Euro Cafe to Glendora Mountain Road to the Ski Lifts

Today Art Hernandez, Fco Iglesias and I decided to ride from Euro Cafe to Mt. Baldy Village.  Then Fco Iglesias changed the ride and added the Ski Lifts.  Needless to say I wasn't too thrilled about this but, whatever. Let's do it.  Overall it was a good ride, Art Hernandez taught me a "climbing game" where we sing aloud a song as we ascend.  Slowly, one by one people drop off the pace as breathing becomes more important than singing. I started with "Do you hear the people sing," and both guys took off.  I guess I was the sucker.  It took me a while to catch up with them because I repaired two flat tires, knitted a sweater and helped deliver a baby all before the top of Monroe.   Good times!

Glendora Mountain Road to Mt Baldy Ski Lits

When Attila said let's ride to the Mt Baldy ski lifts I was half in.  Honestly, I thought the idea of riding to the lifts was more entertaining than actually riding to them.  Did I really want to suffer those last few miles from the lodge to the lifts?  Did I want to crawl my way up the numerous switchbacks?  Not really. It's always easier to turn right and head down Mt Baldy than heading up, especially after climbing Glendora Mountain Road and Glendora Ridge Road.

Fortunately, I ran into Chris and he said some words of encouragement. Basically he expected to see my Strava and FB post on FB showing I made it to the lifts.  Also, the night before, I did tell Attila I would join him for the GMR to Ski Lifts ride so I couldn't back down. 

BFC - Euro to Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts

I swear these guys tried to kill me today.

Pomona - GMR - Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts - Falls Road

Diamond Bar/Pomona to Glendora Mountain Road Then Back to Diamond Bar/Up to the Lifts

Confusing title? Let me explain...

Michael rode to Sierra Madre (SM) and Glendora Mountain Road (GMR) from Diamond Bar.  I rode from my house in Pomona to SM / GMR.  From there we headed up GMR.  At the village, Michael headed back home to Diamond Bar and I decided to continue to the ski lifts.

There were a lot of riders out Saturday.  Adobo Velo, Mr Beans, I am sure Annette/Bill were there too.  I also noticed a lot of triathlon bikes.

I made it!  It is never easy riding to the ski lifts.

My artsy fartsy photo.

Michael heading up to the gate.

Someone making his way to Mt. Baldy.

Croy came flying past me.  We rode together for a few miles and caught up on family life.

Michael at the fire station filling up his water bottles.

Continue Reading ...

Glendora Mountain Road to Mt Baldy Ski Lifts - Geared

Up early and ready to go.  Glendora Mountain Road to Mt Baldy Ski Lifts make for an epic ride. 

It was nice seeing John P on GMR.  Mike did one gigantic pull that started at the base of GMR and ended at the ski lifts.

Pomona to GMR to Mt Baldy Village to Ski Lifts

Great day, great ride, what more could I ask for?

Ski Lift-tastic!

I set out today with Michael and the idea we would ride Glendora Mountain Road to the Mt Baldy ski lifts.  You see sometime in April is L'Etape du California and we need to be ready for the epic journey that takes us thru Stage 7 of this year's Tour of California.

Well, from the start, I new I was doomed. Earlier this week did a series of hill sprints that left my legs sore and tired.  I never really recovered and Friday, I went pretty hard on the rollers.  Then instead of getting to bed early for my Saturday morning ride, I stayed up way to late to watch The Walking Dead on Netflix.  Hills Sprints, Friday night roller and Zombie Fest made for a tired Jason Saturday morning. 

Right from the first climb up GMR, I was breathing hard, and my poor legs were already tired.  I never really got into a groove and by Fork plus 5, my legs were starting to cramp.  By the time I reached Cow Canyon Saddle, my poor legs were done.  The cramping was getting worse.

Michael was waiting for me at Cow Canyon.  I was done but he was feeling really good and ready to make the trek to the lifts.  We agreed he would press on and I would pick up the rear and SLOWLY make my way up Mt Baldy in the direction of the lifts.  I told Michael that I would keep going until I see him coming back.  At that point, I would turn around with him. 

Michael zoomed up the mountain road towards the lifts.  I could tell by his speed and eagerness he was feeling good and ready to conquer.  He quickly disappeared.  My legs started to cramp by the Visitors Center so I decided this would be a great place to take a break.  I rested a short while and started heading up.  Soon enough I was at Ice House Canyon.  I took a quick picture of the road sign, proof I at least made it this far, and continued to head to the lifts.  

At every turn, I was expecting, or rather hoping, I would see Micheal heading down so I could stop the pain and go home.  And each time, Michael did not appear, I was forced to continue on.  Up and up, switchbacks after switchbacks my legs were tired and giving up.  I had to stop a number of times to massage my cramping legs. 

A number of cyclist passed me and gave me encouragement to keep going.  Finally, Michael appeared.  He made it to the lifts and was ready to head home.  Unfortunately, I was about a mile away from the ski lifts and I couldn't stop now.  We said our goodbyes and I continued on.  The last mile was by far the hardest.  I was so tired and the road was getting steeper.  To keep my momentum, I started zig-zagging across the road, like I did at last weeks Fargo Street Hill Climb competition.  

Finally, I made it to the lifts.  I was absolutely exhausted and very pleased with my accomplishment.  I had someone snap a picture and I made my way back home. The ride home was fast.  I was pretty tired so speeding down Mt Baldy was no fun at all.  I hit a pothole pretty hard which in turn caused my rear tire to blow out.  That was scary, but fortunately, I was unharmed.  I've heard of cyclists bombing down mountain passes and getting front tire blow outs.  Front tire blow outs can be painful.

I was very happy with my accomplishment.  Despite me being tired, I managed to pull it together and make it to the lifts. 

Michael's picture and proof he made it to the Ski Lifts

GMR to Mt Baldy Ski Lifts

Michael and I headed out a little later today, 6:30 am "ish".  We weren't too pressed for time and had plans to ride GMR to the Mt Baldy Ski Lifts.  

Knowing this, we traveled a little slower.  Overall it was an epic ride, 53 miles and max elevation was about 6400 ft.  The ride to the village was pretty standard.  Michael got a flat at about Fork plus 5.  After a quick change we were off to Baldy Village.  Once in the village we rested for five minutes or so before tackling the Switchbacks to our final destination, the Ski Lifts.

The last few miles to the Ski Lifts was the hardest part of the ride. Mike was worried about the switchbacks.  I was worried about the last quarter mile were the grade is about 15%.  From Baldy Village, it took us about 1:15 to get to the lifts.  The last quarter mile was a monster,  it was soooooo steep and my legs were pretty tired.  The only thing that kept me going was the fact that I wanted a picture of the lifts as proof I did it!  I told Michael, "Failure wasn't an Option."  

We did it (and I have the picture to prove it)! 

Manny made it to Fork Plus Four.  This was his VERY first time up GMR and he did great!  I thought for sure Mike and I would catch him but we never did.  Manny, you crazy beast!  You're ready for Baldy!

Michael and Manny heading up GRR. 

Flats happen.  Michael fixing his flat around Fork plus Five.

We did it!  The Ski Lifts in all their splendid glory!  This was an epic climb.