Race Across the Sky 2010 - Nov 4, 2010!

Personal Note: "I attended the Leadville 2007 race in person. Watched the 2009 movie twice. Go see it for the breathtaking scenery. Get inspired by the dedication of everyday athletes!"

RACE ACROSS THE SKY 2010 HITS
THEATERS NATIONWIDE THIS NOVEMBER
FEATURING A LIVE PANEL DISCUSSION AND
ALL-NEW HEART-STOPPING STORIES

Elite Professional and Amateur Cyclists and Runners Brave the
14,000 Feet of Altitude, Extreme Weather and
Grueling Terrain in New Documentary

NCM Fathom, Citizen Pictures and Life Time Fitness Present
Inspiring Tales Captured at the 2010 Leadville Trail
100 Mountain Bike Race and Ultra Marathon Competitions

Centennial, Colo. – October 6, 2010 – NCM Fathom, Citizen Pictures and Life Time Fitness (NYSE: LTM) take audiences for an all-new death-defying journey alongside some of the world‟s greatest cyclists and runners for Race Across the Sky 2010, a special in-theater Fathom event to be shown exclusively in more than 550 select movie theaters on Thursday, November 4 at 8:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. CT / 6:30 p.m. MT / and 8:00 p.m. PT (tape delayed), with an encore presentation in select locations on Tuesday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m. local time. Race Across the Sky 2010 features behind-the-scenes stories from the August 14, 2010 mountain bike race in Leadville, Colo., where world-class and amateur athletes tested their strength, faith and endurance as they compete, along with those aspiring 'Leadmen' and 'Leadwomen' who go beyond this one-day cycling event to conquer merciless running races during their ambitious five-race endeavor.

Race Across the Sky 2010 will include the all new documentary of tales and tears from the cycling and foot races held this summer and will also feature a live discussion with
famous blind adventurer Eric Weihenmayer who rode in this year's Leadville Trail 100 on a tandem; Olympian cyclists Levi Leipheimer and Jeremy Horgan-Kobelsk; Solo World Female Champion Rebecca Rusch; and Mountain Bike Hall of Famer and six-time Leadville Trail 100 (LT100) champion Dave Wiens, among others.

Tickets to both the live and encore Fathom events are available at participating theater box offices and online at http://www.fathomevents.com/. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the web site (theaters and participants may be subject to change).

Citizen Pictures returned to the former mining town of Leadville at 10,200 feet above sea level this August for the Leadville Trail 100, capturing the energy, excitement, drama, human spirit and inspiring stories from one of the most intense endurance races of all time. To film Race Across the Sky 2010, the crew shot breathtaking aerial views of the cyclists as they navigated dangerous mountain terrain and muscled through 14,000 feet of vertical climb.

Race Across the Sky 2010 follows the success of 2009's Race Across the Sky – Leadville Trail 100 event, which focused on the August 2009 cyclists' journey – including seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong – from the start line to the finish line. Armstrong won the 2009 race, setting a new record time with 6:28:50 – crossing the finish line with a flattened rear tire.
The upcoming in-theater Fathom event will not only bring stories from the 2010 race to life, but will also update audiences on the latest exploits of the admired 2009 featured athletes.
Attendees will witness the impossible from Weihenmayer – who was the first blind climber to summit Mount Everest – and watch as Rusch shatters the old 1996 Women‟s record by over 10 minutes.

“Race Across the Sky is truly an inspiration and a breathtaking experience on the big screen,” said Dan Diamond, vice president of NCM Fathom. “This event will resonate with everyone in theaters witnessing the triumph of the human spirit over what seem like impossible odds. We will meet up with some old friends from last year's 2009 Race Across the Sky and some new athletes and experts who reflect on their own personal journeys to and through this amazing challenge of grit and determination in high altitude.”

The Leadville Trail 100 began as a running race 27 years ago and mountain bike racing was added in 1994, becoming a competition with more than 1,000 entries. It has become increasingly popular, more than doubling its number of entries over the last six years.

Race Across the Sky 2010 will appear in 552 theaters, including AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc., Clearview Cinemas, Cobb Theatres, Goodrich Quality Theatres, Hollywood Theaters, Kerasotes Showplace Theatres, Malco Theatres, Marcus Theatres, National Amusements, Rave Motion Pictures, R/C Theatres and Regal Entertainment Group movie theaters, as well as Bainbridge 5 (Seattle, WA), The Carolina (Asheville, NC), the Palace Cinema 9 (South Burlington, VT) and The Peerless Theatre (Holyoke, CO), through NCM's exclusive Digital Broadcast Network – North America's largest cinema broadcast network.

