Santa Barbara Gibraltar Road

Over the weekend Jamie and I spent some time in Santa Barbara.  While Jamie was out doing Zumba Training, I rode up Gibraltar Road. 

It was a great climb with absolutely spectacular views of the ocean.  If you ever find yourself in Santa Barbara, I highly recommend this climb. 

If you are used to riding Glendora Mountain Road, you can certainly do this ride. I was pretty jazzed about riding Gibraltar Road, so it didn't seem all that difficult and the view (Oh the views) were a wonderful distraction. 

With every turn, I had to pull the camera out.  Jamie gives me a hard time about all the memory I take up with my photos but I couldn't help it.  Click, click, click... I was snapping pictures like crazy!

The Route: 

I started this ride on Cabrillo Blvd and State Street.  I headed up State Street to Los Olivos Street.  You will go past the Mission to Mountain Drive.  Head up Mountain Drive until you come to Gibraltar Road.  From Gibraltar Road you just start heading up. From Gibraltar Road I took a left on E Camino Cielo. E Camino Cielo continues on the ridgeline.  From E Camino Cielo I took a left and headed down Painted Cave Road, then across San Marcos Road to Cathedral and eventually to Las Positas Road.  I followed Las Positas Road to Cliff Drive and eventually made my way back to the beach!

At Painted Cave and Manzanita you can refill your water bottles.   Be cautious descending Painted Cave the road is narrow.

Once you make it back to the beach there are a number of good places to eat.  I always recommend Brophy's.

HARLEM SHAKE BELGIAN CYCLING TEAM

Have a great weekend.

Somethings I will Never Understand

444 - Stay Right

444 - Stay Right from Naphtalina on Vimeo.
Luigi Barilari faces Race Across America 2012, a 4800 km bicycle race from Pacific to Atlantic Ocean.

A film by Gianluca "naphtalina" Camporesi

filmed by Adamo Davide

edited by Gianluca "naphtalina" Camporesi

Thanks to ATR - ex Deposito Savonarola, Collettivo Artistico Città di Ebla

Los Angeles - Western north of Pico, 1895

Meme Ortega - Grass Track Racer

Meme Ortega is a Pomona local, avid cyclist, and artist whose past achievements include working at The Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena, LA County Museum of Arts, and the Cal Poly Downtown Center.

Meme Ortega attended LA County High School for the Arts and has exhibited his work throughout Southern California. Meme uses all forms of media including drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture.

Meme painted this one for me a few years ago.  It a large painting and happens to be one of my favorites. It is in my office at work and many people ask if the racer is me. 

The Blast 2013 Promo Edit

The Blast 2013 Promo Edit from Ride with the locals on Vimeo.
The Blast
An ideal mix between Enduro Racing and Holidays.

With a small group of riders you stay in one accommodation, riding the amazing trails over 3 days and racing 8 timed specials along the way.

More info on the 2013 Series:
www.ridewiththelocals.com/theblast
http://www.facebook.com/ridewiththelocals

Look Style

Fixie Fashion

Velo Style and Culture

Spring Summer 2013 Prelude

Spring Summer 2013 Prelude from RAPHA on Vimeo.
A first glance at what's up the road in the coming weeks for Rapha’s new Spring Summer 2013 range. Not only will Rapha be outfitting the world's leading riders at Team Sky, there will be a host of new fabric technologies, hot weather products, fresh accessories, new colours and re-workings of iconic pieces. There are also new capsule collections, offering original and functional designs.

Pomona to GMR to Mt Baldy Village to Ski Lifts

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

GYM: What if guys and girls swapped roles at the gym?

Meme Ortega - Jumping the Train

Meme Ortega is a Pomona local, avid cyclist, and artist whose past achievements include working at The Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena, LA County Museum of Arts, and the Cal Poly Downtown Center.

Meme Ortega attended LA County High School for the Arts and has exhibited his work throughout Southern California. Meme uses all forms of media including drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture.

Carl B sent this picture to me.  It always amazes me the emails I get from friends, family and avid cyclists who view my blog.   Sometimes its a video or press release for some upcoming race.  Other times it's a funny picture.

Hipster- The Get Down

Hipster- The Get Down from Brian Thoryk on Vimeo.
This video was created to promoted a parody song about Hipsters. I wrote the song and lyrics plus played guitar and bass on the track. Beard and Mustache world champion Jack Passion stars as the lead Hipster. You can contact me at brian.thoryk@gmail.com. To follow my other songs and videos like Facebook business page "Brian Thoryk Music"

Meme Ortega - Racing the Train

Meme Ortega is a Pomona local, avid cyclist, and artist whose past achievements include working at The Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena, LA County Museum of Arts, and the Cal Poly Downtown Center.

