Name that movie!!! (Office Space...too easy!)
Nah, today was okay...work was busy (first day back to normal after testing). I got to the gym to do spin class and then conveniently lost track of time (actually got today's class--5 pm--and Thursday's class--6:30 pm--somehow meshed in my brain). I was on the treadmill in la-la-land when I looked up and saw the spin class already going...15 minutes in!! Yikes! I went in and grabbed my shoes and got in there asap! I ended up pushing pretty hard for the rest and felt like I salvaged it but...
On another note, Dan is still out of town. I miss him. He'll be back Thursday :)
On another note (an even suckier one), yesterday on our short, easy UC Cyclery shop ride, I had a "catastrophic" flat...a stick the diameter of a pencil decided to shove itself in my rear wheel on the tread. I watched, with dismay, as the Stan's that Steve had just put in a mere two hours before, started to spew out like blood from a severed artery. It wasn't pretty. I waited around while everyone went back to the shop and then Billy came back to get me. Of course, Murphy's Law prevailed...I hadn't even brought a CamelBak with me. *sigh*
It's all good though...Brian's sending me a replacement Jones so I can be in business for Saturday...Idyllwild Spring Challenge!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Allison n' Me n' Eric n' Some New Green Jerseys
Well, this weekend Dan stayed up in the Bakersfield area for the Cal State DH Race #2 at Woodward West (Tehachapi). I decided not to make the multihour drive and instead stay around San Diego (er, Murrieta). Allison also decided not to go to the Cal State race, so we made it a girl's weekend with rides at Blue Jay (Saturday) and Santa Rosa Plateau (Sunday).
Saturday: Blue Jay-MD-Trabuco-HJ-MD-Blue Jay
Drove up to Allison's, picked her up, and then met Eric at the Blue Jay trailhead. We made pretty decent time on our 22-ish mile ride (with about 4800' of climbing) with a total running time of about 3:18.
Here is my ride report as posted on STR:
Two gals (Allison & I) and our trail male (Eric) decided to go out and play since our men folk (Justin & Dan) are out racing DH at Woodward West.
Met up at the Blue Jay campground and got going by about 8:30. We knew it would be a warm day, so got ready and on the bikes asap.
Up MD to Trabuco was well, how it always is...steep and loose and steep.
Eric was also our trail virgin today...it was his first time on Trabuco and Holy Jim...we promised to be gentle.
He was pretty stoked and so were we! Who doesn't love that trail!?!
Allison clearly enjoying Trabuco
Eric, contemplating the sweetness that is Trabuco
Had a sighting of men in uniform (how sexy) and played hopscotch with the fire truck once we got onto the bottom of Holy Jim.
New trail numero dos for Eric
The water crossings were pretty low and the poison oak was looking quite abundant.
Allison hitting the water
Tunnel of love
Took the Playboy shots of the bikes (thanks for the idea Hugh).
Once we got up to the switchbacks, well, that was the last we saw of Eric until the very top of Holy Jim (we joked that he was probably napping). Allison & I made good time and both cleared some sections/switchbacks for the first time.
Got a moment or two of rest at the top of HJ, then it was time to head toward The Wall.
We all cleared it without any dabs or stopping and then kept climbing. At one point, past WHT, Eric was like, "More climbing?!" Yes, Eric, more climbing
I spy with my little eye...
Sooner than we knew, we were back at Blue Jay, where Allison and I showered off together....
made ya look We were washing off with Tecnu.
Great ride and we made pretty great time. Eric is officially not a Trabuco/HJ virgin anymore!
Sunday: Santa Rosa Plateau
We did a short ride/photo shoot (hey, new jerseys deserve the royal treatment!) today and kept it simple. The ride was fun, and we managed to pack it in before the heat really climbed.
Here is a slightly edited version of Allison's ride report as posted on STR (as it has many pictures of me and thought it would be nice to post someone else's writing for a change:
Well, Steph and I debated quite a bit about what to ride today... I went so far as to call the Hurkey Creek ranger booth last night at 9:30. Unfortunately they said the trails were closed until about 3 or so today (I have afternoon plans). I figured the same was true for Vail.
