Where did you ride in Southern California today?
#1676
Junior Member
Crashed the start of RAAM.
Saw about half dozen teams depart then hit the trail. Got dropped hard by the three teams that came from behind me. Got a pull off one of them for about a mile.
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#1677
velo-dilettante
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Woke up late yesterday and had to do some urgent work so did not get to try 2seven0 's route above. So went for my second ride on Santiago Canyon Road east bound. Same distance as most of my usual rides (low to mid 30 miles) but almost twice the climbing. Might need to switch from my 12-25 cassette to my 11-28 cassette if this becomes even a semi-regular ride.
#1678
Method to My Madness
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I will soon give the 11-28 cassette a try to see if I can deal with the 17T to 15T jump. I definitely could not when I first joined BF in late 2020 (to discuss the holy grail of making a Frankenstein 12-28 cassette rather than buying the Dura-Ace version), but you guys in this subforum have inspired me to do more climbing so hopefully I am marginally stronger now.
#1679
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Broke the trend staying in the hills and took the 29er on an O/B to Seal Beach over Turnbull Cyn and down the SGRT.
First ride south in about a year. Some observations: the SGRT was not blocked by tents and garbage from Dunlop Crossing all the way to Trails End. Secondly, I arrived at SB about 0930 and the parking lot was half empty with not much going on. Guess gas prices had something to do with that as a sunny 75F spring day would usually be a lot more crowded. Third, never saw so many MTB e-bikes; I'll never get it.
60 miles and a couple of moderate climbs make for a good workout.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39887826
First ride south in about a year. Some observations: the SGRT was not blocked by tents and garbage from Dunlop Crossing all the way to Trails End. Secondly, I arrived at SB about 0930 and the parking lot was half empty with not much going on. Guess gas prices had something to do with that as a sunny 75F spring day would usually be a lot more crowded. Third, never saw so many MTB e-bikes; I'll never get it.
60 miles and a couple of moderate climbs make for a good workout.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39887826
#1680
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Recently, when I hike Peter's Canyon with my son, I would say there are about the same number of e-bikes as unassisted gravel or mountain bikes. However, there is still hope. The steepest sections are dominated by unassisted mountain bikes. I saw a very fit woman spin all the way up the steepest section of the East Ridge View Trail, at below hiking speed. That was impressive because I had never seen any bike on the East Ridge View Trail.
#1681
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I will soon give the 11-28 cassette a try to see if I can deal with the 17T to 15T jump. I definitely could not when I first joined BF in late 2020 (to discuss the holy grail of making a Frankenstein 12-28 cassette rather than buying the Dura-Ace version), but you guys in this subforum have inspired me to do more climbing so hopefully I am marginally stronger now.
Last edited by diphthong; 06-20-22 at 01:01 AM.
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#1682
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Climbing Gears
FWIW: I switched to an Ultegra GS RDR and 11-34 cassette (previously 11-28) mated with a 50/34 crankset on my 17 lbs road bike for a trip up to the Eastern Sierra a few years ago. I was heavy for road cycling standards at that time at 6'2" 220 lbs.
The differences were two fold. First, I could ride longer because I was no longer mashing and tiring on long climbs nearly as fast.
Secondly, I could find a suitable rhythm without going into zone 4.
I no longer feared mountains as an embarrassment as I was quickly passed by more fit and lighter cyclists.
The downsides? Fine tuning the RDR adjustment became a chore because of the increased jumps in cog teeth.
I have a mix of 6800 and 8000 and I have learned that there is some finesse involved in gear shifts with wider gaps.
Higher cadence and planning ahead by shifting earlier to a higher cog tempering hard shifts helped a lot.
I find time and starting most rides from home now being bigger factors of where to ride.
I need to get faster to get back to the San Gabriel Mtns.
FWIW: I switched to an Ultegra GS RDR and 11-34 cassette (previously 11-28) mated with a 50/34 crankset on my 17 lbs road bike for a trip up to the Eastern Sierra a few years ago. I was heavy for road cycling standards at that time at 6'2" 220 lbs.
The differences were two fold. First, I could ride longer because I was no longer mashing and tiring on long climbs nearly as fast.
Secondly, I could find a suitable rhythm without going into zone 4.
I no longer feared mountains as an embarrassment as I was quickly passed by more fit and lighter cyclists.
The downsides? Fine tuning the RDR adjustment became a chore because of the increased jumps in cog teeth.
I have a mix of 6800 and 8000 and I have learned that there is some finesse involved in gear shifts with wider gaps.
