Mr. Beanz

Wow, what a ride! Hillbasher talked me into riding up to Thunder Mountain from the Baldy Ski lift lots. First section wasn't bad at all but once we reached the upper sections it was tough. The loose rocks and steep road made for a difficult climb. It took some major energy trying to stay upright and keeping traction. Few tough sections but manageable. But once we reached Thunder Mountain, it was not happening on the bike. I was stopped in my tracks several times. After 6 attempts to start I called it a real live wall. I had heard others call some climbs a wall but this IS a wall for sure. We ended up walking the thing because there was no riding it ha ha! I believe we were at about 8400 feet elevation.

Once at the top, it was great. One direction we could see Cajon Pass. The other direction was a great view of GMR/GRR from the top. Wow, nice scenery! Nice little visit at the ski lifts but the bugs! These suckers have no mercy, they fly directly into your mouth if you open it for more than 2 seconds. Some of the mean little suckers bit HB so hard they drew blood.

It was our first time on the descent and knowing there were plenty of loose rocks, we babied it. On the way down we ran into Joe and Tony. Couple of cool guys that seemed interested in our trip. We ended up talking for a while as the two know plenty about the local mountains and surrounding areas. Not to mention they are cyclists themselves. It was a nice chat with the guys!

By the time we reached the bottom, our arms were TIRED! It's tough trying to hold back on a steep unknown descent but it's better than eating it ha ha!



Waterfall


Tony and Joe


Cajon Pass and Adelanto


Over looking GMR/GRR


The WALL

ChrisO

Looks like a heck of a fun way to spend a day. Enjoyed the pics, thanks. I miss the smell of the forests in that area; totally different than the forests up here.

Mr. Beanz

Thanks! Yes, good to mix up the terrain although I can't compare to Wa, never been there but I bet they got some good stuff out there!

freighttraininguphill

Freight train, freight train, freight train! Guess where I would be if it weren't so far away and I had a properly fitting mtb? I LOVE high altitude climbs! I feel stronger up there and the air smells wonderful.

That steep part would be a great sufferfest if it were a road climb. No chance of wheel spin then.

Mr. Beanz

Funny, the high altitude make no difference to me one way or another. Only difference I noticed was the millions MORE of them icky bugs!

The grade was not all that part for most of he ride. But where it was steep, it was loose terrain that made it tougher to climb.

The WALL, I "MIGHT" be able to climb it on a roadie with a triple. The pics don't do the grade justice. It's maybe 100 yards long but walking and pushing my bike up, I had to stop 4 times for a break!

socalrider

I've known Tony for many years, 20 years back he was quite an accomplished climber doing El Capitan in Yosemite and even today he is very strong rider.

Mr. Beanz

Elevation Gain: 2,470 ft in 4.9 miles
Min Elevation: 6,206 ft
Max Elevation: 8,573 ft
4.5 average

profile from HB's Garmin

securedownload by gulpxtreme, on Flickr

Mr. Beanz

Tony was a cool dude, very friendly. Joe was pretty quiet, got to wonder what he was thinking.

jboyd

Jealous......that is all I have to say :-)

iforgotmename

Cool ride Did you melt your brake pads on the way down

Mr. Beanz

It sure felt like it while descending, but no. I did let go a few times but the speed didn't explode like I thought it would. Maybe because of the rocks and soft surface. My max speed was only 26. Having to dodge boulder after boulder etc forced us to ride the brakes. If it had ben as smooth as the other fireroads we ride, we could have flown down the mountain.