To Potato with Antonio

Sometimes plans don't pan out as expected.  A week ago I rec'd a FB message from a fellow racer asking if I was interested in a ride to Potato on Saturday.  Its been awhile since any type of MTB ride so I was all in.  I invited Eric and his group, Mike L (and his buddy Scott), Antonio and the friend from FB. 

Eric and his group arrived at our meet up location early and was pressed for time.  They took off early.  Mike L and Scott arrived a few minutes late and we decided to wait 10 minutes for Antonio.  My racer friend from FB never showed up.  After 10 minutes of waiting around Mike L, Scott and I decided to head up Marshal Canyon.

Shortly entering Marshal Canyon, we crossed paths with Antonio.  Antonio continued to Oak Mesa looking for our friend from FB.  I told Antonio FB Friend is a no show but he insisted on seeing for himself.  I told Antonio we'll see him up Marshal Canyon.

Mike L, Scott and I headed up Marshal Canyon fairly quickly but Mike L was having some trouble keeping up.  He's been off the bike for a few months and getting back into the swing of things can be difficult.  Scott and I rode up a few miles into Marshal Canyon and stopped short of the "Three Bitches" before deciding this is a good place to wait for Mike L.  The "Three Bitches" are three sections of fairly short but steep climbs.  I think either Romeo (whom I haven't ridden with in ages) or some dude from SC Velo coined the term. 

I tell Scott I am going to ride back to Mike L and soon enough Antonio was coming around the corner.  A few seconds following Antonio was Mike L.  He's bonked.  Antonio and I decide to break apart and ride together up Marshal Canyon to Potato.  The ride was fast (at least for me) and we were at the top of Potato in no time.

At Potato, we snapped a few pictures, and spoke with a very chatty Park Ranger before heading down for a loop around Burbank to Cobol Canyon.

Green Fixie

My Favorite Ride ... Where are we going today?

Saturday Night in Santa Barbara

Jamie and I decided on an overnight getaway in Santa Barbara.  After my ride, we packed the car and headed to Santa Barbara.  Santa Barbara was great.  We rode up and down Cabrillo, ate at Bropheys and watch my aunt's band perform at Tony Rays.  What a great getaway.

BH Bicycles

Grocery Getter

I saw this guy on the way to work.  Loaded up with groceries.

Bespoked Bristol 2012

This years UK Handmade Bicycle Show. Held in Brunel's Old Station exhibition centre over three days on March 2012.

Hipster Hunters

Buds Ride

I was swallowed up and pooped out the back.  This happened twice during the Buds ride.  Is it just me or are these guys/gals ridiculously fast?

I saw Michael from The Claremont Cyclist, that was nice, but it was in passing.

I did four laps.

Verde BMX UK Trip 2012

Dave Thompson, Kevin Kiraly & Verde TM Will Stroud made a trip to the UK to visit and tour with Verde's UK team - Toby Forte, Martyn Tambling, Will Herrmann & Scott Summerhayes. We spent a week driving around the South of England dodging the rain and riding when the weather allowed.

Special thanks to Toby Forte, Shiner Bicycles, Ride UK, Nathan Beddows, Crucial BMX Shop and all the cool locals that we met and let us ride their spots & trails.

Make sure to check out the Verde UK trip article in Ride UK issue 143.

www.verdebmx.com
www.shiner.co.uk
www.rideukbmx.com

Music:
Song 1 "Oscillate Wildly (Instrumental)" by The Smiths
Song 2 "Lucidity" by Tame Impala

The Courier Effect

Genre: Documentary
Year: 2010
Director/DP/Editor: Andrew Crighton

**Screened in over 25 cities internationally via The Bicycle Film Festival**

Shot in Barcelona, Berlin, and Paris
Special thanks to Mo, Mike Macca, Mahrou, Dirk and everyone else I met on my journey

More Tour of California, Stage 7 Ontario

I had so much fun Saturday.  There is something magical, powerful and purely exhilarating  about bicycle racing.  I am so grateful TofC planner decided on Mt Baldy this year and last.  Baldy is a monster climb and just outside my back yard.

