Omar wrote:
I'd like to give it a try. I'm hoping someone in San Diego can recommend a local ride (or two) with a similar elevation profile so I can make sure not to fall apart, bing a Mt. Baldy virgin. <g>.
I took the liberty of inputting (what I assumed would be) the route and
destination into Google Pedometer Maps:
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/
Omar Firestone Chula Vista, California
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come on the ride, Omar! Believe me, if I can do it, you can do it.
The route of the climb on the URL you specified, is correct, except for the 5 miles or so we ride from Pioneer Park in Azusa to the base of Glendora Mountain Road in Glendora.
The climb terminates at Glendora Ridge Road and Mt. Baldy Road. Maximum elevation is about 4500 feet. Mt. Baldy stands a little over 10,000 feet above sea-level. Baldy Village is at the base of the mountain where it rises out of the San Bernardino range. We don't ride up into the village. And it's impossible to ride to the actual summit of Baldy in any case. Except maybe on a good mountain bike..if you were that adventurous.
We take Glendora Ridge Road to a short, steep descent to Baldy Road. Then we go back down Baldy Road, at which point it's a good idea to clear your head and strap on your belts, because it's one hell of a descent. The vistas alone are mind-blowing...then there's your speed, and the problem of just how much brake to apply before your tire blows off (clincher), or rolls off (tubular)...I've never seen either event, however.
We usually ride on down into Claremont for a late lunch. Then back to Pioneer Park, a distance of about 12 miles, nearly all of it a gentle downhill from Claremont.
See you there.
Charles Andrews
Los Angeles