jpconrad

[Rant]
I had forgotten about this but the Pasadena Routes thread reminded me of this...

Last week I went up to Chantry Flats around 6 pm on Wednesday and apparently that's a popular time to go up it. No biggie, the more the merrier. However, while I was descending it I came around a pretty blind corner to find a cyclist climbing IN THE MIDDLE OF MY LANE.

Folks, if you're going to climb mountain roads, stay on the right side of the yellow line, particularly on CORNERS. This guy was lucky is was me and not someone out to set a new speed record in his BMW. I'm hoping that between looking cool without his helmet and taking drinks from his bar-mounted sippy cup he just lost track of his line and he doesn't normally climb Chantry on the wrong side of the road.

[/Rant]

Turtle1

Wow, perhaps he's suicidal? Or maybe that was Tanqueray in his bar-mounted sippy cup? I was thinking about doing Chantry tomorrow morning but the narrow road and your run-in are kinda' making me think twice. Glad to hear that all you got out of it was a close call.




-Erik

jpconrad

I do it frequently and this was the first time I encountered someone doing this. Actually, that's not true, I did run into a mountain biker on the wrong side once, as well. Unfortunately, I think what happens is the climb is a bit much for some and when they tire they start drifting to the easiest line.

Have you ridden up there before? If not, watch your descent speed, it's steep enough that you can really get moving. Also, watch for debris while you are climbing and try and remember where it is on the descent.

Turtle1

I haven't been up Chantry yet, mainly because of the narrow road. People do crazy stuff when the pain starts kicking in but wandering across the yellow line is just plain nuts on a road like Chantry. I'm considering trying it early tomorrow morning to get a jump on motorists but I may do Crystal Lake instead as I've never been up there either. Do you know how many miles Chantry is from the gate to the top?

BTW, thanks for the tip on remembering where debris is on the way up so it's not a surprise on the way down. I've got plenty of time to survey the land as I ascend at my pathetic pace


-Erik

JustMe

Well, the few times I've ridden with you, I haven't known you to lag behind on a descent. Hope there were no untoward encounters.

Sewellymon

I’ve been riding Chantry once or twice a week this summer (I live in Sierra Madre). That guy riding in the wring lane is the least of your worries (and no way he is reading this forum/ you are preaching to the choir). Darwinism will catch up to him. My big worry are the speeding cars swerving WAY over the yellow line. It’s very common, especially in the windy lower portions. Hell, the whole thing..

The other thing about Chantry; bored teenagers who are on summer break go up there at sunset. Late PM traffic was worse in June- - it’s less now--, but I bet traffic will noticeably improve into Fall.

I’ll be doing night rides up there into Fall and Winter (or the occasion dawn patrol, maybe once a year ), so PM me if motivated. But head’s up- I am old and sorta slow…

Ziptie

I do this ride quite often in the morning, weekdays and Sundays. I feel like it's pretty safe. The few cars I do see in the AM are pretty respectful. If you feel comfortable with a limited shoulder you should give it a try, it's a great road. But I agree, stay sharp on the your descent.

heresy

Thanks for the heads up. I have wanted to ride there for a while, but I have not gotten to it.

Turtle1

Thanks, that's all I needed to hear. I'll be up there bright and early tomorrow.



-Erik

Ziptie

Glad to hear it. Just one more thing, like an earlier poster mentioned, watch out for debris. Especially near the top. There can be some pretty good sized rocks on the road, along with a couple rough patches, but nothing too bad. It should be really nice up there tomorrow AM. Enjoy.

Sewellymon

lots of hikers driving up weekend AM. they tend to drive slower than the stoned teenagers, so it's all good. i cannot get enuff of it/ expect i'll ride Chantry another 1000+ times in my lifetime, God willing

bigdraft

Hey Jeff, 1000 times wow, now that is doing some repeats!! I rode Chantry this morning and I only saw one rider and two cars the whole time. Early morning is definately the best IMO

Sewellymon

Dooooood... you gotta start telling me when you're doing Chantry AM rides. i'll ditch work on occasion......

VanceMac

Why do you hate sippy cups?

jpconrad

It's funny, I had just decreased my speed a good amount because I knew the corner coming up was tight and I was using new brake pads that I hadn't tried before and wasn't too sure how they'd perform.

They did well, thankfully.

jpconrad

I generally go up about once a week, although this September I'll probably go back to twice a week. So far, I haven't really had any problems with people driving to crazily like I have on GRR, but I'm sure one day I'll run into one of them. A lot of times I've used a car to pace my downhill speed, but usually they get nervous and pull over so I can pass them.

I'll probably go up Thursday, August 23rd in the evening again (can't until then, schedule's too tight), and you're welcome to join me. There may be some other folks that want to go up, too.

jpconrad

My mom took mine away and I've never gotten over it.

spinerguy

Is this the only great climbing route for the San Bernardino Mountains?

From the gate to the top it's a little over 3 miles. I'd like to explore a bit longer routes.

spingineer

That's only a teaser. A favorite among SoCal'ers is GMR-> GRR -> Baldy Village, and if you are energetic enough, to the Baldy Ski Lifts. There is a ride at the end of the month that goes up there. There's plenty more too.

jpconrad

Nope, this is a nice, quick climb in the San Gabriel Mountains. As spingineer said, GMR is a favorite and if you'd like to do something longer you should do Angeles Crest from La Canada-Flintridge to Wrightwood and back. There's also Little Tijunga, Big Tijunga, Angeles Forest, Hwy 39, you take your pick, all, though, are in the San Gabriels, I don't know any of the routes out in the San Bernardinos (East of Cajon Pass).

spingineer

There was a ride that I did when Foothill Cycle Club was more active, where they did a climb up Apple Valley. Only thing I remembered was if you didn't make a specific right turn, you'd end up in Beaumont. I think the ride started near Riverside, but can't remember.