I rode a trans-San Gabriel Mountain route that I have always had on my list. The first 40 miles are a repeat of other rides I've documented here but this time I continued up Big Rock Creek Rd towards the Angeles Crest Highway. Starting at 4000 ft the lower asphalt road follows the creek.



The road turns to "unpaved" and the grade goes up beyond 15%. I was riding my Sequoia with a compact double 38T and 8 of 9 on 7 gearing in the back, with 35mm multi-terrain tires. The road surface was equal parts gravel, sand, and scree (4-5" rocks). It was a struggle as my back tire was constantly spinning to get traction.




Finally back on asphalt on Angeles Crest Highway at Vincent Gap at 6500 ft. You can see the Big Rock Creek road climbing to the right in the background on my way up to Dawson Saddle.




So this was I came for.. going down Hwy 39 from Islip Saddle. The upper section of Hwy 39 is long closed and is in rough shape. I was prepared with my all terrain tires and I needed them. Lots of rocks, chatter bumps, holes, and loose gravel, along with the descending speed. And oh so beautiful!




The road stays demanding after Crystal Lake. Saw one rider (a woman) this high up. She must have started pretty early, too.


And finally the lower San Gabriel reservoir on the way to the river trail and the Metrolink train home. 105 miles.