Where did you ride in Southern California today?
02-28-21, 02:35 AM
#876
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Thanks as always for the awesome advice! Checked out the weather and it was a little too cold for the triangle and have been wanting to try to the desert, so did the counter clockwise loop. It was great! And it was definitely the right call to go counterclockwise. The Yacqui pass down into Borrego Springs was beautiful and lots of fun. The 78 could be lots of fun too, but, as you suggested, Friday's are not the day to do it. Tons of trailer campers heading out to the dessert (where? why?), and a few seem to forget either that they just passed a cyclist or that they are pulling a camper. On the plus side, there was very little traffic joining us up Montezuma. (I don't see how you can come down that without your breaks, or just lightly using them, headwind or not.
The only downside to today's ride was that it was really cold from Montezuma to S2 since we got a late start. Coming down S2 at dusk was also a mistake. Didn't have a strong enough light and the bike lane (amazing!) was littered with large rocks and other obstacles. I hit one that almost threw me. Another caused a flat 6 miles from home in the dark...
Thanks again for the tips! I really appreciate it.
I've got to figure out how to better time my meals for rides like this that start so far from home. This one was particularly tough since basically all the major work comes in the middle. I can't eat big meals before big climbs, so I was feeling pretty energy deficient on the climb. I'm thinking maybe I need to pack and eat a meal while driving out to the destination.
p.s. Banner Grade looks like a beautiful road, but looks narrow!
The only downside to today's ride was that it was really cold from Montezuma to S2 since we got a late start. Coming down S2 at dusk was also a mistake. Didn't have a strong enough light and the bike lane (amazing!) was littered with large rocks and other obstacles. I hit one that almost threw me. Another caused a flat 6 miles from home in the dark...
Thanks again for the tips! I really appreciate it.
I've got to figure out how to better time my meals for rides like this that start so far from home. This one was particularly tough since basically all the major work comes in the middle. I can't eat big meals before big climbs, so I was feeling pretty energy deficient on the climb. I'm thinking maybe I need to pack and eat a meal while driving out to the destination.
p.s. Banner Grade looks like a beautiful road, but looks narrow!
if they are, it's a simple matter to hear them, pull over and let them pass. no shoulder on the way up or down but there are a few turnouts (mostly downhill) available.
lower, desert-interface uphill stretch is a bit of a bear...once the road reaches the shaded part of the ascent and turns into the mtns vs ribboning along the ridge, i always get a nice tailwind
taking me from 6-8 mph to 15-18mph (still) going uphill all the way to the nickel beer co just before the flat part and the high school. the store near the bottom...haven't seen it open in years
but there used to be a water spigot on the side of that building. dunno if it still works. been about 7 years since i last looked for it/used it. it's been a while since i did this ride...might be time again soon...
https://www.strava.com/activities/86555007
Last edited by diphthong; 02-28-21 at 02:43 AM.
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02-28-21, 05:10 PM
#877
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Stayed in the Whittier Hills and the La Habra Heights circuit. Everything was gravy until the final descent on Turnbull Cyn when I had to quick stop from about 25 mph to avoid hitting a coyote. Funniest damn thing I came to a stop within a foot of his snout. He did not seem fearful. Looked me in the eyes and continued crossing the road.
Finished with 52 miles and 5700 feet of elevation gain and zero coyote kills.
.https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35288792
Finished with 52 miles and 5700 feet of elevation gain and zero coyote kills.
.https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35288792
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02-28-21, 06:10 PM
#878
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Wife & I escaped the howling Santa Anas by taking a nice ride around the PV peninsula. Start/finish at the parking lot above Hags. Up Paseo Del Mar/PVD West around & down PVD South then down (& back up) Anchovy to turnaround at the park at PDM/Western.
Beautiful day in the South Bay.
West
Beautiful day in the South Bay.
West
02-28-21, 08:06 PM
#879
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19 mi mtb ride in sycamore canyon in pt. I'm slow like a snail but managed to get a PR on Hell Hill. Helps when you're chasing someone faster than you:
https://www.venturacountytrails.org/...s.htm#HellHill
https://www.venturacountytrails.org/...s.htm#HellHill
03-01-21, 09:21 AM
#880
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Stayed in the Whittier Hills and the La Habra Heights circuit. Everything was gravy until the final descent on Turnbull Cyn when I had to quick stop from about 25 mph to avoid hitting a coyote. Funniest damn thing I came to a stop within a foot of his snout. He did not seem fearful. Looked me in the eyes and continued crossing the road.
Finished with 52 miles and 5700 feet of elevation gain and zero coyote kills.
.https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35288792
Finished with 52 miles and 5700 feet of elevation gain and zero coyote kills.
.https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35288792
03-01-21, 09:37 AM
#881
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^^^^^Critters abound in the hills. I have come across raccoons, cottontails, jackrabbits, squirrels, bobcats, mule deer, foxes, large rats as big as grey squirrels, possums, an Ocelot (escaped pet?), swooped by owls and Redtail Hawks, seen Golden Eagles up close eating roadkill. The coyotes are brazen and will follow you in La Habra Heights.