Halloween Ride

Sunday outlook: sunnier yet cooler than Saturday. Without the clouds it was brisk for me here in southern California. A mere 49F. Yes, I do get razzed by all the folks north and east of here, but it's all relative and when you ride in heat of 105F, the body says 49F is titillating. The sun helped with mental hurdles, but I missed the photo op with the clouds. Clouds bring out the hillsides and provide depth and dimension to the sky. The clouds I like, by the way are the ones that don't rain on me.

Started later than usual around 8:15 am. The hip flexor said its cold and you haven't warmed me up. OK, lets stand to pedal and stretch you out. Plenty of traffic on the road -- skateboarders, motorcyclists, cyclists, and the rifle hunters whose season started. Gotta remember to ditch the antlers from my helmet.

Matt caught up with me by the first saddle. It's been six weeks since we have ridden up the road. There is something about the uphill battle that conversation helps to alleviate the brain from the body. Downhill is a different beast indeed. Had to disclose about the saturday harvest in my front yard. 15 pounds of mushrooms. This is one paper grocery bag full and one plastic bag full of stems and stalks. Not going to try them to see if they are edible. I should ask Mr. Beanz if he has the perfect song for this down and dirty activity!


Met Carlos and James (Team Velocity) at the shed who were doing a 50 mile loop that included Highway 39 up North GMR. Matt headed down. I headed on to Glendora Ridge Road. Got going and decided the legs were good for six more miles.

Amazingly quiet on the way back for a Sunday afternoon. Must have let the traffic pass as I stopped on the return trip to the shed. There was a newly purchased blue toyota with no license plate who burned enough brake fluid to cook a hamburger. Perhaps it was good that they were working. Met Mike near the bottom, starting his ride. The temperature was warm and the road had the full strength of the sun to warm you up.

Rain Saturday Morning

The rain poured down between 5 am and 8 am. Decided to use the feet as transportation and hiked up the hill rather than the wheels. The clouds afforded beautiful contrast to background. Met up with Greg who is getting back to the mountain. Suzie had bear encounters at the top of Monroe! Most of all it was a goregous day!














From the cell phone:
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Cool evening ride

Matt reports it was a cool evening to ride. Photo by Matt. At least someone got out to ride!

Sunday Hike along GMR

Got out for a hike on Sunday morning along the road. Fairly quiet on the way up. Peloton of cyclists coming and going. Cathy stopped and chatted with me. Good to catch up about life, work and phoning home.



Spoke with a hunter on the way down. He spotted three does along the ridge. I identified one as she moved. He told me of a mountain lion sighting just three weeks ago between first saddle and Newmans around mile marker 8. The lion feeds roughly every three days. The goats in Big Dalton have been moved. No easy snacks there.



Turned around at mile marker 10.63 otherwise known as Coyote Corner. Two long walks. One bike ride. My bones were tired.

Saturday Ride 10/23/2010

Mornings were getting darker, colder and wetter. This morning arrived early and the cold grey thunder head clouds haunted me overhead. Just happy that the clouds didn't let out a burst of rain. First day in a week to be out on the bike again. Ready to pedal. This past week combined with wet weather and new job left little free time to ride. With a fresh pair of legs, I rode with Nate, Jason and Karl to the shed. It was an upbeat tempo to the shed, my legs and knees kept pace and it was good to hang.

Met up with Scott's group of Brig, JC, Tall John and friend as they staged at the shed before heading out to the Village. Adobo Velo practiced for the Death Valley ride next week with multiple climbs to the shed. Also spotted a few more SC Velo folks out for a ride on the road.




The four of us rode out to Fork plus Four or the Point of No Return. The clouds were breaking. Arrived back at the shed at 10:20 am. Hoping to see Bill and Matt. Bill rode to Newman's Point. Matt chose comfort and rest and recovered from a cold.

On the way down. Stopped for photos at miler marker 10.20 and 12.42 - Colby Trail. From there down it was a friend fest: Alan and Janet, Hillbasher, Gina and Allen. Howdy! Then the web world collided with reality as Mr. Beanz, Bicycle Friends and myself chewed the breeze near Colby Trail. Mr. Beanz those certainly looked like new shoes to me. hehehe. We discussed jersey colours, logos and prices. All in all it was a good time to be on the road. Kept dry. Plenty of layers and a hint of sun.

Road condition sandier from the vehicle traffic of Friday night.

Friday Afternoon Hike 10/22/2010

Road conditioners are dry at 2pm Friday afternoon. Weather is cloudy with patchy sun.

Hiked up to mile marker 11.39. Saw several motorists and six to eight cyclists making good time in a hiatus of wet conditions.

Only one slick patch of dirt and moisture on the road near mile marker 12.42 otherwise the road is dry.

Dirty sandy patch near mile marker 12.42. Be careful!

Tarantula on the trail

Rainy Week

It's been a rainy week and zero riding. I need a weekend of sun and fun after a long week at a new job. The good news is I only work half days. Even better I can decide which 12 hours during the day I put in!


