Hollow_Cyclist

These routes might be familiar to the local riders.

Carbon canyon road from brea to chino hills.

That first significant climb before the steep but short decline...I would use my 50 tooth chainring and the biggest cog in the rear cassette on good days and manage to mash it over the top. However on some days I use the small chainring and use the 3rd cog from hub to climb easier although it still burns. What would the climbers use? I dont know if I am just a sissy when it comes to climbing (then again with anything that starts to burn) but recently I came to realize that I could be a wuss on how I tackle these climbs.

Carbon canyon road from chino hills to brea

That switchback hurts although its less than a mile long according to mapmyride.com So I am on the 1st cog from hub in the back and the small chainring on my compact crankset on that final turn where its briefly over 15% grade. I keep this ratio for atleast the last half of this switchback and then move to 3rd from hub on the cassette before the descent and then switch to bigger chainring.




Grand Avenue from Chino hills parkway towards Diamond bar blvd.

Those hills kill me for some reason? Im on my 1st cog from hub and smallest chainring going up those hills. Maybe I am being a wuss but it burns like hell.


The point of this thread is to find out if I am just not using the right ratios for these climbs. When I was living somewhere else, there was this hill that climbs roughly 2 or 3 miles at an average of 6 to 7 percent grade and my first time through, I already burned out in the first mile using a higher ratio and I had to stop briefly in the last few hundred yards before going over the summit. Since then I learned to start with smaller ratios. Am I doing this wrong or doing this right?

Mr. Beanz

It all depends on your style. I myself take Grand hills by dropping down to my 39/25 and spin up. I might drop 2 or 3 cogs at the top to push up as I crest the hill depending on how much I had left in the tank.

From what I read in your post is that you need to do more climbing. When I first started climbing, I though Grand was a tough climb. I never thought the Carbon Cyn climb you mention was a climb. IMO, that's the easy way through CC.

After I started climbing more frequently, we'd do Grand to Diamand Bar Blvd, Brea, Lambert, back thru CC. Then do Grand again over Mt Sac to Holt (10 Fwy), up Covina HIlls Pwky then up Via Verde to Raging Waters, then back to Grand. 55 mile loop including two trips across Grand Ave.

I don't think it matters what gear or technique you use, it's more about more climbing and better conditioning!

Grand Ave from Chino Hills? DO repeats. Climb it,then descend it then do it again, maybe 4 or 5 times. It'll get better!

Hollow_Cyclist

It looks like I am going to have my bike till I get sent away for duty in January. I went on a recon drive to mount baldy because I am thinking of riding up mount baldy. But when I was driving through, I totally became discouraged. I agree I need to do more climbing but it hurts like hell and what I enjoy most about cycling is the touring aspects of it. That I can ride and get somewhere on my own two legs that seemed unfathomable as a kid. Now its not far-fetched for me to ride a century even though I get cooked on climbs every single time.

Considering how much agony I go through when I climb, I think its amazing what the pros can do. I only climb when I feel like a challenge or when I didnt do enough research and ended up on a route with climbs I didnt expect. I get through it all but I dont think I would accidentally stumble upon a mountain like mount baldy ever in my life. Maybe in a few years I will try glendora mountain road or mount baldy. Until then, I am satisfied just being out there and enjoying the fresh air.

Mr. Beanz

Ahhhhh BULL! I've seen an 80 y/o couple cruise their way up GMR. They only rode to the shack like several riders do. But they had a GREAT time as they told me of their trip. It doesn't take anything or anyone special to hit the shack. My wife has done it about 6 or 7 times eventhough she thought she never would.

Quit thinking about the sissy la-la pain and enjoy the ride. Get out there and do it! Once you hit the shack, you'll be ready to hit another 5 on the next trip. Then the village on the next.

Don't do Mt Baldy Rd. That's steep. GMR is enjoyable

Too many riders wuss on GMR with a hundred and one excuses. MY wife has one kidney, 7 grandkids and has done it on an old 1984 steel bike. IF she can do it, all these hi tech bikes and riders can do it. I don't understand the wussy "I won't even try riders"

FWIW, GMR is more enjoyable than Grand ave. Longer and a rider has a chance to find a groove. Grand is tough cause you never find your pace.

Might not be your situation but I can't understand some of these riders. Superlight bikes, compact cranks, climbing wheels, but won't attempt GMR to the shack.

Every rider I've talked into riding GMR with me has made it to the shack. (first 8 miles) I mean EVERY rider! Even those that thought they couldn't. It's more "quit crying and just do it!". I don't understand the fear. I along with several others have accompanied first time riders and encouraged them up GMR. Funny thing, as far as forum members, I've seen more GIRLS go up GMR on the most recent forum rides than Guys, now C'mon!

John R

Damn! I'm just getting warmed up by the time I get to the shack. Glendora Mountain Road is probably the best climb in Southern California. Like anything else you can't expect to hammer up a 20 mile climb your first time out. You need to start out easy, use your lower gears and take your time . You might not make it to the top your first time, but if your consistant in your riding, strenght will build and you will see improvments every time out. I try to climb 3000 ft at least once a week through out the winter and more in the summer months.

blarnie

Don't worry about it. Just go as far as you feel comfortable, then turn around. Next time, if you're feeling good then do some more. It's a ride. Supposed to be fun. And when you're in better condition, the bigger climbs won't be a worry.

Eat, hydrate and stay out of the red zone.

GMR is a nice climb. Nothing dramatic. The wind on some days can be a little much. GRR can seem narrow, cause it is.

JustMe

If climbing isn't your cup of tea, don't take up touring. A trip along the coast will get you 2000 to 2500 feet of vertical in 30 to 35 miles without ever getting more than 350ft. above sea level.