03-02-21, 12:50 AM
#882
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Took the bro-in law out for his longest ride thus far. Started on pomerado/scrips ranch and made our way thru La Jolla and then some gravel thru rose canyon trail, approx 80% rideable and carrying the bike on other 20%. Then rode into bay ho to pick up the newbie. He made it up mt Soledad on his first attempt without stopping! He later struggled on n Torrey pines and Del Mar heights then 3 witches. This boy has a knack for suffering. Did I mention he is on a 7 speed 39/26!?!? The ride took us an extra 3 hours with stops and waiting but it was worth it and if you guys didn’t know, best food is a nice bowl of pho after a long ride.
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03-02-21, 06:16 PM
#883
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a total of 30 miles split between two rides. one out near jamul and up jamul dr/skyline truck trail until the borderline too windy to ride out there
wind forecast made itself readily apparent as being on the wrong side of that borderline. tucked tail and descended back to the start which was
now windy as all get out. other ride just turned into a local lunch ride in the metro san diego area. tomorrow looks to be pretty swampy.
wind forecast made itself readily apparent as being on the wrong side of that borderline. tucked tail and descended back to the start which was
now windy as all get out. other ride just turned into a local lunch ride in the metro san diego area. tomorrow looks to be pretty swampy.
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03-04-21, 05:02 PM
#884
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Messed around in the Puente Hills again. No wildlife tried to take me out this time. Mid 60's, sunny and great views from PVP to Mt Baldy.
Hopefully, will be able to ride a couple gran fondos this year to have something to train for.
50 miles and 6300 ft of climb.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35320074
Hopefully, will be able to ride a couple gran fondos this year to have something to train for.
50 miles and 6300 ft of climb.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35320074
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03-04-21, 05:10 PM
#885
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Messed around in the Puente Hills again. No wildlife tried to take me out this time. Mid 60's, sunny and great views from PVP to Mt Baldy.
Hopefully, will be able to ride a couple gran fondos this year to have something to train for.
50 miles and 6300 ft of climb.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35320074
Hopefully, will be able to ride a couple gran fondos this year to have something to train for.
50 miles and 6300 ft of climb.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35320074
03-04-21, 05:57 PM
#886
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^^^^^ The Puente-Chino Hills are underrated in my view. No really long climbs but dozens of 8+% grades that add up to being about the same as riding in the San Gabriels feet per mile.
03-04-21, 06:07 PM
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Sounds like a good reason for me to stick to the San Gabriels. I start saying really bad words over 6%.
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03-05-21, 02:13 PM
#888
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Messed around in the Puente Hills again. No wildlife tried to take me out this time. Mid 60's, sunny and great views from PVP to Mt Baldy.
Hopefully, will be able to ride a couple gran fondos this year to have something to train for.
50 miles and 6300 ft of climb.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35320074
Hopefully, will be able to ride a couple gran fondos this year to have something to train for.
50 miles and 6300 ft of climb.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35320074
The Hollywood Hills and the Santa Monicas (depending on where you ride), can give you even more feet per mile.
03-05-21, 02:29 PM
#889
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Winter and Spring weekend mornings are my favorite time of year. You get a coastal wind in the south side of the Puente Hills that drops the temp about 5 degrees. This area is not as affected by Santa Ana winds until you get out to the Chino Hills. La Habra Heights is more sheltered against winds. There are more challenging hills I did not ride yesterday in the area. Greenleaf, Everidge, Descending, Belle River, Vantage Pointe, Ardsheal, Seranata all have 10%+ sections.
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03-05-21, 02:41 PM
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Was out last night with the go-fast group ride at the Rose Bowl. Mercifully, the usual very hot pace was tempered by a few cars at key moments, and I was able to stay with the lead group for about 4-1/2 (of 7) laps. I managed to survive an early split, and find a couple of taller guys to hide behind when things got heated up. My demise came when a rider 3 wheels ahead of me got gapped out when the flock of young guns at the front hit the gas. I ended up with a group of 5 other guys who suffered my same fate, and we finished the rest of our laps together, (mostly) trading pulls and keeping the pace interesting. Overall it was a good workout. I'm really enjoying being back in the excitement of fast-paced group rides with experienced and skilled riders. It's one of my favorite parts about cycling. 26 miles, 1:10:00 (ish)
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03-05-21, 03:43 PM
#891
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Drove out to Poverty Village again this morning. Basically did a counter-clockwise loop around the peninsula. A few small detours aside PVDr. West, South down to the end of Western for a pitstop. Then back up to PVDr. East. Very nice section of road! Almost like a mini-GMR to the crest of the hill. Ships in the LA Harbor area approaching D-Day volume. Then a left on PVDr. North back to the truck. Absolutely beautiful morning couldn't ask for better riding conditions.
West
West
Last edited by 2seven0; 03-06-21 at 06:43 PM.
03-05-21, 04:22 PM
#892
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Winter and Spring weekend mornings are my favorite time of year. You get a coastal wind in the south side of the Puente Hills that drops the temp about 5 degrees. This area is not as affected by Santa Ana winds until you get out to the Chino Hills. La Habra Heights is more sheltered against winds. There are more challenging hills I did not ride yesterday in the area. Greenleaf, Everidge, Descending, Belle River, Vantage Pointe, Ardsheal, Seranata all have 10%+ sections.