Here are a few pictures from Diane.  Diane was working at our Splash Dogs booth in Ontario and was able to shoot a number of pictures.  See them all here ...

King of the Hill

I really want to do something like this up GMR.  Any takers?


Team Kayuh Kuat Kuat presents the first ever King of the Hill. A total of 38 riders participated in this time trial race up Mount Faber.

Music:

El Michels Affair - Too Late to Turn Back
Bad Brains - Banned in DC
El Michels Affair - This Song's for You

2012 Amgen Tour of California, Stage 7 East Fork

2012 Amgen Tour of California, Stage 7 Mt. Baldy 1st KOM

2012 Amgen Tour of California, Stage 7 Mt Baldy

What a great day of racing.  I headed out at about 8 am on my fixed gear. 46 x 16 and ready to attack Mt Baldy.  The ride up was hard.

When I arrived at the first KOM, it was pretty bleak.  Not much was going on but that changed as we got closer to noon.  By noon, it was packed with tons of spectators. 

Madness, by the time the racers reached the first KOM, it was pure mayhem.  So much fun!

After, I headed down GRR with the hopes of reaching the Maintenance Shed were some friends were waiting with cold drinks and food!  The plan was to watch the racers snake up GMR.  I was a tad too late, because GMR was closed off at East Fork.  I wasn't able to pass until the racers came thru, which was an hour and a half later.

Just above East Fork, Chris Horner was in the lead. 

KOM Madness.  The first KOM is my favorite spot.  So many people and so much mayhem.

Look it is Mark from Incycle.  He wore this costume last year.

Above is Stan.  Below is Eric.  It was nice seeing you guys!

While waiting, I ran into Mike Luna.  We went to HS together.  I had a great time and Mike we need to go on a ride!

Knobby Time - Bonelli Park

After work I headed to Bonelli Park to watch some MTB racing. 

Slow Mo

7D slow motion test footage of my friend doing bmx tricks.
Everything was shot in 720p 60fps.

Edited with Twixtor in After Effects.

Lens used: Canon EFS 18-135 mm
Shutter speed unknown

Music: "Fly Away"
Composed by:Niklas Aman, STIM
Published by: Freeplaymusic, BMI

ZIPP - Tour of California

Tour of Flanders & Paris-Roubaix Challenge 2012

The Windjammers 'Weekend in Hell' with back to back cyclo's in Flanders and Roubaix. Plenty of climbs and plenty of pavé for our men from the North. Epic weekend. More on www.the-windjammers.net

Wooden Bike!

Six years ago the Tellería brothers (Aitzol and Andoitz), both professionals in the wood industry and fans of bicycle culture and mountain sport, joined up with fellow professional Enrique Ardura. Together, they were inspired to develop a project that combined their knowledge of wood modification technology and all its potential.
Working from their joinery called Txirbil (meaning ‘wood shaving’ in Euskera, the ancient language of the Basque lands), the design team came to the conclusion that the tubular fibers of wood were perfect for creating a fast, sturdy bicycle frame. As well as having an interesting natural aesthetic, wood is resistant, can absorb a high level of vibration and can result much lighter than generally perceived.
Axalko is the name given to these new wooden bicycles, inspired by a character from the brothers’ childhood – a quick and ingenious fox who appeared in fables their grandmother told them.
An in-depth study was called for, looking at the effect the various forces would have on the bike frame in motion. Its micro-laminated finish allows for the utmost levels of resistance and rigidity. On the other hand, its hollow structure makes it really lightweight.

