L'etape du California Notables

Ron along with 1500 of his closest bike buddies road the L'Etape du California last Saturday. Ron snapped up these photos of legendary basketball player Bill Walton in the mix. I happened to see Mr. Walton along GRR and thought Jason had decided to bring his tall bike to the event. Wow. How neat.

Where to watch the Tour of California

I had a question from Fat Cat about where to watch the Amgen Tour of California. I have my favorite but highly unlikely spots....in a heliocopter, on a motorcycle in front of the riders, in the commentator booth between Phil Ligget and Paul Sherwen. Since none of those are likely I am thinking any uphill will do. Everywhere is scenic. They go by a bit slower on the uphill than the down hill. There is one King of the Mountain Point at the shed. The steep hill before that would be also good.

Tour de France officials were watching how the California Highway Patrol do rolling closures for our bicycle races. Last year the Angeles Crest Highway was really closed about an hour or two before they went by. Of course the real crazy crowd will be between Baldy village and the ski lifts. Packed I think.

Remember you need an adventure pass to park in the forest. They are $5 at Sport Chalet for a day pass.

Wednesday Night Ride

Road tonight to Newman's point. Did see Ron and Wayne coming down as I chugged uphill. Good to see you both. I passed a couple of mountain bike guys on the way up. Thanks for making me feel the wind beneath my wings.

Ray Clone told Matt to say hi to "Myah". Who? "Myah" ... no MIA....missing in action so Hey Ray! I will make it there soon.

I met Chad and Justin tonight. Chad spoke of the jet stream that funnels up the canyon with lots of clouds. The shrubbery around the road edge is high at this time of the year, so the cars don't see you coming and vice versa. Agreed. Chad had the good fortune to be with Wolfgang the night he saw a mountain lion, two years ago. He had lots of tales of bobcats, bears and deer.

L'Etape du California

Saturday May 7th, 2011

I spotted Tinker Juarez at 10:20 am on Glendora Ridge Road about 2 miles in. He was the first rider coming up the road!

I saw Jason, Eric, Kelly, Cheryl, Kent, Ron, and Bob, Brian, Kenny of SC Velo. This wild Southern California Crowd (of one) cheered wildly as the riders cruised by. They smiled.



Friday May 6, 2011
The L'Etape du California is happening this Saturday. With 1,500 bike riders on the road I hope there will still be room on the road for me going the opposite direction. With a launch of 7 am from Claremont, I could miss the peloton coming down Glendora Ridge Road or be swept up in the second assualt as they climb back up to Baldy. It may be spectacular to see that many riders on the road. Quiet road or see the parade?

Fast Ride America

Catch Daryl who rode fast across America. Stunning photos. No wonder why I haven't seen Daryl on the mountain. Very nice scenery.

Catching up with Bill

Bill got out for a 2 1/2 hour ride on Monday morning. The mild Santa Ana winds that we have had the last couple of days made for a nice clear morning



I must debate Bill on the Saturday wind strength. On the hill they were anything but mild!

Wind. The word for saturday's

Wind. The word for saturday's ride was wind. Not the gentle zepher type of breeze, the gusts blew 200 pound men across the road.

Tanbark station registered 35 mph wind gusts at Tanbark for April 30th and 55 mph in Baldy Village. Matt's handy historical weather link:
Tanbark