Higher cadence and planning ahead by shifting earlier to a higher cog tempering hard shifts helped a lot.
I find time and starting most rides from home now being bigger factors of where to ride.
I need to get faster to get back to the San Gabriel Mtns.
Last edited by CAT7RDR; 06-20-22 at 07:11 AM.
#1683
Method to My Madness
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you're in the oc...so you're relatively close to everything. yeah, the beach flats (and nearbys) are beautiful but the best scenic roads in socal are in the mtns. sorry. scr is awesome but it only gets better from there. if you're not racing, set the bike up with the long derailleur and for climbing. time to get you into the sammos or san gabes or san berdoos. you can crush the flattish miles to boredom come but there is much more to cycling life. you'll be surprised at how much you can experience/accomplish. if you can squeeze in a 30, 32 or 34, so much the better. you'll want it/need it soon enuff.
#1684
I like speed
Rode to Griffith Observatory from Encanto park with some friends. It's been a long time since going to Griffith and forgot how scenic the views are.
https://www.strava.com/activities/7330623030
As for the climbing conversation, I've had good luck with 50/34 chainrings and a 11-32 cassette. You have a decent granny gear for those 10%+ sections and the spacing isn't all that bad overall. I do find going from 28t to 32t to be weird at times since 4 teeth is a big jump in cadence and power. It takes time to find your climbing legs but there's tons of great places to ride and explore; sometimes we're too buried in the suffering to appreciate what's going on.
https://www.strava.com/activities/7330623030
As for the climbing conversation, I've had good luck with 50/34 chainrings and a 11-32 cassette. You have a decent granny gear for those 10%+ sections and the spacing isn't all that bad overall. I do find going from 28t to 32t to be weird at times since 4 teeth is a big jump in cadence and power. It takes time to find your climbing legs but there's tons of great places to ride and explore; sometimes we're too buried in the suffering to appreciate what's going on.
#1685
Method to My Madness
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Orange County, California
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I switched to an Ultegra GS RDR and 11-34 cassette (previously 11-28) mated with a 50/34 crankset on my 17 lbs road bike for a trip up to the Eastern Sierra a few years ago. I was heavy for road cycling standards at that time at 6'2" 220 lbs.
The differences were two fold. First, I could ride longer because I was no longer mashing and tiring on long climbs nearly as fast.
Secondly, I could find a suitable rhythm without going into zone 4.
I no longer feared mountains as an embarrassment as I was quickly passed by more fit and lighter cyclists.
The downsides? Fine tuning the RDR adjustment became a chore because of the increased jumps in cog teeth.
The differences were two fold. First, I could ride longer because I was no longer mashing and tiring on long climbs nearly as fast.
Secondly, I could find a suitable rhythm without going into zone 4.
I no longer feared mountains as an embarrassment as I was quickly passed by more fit and lighter cyclists.
The downsides? Fine tuning the RDR adjustment became a chore because of the increased jumps in cog teeth.
As for the climbing conversation, I've had good luck with 50/34 chainrings and a 11-32 cassette. You have a decent granny gear for those 10%+ sections and the spacing isn't all that bad overall. I do find going from 28t to 32t to be weird at times since 4 teeth is a big jump in cadence and power. It takes time to find your climbing legs but there's tons of great places to ride and explore; sometimes we're too buried in the suffering to appreciate what's going on.
#1686
Habitual User
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Struggles with schedule, health, and motivation have kept my riding over the last few months pretty minimal, but I'm starting to get things turned around. Yesterday, I joined the group ride I used to do regularly (mostly ex-racers, moderate pace with a few spicy bits).
https://www.strava.com/activities/7335935500
I was expecting to stretch my endurance limits, but I felt fine in that regard. My power, however, is terrible. Based on what I'm seeing on Zwift, my FTP ahs probably dropped at least 50 watts.
New adventures await. I'm expecting delivery of a new (used) MTB any day - 2019 Trek Procaliber 9.9 SL.
https://www.strava.com/activities/7335935500
I was expecting to stretch my endurance limits, but I felt fine in that regard. My power, however, is terrible. Based on what I'm seeing on Zwift, my FTP ahs probably dropped at least 50 watts.
New adventures await. I'm expecting delivery of a new (used) MTB any day - 2019 Trek Procaliber 9.9 SL.
