Climbing Hwy 39 to Hwy 2

This weekend was my turn to visit my dad in LA, and coincidentally, I got an invite to do a ride, starting at Encanto Park, going up Hwy 39 up to Hwy 2, then back. Now how I got the invite is quite interesting. Ken Mathis sent the email. He got my name originally from a ride invite from Teresa Beck, who I know from Facebook, and who I met once at the Awards Breakfast for Ca Triple Crown. Now how did I get Teresa’s name via Facebook … well, who else …. Lynn. She knows everyone!

Anyways, there were 4 of us to go on this epic journey (epic for me at least). There was Mike, Ron Hanson, Ken, and I. As we went out on the bike trail, we were greeted by fierce headwinds. It seems like everytime I head out on the bike trail, I am greeted with headwinds.

Ken and Ron

Once we got on Hwy 39, the headwinds weren’t that much of an issue. We could concentrate on climbing, which is really what we’re here for. At 7 am, it is a bit crisp and just barely requires a light jacket. However, the sun came out pretty early. I didn’t want to stop either, and lose my momentum. One thing I did notice though, is there was plenty of bathroom stops along the highway. So I didn’t have to worry about finding a bush somewhere.

The pace leading out was not the usual pace I’m used to when I ride with Ramon, or Chris … I was in the middle of the pack, climbing-wise. However, perhaps it’s because Ron and Ken were pacing themselves. This is 6000 feet up … straight up, after all.

Heading out, my Garmin kept turning itself off … oops … low battery … damn.  I guess I’m going to have to ride this the old fashioned way … by feel.

East Fork Road

Previously, when I climb Hwy 39, I usually hang a right on East Fork Road.  Usually it’s because I am on my way to either Glendora Mountain Road or Mt. Baldy.  So this is the first time I’ll climb beyond East Fork Road … I’ve always heard about this climb, but never really did it.

As Ron Hansen says, past East Fork Road is where the real climbing, or the fun begins.  Translation … hard climbing.  By this time, the sun was out in force, and it was gorgeous.  How can anyone look at this and not want to live in California?

As we got to steeper climbs, I ended up in the back again. My shoulder blade started getting stiff at this point, making my climbing a little weaker.  Since I didn’t have my Garmin to rely on, I had no idea how far we had come, or how far we have to go.

Halfway up Hwy 39 at the Road Closure

Halfway up the climb, we get to the Hwy 39 Road Close sign. This was a nice break from the climb, and gave us an opportunity for a little bit of rest, at least. What’s nice here is we have the whole road to ourself till we get to Hwy 2, at least.

Mountain Biker with Ski Boots and Skis

Here’s something you don’t see everyday … even on a bike ride. Here was this guy, in ski boots, carrying his skis, with the ultimate intentions of skiing. I mean, he’s in his ski boots. Later on, when I was descending, I saw him hovering around the Crystal Lake turnoff (which is closed by the way … weird).

Anyhow, the climbing continued, and it would just be continuing, at about a 5-8% grade for about 30 miles. We had done about 20 miles already, and this is where fatigue started to settle in. Before this, the longest sustained mountain climb I did was Mt. Hamilton, which was 20 miles … but we definitely surpassed this.

Wow, I'm really high up .. 5000 feet elevation

I'll have to go down those roads eventually

This is definitely a ride that categorizes as HTFU … but one thing that kept me going is the amazing scenery, mixed in with an almost perfect weather day.  We got to a point eventually where we passed some black ice.  Funny how a harmless little wet patch of road can cause such horror in a cyclist.  I could tell, as I rolled over that wet patch, I felt my wheel slip, but luckily it wasn’t too bad, and I did not end up on the ground.