Meme Ortega attended LA County High School for the Arts and has exhibited his work throughout Southern California. Meme uses all forms of media including drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture.

While surfing the net, I found this little picture of a cyclist racing a train.  It turns out its an old Remington advertisement.  I loved it so much I asked Meme to paint it for me.

What I like most about this photo is the olde time bicycle, fixed gear, I presume, racing the train.  It reminds me of Clark Kent (Superman) as a young boy racing the train while heading home from school.   The picture epitomizes the pure joy and elation one gets while riding a bike. With the wind in the face and at top speed, riding is freedom.

American Flyers

Bicycle Style - Skinny Pants

Bike Art

Day 2 in the Snow on GMR

Well there wasn't much snow left but it was sure cold!  Since my ride yesterday was cut short, I had to make it out today.  As I was heading down, John from Glendora was heading to the maintenance shed.

Meme Ortega - Local Artist and Avid Cyclist

Meme Ortega is a Pomona local, avid cyclist, and artist whose past achievements include working at The Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena, LA County Museum of Arts, and the Cal Poly Downtown Center.

Meme Ortega attended LA County High School for the Arts and has exhibited his work throughout Southern California. Meme uses all forms of media including drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture.

In recent years he has chosen Micky Mouse as his satirical commentary.  "I wanted to put Micky in situations Disney would never approve of." Take for instance Micky in Drag, in which Micky is wearing lipstick and high heels.  Or CSI Micky, where Micky is the subject a murder investigation.

Nine years ago I met Meme at his Ortega Family New Years Party and it wasn't until four years later, at this annual pool party, that we deciding to go riding.  Like me, Meme equally enjoys riding as well as tinkering with bikes.  More often then not Meme has multiple bike (or art) projects going at once. 

Recently I commissioned Meme to paint me a few pictures.  The first is painting of a picture I took last year in Santa Barbara.  This one is for Jamie's Grandmother who has a number of nautical themed works of art in her house.  I've been wanting to give her something like this for a number of years. 

Link to Boats in Santa Barbara Harbor photo...

Santa Barbara is a special place for Jamie and I.  We love the harbor and enjoy eating at Brophy's.

In the next few days I will post additional peices of bicycle themed paintings Meme did for me.

The Hardmen of Glendora Mountain Road

It was cold when I left the house this morning at 7 am.  How cold, I don't really remember but the snow level was low and the foothills were covered with a light white dusting.

Heading up to GMR, I was greeted by Matt and Annette (GlendoraMTNRoad.com).  They opted for the warmth of Matt's car, with beanie, jackets, and heated seats.  WIMPS, I say.  the Hardmen of GMR ride in all conditions.

John from Glendora, manned up and was heading up GMR.  I decided to ride with him.  We ended up riding a mile or two past the first saddle.  That was about as far as we could go before the snow and icy roads made our trek up impossible. 

Heading down the mountain was Hernan and Mike.  Mike took a fall on the slippery roads and both were walking down.  John and I walked down with them until it was safe to re-mount the bikes.

At the first saddle and while John and I headed down, John P, was making his way up GMR.  He was hauling a$$ and I only managed to take a blurry picture of him!  

There were a lot of riders heading up as we headed down. Tomorrow should be a better day to tackle GMR.

BTW - John, I road to Ice House Canyon last Sunday, which would explain why we never crossed paths.

Skylar Grey - C'mon Let Me Ride ft. Eminem

Pimp my Pedicab

[HBfilm]Roller Training

[HBfilm]Roller Training from Kun Young Park on Vimeo.
Filmed by KUN (HBfilm)

Camera : 5D MK2 , 17-40mm , 85mm
Song : Pink Floyd - Speak to me/Breathe , The Great Gig in the Sky
Sraring : Mino Park

Supported by SHINS ( https://shins.cc )

HBfilm's blog : http://blog.naver.com/helio_graphy

Bike Your Way into Bikini Season

Vehicular Evolution

CINELLI BOOTLEG Tour d'Afrique 2013

CINELLI BOOTLEG Tour d'Afrique 2013 from CINELLI-BOOTLEG on Vimeo.
Tour d'Afrique 2013 - 12,000 km from Cairo to Cape Town - the ultimate test of endurance and tenacity amidst some of the most beautiful environments and cultures in the world.
...a test of mind, body and bike...
riding more than 70 miles per day more than 50 fearless riders will compete to reach the Atlantic Ocean.
Each day yields new and unexpected challenges, discoveries and friendships.
Cinelli Bootleg takes part in Tour d'Afrique 2013 using a special frame, specifically designed for ultra cycling races: the HOBO RATS!!
Handmade in Italy by adopting Columbus tubes, with passion and experience.The new bootleg is a pure synthesis of the highest level of Cinelli's know-how in terms of steel frame and long race.