We said, Daley? San Juan? It was supposed to be HOT. I slept in, so by the time we were eating breakfast it was about 8:30 or so. Well, Santa Rosa Plateau was going to have to be it.
It was about 75 or so on the drive over there.
Find Steph and her green bike...amidst the greenery
Path girls enjoy their Path jerseys!! We are diggin' the sleeveless and it isn't even summer yet!
Steph enjoys the rolling descent
Turning around for more
Swoosh
JUMP JUMP
Tail whip!
Hope everyone else got to be out enjoying the great weather and trails this weekend!!
Thanks to Steph for keeping me company
Congrats to Dan who placed 3rd at Cal State in the Vet Pro category!! Way to go honey!!!
Saturday: Blue Jay-MD-Trabuco-HJ-MD-Blue Jay
Drove up to Allison's, picked her up, and then met Eric at the Blue Jay trailhead. We made pretty decent time on our 22-ish mile ride (with about 4800' of climbing) with a total running time of about 3:18.
Here is my ride report as posted on STR:
Two gals (Allison & I) and our trail male (Eric) decided to go out and play since our men folk (Justin & Dan) are out racing DH at Woodward West.
Met up at the Blue Jay campground and got going by about 8:30. We knew it would be a warm day, so got ready and on the bikes asap.
Up MD to Trabuco was well, how it always is...steep and loose and steep.
Eric was also our trail virgin today...it was his first time on Trabuco and Holy Jim...we promised to be gentle.
He was pretty stoked and so were we! Who doesn't love that trail!?!
Allison clearly enjoying Trabuco
Eric, contemplating the sweetness that is Trabuco
Had a sighting of men in uniform (how sexy) and played hopscotch with the fire truck once we got onto the bottom of Holy Jim.
New trail numero dos for Eric
The water crossings were pretty low and the poison oak was looking quite abundant.
Allison hitting the water
Tunnel of love
Took the Playboy shots of the bikes (thanks for the idea Hugh
).Once we got up to the switchbacks, well, that was the last we saw of Eric until the very top of Holy Jim (we joked that he was probably napping). Allison & I made good time and both cleared some sections/switchbacks for the first time.
Got a moment or two of rest at the top of HJ, then it was time to head toward The Wall.
We all cleared it without any dabs or stopping and then kept climbing. At one point, past WHT, Eric was like, "More climbing?!" Yes, Eric, more climbing
I spy with my little eye...
Sooner than we knew, we were back at Blue Jay, where Allison and I showered off together....
made ya look
We were washing off with Tecnu.Great ride and we made pretty great time. Eric is officially not a Trabuco/HJ virgin anymore!
Sunday: Santa Rosa Plateau
We did a short ride/photo shoot (hey, new jerseys deserve the royal treatment!) today and kept it simple. The ride was fun, and we managed to pack it in before the heat really climbed.
Here is a slightly edited version of Allison's ride report as posted on STR (as it has many pictures of me and thought it would be nice to post someone else's writing for a change:
Well, Steph and I debated quite a bit about what to ride today... I went so far as to call the Hurkey Creek ranger booth last night at 9:30. Unfortunately they said the trails were closed until about 3 or so today (I have afternoon plans). I figured the same was true for Vail.
We said, Daley? San Juan? It was supposed to be HOT. I slept in, so by the time we were eating breakfast it was about 8:30 or so. Well, Santa Rosa Plateau was going to have to be it.
It was about 75 or so on the drive over there.
Find Steph and her green bike...amidst the greenery
Path girls enjoy their Path jerseys!! We are diggin' the sleeveless and it isn't even summer yet!
Steph enjoys the rolling descent
Turning around for more
Swoosh
JUMP JUMP
Tail whip!
Hope everyone else got to be out enjoying the great weather and trails this weekend!!
