ClanLee

I had the morning free today so I decided to try Glendora Mountain Road (GMR) for the first time. Many thanks to Mr. Beanz for providing information about the course.

I wasn't sure where I could safely park my car so I decided that a shopping center (Lone Hill Shopping Center) was the safest bet. It's on the corner of Route 66 and Lone Hill Ave. I got there at 7:30, found a close but not too close spot and was ready to ride.



Starting further off allowed my legs to warm up, it was a short 1.7 miles to the ride but it was worth knowing that my car should be ok.



I looked at the weather report last night and it was supposed to be hitting 91 degrees. I didn't feel like carrying three bottles so I just opted for two and it worked out. During the climb, it didn't exceed 80 degrees so it was really nice. Had a little bit of rain in the beginning but that was it. The overcast helped keep the temps down.



As soon as the climbing started, you are presented with a Category 1 climb (according to map my ride). All I know is that my HR was in the low 160s for the initial climb. Luckily, I found two guys riding up and I was able to tag along.



Here's a picture of the city, looking back.



And this is what was in front.



Climbing along, you can see the San Gabriel Reservoir.



After awhile, the road loses the yellow line.



It was a fantastic day for a ride.



Since it was a holiday, there were other riders out but they were far and few in between.

ClanLee

I arrived at Mt Baldy and noticed there was lots of vehicular traffic as GMR merged with Mt. Baldy Rd. I was down to half of bottle of water at this point but I had passed the store that had the vending machine and didn't want to go back down. So I continued on. There were more trees at this elevation.





Don't forget your Adventure Pass, if you want to park your car. Saw lots of signs about that.



Just past Ice House Canyon Rd, the elevation hits 5000 ft. There are a few housed up here nested in the mountains.





Onward onto the Ski Lifts. I'm not sure if the pictures do justice to how steep it gets but it is STEEP.



Ever since the Station Fire gutted Angeles National Park, I see signs like this and stop to read them. Nothing like losing pristine wilderness makes you realize what you take for granted.



At this point, I ran out of water. Thankfully Snowcrest Inn was just around the bend in the road and bought water bottles. The bartender was nice and it was only one dollar a bottle (16 ounces).



After a long and tortuous climb, I made it to the Ski Lifts.

ClanLee

After the sign, I kept riding up until the road ended and had someone take a picture of me.



Started at 867 ft and finished at 6386 ft. Elevation:



Map:



Stats:

I made it to Mt. Baldy village in 2 hours and 18 minutes. To the ski lifts in 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Time: 04:47:04
Distance: 57.22 mi
Elevation Gain: 7,418 ft
Avg Temperature: 77.0 °F

Mr. Beanz

Nice ride and report, and pictures!

There is a water fountain at the equestrian center at the start of GMR (across from Boulder Springs). Not sure if you would have needed water by then but a top off maybe.

There is also a water fountain at the post office in Baldy Village and another water fountain just across from the lodge.

chefxian

Nice bike.

Hate the lifts! Great job.

ClanLee

Thanks, I'm sure this will be helpful on my next ride up.

Thanks. As I was nearing the lifts my leg and foot started cramping up. I think it was due to the lack of water and the steepness. I'm just happy to say that I did it.

GMR is a great road, hardly any traffic and scenery is wonderful. I was originally planning on riding up GMR and riding down Mt Baldy Rd but after seeing all the road traffic, I chose to go down GMR and enjoy the silence.

Rick@OCRR

Good choice! I've ridden it both ways and by far prefer to ride back the same way I rode up, i.e. Glendora Ridge Road to Glendora Mountain Road. Lots of weekend days you'll see dozens of cyclists up there too. It is a beautiful ride, pretty darn close to prefection in terms of cycling enjoyment as far as I'm concerned.

Rick / OCRR

jmX

Congrats on the nice ride and it's always fun to look at the pics. Definitly get water at the firestation/postoffice fountain in the Village next time. It's pretty good tasting stuff, and if you hang around for more than 10 minutes you're bound to see other cyclists pulling up. If its over 90 degrees and I don't start until noon, I usually bring a 70oz camelbak instead of bottles.

stugi79

Nice ride!

volosong

And a tough one! Well done.

Lesper4

So while I was hanging out at the village on Saturday I saw a guy on Boo bike. That is real Bamboo!