Bill caught this rainbow of hope on Tuesday.

Grey fog dampened the morning air with a humidity of 96%. It was actively moist and drizzling in Glendora. Fortunately the drizzles merely hung in the air by the time I got to Glendora Mountain Road. Adobo Velo were staging under the oak tree. Normally they ride from En Canto Park in Duarte. Those folks are fast and I needed a good head start.

The visibility was low. I could make out 20-30 feet in front of me. No sense in taking a picture of grey road, grey white sky. A solo ride to the first saddle a bit spooky in the shroud of clouds. Three ridge runners were headed down and I asked if there was any hint of sun. Yes, three miles from here. Hope.

Swept up by the Adobo Velo vortex, I rode in the middle of their pack at their "touring pace". I think it was the need for companionship that fueled my legs. Rosalee mentioned, Great Weather! Compared to the burning rays of Wednesday, yes it was a welcome relief. Mandy asked where my two domestiques were. I laughed. Missing in Action and Waiting for Sun.

Mandy summed up the day, "If you run out of water, just open your mouth and stick out your tongue". Yes, Mandy I agree the fog was that moist.

As promised we hit sunlight around Newman's. The backdrop was astounding. We stopped for pictures. Definitely click this for a larger view:

Adobo Velo...Manny of La Crescenta, Mandy, Rosalee and Francis.



On the left was Glendora and Los Angeles under a grey layer. On the right San Gabriel Canyon under white blanket of clouds.


Adobo Velo rode to the top of Monroe and then headed down for another interval from bottom to top. I hung out at the shed and chatted with a triathlete named Scott recovering from a basketball injury.

Decisions to make, my choice was fog or sun. I opted for sun and headed towards Baldy. I stopped near the experimental forest. Very few folks on the road today.


I rode to fork plus six. Today was a day that you could pick your season by altitude. Low altitude autumn. High altitude summer.




On the way down, I met Matt around Fork plus two. We headed for the shed. And met Luann from Orange County Rebels. Ray Clone joined us and there the conversation of road rash, deer and the dead carcass on the road.

Matt and Ray.


The day was still goregous at this altitude at the shed.


Newman's Point I put on the leg warmers, jacket and ear warmers. Yes, a day for sun screen and warmers.

Back to the lower altitude of First Saddle:



Ray. Check out the glasses.

Bear Warnings

Glendora has posted new signage warning folks to be cautious around bears along Glendora Mountain Road and Big Dalton Road. They are wild animals and should be avoided.

Freedom Ride

Wednesday, October 13, 2010. I started late around 9:30 am waiting for the day to warm up. What a mistake! I have ridden in hotter weather in the late afternoon with long shadows on the road. Today the late morning autumn sun super heated the air and the road. Nowhere to hide. The searing rays of the sun bore down for 90 percent or the ride. The heat sapped the strength I might have had, it sizzled right out me.

Barely a soul on the road. The smart folks were coming down the mountain as I wound my way up. No one passed me by and the forest denizens were hiding in the cool respite of the shade. No bees. Monday evening the mass of bees at the top of Monroe stung Ron. Matt evaded the swarm but got caught below the first saddle. Wednesday, the flies didn’t find me until I reached the tiny bit of shade along the “feed zone” between mile markers 9.49 and 9.06. Guys, What bees?

Today was freedom day. The old job past, fifteen years completed, the mad dash of handing off tasks and conversing the deep tribal knowledge of custom built systems to the new régime. Three days to relax, focus and prepare for the challenges of the new job on Monday.

Quite surprised to find Adobo Velo at the shed, Jess and Rosalee. Edgar and El. Single speed Ron! I haven’t seen you in months! The buzz was about Mr. Beanz’ blog, Mr. Beanz and I were hanging out together, and the smiles on everyone’s faces as they reverently speak “Beanz”. The group was ready to head down.

I caught up the Adobo Velo on the way down stopped in the shade of the feed zone as Ron pumped a flat tire. I like the Kevlar in my Armadillo tires. As I talked to Ron, Bryson of Azusa Pacific and his dad Greg were headed to the shed. Adobo headed down and I stayed and chatted with Greg and Bryson. Bryson has a cycling club on facebook. We conversed about past and future Tour of Californias. The joy of standing six hours on a single stage for 30 seconds of excitement. Yep. My stage was the Queen stage, Stage 6 along Highway 2. Greg had a VIP dinner and meet the athletes event. Awesome.

John rode up and we headed up to the shed. We caught up on classes and bathroom remodels. Chatter takes the mind off the muscles and the company the incentive to keep up. We stopped short of mile marker 7 in the shade.

Great ride. lots of time to think things for oneself and then a party of friends to break the solitude!