Curious George

Cyclocross Teaser Final 02

CX season is coming to a close but this video just got me pumped for the 2013/ 2014 season!

Cyclocross Teaser Final 02 from Janssen Powers on Vimeo.

Bicycles on the Mind

... While at work.

Eggs are Sides for Bacon Tee

I gotta have this T-Shirt!

The Old Man on His Bicycle

His story makes me smile.  The 80 year old paperboy.  Keep on riding.

Constables on Patrol

If you didn't know what COPS stands for, you do now.

Glendora Mountain Road to Ice House Canyon (Geared)

After being sick and entirely off the bike for 6 days, I was chopping at the bit to get some type of ride in.  Saturday I watched the CX Worlds in Kentucky and it got me even more pumped for an epic ride.

With that said, I decided on a ride to Ice House Canyon.  It would be enough to keep me entertained until next weekend's ride.  I woke up early and headed to GMR.  I had a bit of doubt on whether I would make it, but getting this shot below, was what kept me motivated.  

Once I entered the village I just kept going.  I felt good and didn't want to stop.  Once at Ice House, I snapped the picture below and was surprised how good I felt.  I think I could have kept going but didn't refill at the Post Office and was pressed to time. 

New goal for 2013, at least 2 to 5 trips to the lifts.

Today was beautiful on GMR.  There were many great photo ops, but I chose to refrain from taking any of them.  I only wanted one photo.  The photo that kept me going.  Funny how stupid ideas/things can keep you motivated.

No Beer Bellies

So how are those New Years Resolutions coming along?  Say no to the beer belly! Get out and ride!

Iron Maiden Vans

Flanders Classics 2012

They are coming!

Bicycle Beauty

My Weekday Rides

My weekday rides are almost 100% done on the rollers.  

Between work and family, I am left with little time to ride.  Its amazing I can ride at all given my hectic schedule but riding helps center me.  Riding resets the day.

I just bought a cyclo-computer so I am interested in how many miles I actually ride.  I spend most of my weekday evenings on the rollers. 

Tom Boonen Rides into 2013

Projection Mapping on Fixed Gear Bike

Projection Mapping on Fixed Gear Bike from ibnuambara on Vimeo.
Artist Statement :
When i started Creating what can be Called Video Projection,My product was very much focused in the video in the bike.Now i am trying to introduce about a lifestyle of fixed gear rider in kuala lumpur by using bicycle fixed gear as a subject to project. For me, fixed gear is an ideal topic to explore, because it is very current in our society now and to say fixed gear is a urban culture on its own among the youngsters.

for more information: www.ibnuambara.com

Espresso Field Guide

So far the only Espresso I like is my own.  Unfortunately, our Espresso machine is to big for our counter and the process of making Espresso is messy.

I can't win them all.

Maglianero - Fueling the Modern Mobility Movement

Maglianero: Fueling the Modern Mobility Movement from Maglianero on Vimeo.
Across communities and continents, people are traveling and commuting in growing numbers by more inspired and more intelligent means of transportation, the bicycle chief among them. This is the Modern Mobility Movement, and Maglianero is proud to be at its forefront, providing fuel for the ride, apparel for protection from the elements, and a place to converge, connect, and be inspired.

Jumping the Train

More on this one later as well. Sent in from Carl B.

GMR to the Maintenance Shed - FIXED

What a nice treat.  After church I decided on a quick ride from the base of GMR to the maintenance shed. It was quick and heading down I saw Kevin. Kevin is training for our quarterly Mt Baldy ride.

Bicycling - Connecting Gear Inches, Cadence (RPM) and MPH

The formula to calculate MPH given RPM (and Gear Inches and a few other things)

When riding fixed gear what you see is what you get. Or rather what you choose in gear ratio is what you get.  How fast you can comfortably go is directly related to the gear setup you ultimately decide on.

