Weekend of Fires and Friends

This week has seen two fires in the Azusa Canyon of the Angeles National Forest. The Shoemaker Fire began on August 14th. Today the Tecolote fire erupted at 2:25 pm (August 17). GMR was open this afternoon and Matt took this pic of Tecolote fire from Newman's.

The Forest Service and Fire Fighters attacked strong with eight fire engines, helicopters, bull dozers and other equipment - a total of 27 different units responded. Campers and day visitors were evacuated. Smoke appeared diminished by 7 pm here in Glendora. CBS News Story of the Fire

Bill's photo of the Tecolote Fire at 4:30 pm.

On a more gentler note the ride on Saturday was fairly calm. Charred remains on the mountain side from the Shoemaker fire taken from Glendora Ridge Road about mile marker 1.5. It is the black triangle with the white residue of flame retardant in the third range of mountains. The Williams 2012 fire is the lighter brown hillside.

At the shed talked with Alan about his Cervelo bike and his epic ride in the Ironman race. I liked the idea of the stickers on the front tube.

Alan.

Alan discussed the tight fit of frame and tire.

Shane had his stories of riding in 119F heat in Arizona. Drinking a gallon of water and losing 10 pounds of weight. That's too hot for me. He also encountered a Pacific Rattlesnake, black with brown gold diamonds on the trail from cold water creek up to Baldy ridge. Snakes can be rather stubborn and unforgiving.

Got a first look of Robert's Parliament of Owls video. Momma bear and cubs. A full bellied mountain lion.