I was really struggling at this point, but I wanted to go as far as I could possibly go.  My shoulders, back, knee … were all screaming out in pain.  Unfortunately, I forgot my Ibuprofen and my electrolyte pills, so I couldn’t replenish myself.  All I had were clif bars, perpetuem, and water, and I was constantly going through those.  I got to one point where I just had to throw in the towel.  I saw one more climb, and that was it.  I was really bummed, as I did not want to “give up”, but I just could not take any more of it.  Later on, I found out from Ken that I had < 1 mile before the top.  I kind of figured that, but I just didn’t have it in me.

So I turned back, and was descending really slow, especially with that patch of black ice.  Plus, it’s another opportunity to enjoy the scenery.  However, it was not all completely downhill.  The section below East Fork Road had some uphill pitches, and after climbing 6000+ feet climbing, my legs were definitely feeling it.

One oddity .. the original ridewithgps plot showed 57 miles, and 8100 feet climbing.  Not sure about that, since the peak of the climb was at 6670 feet.  I’d be fine with 55 miles, and 7000 feet.  Great day for a ride.

 

Feels Like Springtime … in January

Ah yes, to live in California.  The sun was out, nice blue skies, with some high clouds way on top.  It’s weekends like this where we are glad we are living in California, and not surviving through 10 F weather, like in Chicago or Pittsburgh.

Ooh, the struggles we have … I had to go find sunscreen on Friday.  We don’t want to get sun burned after all.  I guess you could have worse things … like a cold wind burn?

So Pete and I decided to take advantage of the great weather and do the Tiburon loop from the GG visitor’s center. Carl joined us at the start, and Ramon arrived a little later. It was actually warm enough to take off our jackets.

After the first climb up Camino Alto, Ramon broke off to do a more manly ride … up Mt. Tam.  But this is my recovery day, so I don’t mind making it a lazy Sunday.  Tiburon loop was recently re-paved, and it felt really nice.  The climbs are pretty gentle, but enough to get your legs working and moving.  After several miles on the loop, I started to fall behind, and Carl found his legs, and just started distancing the rest of us.  I found myself trailing in my usual position … the back.

Then, I suddenly see Pete’s single speed, leaned up against an outhouse.  So decision time … do I hold the door, and prevent him from coming out, or take a picture just as he exits … well, as the pic above shows, it’s the latter.  I should have done the former … it would have been hilarious.

Riding with Pete is such a blast, especially when we ride through his maze of back door routes.  The views from the Sausalito side are amazing … pictures wouldn’t do it justice, so I didn’t bother to take any pics.  However, riding through Sausalito near lunch time can be pretty hazardous.  I’m not a city rider, but that gives me a short taste of it.

It was a short but great ride … always good to ride with friends, and just goof the time away … although, maybe next time, I’ll bring my fixie.

When we got back to Sports Basement, they had some cute dogs just begging to be taken by a foster parent.  Pete just couldn’t resist, and had to handle one.  Well, it was enough for him to throw his name in the hat … they later asked him to come get him, pronto!  And Pete, why didn’t I pull you away???  Well, she belongs to you.

Finally Back in the Saddle Again

OMG, I finally got on my bike this weekend.  I can’t believe this is the first time I was able to ride this year.  I had to miss two weekends of great riding weather due to being on-call … and spent the entire time indoors.  So I was really excited to get on my bike, especially since Camino Real is 1 month away, and I fear I have lost a lot of fitness and endurance.

I was going to do a 100 mile ride today, just as my first step in preparation for the double century.  I was originally going to meet a few friends in Woodside, and in my mind, I was thinking of meeting at 8:30 am.  Well, I was thinking 1.5 hours to get there, but I was also thinking of meeting possibly Ramon at 7 am at Bicycle Outfitters (it turned out he had to go into the office, so that part of the plan was moot).  To meet up at Bicycle Outfitters by 7 am, I would have to leave the house by 6:30 am.  But wait … it only takes 1.5 hours to get to Woodside … why the heck am I leaving at 6:30 am to get to Bicycle Outfitters by 7 am.  With that schedule, I would get to Woodside by 8 am.  Oops … I guess not being able to ride the weekends has really screwed up my scheduling for rides.