Thanks to Steph for keeping me company
Congrats to Dan who placed 3rd at Cal State in the Vet Pro category!! Way to go honey!!!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Another Day on Two...
...though I have to ask...does the spin bike count?! ;)
I have been doing well this past week or so with trying to get on the bike and/or spin at least one day more than before. So far, I've ridden: last Saturday (40 mile road), Sunday (30 mile trail), Tuesday (spin), Wednesday (30 mile road), and today (spin). I am pleased to say that my legs feel good, though tomorrow will definitely be a rest day, with yoga as a likely relaxing alternative.
Spin was pretty challenging today, and I kept the resistance on the higher end when possible. Man, was I sweating really bad! But, I was proud that I managed to keep the intensity and pace considering I warmed up with a 25 minute jog and a full circuit of weights. Not bad, not bad.
Dan is camping tonight at Breckenridge Campground in the Southern Sierra (outside Isabella). He worked in Bakersfield this week and decided to stay up there for the Cal State DH race #2 (at Woodward West in Tehacapi). I miss him (but as I tell him, not in a co-dependent sort of way!)
I will be busy with riding with Allison this weekend...and trying to stay cool (temps are forecast to be upper 80s)!
Almost forgot...booked my ticket last night for the rafting trip!! Here is the email from John with all the details:
Dear Friends,
It is that time of year once again to start preparing to quench our tenth annual thirst for Moose Drool beer, huckleberry pancakes, and serious carnage on Idaho’s amazing Lochsa River. The water level this year in the Clearwater Valley is currently at a whopping 113% of average. That should mean huge flows come late May.
Lochsa Falls
LOGISTICS
For those of you who will be making the trip for the first time, here are the details. We will meet in the Iron Horse Saloon (ironhorsebrewpub.com) in Missoula, MT on Thursday, May 22 at 12 noonish. After some “socializin”, we will boat the Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork outside of Missoula. The Clark Fork will be our warm-up day for the Lochsa. After the Gorge, we will drive to the Lochsa and check in at the Lodge. We will then spend three days rafting the Lochsa River during the day and returning to the Lodge for Moose Drool beer and “bite-sized steak” at night. I have already decided that the weather is going to be stunning.
Iron Horse, Missoula, MT
TRAVEL
There will be at least one vehicle driving from Colorado and one from Sacramento. The Colorado ride will leave around 5pm on Wednesday, May 21 from either Vail or Denver (tbd). We will drive straight through except for a brief stretch in our sleeping bags from about 5-7am and breakfast in Deer Lodge, MT around 9am. If you choose to fly, try to be in Missoula mid-day sometime, preferable before noon. Departure can be any time on Monday although you won’t want to leave too early in the am. Mid-day to early afternoon is best. Drivers will likely depart after breakfast on Monday morning, Memorial Day.
LODGING
We have seventeen beds currently reserved at the Lochsa Lodge (www.lochsalodge.com) which is located on a bluff overlooking the Lochsa River. We actually have reserved most of their rooms “with plumbing” thanks to Andrea (the owner) looking out for us. The Lodge is a very special place. There is no internet and you lose cell phone reception 40 miles before you get there. In fact, from the time we drop over Lolo Pass on Thursday night until the return on Monday morning, you will not have any cell phone reception. That may be the best reason to go on this trip.
General Store/Gas Station at the Lochsa Lodge
BOATING THE LOCHSA
For those of you who haven’t been on this trip, the Lochsa is one of the Epic single day rivers in the US. A typical day has more than 35 Class III-ClassIV+ rapids with names like Terminator, Grip Reaper, Bloody Mary, Killer Fang Falls, and Buttercup (o.k. I made that last one up). It is a big, deep, fast river with not many hazards outside of the many raft-flipping waves. You don’t need any special experience to boat the Lochsa, just a commitment to keep paddling, a little courage, and a general lack of good common sense.
As always, anyone who wants to bring friends is more than welcome to do so. Just keep in mind, this river is not for the meek. It is not an insane river, but it is really, really big and the chances of swimming are very good.
