AkAk2000

You can always take next weekend off. 85 miles won't mean nothin' to your knee. Besides, you might have Big John all to yo' sef'. Very rare, for a man that makes Warren Jeffs look like he's wanting for female companionship.

merider1

As much as I love having Big John all to myself and I know he'd take care of me and I know the ride is going to be amazing, and I know that I don't really need that silly little knee anyway , I already turned my filthy bike in to my lbs for an overhaul (full service and wheel set swap). I can't get my bike back until tomorrow after 4pm tomorrow. So, no can do.

valleygirl

Darn , I wish I was going on this one. I'm a bit surprised there are not more going , It's one of the best routes.

merider1

Hey Cathy. I'm really hurting or I would have gone. I'm hoping to sweet talk John or Bob into doing it another time (as in, again). But I fear we are running into colder weather which will make the ride unbearable. Maybe next year...

VanceMac

John and Paul, I'm about 90% in. I just need to wake up in time. Hope to see you up there.

VanceMac

Okay, do I have this right:

vertical bob

NOAA has the low overnight up there at 31

big john

Vance, see you there. Looks like just 6 of us.

VanceMac

Wow, this was an incredible ride! Okay, sure, it was 36 degrees when we started (!), but it warmed up quickly and the scenery was amazing. It was like a crisp, autumn new england autumn day, which is perfect for cycling (with the right gear).

big john

I had a great time, even though I had no legs and slowed everyone down. Thanks to the 6 riders who showed and special thanks to Pete for blocking some of that wind in Lockwood Valley. It never ceases to amaze me how beautiful that ride is. Truly a memorable day.

vertical bob

Glad you had a good ride guys, sorry I missed it.

merider1

Are you not feeling well?

awiner

Bob decided to renegade the Angeles Crest 100 today....

Happytime

What was the right gear? I'm trying to imagine GMR/Baldy tomorrow morning.

VanceMac

You have a tough one there, Joy. Looks like wind chill below 50 when you start, but climbing will heat you up. And then descent will probably be chilly. If it were me, I'd probably just suffer for the first hour and dress for the climbing. But most people are smarter, and layer up... peeling them off when you hit the sunny climbing. Also, I know several people who always wear knee warmers below 60 degrees... not so much because they are cold, but for better knee health. Seems wise.

Sadly, my knees are a little hot from today, so I think I'm bailing on GMR tomorrow.

Happytime

Thanks Vance. Hope you can still meet ME and me at Wood Ranch for lunch tomorrow. Dorothy, too!

pailrider

You didn't slow us down at all.....the wind in Lockwood, however, did a good job of it. This ride was over the top beautiful- crisp weather, crystal clear air, no traffic after leaving 33 and a small dose of fall colors before the climb up Heartbreak...thanks for inviting me along!!

AkAk2000

This was a GREAT ride. Most exhilarating and scenic roads I've ever ridden in California. The first 30 miles through the Los Padres forest ("Land of Many Uses") was the E ticket. Beautiful terrain, serpentine roads, awesome views of the San Joaquin Valley.

Was a fast and efficient crew out there. If folks have never ridden with the SFVBC, they are all serious cyclists, and they are all about the ride. Five minute breaks max (except for lunch), tight pacelines, get er done.

Nearly bailed on this ride. Checked NOAA.gov this morning, and they had a Hazardous Weather Advisory out for the area. Said that winds would be 43-45 knots, with gusts up to 65. Couple that with starting temps in the 30s, and it was looking brutal. Lesson learned: NOAA.gov, and other weather services, can often be wrong. Don't let them ruin your ride. For the most part, the day was glorious.

John, thanks for organizing this ride. Your worst day on the bike matches up with the best day of many.

Thanks to John, Pete, Bill, Randy, Laura, and Vance for a great ride.

VanceMac

Paul, do you have pic of your new roadie to share with everyone, now that "jake the snake" has been put out to pasture?

merider1

Wow, Paul. Thanks for the mini report. Yes, Big John has the goods when it comes to rides. He and Bob and that whole group are wonderful to ride with. I'm never not moved by the terrain and beauty on the type of day you describe. I can't wait to do this ride...hopefully next year or sooner.

vertical bob

I think it would have been better if I had gone with you guys yesterday, I feel like a freshly roasted nut.