Any links to rides with the big hills? I live for climbing. Looking at your routes now. The one you just did or https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35152038 for a newbie to the area?
03-05-21, 04:48 PM
#893
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Thomas Burton Park, Countrywood Park and Pepperbrook Park are all right off of Colima Rd about a mile west of Azusa/Colima w/ restrooms and water. Parking is free. Schabarum Regional Park charges $ on the weekend only but you can park on the west side of the park on Azusa Ave. Colima Rd is a major artery and will give you access to the route I posted.
Fire Station #91 is on the Hacienda Heights side at the bottom of Turnbull Cyn Rd. A drinking fountain is out front and easy to spot. A homeowner on Turnbull Cyn Rd, the first home on the Hacienda Hgts side (on your right) of Skyline Dr also has a drinking fountain for cyclists to use.
Hacienda Heights, La Habra Heights and Whittier Hills was initially developed in the 1950's to 1980's. It is an upper middle to high class area. I never had any problems and most people are friendly towards cyclist. Be aware that Turnbull Cyn has some blind curves so you do need to hear what's coming. If you descend the Whittier side on Turnbull Cyn, you will encounter a lot of hikers and mountain bikers on the weekends crossing so shut it down at the last curve.
La Habra Heights has zero commercial zones so you will not find markets.
I try to avoid as much traffic as possible and I think you will find my route roadie friendly for the most part.
Fire Station #91 is on the Hacienda Heights side at the bottom of Turnbull Cyn Rd. A drinking fountain is out front and easy to spot. A homeowner on Turnbull Cyn Rd, the first home on the Hacienda Hgts side (on your right) of Skyline Dr also has a drinking fountain for cyclists to use.
Hacienda Heights, La Habra Heights and Whittier Hills was initially developed in the 1950's to 1980's. It is an upper middle to high class area. I never had any problems and most people are friendly towards cyclist. Be aware that Turnbull Cyn has some blind curves so you do need to hear what's coming. If you descend the Whittier side on Turnbull Cyn, you will encounter a lot of hikers and mountain bikers on the weekends crossing so shut it down at the last curve.
La Habra Heights has zero commercial zones so you will not find markets.
I try to avoid as much traffic as possible and I think you will find my route roadie friendly for the most part.
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03-05-21, 05:03 PM
#894
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Thanks for the tips. Think I might just copy your ride tomorrow. I am so used to ride in the mountains where there are no services. Any water along the route? Do not need food. A public restrooms (I like public parks) where I can get changed? Most stalls I find in the suburbs are in good condition. Would never do it in LA. Like I said, I have never been to that area, no clue if it is urban or not!
Any links to rides with the big hills? I live for climbing. Looking at your routes now. The one you just did or https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35152038 for a newbie to the area?
Any links to rides with the big hills? I live for climbing. Looking at your routes now. The one you just did or https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35152038 for a newbie to the area?
This is a proposed ride I have not completed yet but I have tested all the climbs so I hope to give it a go this spring.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35282137
80 miles and 10K of climb just staying in the Puente-Chino Hills areas.
03-05-21, 05:18 PM
#895
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Awesome. I need more daylight hours before tackling that last route. Don't want to be exploring new roads and the sunlight starts fading (or be rushed).
03-06-21, 01:25 AM
#896
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Winter and Spring weekend mornings are my favorite time of year. You get a coastal wind in the south side of the Puente Hills that drops the temp about 5 degrees. This area is not as affected by Santa Ana winds until you get out to the Chino Hills. La Habra Heights is more sheltered against winds. There are more challenging hills I did not ride yesterday in the area. Greenleaf, Everidge, Descending, Belle River, Vantage Pointe, Ardsheal, Seranata all have 10%+ sections.
Last edited by diphthong; 03-06-21 at 01:29 AM.
03-07-21, 10:19 AM
#897
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Friday: Headed out from Bolsa Chica area to the SART and then North to the Amtrak station in Anaheim. Although it was 42 mile round trip, up until then my max ride this years has been 30 miles. Also, the last 10 miles were into a 10mph headwind all the way home down the beach. I've never been so happy to get back and see my car. The good thing was that I was finally pushing myself and I got my HR up into Zone 4 for over an hour.
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03-07-21, 05:57 PM
#898
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28 miles started in Covina, rode part of the SGRT and back, nice cloudy day.
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03-07-21, 06:56 PM
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Did a foothill loop on a cool cloudy day that was a nice change of pace.
80 miles and 5500 feet of climb.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35346984
80 miles and 5500 feet of climb.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35346984
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03-07-21, 07:09 PM
#900
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Nice jump!Friday: Headed out from Bolsa Chica area to the SART and then North to the Amtrak station in Anaheim. Although it was 42 mile round trip, up until then my max ride this years has been 30 miles. Also, the last 10 miles were into a 10mph headwind all the way home down the beach. I've never been so happy to get back and see my car. The good thing was that I was finally pushing myself and I got my HR up into Zone 4 for over an hour.
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