The core of the frame is made with ash tree wood, a species indigenous to the region and that can also be found all over Europe, including the Britain and Ireland. The bike has been favorably tested by members of professional teams as well as in two demanding races in France - the París-Roubaix and the Flandes Tour.
Like if it were a luthier atelier, most of the Axalko bike’s manufacturing process is done by hand, meaning care is taken over every detail, whether technical or aesthetic. Clients can have their model customized by choosing the colors and laminated finish. Durable, practical and elegant, the Axalko bike sets the bar high for stylish commuting.
When asked about their innovative technique, Axalko’s creators simply answer that they have bridled a technology already found in nature.
http://axalko.com/
www.confemadera.es
http://vimeo.com/channels/woodmasters
felices@communicology.es

Horny Ninja

www.kleiderstudios.com

Five Bicycle Touring Questions for the Newcomer

Five Bicycle Touring Questions for the Newcomer
Yahoo Sports
By: Gerald Kennedy
2012-05-09
Link: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/five-bicycle-touring-questions-newcomer-000200072--spt.html

This is going to be a real departure for me because I know absolutely nothing about bicycle touring. I've traveled much of the country by car, hiked long distances and regularly paddle very long distances in small boats. Every year I paddle in a 100 mile marathon race down the Colorado River in Texas. I love to travel routes that most people never see. Exploring lakes and rivers while high powered bass boats rocket by show me that speeding boaters fail to see and experience life between point to point. Sedate side trips by car reveal that many people miss great scenery and wildlife right under their nose because they speed by to get some where else. I love motorcycles and have had one most of my life, will again, but the motorcycle experience is basically the same as a two wheeled car. So, the question is: are bicycles legitimate and practical touring, travel and exploration vehicles? I have questions but no answers.

Is it safe to bicycle tour?

This is a big question. I've started back to riding bicycles several times over the years. Each time I was yelled at, thrown at, and had cars whiz rather close by. This does concern me. I'll research and see what happens. Bicycles ridden by adults along the highway or back roads are more accepted and common now, but there are a lot of crazies out there. A reverse situation is those riders who insist they have the same rights as a car on the road. Legal or not, a bicycle will never win a confrontation with a car.

What kind of equipment is available?

As a kid I modified and switch components on a variety of bicycles to build sleek fenderless hot rods. Schwinn forks were the hot item because they could stand up to the abuse of ramping. I guess you could call these old hybrid bicycles the fore runners of the modern day mountain bike. My friends and I stuck up our nose at the relatively new 3-speed skinny tired English Racer. I know so little about modern bicycles that this is going to be big learning experience. I think it will be enjoyable. An interesting side note is that I use bicycle brake cables for rudder control systems on kayaks.

What are the physical considerations?

I suppose this has to be decided by every individual. Most of us are not in really good shape. The riding regime would need to start slowly and build up to determine touring capabilities.

Can an older person tour?

I have a friend, an older guy, who regularly competes in mountain bike competitions and 100 mile bicycle races. I'm 10 years older than he is! Arthritis is a concern, but I'm in pretty good shape and regularly paddle very long distances. I'm not going to race and have no problem with resting when necessary. I guess the question will be answered in practice. Bicycle riding is a low impact sport much like kayak paddling. This should work great for older bodies.

Are there popular touring routes?

Well, son of a gun! A quick search reveals that more than 40 states are working on U.S. Bicycle Routes. The same search reveals many popular routes. I know of many roads and routes in central Texas and other states that should be good for bicycles. I think this may work out!

I haven't told my wife about this. There is absolutely no possibility she will join me in any type of touring--except to visit a quilt store. For the most part she calls me a crazy old fool for my numerous adventures. I don't disagree with her, but I'm not going through the pearly gates without exploring the route along the way. Maybe a bicycle will help--maybe not. Experienced bicycle riders and tourers are very welcome to give advice and express their opinions in the comment section below. I need to know! Join me in this journey.

Moosach bikes

Moosach bikes, the exclusive bike brand from the country of a million bikes and Dutch Design. We're building sleek new designer specimens based on vintage (road-bike style) frames from the seventies, eighties and nineties. Each re-born bike has its own name and look, depending on the frame’s history and the creators. As a small-scale brand we're, above all, exclusive: each year, only twelve of these Moosachs will be wheeled out. Models can be seen on http://www.moosach-bikes.com.