GEAR
Required gear includes helmet, wetsuit, PFD (Life-vest), splash top, and river shoes or Tevas (Shoes recommended). We will have several spare helmets and PFD’s around and all other needed gear can be rented from Trailhead in Missoula (www.trailheadmontana.net).
Recommended gear includes splash pants, whistle, knife, flip-line, neoprene gloves, inflatable girl, polarized sunglasses.
LOCHSA FALLS ON YOUTUBE.COM
As many of you know, the Memorial Day weekend roadside crowd at Lochsa Falls is one of the great scenes in boating. Video from the last couple of years have been posted on youtube.com.
2007- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7GtTizpR08
2006- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8DUQ1QHhNA
CONFIRMATION
All I need right now is a general sense of who is in, who is out, and who is still working on it. You can always show up by surprise last second at the Iron Horse, but it is very helpful for me to get a sense of numbers. Many of you have already bought airfare and several others have told me you are in but just humor me and confirm again via email.
Call me with any questions. Everyone on this email list is highly encouraged to join us for what promises to be an amazing tenth anniversary trip. Looking forward to seeing you all in Missoula.
John
(This guy’s back flip attempt in the Falls was impressive if not successful)
How could I resist that??!
I have been doing well this past week or so with trying to get on the bike and/or spin at least one day more than before. So far, I've ridden: last Saturday (40 mile road), Sunday (30 mile trail), Tuesday (spin), Wednesday (30 mile road), and today (spin). I am pleased to say that my legs feel good, though tomorrow will definitely be a rest day, with yoga as a likely relaxing alternative.
Spin was pretty challenging today, and I kept the resistance on the higher end when possible. Man, was I sweating really bad! But, I was proud that I managed to keep the intensity and pace considering I warmed up with a 25 minute jog and a full circuit of weights. Not bad, not bad.
Dan is camping tonight at Breckenridge Campground in the Southern Sierra (outside Isabella). He worked in Bakersfield this week and decided to stay up there for the Cal State DH race #2 (at Woodward West in Tehacapi). I miss him (but as I tell him, not in a co-dependent sort of way!)
I will be busy with riding with Allison this weekend...and trying to stay cool (temps are forecast to be upper 80s)!
Almost forgot...booked my ticket last night for the rafting trip!! Here is the email from John with all the details:
Dear Friends,
It is that time of year once again to start preparing to quench our tenth annual thirst for Moose Drool beer, huckleberry pancakes, and serious carnage on Idaho’s amazing Lochsa River. The water level this year in the Clearwater Valley is currently at a whopping 113% of average. That should mean huge flows come late May.
Lochsa Falls
LOGISTICS
For those of you who will be making the trip for the first time, here are the details. We will meet in the Iron Horse Saloon (ironhorsebrewpub.com) in Missoula, MT on Thursday, May 22 at 12 noonish. After some “socializin”, we will boat the Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork outside of Missoula. The Clark Fork will be our warm-up day for the Lochsa. After the Gorge, we will drive to the Lochsa and check in at the Lodge. We will then spend three days rafting the Lochsa River during the day and returning to the Lodge for Moose Drool beer and “bite-sized steak” at night. I have already decided that the weather is going to be stunning.
Iron Horse, Missoula, MT
TRAVEL
There will be at least one vehicle driving from Colorado and one from Sacramento. The Colorado ride will leave around 5pm on Wednesday, May 21 from either Vail or Denver (tbd). We will drive straight through except for a brief stretch in our sleeping bags from about 5-7am and breakfast in Deer Lodge, MT around 9am. If you choose to fly, try to be in Missoula mid-day sometime, preferable before noon. Departure can be any time on Monday although you won’t want to leave too early in the am. Mid-day to early afternoon is best. Drivers will likely depart after breakfast on Monday morning, Memorial Day.