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#1687
velo-dilettante
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Struggles with schedule, health, and motivation have kept my riding over the last few months pretty minimal, but I'm starting to get things turned around. Yesterday, I joined the group ride I used to do regularly (mostly ex-racers, moderate pace with a few spicy bits).
https://www.strava.com/activities/7335935500
I was expecting to stretch my endurance limits, but I felt fine in that regard. My power, however, is terrible. Based on what I'm seeing on Zwift, my FTP ahs probably dropped at least 50 watts.
New adventures await. I'm expecting delivery of a new (used) MTB any day - 2019 Trek Procaliber 9.9 SL.
https://www.strava.com/activities/7335935500
I was expecting to stretch my endurance limits, but I felt fine in that regard. My power, however, is terrible. Based on what I'm seeing on Zwift, my FTP ahs probably dropped at least 50 watts.
New adventures await. I'm expecting delivery of a new (used) MTB any day - 2019 Trek Procaliber 9.9 SL.
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#1688
velo-dilettante
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local/metro san diego. yawnfest except for hitting cabrillo national monument and the tidepools climb.
https://www.strava.com/activities/7342069083
looking to hit peevee mañana. previewing a 50-miler that i'll be leading around there in a few weeks.
https://www.strava.com/activities/7342069083
looking to hit peevee mañana. previewing a 50-miler that i'll be leading around there in a few weeks.
#1689
I like speed
Unlike you LA guys, I have a meager and narrow power band, so a 11-34 cassette would not work. With a 12-25 cassette, I can always be in the right gear (at least on my regular routes). As for being passed by fitter and lighter cyclists when going uphill, that is just physics; cannot fight it. I think the outside temperature has a bigger effect on my HR zone than my cassette or my route.
I actually started with a 11-32 but I often felt I need to be in between two adjacent gears, and the 16T to 14T jump was almost always too big to sustain. If the 11-28 works out, I think the biggest cassette for me (when using 50/34 chain rings) would be a 11-30.
I actually started with a 11-32 but I often felt I need to be in between two adjacent gears, and the 16T to 14T jump was almost always too big to sustain. If the 11-28 works out, I think the biggest cassette for me (when using 50/34 chain rings) would be a 11-30.
#1690
velo-dilettante
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#1691
Full Member
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Just curious did you go up or down Anchovy that's a killer little climb!
The views (esp. when the sky is clear) atop the switchbacks on PVD East are spectacular.
West
Just curious did you go up or down Anchovy that's a killer little climb!
The views (esp. when the sky is clear) atop the switchbacks on PVD East are spectacular.
West
#1692
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For my next bike, yes, but my current bike is a rim brake frame, so a Dura-Ace 12-28 may be the best choice (if I can justify spending the $$$ to myself).
#1693
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up anchovy from paseo del mar to palos verdes drive. up nearby mermaid dr (harder) to friendship park. daladier dr (on the other side of friendship park) at the very beginning of the ride was the hardest climb of the day.
#1694
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A quick 30 this morning before the heat comes in through my local La Habra Hgts-Turnbull Canyon Loop.
Schools out and less worries about getting squashed by SUVS and Minivans before 0900.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39947522
View from East Skyline Drive overlooking Avocado Crest
Schools out and less worries about getting squashed by SUVS and Minivans before 0900.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39947522
View from East Skyline Drive overlooking Avocado Crest
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#1695
Method to My Madness
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Some schools in my local school districts run summer programs or day camps from morning until early afternoon. I don't know if that is the case up in LA, so please watch out, don't let your guard down.
#1696
velo-dilettante
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Struggles with schedule, health, and motivation have kept my riding over the last few months pretty minimal, but I'm starting to get things turned around. Yesterday, I joined the group ride I used to do regularly (mostly ex-racers, moderate pace with a few spicy bits).
https://www.strava.com/activities/7335935500
I was expecting to stretch my endurance limits, but I felt fine in that regard. My power, however, is terrible. Based on what I'm seeing on Zwift, my FTP ahs probably dropped at least 50 watts.
New adventures await. I'm expecting delivery of a new (used) MTB any day - 2019 Trek Procaliber 9.9 SL.
https://www.strava.com/activities/7335935500
I was expecting to stretch my endurance limits, but I felt fine in that regard. My power, however, is terrible. Based on what I'm seeing on Zwift, my FTP ahs probably dropped at least 50 watts.
New adventures await. I'm expecting delivery of a new (used) MTB any day - 2019 Trek Procaliber 9.9 SL.
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#1697
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Did some hills repeats in the Turnbull Cyn area. Left the house at 0545 to beat the heat.