Music (CC): R Hood, Pete Philly. Please check Pete out on http://www.openloop.nl

Los Angeles Bicycle Culture

4 Bike Laws to Gear Up for Bike to Work Day

4 Bike Laws to Gear Up for Bike to Work Day

Reuters

By: Andrew Chow, JD

2012-05-08

Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/09/tagblogsfindlawcom2012-lawandlife-idUS76285780120120509

May is National Bike Month, and thousands of amateur cyclists are set to hit the streets on Bike to Work Day — which actually falls on different days, depending on where you live — and, for the first time this year, Bike to School Day.

But before you strap on that helmet (you are wearing a helmet, right?) and head out the door, you may want a quick refresher in bike laws that you may not know about.
Here are four types of bike laws, and how they generally apply nationwide:

1. Bicyclists must stop at red lights. After you've stopped, however, some states allow bicyclists to run a red light if there's no cross-traffic -- but not all, according to the website Active.com. Also, if a traffic-light sensor fails to detect your bike, laws generally allow you to proceed after you sit through one complete light cycle. But check the bike laws in your state first.

2. Ride with traffic. State laws generally require bicyclists to ride in the same direction as the flow of traffic. Riding against traffic may seem "safer" because you can see the cars coming -- but it's actually a leading cause of bike accidents, according to the website BicycleSafe.com.

3. Bicycling while intoxicated. Some states treat drunken biking infractions the same as drunken driving. The key is whether a bicycle fits under a state's definition of "vehicle"; some laws only punish intoxication while operating motor vehicles. A local DUI attorney can help figure out the nuances and help defend you in court.

4. Distracted biking. You've probably seen a few cyclists who bike while sending text messages or talking on a hand-held cell phone. Some local jurisdictions have enacted laws to prohibit distracted biking: Chicago, for example, passed a citywide ban on cell phone use while biking last fall, WMAQ-TV reports. Lawmakers in California are also considering a statewide bike law to ban cell phone use by cyclists, according to KCBS-TV.
So now, get out there and ride.

Related Resources:

• Bicycle Accidents: Cyclists Must Obey Traffic Laws (FindLaw's Injured)
• Bicyclist's Hit-and-Run Video Leads to Arrest (FindLaw's Injured)
• Tips and Techniques - Rules of the Road (League of American Bicyclists)
• Bicycle Laws (FindLaw)

Fixing Up Some Glendora Mountain Road Time

I love to ride, I love GMR.

 I was pressed for time so I was out of the house by 6:00 am in the morning.  It looks like the cold mornings are a thing of the past, and I left the house in a simple jersey and shorts.  No need to bring my windbreaker, arm and leg warmers. I felt so free.

I decided to ride my green fixie.  My fixed gear bike is quickly becoming my favorite bike.  Its amazingly comfortable and quick.  Riding GMR fixed is a great challenge.  

So I headed out at 6:00 am only to have to turn around a quarter mile into my ride.  I forgot my special tool to remove my wheels in the event of a flat.  I rarely get flats, and I didn't get one this time, but I guarantee if I forgot the tool, I'd get a flat.  

I made great time and was at the maintenance shed in no time.  I rested there longer than usual before heading back.  It was nice up there and I let the sun warm my body.  A few riders rode past,  there was a small group of riders from Glendale and Los Angeles.  

Bombing down GMR on the fixie was a blast.  I'm getting much better modulating my speed with my legs.  I sped down the mountain and just after the first saddle I came upon Kevin.  Kevin had a good clip and was heading up.  I hung with him for a few minutes.  He looked good and didn't seem to be fatigued.  He's getting stronger, and he set a goal of Fork Plus 2.  Later that day he sent me an email.  He did Fork Plus 2.5.  Awsomeness and soon enough, we'll be eating and drinking at the cafe in Mt Baldy.  I can't wait!

