What a difference a day makes

After yesterday's less than stellar performance, I logged a good night's sleep. The thunderheads were looming over the east with a foreboding grandeur. I checked with my weather czar, Matt, who predicted no rain west of Baldy Road. Good call. I enjoyed the cooler temperatures and set my initial goal of decreasing my time to the first saddle by five minutes. A mild cramp in the hip flexor after the first steep climb by the ranger station made me rethink my goal. Then Motivation showed up and said "Hi". Ken's friends bailed when they saw the thunderheads. Ken spurred my legs to the first saddle and I met my goal plus more. I improved my time by 7.5 minutes. Best time in three months. 52:29. Wow. Thanks Ken.

I am jazzed at my good day and recall a wise saying from Steve: you train on the bad days to make the good days better.

This feels better.

Ken recalled his ride on that wet and wild Sunday August the 3rd when Baldy experienced 4-5 inches of rain in one and a-half hours. The day where flash floods deposited mud waist deep in Baldy Village. Ken made it to Fork plus Four on Glendora Ridge Road before the rain fell "sideways" and the decision to turn back was easy in the cold wet wind.

The photo is from Monday August 4th, the day after the rain when the road was still closed. That day I also met another gentleman. Davey who helped put on the Pomona Valley Stage Race aka. the San Dimas Stage Race.

Davey.

Got out for a Tuesday night ride. My brain and my body neglected to show up. I made first saddle. at least a dozen cyclists enjoying the cooler weather. Saw Scott S., Matt and Tony. Hopefully a good nights sleep will restore some life to my legs.
CB#: 6264852439

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.

Glendora Mountain Road is Open. Yes Robert this me...

Glendora Mountain Road is Open. Yes Robert this means cars.

FWD:

Brush Fire above Glendora

ROAD CLOSED. BRUSH FIRE. there is a brush fire 8 to 10 miles north of Glendora. Road is closed. No homes threatened at this time.
CB#: 6264852439

Baldy Village Status

Dave - who we met on Saturday sends us this update on the status of Baldy Village one week after a flash flood dumped 4-5 inches of rain in the space of an hour and a half ---

Glendora Ridge Road is messy with dirt as it ends at Baldy Road. (attached) The main Baldy Village Road is dusty but cleared. On the west side of the street many are still working to clean up, especially behind the Ranger station. (attached). Many Trucks that say Team Rubicon are clearing things.

Glendora Ridge Road

Behind the Ranger Station in Baldy Village

Team Rubicon Trucks cleaning up the mess