Anyhow, Michael and Ramon had to bail, so I went solo.  At 8:30 am, it was still pretty cold out there.  I still had to have my jacket on, but the weather report said it would be pretty warm.  I hope they are right.

OLH was pretty busy today, so that meant I wouldn’t be by myself climbing this road.  With two weekends (actually three, since New Year’s was rainy weather), I knew I was not fit … and my time up OLH showed … only did it in 30 minutes.

I decided to take it pretty leisurely on this ride, so I stopped many many times.  One of the was at Hwy 84 and Hwy 35 intersection.  A lot of motorcyclists hang out at this corner, and Alice’s Restaurant is famous for catering to riders for brunch.  The line of motorcycles parked in front of the restaurant is prevalent, but not many cyclists.  One of these days, I gotta saddle up in there, to see what the big hub-bub is with this famous landmark.

Ok, onto Hwy 84, en route to San Gregorio.  On the way there, in La Honda, I was paramedic truck roll out.  Sirens were blasting, and the first thing that came to my mind was not a fire, but an accident on the road.  Hopefully it’s not a cyclist, and it wasn’t.  However, it was a motorcyclist.  I recall when I was riding down 84, I was buzzed by some speeding crotch-rockets … and whaddayaknow … the one down was one of those motorcyclists.  I saw that someone was holding their hands to the guy’s neck … that’s not a good sign.  I didn’t stick around there, so I went ahead and moved on.

By this time, the sun was out, and my jacket was off, and it felt really nice.  Normally, when heading towards the coast, I should be suffering through some headwinds, but I didn’t.  The ride out to San Gregorio was pretty easy actually.  I am just hoping that doesn’t translate to a headwind when I head back.

I proceeded to climb 2 of the 3 sisters on Stage Road.  For those unaware, usually, there are 3 hills when climbing Stage Road going northbound, and each of the hills represents one of the sisters.  I don’t know who came up with this, but this is a tradition within the cycling community in the Bay Area.

It was so clear out, I could even see a view of the ocean.

I got into Pescadero by around 11 am. It wasn’t too packed at that time. I guess it was still a little early, so I took my time chowing down on my turkey sandwich. Oh that felt good after a brisk 50 miles.

I was originally going to do a loop out to Pigeon Point Lighthouse but decided to skip it. So I went straight back on Pescadero Creek Rd, and as I feared, I am treated with headwinds, headind for Haskins Hill.

By the time I got to Haskins Hill, my legs felt like lead. It just dis not want to move. On my way there, I saw my good friend Paula, who was just leaving for errands. That gave me a little boost but that didn’t last long. Finally, made it to the summit, and ready for a much needed breather and a nice descent, before climbing West Alpine, which I’m not looking forward to.

It was really slow going, but I knew I had at least 4 more hours of sunlight, so that kept me going.  I didn’t pass anyone, and yes, I did get passed by a few groups.  At this point, I just wanted the ride to be over.  The fantastic weather kind of kept me going but I was going really slow … I think I was hovering around 4 mph most of the way.  About 1/2 mile from the summit, Ramon passes me.  So we did hook up after all, even if it was just a short bit.  This was the last climb of the day, and I just wanted to get home, so I took the quickest, least climbing route back home.

By the time I got home, I had a whopping 84 miles, and 6400 feet of climbing.  That was one tough ride, and a tough day.  At least it gives me a gauge of where I am in preparation for the double.  I need more miles, and need to build up the endurance.  Three weekends without riding definitely has taken its toll on me.

California Triple Crown Schedule is Posted

Finally, now I can schedule my triple crown schedule.