LODGING
We have seventeen beds currently reserved at the Lochsa Lodge (www.lochsalodge.com) which is located on a bluff overlooking the Lochsa River. We actually have reserved most of their rooms “with plumbing” thanks to Andrea (the owner) looking out for us. The Lodge is a very special place. There is no internet and you lose cell phone reception 40 miles before you get there. In fact, from the time we drop over Lolo Pass on Thursday night until the return on Monday morning, you will not have any cell phone reception. That may be the best reason to go on this trip.
General Store/Gas Station at the Lochsa Lodge
BOATING THE LOCHSA
For those of you who haven’t been on this trip, the Lochsa is one of the Epic single day rivers in the US. A typical day has more than 35 Class III-ClassIV+ rapids with names like Terminator, Grip Reaper, Bloody Mary, Killer Fang Falls, and Buttercup (o.k. I made that last one up). It is a big, deep, fast river with not many hazards outside of the many raft-flipping waves. You don’t need any special experience to boat the Lochsa, just a commitment to keep paddling, a little courage, and a general lack of good common sense.
As always, anyone who wants to bring friends is more than welcome to do so. Just keep in mind, this river is not for the meek. It is not an insane river, but it is really, really big and the chances of swimming are very good.
GEAR
Required gear includes helmet, wetsuit, PFD (Life-vest), splash top, and river shoes or Tevas (Shoes recommended). We will have several spare helmets and PFD’s around and all other needed gear can be rented from Trailhead in Missoula (www.trailheadmontana.net).
Recommended gear includes splash pants, whistle, knife, flip-line, neoprene gloves, inflatable girl, polarized sunglasses.
LOCHSA FALLS ON YOUTUBE.COM
As many of you know, the Memorial Day weekend roadside crowd at Lochsa Falls is one of the great scenes in boating. Video from the last couple of years have been posted on youtube.com.
2007- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7GtTizpR08
2006- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8DUQ1QHhNA
CONFIRMATION
All I need right now is a general sense of who is in, who is out, and who is still working on it. You can always show up by surprise last second at the Iron Horse, but it is very helpful for me to get a sense of numbers. Many of you have already bought airfare and several others have told me you are in but just humor me and confirm again via email.
Call me with any questions. Everyone on this email list is highly encouraged to join us for what promises to be an amazing tenth anniversary trip. Looking forward to seeing you all in Missoula.
John
(This guy’s back flip attempt in the Falls was impressive if not successful)
How could I resist that??!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Road Ride #2...Solo
Since school let out early today (and I turned in all my grades this morning AND I get there before 6:45 every day), I jetted out by 1 pm. My master plan was to do a road ride before Zoe's patterning sesh began, so that's just what I did.
I decided to check out the bike path along the 56 fwy, but getting there (though it's not very far as the crow flies) ended up being somewhat longer than planned. There are basically three ways to get there from here...#1 is Genesee to the I-5 (YES, you RIDE ON the freeway, even though it's only for a half mile or so and there is a huge shoulder...it is still ON the freeway. I don't like that idea very much). #2 is to go down Torrey Pines Rd. to Carmel Valley Rd. to the 56 (scenic but I wasn't sure of the status of the bike lane on CVR). #3 is to go out Miramar Road to Camino Santa Fe to Sorrento Valley Pkwy (or something like that...the roads are all Sorrento-something out there).
I opted for #3. It is not very direct. In fact, it is about 10 miles just to get to the 56 by taking this route. And, CSF and Miramar (though they have a bike lane for 95% of them) are highly traveled, high speed roads (50 mph in some places). In hindsight, next time I am trying option #1 as an out and back.
In any case, I got to the 56 with no trouble (I was going off what I remember from Saturday's ride and what I had mapped out on www.mapmyrun.com--fun site by the way). Found the entrance to the bike path from El Camino Real. It is nicely paved and was pretty deserted for the first couple miles. I passed through a neighborhood and then continuing on, I hit a dead end. Oops. There was a nice lady walking her dog who confirmed that I had just missed the turn off...the path turns up so that it parallels right next to the 56 at this point.