There were dozens of skateboarders just at the first saddle.  They were chomping at the bit and ready to head down. I stopped and let them go first.  From a car, a woman was telling her son to go last so she could follow him down.  I followed them down.  As I followed, I imagined this woman was the equivalent to a "Soccer" mom and how cool it was to have her supporting her son in this very different type of sport.

At the bottom of GMR, Christian sped past me.  We said hello before I made my left on Sierra Madre and headed back home.

Riding GMR fixed is a great exercise and my legs are a bit sore tonight.  Not too sore, but just enough.

Relaxation in Carpinteria

We spent a few days in Carpinteria.  Its such a beautiful place.  Its small, and friendly.

Fixie Transportation

I swear these were custom 36'r Beach Cruisers.  The looked gigantic.

Cyclo-Touring - This group rode in and spent the night next to us. 

Touring in style.  Notice the red wine on the table

Bicycle That Can Fly Music Video

Bicycle That Can Fly Music Video from Harry Houseago on Vimeo.

Music Video for the Song "Bicycle That Can Fly"

Audio from Harry's Debut Album "Before You Knew Me"

Film and Song by Harry.

Visit my Website: harry.uk.com

All drawings, photography and stop animation film by Harry.

----------------------------

Bookings Manager Dawson Breed Music 00 44 (0) 207 733 0508 landline info@dawsonbreedmusic.com

----------------------------

A&R Management H & I Music Hermione Ross + 44 (0) 7703 201111 hermione@handimusic.co.uk Amber Ross + 44 (0) 77943 85521 amber@handimusic.co.uk

----------------------------

Other Enquiries harry@harryhouseago.com 00 44 (0) 208 670 0644 landline + 44 (0) 7791 991 372

Un Minuto by Los Fontana

Un Minuto by Los Fontana from Terregal Films on Vimeo.

LOS FONTANA:
Johnny Fontana - Vocales y guitarra electroacústica.
Juliet Fontana - Sintetizadores.
Ro Fontana - Guitarra y coros.
Pollo Fontana - Guitarra y coros.
Eddie Fontana - Bateria y percusiones.

TERREGAL FILMS.
Dirigido, fotografiado y editado por Pato Safa.
Producido por Pato Safa y Eduardo "negro" Medina.
Vestuario por Juliet Fontana
Asist. Edición: Xuan Long.
Postproductor: Alberto Coria.
Corrección de color: Alex del Pilar.

Bicis:
5 L.mento
Cuernava #79. Col. Condesa

Filmado en México, D.F. 2012

Drafting

On Stealing a Bike

When I was young I used to pray for a bicycle.

Then I realized that God doesn't work that way.

So I stole a bicycle and prayed for forgiveness.

Sweaty Rollers

I love riding my rollers.  I get a great workout every time and feel so energized after.  I sweat so much riding them and I am always amazed at the sweat  puddle that's left after my ride is completed.  This one is by far the biggest sweat puddle so far.  So much sweat accumulated, it was on the move down stream! 

10 to 15 minutes into my ride on the rollers, sweat starts to drop to the ground.  A Roschach Sweat Blot test!  

CWT Loop with Jimmy

Today Jimmy and I rode out to Claremont Wilderness Trail (CWT). After much research and review Jimmy bought a new Trek 29'r and was itching to get it on the dirt.  We decided, very last minute, on a ride up Burbank to Johnson's Pasture then down Cobal Canyon.

This was Jimmy's first ride on the dirt and I have to say he did incredibly well.  The guy is a glutton for punishment.  Riding the CWT is not easy and Jimmy ain't no quitter.  I asked a few times if he was ready to turn around and head home but cutting the ride short was not and option.  We did the entire CWT loop, total trip of about 12 miles.

Jimmy welcome to the madness.

Bicycling Does a Body Good

Where the Hell is Waldo

WHERE THE HELL IS WALDO III from GlockWork on Vimeo.

Another Day in the Park

I miss my CX Bike. I am going to need to take it out this weekend.