California Triple Crown Doubles Calendar
Date	Ride Name	Polar Elevation Gain*	Highlights
02/19/11	Camino Real Double	8,800	Ride the best of Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties. Kick off the New Year!!
02/26/11	Death Valley Spring Double	9,000	Classic southern route past Badwater and over the passes to Shoshone and back.
03/26/11	Solvang Spring Double	7,200	Lush green rolling country roads Good first Double on a beautiful course!!
04/09/11	Mulholland Double	16,470	Climb the Canyons in the Santa Monica Mountains A dramatic, epic, diverse, and beautiful course!!
04/16/11	Hemet D.C.	7,800	1st 100 mile loop is fast – 2nd 100 is more challenging Includes Wine country and several lakes
04/30/11	Devil Mountain Double	18,600	Extremely tough Northern California Double Climb two highest paved peaks in Bay Area!! 2011 California Triple Crown Stage Race Double
05/14/11	Central Coast Double	14,000	Climb through scenic back roads!! Explore the superb Central Coast
05/21/11	Davis Double	8,400	Beautiful Rivers and Lakes Most popular Double in California
05/28/11	Heartbreak Double	15,300	From Palmdale, ride on roads less traveled Climb Apache Saddle and Heartbreak
06/04/11	Eastern Sierra Double	10,100	Ride road bike heaven! Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, and more with the pristine Sierra Nevada as your inspiration.
06/11/11	Alta Alpina 8 Pass Challenge	20,300	Extremely tough Northern California Double Stunning scenery, smooth pavement, just a dozen stop signs
06/11/11	Classic Tour of Two Forests Double	13,300	Traverses the Angeles and Los Padres National Forest Beautiful climbs up Matilija & Heartbreak
06/18/11	Terrible Two	16,480	Extremely tough Northern California Double Steep Climbs and lots of heat!! 2011 California Triple Crown Stage Race Double
06/25/11	Grand Tour	5,200 – 8,500	200, 300, 400 Mile Options The original Double in the U.S.!!
08/06/11	Mt. Tam Double	14,500	Great climbs & technical descents Redwoods, grasslands & lakes with stunning ocean views 2011 California Triple Crown Stage Race Double
09/10/11	White Mountain Double	11,500	If cycling on smooth roads with very low traffic to the highest summit in the CTC is important, then this is an important ride
09/24/11	Knoxville Fall Classic Double	12,600	Ride some very special Northern California roads Friendly, social ride with no recorded times
09/25/11	California Triple Crown Awards Breakfast	ZERO!!	Stage Race Winners will receive awards See who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame
10/08/11	Bass Lake Powerhouse Double	9,400	Enjoy the Western Sierra Scenery including Pine Flat Lake and Bass Lake.
10/15/11	Solvang Autumn Double	10,300	Spectacular route in popular cycling region Significantly more challenging than Solvang Spring Double
10/29/11	Death Valley Fall Double	9,100	Northern route in Mother Nature’s greatest sports arena Visit Scotty’s Castle, Ubehebe Crater, and Hell’s Gate
11/05/11	Borrego Double Ordeal	14,900	Beautiful climbs up Montezuma and Mesa Grande Awesome 4,000 Foot descent down Banner Grade to finish

So I am planning on the following:

2/19 – Camino Real Double
3/26 – Solvang Spring Double
4/30 – Volunteer for Devil Mountain’s Double (is the volunteer ride the week before or the week after)?
5/21 – Davis Double
6/25 – Grand Tour
9/24 – Knoxville Fall Classic

Maybe’s include Bass Lake and Autumn Solvang Double, but not sure yet.  I’m even contemplating Central Coast Double, instead of Davis.  That’s about 4,000 extra feet of climbing.  Am I insane for even thinking about doing that?

For the next two years, they are going to do a northern cal stage race for 2011, and a southern cal stage race for 2012.  I like this idea, giving everyone an opportunity to do local rides, instead of driving clear across the other end of the state, just to do the next ride in the stage race.  Kudos to Chuck Bramwell and the CTC team for doing this.

You Mean You Don’t Have Monday 1/3/11 Off???

I was fortunate to get the Monday after New Year’s off.  I guess they figured 2 days to give us an extra day to round out the number of holidays, and I thought everyone had that day off too … well, I was wrong.  My friend Jack thought he had the day off, so I was going to meet him in Palo Alto to do King’s Mountain … but reality sunk him … everyone’s in the office.  Oh well, so I guess I had to go to Plan B …. Mt. Umunhum.