Plentiful tree canopies along Edgeridge and Oak Canyon keeps the sun off.
40 miles and 5K of climb.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39970480
Plentiful tree canopies along Edgeridge and Oak Canyon keeps the sun off.
40 miles and 5K of climb.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39970480
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#1698
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Saturday - Shakedown ride on the new dirt rig (Flint Canyon - Cherry Canyon - 14 mi). This bike is light, fast, and exciting. However, I have some maintenance issues that need to be addressed, including replacement of the BB and headset, and rubbing brakes. The headset is easy enough to do myself, but my multiple attempts to sort out the brakes have only mildly improved their condition. I generally prefer to do all my own bike work, but I need to seek professional help this time. The bike is currently wearing Schwalbe Thunder Burt tires on both ends. They grip better than expected, and I was anticipating needing to change both, but I think I will leave the rear on until it burns out. The front end will get a Schwalbe Racing Ray for a little more tread. This is my first experience with a dropper seatpost - I dig it. Currently, the bike is set up with a Twistloc fork lockout actuator. It will probably get replaced with a simple knob on the top of the fork.
Sunday - Road group ride (So. Pasadena, Arcadia, Duarte, Sierra Madre - 37 mi). Easy tempo with a couple of harder efforts. Fitness is coming back. Nice to be able to get on the bike on back-to-back days.
Sunday - Road group ride (So. Pasadena, Arcadia, Duarte, Sierra Madre - 37 mi). Easy tempo with a couple of harder efforts. Fitness is coming back. Nice to be able to get on the bike on back-to-back days.
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#1699
velo-dilettante
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c-note with fellow forumite Tycho Brahe from newport beach back bay to rancho palos verdes, down the switchbacks and back. yes, we ran everyone's favorite scenic stretch in socal-the la harbor gauntlet-twice and survived.
not even a flat between us. coolish morning with mostly fog until we hit sunset beach/surfside, then all sun (except for a brief fog encore in the point fermin/korean bell/edge of san pedro area).
ascent of summerland from gaffey/110 freeway area was positively toasty with little breeze. nice to get some flatty, flat junk miles in. junkman's gotta junk. garmin died at mile 98 so hadda supplement with strava app on the iphone.
we both wanted to do some angeles national forest roadie escapade but this week is a bit toasty and we'd likely have been limited to <40 miler in those environs. maybe next week.
https://www.strava.com/activities/7379326883
https://www.strava.com/activities/7379633805
not even a flat between us. coolish morning with mostly fog until we hit sunset beach/surfside, then all sun (except for a brief fog encore in the point fermin/korean bell/edge of san pedro area).
ascent of summerland from gaffey/110 freeway area was positively toasty with little breeze. nice to get some flatty, flat junk miles in. junkman's gotta junk. garmin died at mile 98 so hadda supplement with strava app on the iphone.
we both wanted to do some angeles national forest roadie escapade but this week is a bit toasty and we'd likely have been limited to <40 miler in those environs. maybe next week.
https://www.strava.com/activities/7379326883
https://www.strava.com/activities/7379633805
Last edited by diphthong; 06-27-22 at 08:58 PM.
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#1700
velo-dilettante
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Saturday - Shakedown ride on the new dirt rig (Flint Canyon - Cherry Canyon - 14 mi). This bike is light, fast, and exciting. However, I have some maintenance issues that need to be addressed, including replacement of the BB and headset, and rubbing brakes. The headset is easy enough to do myself, but my multiple attempts to sort out the brakes have only mildly improved their condition. I generally prefer to do all my own bike work, but I need to seek professional help this time. The bike is currently wearing Schwalbe Thunder Burt tires on both ends. They grip better than expected, and I was anticipating needing to change both, but I think I will leave the rear on until it burns out. The front end will get a Schwalbe Racing Ray for a little more tread. This is my first experience with a dropper seatpost - I dig it. Currently, the bike is set up with a Twistloc fork lockout actuator. It will probably get replaced with a simple knob on the top of the fork.
Sunday - Road group ride (So. Pasadena, Arcadia, Duarte, Sierra Madre - 37 mi). Easy tempo with a couple of harder efforts. Fitness is coming back. Nice to be able to get on the bike on back-to-back days.
Sunday - Road group ride (So. Pasadena, Arcadia, Duarte, Sierra Madre - 37 mi). Easy tempo with a couple of harder efforts. Fitness is coming back. Nice to be able to get on the bike on back-to-back days.
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