From here, it was a lot of gradual ups and downs. Funny, you don't notice it when you are driving in a car but darn, it wasn't flat! At that point, I had to make a decision...go back from whence I came or continue on. Feeling that my distance would already be long enough for today, I opted to go down Black Mt. for the most "direct" route back. It is the straightest, probably shortest route but involves lots of traffic (though mostly bike lanes) and took me eventually back on a long stretch of Miramar Road...which is neither scenic nor quiet nor tranquil.
All in all, it ended up being about 29.5 miles (according to how I carefully mapped it on mapmyrun.com) which was pretty good considering I was gone for 2 hours and road for actually about 1.45 (I am estimating since my cycle computer is dead and needs a battery).
I think that I will opt for the Torrey Pines climb out the next time around, but now I know!
Got to patterning on time and hung out with Jeff, Erin, and Zoe for a few extra minutes. I even rode my bike over and back...trying to squeeze in every extra mile that I can. That put the day's ride closer to 32 miles. Tomorrow...well I'm not sure. The track meet got moved to today...probably a circuit/weights/yoga day.
On the horizon, Allison and I will be joining Rut n' friends for some SJT/Chiquita goodness while the boys (Justin and Dan) are going up to Woodward. Sunday? Well, we're trying to figure that out :)
I decided to check out the bike path along the 56 fwy, but getting there (though it's not very far as the crow flies) ended up being somewhat longer than planned. There are basically three ways to get there from here...#1 is Genesee to the I-5 (YES, you RIDE ON the freeway, even though it's only for a half mile or so and there is a huge shoulder...it is still ON the freeway. I don't like that idea very much). #2 is to go down Torrey Pines Rd. to Carmel Valley Rd. to the 56 (scenic but I wasn't sure of the status of the bike lane on CVR). #3 is to go out Miramar Road to Camino Santa Fe to Sorrento Valley Pkwy (or something like that...the roads are all Sorrento-something out there).
I opted for #3. It is not very direct. In fact, it is about 10 miles just to get to the 56 by taking this route. And, CSF and Miramar (though they have a bike lane for 95% of them) are highly traveled, high speed roads (50 mph in some places). In hindsight, next time I am trying option #1 as an out and back.
In any case, I got to the 56 with no trouble (I was going off what I remember from Saturday's ride and what I had mapped out on www.mapmyrun.com--fun site by the way). Found the entrance to the bike path from El Camino Real. It is nicely paved and was pretty deserted for the first couple miles. I passed through a neighborhood and then continuing on, I hit a dead end. Oops. There was a nice lady walking her dog who confirmed that I had just missed the turn off...the path turns up so that it parallels right next to the 56 at this point.
From here, it was a lot of gradual ups and downs. Funny, you don't notice it when you are driving in a car but darn, it wasn't flat! At that point, I had to make a decision...go back from whence I came or continue on. Feeling that my distance would already be long enough for today, I opted to go down Black Mt. for the most "direct" route back. It is the straightest, probably shortest route but involves lots of traffic (though mostly bike lanes) and took me eventually back on a long stretch of Miramar Road...which is neither scenic nor quiet nor tranquil.
All in all, it ended up being about 29.5 miles (according to how I carefully mapped it on mapmyrun.com) which was pretty good considering I was gone for 2 hours and road for actually about 1.45 (I am estimating since my cycle computer is dead and needs a battery).
I think that I will opt for the Torrey Pines climb out the next time around, but now I know!
Got to patterning on time and hung out with Jeff, Erin, and Zoe for a few extra minutes. I even rode my bike over and back...trying to squeeze in every extra mile that I can. That put the day's ride closer to 32 miles. Tomorrow...well I'm not sure. The track meet got moved to today...probably a circuit/weights/yoga day.
