowds,that is.

I'm getting a hello kitty bell for my bike for the trail. It'd be perfect for those kinds of rides.
If you have a spacer, you can tap it and mount a bell on it. I use one on my commuter - it works really well on the local bike path.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5021/5816900207_fff1096b8d_z.jpg

Just curious. If there's a big ride like that, why does one choose to ride there? Wouldn't it behoove you to ride elsewhere???
Honestly, this is not meant as sarcasm.

I actually just accepted a ride invite from Herb who I'm pretty sure had no idea there was such a was taking place. :D

If you have a spacer, you can tap it and mount a bell on it. I use one on my commuter - it works really well on the local bike path.



That's a dang nice looking bell on a sweet looking bike! It's no hello kitty though. :D

I was playing with some little toy horns at Target today, that would be pretty choice too. Not as aero though. :)

I actually just accepted a ride invite from Herb who I'm pretty sure had no idea there was such a was taking place. :D

That makes sense to me!

That makes sense to me!



We've done quite a few forum rides on SGRT to Seal Beach over the years. One of the first rides was 30 plus riders. Now we're down to 4 or 5. :D

We've done quite a few forum rides on SGRT to Seal Beach over the years. One of the first rides was 30 plus riders. Now we're down to 4 or 5. :D
I believe you posted on my thread about my mom.
Just as soon as this situation plays out I'll see if I can add another rider to your stats!!!:thumb:

I believe you posted on my thread about my mom.
Just as soon as this situation plays out I'll see if I can add another rider to your stats!!!:thumb:

Cool! :D

Just curious. If there's a big ride like that, why does one choose to ride there? Wouldn't it behoove you to ride elsewhere???
Honestly, this is not meant as sarcasm. I'm a motorcyclist of 39 years and I've never had to deal with drunks on holidays simply because I don't ride or drive on those days. I choose to do the same on my bicycle. Avoid mass crowds,that is.

I too ride a motorcycle and stopped doing the Love Ride years ago due to the crazy way so many riders rode. There were accidents getting from Glendale to Castaic...bikers all over the place, speeding, weaving in and out of cars (freaking out drivers of the cars which resulted in even more danger). It just wasn't work participating.

I know that wasn't your question. I don't think that the riders from this forum was aware of the ride going on and the ride organizers failed to post warning signs on the SGRT north of where the event was to occur (which they most certainly should have done).

We've done quite a few forum rides on SGRT to Seal Beach over the years. One of the first rides was 30 plus riders. Now we're down to 4 or 5. :D

I would be interesting in joining the group for a ride. Tho not sure if my pace is fast enough to keep up but I can give it a shot! I live right by the SGRT (I typically get on at Del Amo or at Rynerson Park - just north of Carson when riding from home).

I would be interesting in joining the group for a ride. Tho not sure if my pace is fast enough to keep up but I can give it a shot! I live right by the SGRT (I typically get on at Del Amo or at Rynerson Park - just north of Carson when riding from home).

I myself have fund doinga decent pace with a group of decent riders. Sticking together is a blast imo. It helps some of the slower rides hang on to the line. I have no problem slowing a bit for those a little slower. Sometimes the slower riders have to lift the pace for the others vice versa. But it all works out if it's planned that way.

If a rider is a little too slow, we have regroup points. If the rider feels they can't hang on or will over do it, then it should be thier responsibility to say "uncle" then drop off or turn back.

In your case, if you live near the trail, you could hop on as we pass your area, then turn back early or go all the way if you can hang. Believe me, I don't try to drop riders but if we have to hold too slow a pace it gets very uncomfy on the saddle.

But there is only one way to find out.:D We've had riders do a portion of the ride with us, that's fine too!;)

But I have no idea how Duckrolly rolls so sometimes you just gotta get out there and do it.

Just got off a 10 hour shift so if my typing sucks, excuse me cause I'm too lazy to use spell check right now.:p

BTW, GIn ahas done the 71 mil trip averaging 15.5 'ish. "AVERAGE" which can be confuse with "I sw 15 on my computer at one time during the ride.:D Average on her computer at the end of the ride which means 20 in some sections (tailwinds) and 13 in others ( climbing back up to the dam and 4 mph on the damn dam.:p

Well, holler next time you do - it's a short 10 mile ride to SGRT for me!

I think I'm trying GMR tomorrow morning. Feeling good now, will report back tomorrow. :D