I am one of few fixie riders among many roadies and its important for me to choose the right gear.  Choose to low of a gear and I can't keep up with the group.  Choose to hard of a gear and I'm working to hard.  And add the variances in elevations given any ride and well its complicated.

I am always thinking about the perfect gear.  For me it's 46 x 15 or somewhere between a 3 to 3.07 gear ratio.  This translates to a max speed of approx. 29 mph at about 120 rpm.  120 rpm can be a bit uncomfortable but its manageable and most group riders can't sustain this for long.  At 90 to 100 RPM the max speed is between 21 to 25 mph.

I bought a very basic cyclo-computer for my fixie.  It tells me MPH but not RPM.  When I am working out on my rollers, I try to maintain a certain perceived effort.  Knowing my MPH, I often wondered what RPM or cadence this works out to be.  You see, I am more interested in RPM than MPH but my cyclo-computer only tells me MPH. Maintaining a certain RPM is much better than worrying about how fast I am going and they are directly related.

Whew, to much thinking.  So, knowing MPH you can calculate RPM and vice versa.  I wanted to understand this relationship better so I went online to find a formula.  Unfortunately, most of the formulas were incomplete or did a horrible job explaining it.  I found a number of online calculators that did the math for you but I was more interested in understanding the relationship. For me understanding this relationship (or mathematical representation) will helps me appreciate the importance of choosing the right gear and explains to me what is going on given a certain RPM. 

Below is the formula to determine your miles per hour (MPH) given your gear ratio, tire size and revolutions per minute (RPM).  Sheldon Brown has a great calculator to figure this out.  He even takes into consideration crank length!  Since I was very disappointing in all the other explanations, I hope my version is easier to understand.  

In high school we are taught Distance = Rate * Time.  Thus Rate = Distance / Time ... And so the story begins!

For The Example I am running a 48t Front Chain Ring; a 16t Rear Cog and my Cadence (RPM) is 90.  I am running a 700c X 23 road tires.

Front Chain Ring = 48 teeth
Rear Cog = 16 Teeth
RPM = 90
Tire Size = 700c x 23 (This translates to a tire diameter of approximately 26.3 inches)
Pi = 3.14159

Step One: Calculate Gear Inches (GI)
GI = (Cf / Cr) * Diameter of wheel
Where Cf = # of Teeth of Front Chain Ring; Cr = # of Teeth of Rear Cog
Example = (48 / 16) * 26.3 = 78.9

Step Two: Calculate distance wheel will travel in one revolution (Dr).  To do this you will need the circumference of tire.  To calculate this times GI by Pi.
Where Pi = 3.14159.....
Thus GI * PI or GI * 3.14159
Example = 78.9 * 3.14159 = 247.8715

Step Three:  Calculate the total distance traveled in one minute (Dm in).  To do this you will need to insert a given number of Revolutions Per Minute or RPM.  To calculate the distance traveled on on minute take your Dr and times it by your RPM.
Thus  (Dm in) = Dr * RPM
Example = 247.8715 * 90 = 22,308.435

Step Four: Convert (Dm in) in to feet (Dm ft). The number you get in Step Three is in inches. You need to convert it to feet to eventually determine MPH.  To do this simply take (Dm in) and divide by 12.  You divide by 12 because 12 inches equals one foot.
Thus (Dm ft) = (Dm in) / 12
Example = 22,308.435 / 12 = 1,859.03625

Step Five: Calculate Distance traveled in one hour (Dh).  Since there are 60 minutes in an hour you take the number in Step Four and times it by 60.
Thus (Dh) = Dm ft * 60
Example =  1,859.03625* 60 = 111,542.175

Step Six: Calculate Mile per Hour (MPH).  This is the final step.  The number you have in Step Five tells you your total distance traveled in one hour.  The number tells you total distance in feet.  There are 5280 feet in one mile.  to to convert to miles you simply divide the number in Step Five by 5280.
Thus MPH  = Dh / 5280
Example = 111,542.175 / 5280 = 21.125; Given my current gear setup and my desired RPM, I will be traveling at 21 mph.  

Victoria Pendleton

Bike Love

BIKE LOVE from Typeset Film on Vimeo.
Bike Love is an experiential narrative documentary film about Kara Minnehan’s bike riding quest in Portland, Oregon. Kara gave up her car for the purpose of trying out new modes of transportation and experiencing the city’s bike culture firsthand.

Hoy vs Forstemann Sprint World Championships 2011

Crazy massive legs.  This was on Johnny Lee Stars FB page.