Mr. Beanz

6/9......Found out my neighbor likes cycling. Not as involved as most of us yet. More into riding to the gym type of rider. Big dude, about 6'3 and 250 (?). He had asked about our cycling after seeing us unloading the bikes. So he asked to go sometime towards Baldy. Not so sure he realized what he had gotten himself into and I tried to explain. So we make a date for a ride and off we go!

The plan was 8 miles to the shack on GMR (2200 ft gain). After the first mile he looked as if he was about to call it a day. I used some of the Mr. Beanz sugar coating of the ride. Relax, the first 2 is the toughest. He fell for it! Just kidding. IMO, it is the toughest. I tried to calm him down and slow down his pace and effort. Relax dude, we aren't racing! Our goal is to make the climb but if you can't, I have no problem heading down. But when we get back down, you'll immediately get the "I could have done more" feelings. That one gets 'em every time.

Well he was able to think it over and relax. I'm really expecting him to call it quits after 2 miles but he preses on. The more he rides, the more relaxed he looks. at 4 miles, I'm thinking there's a chance he's going all the way. Well, the talking to himself sort of suggested he was determined. "You can do this! You can do this!" he repeats to himself. Well at 6 miles, he's not looking real good but he continues to press on. 7 miles, he's not smiling anymore.

But the last stretch to the shack, he's raising his arm in victory. Just as I'm prepared to stop, he say she's going a little more! We roll up to the rock wall above the shack and the dude is all smiles. He did it! Holy smokes, on an MTB with knobbies! Cool Beanz! It's always nice to be part of encouraging a rider or new rider to do a little more than he thought possible. Not only did he conquer GMR, but he's got plans to return! HIllbasher showed up a bit late after a night of work, but he too was up on the mountain after a long 62 miler up to Cajon Pass on Wednesday.

When we first made the date to ride up GMR, he said to me,"I may not be at your level of riding, but I ain't no SISSY!" I guess he ain't ha ha!

volosong

You sure are so encouraging and inspirational. Almost makes me want to make the trek over the hill to ride with you ... (or at least "try" to ride with you - I'd just hold you back). Bet your neighbor loves the video you made of him.

Looks like the cyclist had GMR all to themselves. No cars!

Mr. Beanz

Thanks! I've offered lots of first time GMR riders to go up with me. A few have and loved it! Those that do swear and DO go back for seconds.

AND, many riders that say they'd "try" to ride with me end up kicking my butt!

I'm pretty sure the neighbor will be happy. He has made the ride from Upland to the beach (one way) in the past and said he was proud of that. But says after doing GMR, he sees what he has been missing! He was VERY proud of his accomplishment!

idoru2005

It's great how you have a 'strategy' for encouraging riders up the mountain. BTW, I've really been pondering doing a nighttime GMR/GRR ride. Anyone interested???

Mr. Beanz

stratedgy, It's called huffing and puffing and riding slow hahaha!

Hillbasher

Well August 13th is a Saturday which is also the night of the FULL MOON. I have been up GMR on full moon nights and it is indeed an experience like none other. Seeing how that would give everyone a chance to plan on the date, as your attorney, I advise you to put a ride together for then. I also advise you to get in touch with Mr. Beanz about this, as he has plenty of experience in putting rides together on this board. and is the local GMR expert. I also advise you to put a check in the mail addressed to myself, as my advice doesn't come for free. Well ok, maybe it does, but a sixpack would do wonders to retaining said advice.

Mr. Beanz

Haha! I'm not really into the organizing side of the rides. I'm more of the "I'll try to make it for some pics and vids if I can" side of the rides.

Although the last couple of times I rode GMR at night, my material didn't show much!......No big flood lights or night vision lenses or goggles.

Genaro

I know you're not into the organization part of it, but if you endorse the GMR GRR ride that I posted, I'm sure all the Beanz fans will come and climb with us!

I was thinking of a post that would read "I'm Mr. Beanz and I approve this ride!!"

idoru2005

Seriously, all Beanz has to do is mention it on a few forums and his blog, and there will be dozens of riders up there including a few clubs!

Genaro

Just wait until we get the date locked in.

Mr. Beanz

Bwahahahaha! OK, let me kwow when the date is set and I'll post it on the forums and the blog.