One thing I had to realize … since a lot of other people went back to work today, riding through busier streets are a bit more dangerous.  I realized that really quickly, when a Prius was breathing down my back as I was in the right turn lane.  Jeez!

I was lucky to get at least one day without rains, but it was still a cold adventure out there.  It started out pretty sunny, but as luck would have it, the further I climbed, the cloudier, and colder it got.  The cold really does affect my performance, and I was not really feeling it out there … I was not out to break any speed records, so I saved myself, as the steep part on Hicks really sucks.

Made it this far, might as well head up to Umunhum

Well, I made it this far, and Mt. Umunhum is just ahead … might as well forge ahead and say hello to the white albino.  When you look at the hill from the parking lot, it looks really steep, but when you start going, it’s really not that bad.  Of course, on a sunnier day, the view would be awesome, but beggars can’t be choosers.

The cube, is so close, yet so far away

Of course, with any climb, the more you climb, the steeper it gets.  Why is that?  Anyhow, at least I didn’t have to worry about dehydration too much … sunshine is not an issue here, but I wish it were just a little warmer.  I did see one other cyclist ahead of me … he was definitely not in a hurry … he had mountain biking gearing, with what looked like a 32-34, or something like that.  However, I did seem to be breathing much harder than he was.

Overlooking Silicon Valley from Mt. Umunhum

I get to the gate, and I could go up some more, till I get to the no trespassing banner, but I just wasn’t in the mood today.  I was content with just enjoying what view I have before me.

And now the fun part … or the scary part … descending back down the hill.  The terrain wasn’t as bad as I remember it, but maybe it’s because the last time, I went up a little further, and it had more potholes.  Whatever … all I knew was I was not in a hurry to get down.  Actually, the switchbacks descending Umunhum wasn’t too bad … it’s when you get down on Hicks, on the steep section, what can be a bit hairy.

Coming back, all I knew is I wanted some hot soup.  Just hope I don’t catch a cold from this.

Not the Normal California New Year’s Day

2010 is now gone, and time to welcome in 2011.  Usually, the new year presents us with nice California style weather, but on new year’s day, we woke up to rain and cold weather.  Hey, this is California, sun, shine, remember?  I had plans to start my double training on New Year’s  Day, with a 90 miler.  Well, I guess having some rain here and there is good, but not for new years!  I should have gone down to Southern Cal, as I could see the sunshine on the Rose Parade.

The rain did stop, and stayed away for the good part of the day.  I finally was able to get out for a short afternoon ride … at least I could say I went out for a ride on New Year’s Day.  Even though the temp was 50 F, it still felt chilly out there.  Cold at first, but then warmed up the longer I sustained a > 80 rpm cadence.  Even though I warmed up, my extremities still felt cold … so I went to King Noodle, to hopefully spice up my internals … so I had some Curry Chicken, but it was weak.  No spice at all … next time, I’m going to Thai Spice … it’s much better there.

I was doing some errands, and somehow, I ended up at Best Buy, and low and behold, I ended up with a Dynex 32″ HD TV in my car.  Damn impulse buy.  I guess this is my christmas present that I treated myself to.

I figured it’s about time to upgrade my old, tubed TV with a more recent LCD HD TV.  Wow, what a difference.  My old JVC TV was a 27″, and it was so heavy.  I guess if I had to keep lifting this TV, it could help build up my upper body.  The 32″ Dynex was about 10 times lighter.  After a few setups, the huge difference between an HD channel vs. a n0n-HD channel.  You can really tell the difference watching NFL.  Images are much more crisp, and much brighter, and the contrast is so much clearer.  I guess the next step is to upgrade to Digital Cable … no ESPN, and no Versus.

Oh, and this TV does have HDMI inputs, so at least I can finally take advantage of the HDMI output on my DroidX.