Just Another Day in the Park from Golden Saddle Cyclery on Vimeo.

Los Angeles based bike shop Golden Saddle Cyclery worked with local cycling apparel manufacturer Endo Customs to create their first run of shop kits. What better way to showcase a kit than on cyclists riding the bikes they love. Or maybe we just wanted an excuse to go ride our bikes in these fancy kits...

Riders in order of appearance: Ty Hathaway, Kelli Samuelson & Kyle Kelley

Written by Ty Hathaway
Directed by Kyle Kelley
Filmed & Edited by Ace Carretero

www.endocustoms.com
www.goldensaddlecyclery.com
www.trackosaurusrex.com

Share the Road (Again)

Cycling Side-by-Side
The Salt Lake Tribune
By Chad Mullins
2012-04-27

Link: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/53995663-82/lane-riding-canyon-roadway.html.csp

I found this article to be very interesting because, as an avid cyclist, I ride many mountain and canyon roads. These roads are narrow and certain sections become one lane.

When I first started riding mountain roads, I would always try to stay as close to the right as possible.  I felt this was the safest area of the road, safe from vehicle traffic behind me as well as on-coming. Unfortunately, I may be safe from vehicle traffic, but I am still exposing myself to another hazard, road debris. 

All too often I would be riding along, in the "zone", and bump into some road debris.  I've hit large rocks, small rocks, fallen branches, road kill, sweaters, water bottles, broken glass, beer cans, you name it, I've hit it. 

On few occasions, sharp rocks and broken glass have pierced my tires.  Once, while riding with Annette from Glendoramtnroad.com, I was lucky enough to get two simultaneous flats.

This article discusses bicyclists side by side riding of each other, sharing the road and how far to the right should a bicyclist ride. I find riding closer to the middle of your lane to be much safer than to the far right.  Riding closer to the middle of your lane keeps you visible and vehicles are more likely to notice you from a distance as the mountain road twists and turns to the contours of the mountain.

So here is the first few paragraphs of this article.  I hope you find it informative and helpful.

"Frustration rises as motorists and people riding bicycles vie for road space in the canyons, where roadway shoulders are often too narrow to ride safely, and the travel lanes are not wide enough for riders and motorists to share.

Symptoms are being mistaken as the cause when Emigration Canyon residents ask Salt Lake County to pass an ordinance requiring bicyclists to ride single file in the canyon.

Riding single file is the courteous thing to do when bicyclists impede traffic, and conforms to Utah law ("Ride no more than two abreast [on the roadway] and then only if you would not impede traffic (41-6a-1105)). As with all slower traffic, people riding bikes should move to the side of the road when safe to do so, allowing motorists to pass. Continue Reading ..."

The Cyclist

SB 1475: Bicycling and Texting Don't Mix

Note to the video above. Although it's not a bicyclist, this crazy dude is laid back and texting while on a motorcycle. I love the driver and passenger's commentary. They sound like Raj in the Big Bang Theory.

New Califronia Law Would Ban Texting While Biking; What's Next
CBS Los Angeles
By Unknown
2012-04-27
Link: http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/04/27/new-calif-law-would-ban-texting-while-biking-whats-next-eating/

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — It could soon be illegal to ride a bicycle and text if a California lawmaker gets his way.

Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), who authored the 2008 California law mandating the use of hands-free technology while driving, has proposed extending that law to bicyclists.

Senate Bill 1475 would ban bicyclists from texting or talking without a headset.

Bicyclists would be fined $20 for their first offense and $50 thereafter with no additional fees.

The new bill was originally part of the 2008 driving ordinance, however the bicycle portion was omitted from the final law.

It is supported by the California Bicycle Coalition.