Beanz Bonanza

Met Jason and "M" early at the corner of Glendora Mountain Road and Sierra Madre. Baldy was their destination and they made quick time up the road. M had the chance to ride on Thursday morning after the rains earlier in the week. The quiet of the morning brought out the forest denizens including six close encounters with deer on his ride. One deer panicked and ran straight for him. He stopped to give it time to find its way to cover.

At the electronic sign I met up with Gina and Mr. Beanz. The decision to hang out and enjoy their company for the ride to the shed was immediate. Mr. Beanz an icon of the cycling websphere told epic stories of people and routes and strong performances. His brillant colored jersey perfect for the fall hunting season blazed orange to the numerous hunters we rode past this morning. We had a great time talking and riding. Met Jeanie who gave us a good stretch of our legs.

While hanging out at the shack with Beanz and Gina, Bill and Late Breaking joined us. We swapped cards and coins and camera bags. Mr. Beanz joked that if he wore plastic bags for shoes next week, he might be able to trade up. No can do, bro! Wrong shoe size!

With the perfect weather I rode solo to Fork plus 8.3. The high point before the last four rolling hills to Baldy. The blue sky dazzled today.














Bill's Bike.



Bill's Panorama



Baldy at Glendora Ridge Road mile maker 8.3



Baldy at Glendora Ridge Road mile marker 6.2

Tour of California on GMR

Tour of California on GMR in May 2011!

Quote:

Stage 7: Claremont to Mt Baldy

From the start in Claremont, the riders will be able to see the finish some 6,000 feet above them in the San Gabriel Mountains. The final route hasn’t been set, but it will feature the locally iconic climbs of Glendora Mountain Road and Glendora Ridge Road, before heading up to the Baldy ski area, which features 11-percent grades in the final 5km. The first true mountaintop finish in the race’s six-year history should give rise to a true Tour de France atmosphere.

Messick: “We’ll have a mass participation ride on the route of the Baldy stage, a couple of week before, to give people the taste of how hard it is to race in the pro peloton.”

See 2011 Amgen Tour of California on Velo News



Glendora lands portion of Amgen Tour cycling stage; Pasadena won't ...
Whittier Daily News
Glendora, via its famous hill climb of the Glendora Mountain Road, became a portion of the stage for the May 15-22 race while Pasadena, which lost its stage ...

Amgen Tour bicycle race to hold stage from Claremont to Mt. Baldy ...
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
He added that the Baldy route would also incorporate Glendora Mountain Road and the Glendora Ridge Road, alpine roads west of the Mount Baldy Village and ...


Tour of California 2011 host cities announced » Cyclelicious
By Richard Masoner
The miles of switchbacks and steep grades along Glendora Mountain Road and Glendora Ridge Road are a favorite for southern California road cyclists, and Messick says route planners are looking at those roads with a stage finish at the ...

Afternoon clouds

Looks alot like Monday. Barely a mist. Road looks slick.

Road condition is wet from alight mist. The farther in the wetter and slicker the pavement looks.
Mr Beanz was smart to ride early today.

Saturday Ride

[Updated 2010-10-03 20:17]

Jason and I rode up Glendora Mountin Road at a decent clip. It was a fairly quiet morning. The grey weather delayed a number of folks from riding out early. Matt an early bird today got out and enjoyed a dry ride.

We Reached Newman's and caught Matt on his descent. Jason chatted about fixies, Matt about his auto needing repair. A helicopter patrolled the hillside and buzzed over our heads.

Jason and I headed up to the shed in the quiet hushed and tranquil morning. Bill joined us at the shed and enjoyed his new 2011 Trek Madonne.


Photo by Bill.

The flies were out in full force today which kept us moving. A van pulled up, a fellow chalked a finish line on the road as AdoboVelo cyclists completed their time trial! Bill remarked favorably on the Cannon 7D camera of the Adobovelo photograher.

Felix had foot issues and wasn't riding today. I feel your pain. Riders poured on the speed as they completed the eight mile stint to the shed. Rosalee looked exhausted, and commented on her performance. In my book you did a super job Rosalee.

Ken "Body by Duff" stopped for a moment before wending his way up to Baldy Village. A man after my own heart, Ken prefers the out and back ride to the village over "the loop" down Baldy Road. Sporting a beautiful new Cervelo RS he expects a Gran Fondo adventure on his new wheels next weekend. Sweet ride. Enjoy!

Graham a "former professional mountain biker converted to roadie" pushed hard on his classic celeste colored Bianchi bicycle. Time to keep track of the numbers, Graham!


Photo by Ray.

Mike who I met a few weeks ago was looking strong and improves every week. To sum it all up a quiet morning rapidly turned into an event!

CTSV on GMR

Found the commercial for the Cadalliac CTS-V filmed on location along Glendora Mountain Road. The photo shoot employed a full complement of folks to spruce up the road for this thirty second clip.