On the horizon, Allison and I will be joining Rut n' friends for some SJT/Chiquita goodness while the boys (Justin and Dan) are going up to Woodward. Sunday? Well, we're trying to figure that out :)
San Gab First-Timer Ride
Yes, I called today's ride EPIC for several reasons: it was mine and Dan's first ever ride in the Gabes; it was hosted by some amazing riders (Rut, Hugh and friends); it took us on some ridiculously sick trails; it was pretty long with some good climbs.
Andy asked Dan and I to join Hugh and their buddies for the ride, and I felt pretty honored. I mean, I know these guys are fast...really fast. (This by no means says that I am fast, but rather that they were willing to have me tag along). Andy graciously let Dan borrow his Nomad since the shock and fork on the Yeti are heading back to Fox tomorrow.
The trusty steeds
Inspecting Hugh's precision-clean Moots
We met up in Tustin this morning at 8 to carpool. Hugh, I must say, has an impressively large.......truck I couldn't get in by myself 
It's so......big!
We drove up and parked by JPL, then rode up to the trailhead. Stopped to use the facilities along the way and caught a couple minutes of the local futbol game.
My view for pretty much the whole day (and not a bad one, might I add)
Wow...I felt kinda worked going up Lake! (I did a 40 mile road ride yesterday). Got past the gate, and it was time to strip off the arm warmers, vests, etc. because the temps were already climbing.
The climbing quickly commenced as we made our way up Sam Merrill (I think). Lots o hikers out today and most were super friendly. One lady even exclaimed "Finally...a girl!!!" I made most of the climb but a couple switchbacks got the best of me.
Dan making the first switchback
Andy making it look easy on the SS
Took a rest at the hotel ruins and then it was up Echo Mt. connector toward the fireroad climb.
Looking back
Taking a break
Hugh heads up the Echo Mt. connector
Me JRA
Remnants
It didn't take me long to find a groove going up the road. Kept it in middle the whole way up. Hugh and company were far ahead, while Andy, Dan-o, and I took up the caboose. At one point, I went on ahead of Andy and Dan, and boy-oh-boy did I hit a nice rhythm. I was cruising along up the hill feeling pretty good.
Rut n' Me, climbing, climbing, and climbing
Stopped where a hiking trail split off to the left to wait for the duo, but after about 2 minutes nobody showed, so I pushed onward. I was starting to feel hungry and by the time we got up to below Middle Merrill (?) I was so excited to see my pb & j!
Discussed the options for riding from here and the group (though some suggested going up to Wilson then doing a loop that would end with another 6 mile climb) opted to head through the tunnel, out to 2, then down the pavement to Red Box.
Tunnel.....
We stopped for a group shot, then began the descent. I was having a hard time finding my groove on the Niner on this part of the trail, but eventually I figured it out! The scenery was beautiful and the temps were perfect. All I remember is this:
sweet rocky singletrack, exposed dry trails, shady canyon, water crossing (rinse & repeat about 50 times!)
Me cruising down Red Box
I swear, I felt like we were in some crazy Indiana Jones movie...biking through some secluded canyons, fording raging rivers (okay, exaggeration
), snakes and a dead duck on the trail. Luckily there were no monkey brains involved, though I swear Rut mentioned something about sacrificing San Gabes virgins!!
Like I said...lots of water
The Niner served me well...had to give it props
Rut rolls a ridiculous rock
Going up
Only one slithery friend sighting today
We descended for what seemed like infinity...I started to get pretty worn down though I was happy. Lots and lots of poison oak though (that was the only down-side)! Once my foot got wet, I gave in and just traipsed through all the water-crossings. The guys thought it was pretty funny but by the end, they were doing the same.
The end of our day was a stop to Big Mama's BBQ on Lake. It was awesome food and the conversation and laughs were the best part!
Big Mama does good BBQ
Mmmm...corn bread n' honey and all the rest
The ending stats were approximately 28 miles and over 5200 feet of climbing. Not too shabby for a San Gabes first-time ride!
One thing is for sure...we'll be back! I really envy those of you who can ride these trails on a regular basis...you are very lucky!!