The bill is currently working its way through the state senate. Sen. Simitian hopes to make it law by the end of 2012

Life of Cycling

Bicycle Portraits

Bicycle Portraits: What do Bikes Say About a Culture
www.NPR.org
Claire O'Neill
2012-04-24
Link: http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2012/04/24/150576632/bicycle-portraits-what-do-bikes-say-about-a-culture

I have to admit I was a bit reluctant when I first saw this series of "Bicycle Portraits" because biking has, in some cases, become something of a cliche steeped in hipdom sprinkled with granola. Or mainly: For NPR to present a series of bicycle portraits just seemed too cute, too predictable. But these photos weren't taken in Brooklyn or Portland; it's South Africa. And in fact, I was surprised to learn from Stan Engelbrecht, who made the portraits with his friend Nic Grobler, that biking is not common there; there's no conversation about the hipsterization of bike culture, because there's not much of a "bike culture" to begin with. 

Continue Reading

GT Bicycles ; Kyle Strait and Tayler McCaul : Santa Cruz

Its Been too long since I've ridden my FS Trek. I think I need to ride Marshal Canyon soon!

ANOTHER QUINTESSENTIAL DAY ALONG GMR

Michael Heading Back Up GMR and ready for the Ski Lifts

Yesterday was L' Etape Du California.  I was training for this epic ride but a last minute change in plans prevented me from doing it.  After two weeks off, Kevin is back in the saddle and working towards his goal of GMR to Mt. Baldy.  Using Annette's training method of Fork Plux "X" miles he's making great progress.

Kevin Writes:

I got a late start to my ride up GMR as I continue to train, after two weeks off, for the ultimate ride for my from my house to Baldy Village.  As I crossed Sierra Madre and started up GMR, I realize today was the L’ Etape.  For a moment I thought how disappointed you must have been after all the training and then having a conflict.  Maybe next year.

Maybe it was because of a limited warm up, or more likely the two weeks off, but I was definitely feeling sluggish.  But you know how it is riding up GMR with all the friendly riders.  Today, I got encouragement times ten and that definitely helped keep me going.  Nevertheless my legs tired quickly and I was off my pace to the first saddle.  I couldn’t stop the self talk about cutting the ride short.

Wouldn’t you know, rounding a corner, just short of the first saddle was the Queen of GMR herself.  “Kevin, AWESOME…” was exclaimed from the rider descending clad with a red bandana around her neck.  That did it.  For some reason, Annette’s encouragement always sets my mind straight. Today it reset my thinking towards reaching my potential for the day.

The L’Etape volunteers offering water and Gatorade at the first saddle were very friendly and not concerned that I was not officially in the event.  The offered me shade and bottle refills. It was definitely helpful, as the temperatures steadily climbed.

After a bit more riding I stopped for shade at the maintenance shed, where I snapped some photos of participants climbing and wondering “will it ever end?”.  Nothing but admiration from me goes to all of them.

Next stop East Fork Road, where as I was pulling in to the rest stop, an energized Micheal Young (You can tell by the smile on his face) pulls around me on his way for some food and drink.  We chatted a bit and I was surprised to hear him say “So far so good” and ‘I am looking forward to the climb to the lifts”.

I was thinking about turning back, but for some reason I told him that my plan was EF Plus a mile.  So off I went, but it was general flat of downhill for about ¾ of a mile so I added another ¾ to get some more climbing in.

It wasn’t fast today, but I think I am ready to view the Tour of California from the Ridge Road.  I am hoping one of my work colleagues, Curtis, comes down from Bakersfield to ride with me.  I am a bit concerned as he talks about double-centuries and death-rides in his younger days.  Hopefully father time has slowed him a bit.

24.5 miles (fork+1.5), 2,880 feet of climbing (including a CAT 1), & no rain or snow. Couldn't be any better.

Thanks to all the encouraging fellow riders, Annette, Michael, L’Etape volunteers, and GMR for another great ride.

What Does Your Race Face Look Like?

Mine can get pretty ugly! Have a great weekend racing!

Mark Cavendish - 3LC - What's your Race Face? Enter to win! from Three Legs Cycling on Vimeo.

All I Am: Aaron Baker