peckma

Have put GMR on my summer to-do list. I've done some reading of various posts about GMR. It seems a number of riders go up to the Shack and return. Where on GMR is the Shack, and what is it? Is there water there (don't believe so), or anywhere else on GMR, or is the only water/food available at Baldy Village?

Thanks

jmX

The shack is about 9 miles up from the yellow metal road gate at the bottom of the climb. You can't miss it because it's the only building you will see.

No water on gmr, I'd suggest the fountain at the fire station in the village for that. The village is about 12 mi past the shack, but those 12 mi are much easier than the first 9.

Mr. Beanz

https://mrbeanzandhisbikerides.blogsp.../gmr-3312.html


My blog post has a pic of the shack (with kids). A storage shack/area used by those that repair the roads.

The video has some better footage of the shack. Road is about 6% average for the 8-9 miles, 2300ft of cimbing. Except for one tiny climb it's all downhill on the way back from the shack. I take 2 water bottles. You don't need water for the way down.

If you wait till summer, it will be HOT. I say do it ASAP.

If you turn back before you reach the shack, you will kick yourself after the ride. That kind of ride where it is so easy on the return that you will feel like you gave up too soon if you turn back early.

If you reach the shack and have a bit left, I suggest you continue on another 6 miles. From that point, it is a fairly easy return as well.

Beyond that, it gets tough and once you committ, it's all you. You'd want 3 bottles if you plan to continue on to the village.

bitingduck

If it's not hot out, 2 bottles should be fine for getting to the village. I tend to drink a lot and only bring 3 bottles when it's hot out.

TrojanHorse

Where do you get that magical third bottle though? I hate carrying them in a jersey pocket, don't want to put a tri holder on my seat and I'm disinclined to beat up a skinny biker to get his water.

Mr. Beanz

I use the thrid bottle when it's hot. But I use a sealed bottle type container with a cap so that it does not spill. Once I use the water from my first cage bottle, I empty the jersey water into that bottle. The empty container in my pocket weighs hardly anything and is barely noticeable IMO.

I'd rather have a little extra weight in my jersey pocket for the first part of the ride than go thirsty on a hot ride to the village.

Like bitingduck says, you can make it on 2 bottles (sub 90 days) but for "unfamiliar" first timers to the village, the 17 mile section of the climb can play tricks on your mind when you are running low on water and not sure what the rest of the course holds. I've seen riders turn back there not knowing that the rest of the road was nearly flat to downhill.

If you really dislike the third bottle, use a minimart water bottle that you can toss in the trash at the village. 2 cages is more than enough for the return trip.

jmX

Summer: Use a camelbak.
Fall/Winter/Spring: 2 bottles is enough to get to the village.

Lesper4

I have a under seat bottle rack and I carry 4 bottles on all my rides. I sweat a lot and drink a lot. On my longer riders I go throuh 7-8 bottles (then I start bringing my own powders).

jimxyz

If you go all the way to the village (you can always take the streets back to Glendora if you don't want to climb back out, which is basically flat after you enjoy the high speed descent down baldy) you can get water, juice, candy bars, or a full meal at the lodge, but I'd suggest bringing an extra buck or two to tip the bar tender(s) who get lots of requests for free water fills from bikers and, from what I've seen, no love for the favor (especially since their restrooms get lots of use as well). Just trying to keep a good rep with the locals...

TrojanHorse

Jersey water.

Good tips, thanks. I've never understood why roadies are so allergic to camelbaks.

Jed19

Well, you are getting it all wrong! That is the way I'll do it. You obviously never heard of the term "mug a weightweenie for water", and who knows, you might even get a cliff bar out of him too!

Mr. Beanz

I bring Gatorade powder to mix. Water fountain at the post office, and one directly across from the lodge. Not to mention some pretty nice well maintained restrooms in the small park (visitor center) just above the lodge opposite side of the road. Restrooms are toward the back of the park, lots of trees and shade.

I like these restrooms much more than the telephone booth type restroom a the lodge.


mtbaldyfacilities by gulpxtreme, on Flickr

rooftest

Thanks for the tip on the restrooms at the visitor center.

TrojanHorse

JusRelax

I love your well-marked maps, Beanz!

Mr. Beanz

Glad somebody likes them ha ha!

To be clear, there are 4 restroom within the little shack type building. Sometimes two on the far side are locked so don't freak if they aren't open, just try the other side.

jimxyz

Great tips Beanz, the bathrooms at the lodge are tight quarters! ha ha

Mr. Beanz

This is the lodge restroom emoticon. Good thing we wear helmets.

rooftest

For solo rides, I'd never leave my bike outside while I walked to the john behind the bar, there. The visitor center sounds more secure.