Major props to Andy, Hugh, and the rest of the gang...not only are you all studs when it comes to riding (four of them were riding SS), you get an A+ when it comes to kindness and being a blast to ride with.
Andy asked Dan and I to join Hugh and their buddies for the ride, and I felt pretty honored. I mean, I know these guys are fast...really fast. (This by no means says that I am fast, but rather that they were willing to have me tag along
). Andy graciously let Dan borrow his Nomad since the shock and fork on the Yeti are heading back to Fox tomorrow.The trusty steeds
Inspecting Hugh's precision-clean Moots
We met up in Tustin this morning at 8 to carpool. Hugh, I must say, has an impressively large.......truck
I couldn't get in by myself It's so......big!
We drove up and parked by JPL, then rode up to the trailhead. Stopped to use the facilities along the way and caught a couple minutes of the local futbol game.
My view for pretty much the whole day (and not a bad one, might I add)
Wow...I felt kinda worked going up Lake! (I did a 40 mile road ride yesterday). Got past the gate, and it was time to strip off the arm warmers, vests, etc. because the temps were already climbing.
The climbing quickly commenced as we made our way up Sam Merrill (I think). Lots o hikers out today and most were super friendly. One lady even exclaimed "Finally...a girl!!!" I made most of the climb but a couple switchbacks got the best of me.
Dan making the first switchback
Andy making it look easy on the SS
Took a rest at the hotel ruins and then it was up Echo Mt. connector toward the fireroad climb.
Looking back
Taking a break
Hugh heads up the Echo Mt. connector
Me JRA
Remnants
It didn't take me long to find a groove going up the road. Kept it in middle the whole way up. Hugh and company were far ahead, while Andy, Dan-o, and I took up the caboose. At one point, I went on ahead of Andy and Dan, and boy-oh-boy did I hit a nice rhythm. I was cruising along up the hill feeling pretty good.
Rut n' Me, climbing, climbing, and climbing
Stopped where a hiking trail split off to the left to wait for the duo, but after about 2 minutes nobody showed, so I pushed onward. I was starting to feel hungry and by the time we got up to below Middle Merrill (?) I was so excited to see my pb & j!
Discussed the options for riding from here and the group (though some suggested going up to Wilson then doing a loop that would end with another 6 mile climb) opted to head through the tunnel, out to 2, then down the pavement to Red Box.
Tunnel.....
We stopped for a group shot, then began the descent. I was having a hard time finding my groove on the Niner on this part of the trail, but eventually I figured it out! The scenery was beautiful and the temps were perfect. All I remember is this:
sweet rocky singletrack, exposed dry trails, shady canyon, water crossing (rinse & repeat about 50 times!)
Me cruising down Red Box
I swear, I felt like we were in some crazy Indiana Jones movie...biking through some secluded canyons, fording raging rivers (okay, exaggeration
), snakes and a dead duck on the trail. Luckily there were no monkey brains involved, though I swear Rut mentioned something about sacrificing San Gabes virgins!! Like I said...lots of water
The Niner served me well...had to give it props
Rut rolls a ridiculous rock
Going up
Only one slithery friend sighting today
We descended for what seemed like infinity...I started to get pretty worn down though I was happy. Lots and lots of poison oak though (that was the only down-side)! Once my foot got wet, I gave in and just traipsed through all the water-crossings. The guys thought it was pretty funny but by the end, they were doing the same.
The end of our day was a stop to Big Mama's BBQ on Lake. It was awesome food and the conversation and laughs were the best part!
Big Mama does good BBQ
Mmmm...corn bread n' honey and all the rest
The ending stats were approximately 28 miles and over 5200 feet of climbing. Not too shabby for a San Gabes first-time ride!
One thing is for sure...we'll be back! I really envy those of you who can ride these trails on a regular basis...you are very lucky!!
Major props to Andy, Hugh, and the rest of the gang...not only are you all studs when it comes to riding (four of them were riding SS), you get an A+ when it comes to kindness and being a blast to ride with.
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