GMR - Great Motorcycle Ride?

[Pain Freak]

Man, there were a lot of motorcycles up there today. On just the GMR portion of the ride I counted 149 motocycles and 23 bikes, 5 cars, two official vehicles.

Most the motorcycle drivers know what they are doing and give us a wide berth, but there are a few that think it's fun to buzz us. So help me if I ever get the chance to get my hands on one of these "buzzers" I will and I will pay for it, whatever the law feels it's worth.Two of the 5 cars were trying to drift, but were almost crashing. I didn't see a cop all day.

Overall though it was a very good ride. I ended up going by myself as my road club decided to hit Big Bear and I can't see driving up there to ride on a road with no shoulder and millions of cars, so I road my typical GMR ride. 6K of climbing and 75 miles distance. Like I said I was by myself so I set my own pace. On the way there I found some guys from SC Velo and I passed them at a light, one was done and he couldn't catch me, but the other was coming on fast. I made him earn it though, but eventually did catch me and that gave me the opportunity to suck some wheel and get a break. He pulled me for 3 or 4 miles and then we started to talk. He told me a little of his club and I told him a little of RAGBRAI. We soon parted ways though and my climbing commenced. I didn't have anyone to wait for so I just continued on, and I have to say for the first time in my life GMR was easy and I did it faster then ever before. It took me 2 hours less when I ride it my way (no breaks). Very fun too. I used two bottles of water and one flask of hammergel and life is good. Next week we are doing Crystal Lake ride out off the 39. Anybody interested? Supposed to make GMR look like a flat ride. I find that hard to believe though as they end up with almost the same in elevation gain.

[singletrakk]

what day are you doing this ride Mike?Where is Crystal Lake?

[Break n Bones]

Your right , Some motorcyclest just dont have a clue , When I and everyone of my friends ride the twisties we always give room to the bikers , Just like when I mountain bike I give room to the horse riders , Respect

[Sewellymon]

[FONT=Arial]Sux about GMR. I've been jonesing to do it; maybe it's turning into t awekday only ride like everyting else...
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[FONT=Arial]Good news- as you know- is the upper 2/3rds of Crystal Lake road is closed to traffic, so that will be sweet. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Its got some steep sections (sort of like the upper portion of Baldy). [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]I’ve been thinking about riding the Crystal Lake Rd myself…though I’d be poor company/ you’d drop me purty quick… people regulaly ride it all the way to Angeles Crest Highway (the traditionally washed out section has been re-built), so you’ll get to 7,000’/ Islip Saddle, or almost 8,000' if you continue up to Dawson Saddle on ACH (which is still closed
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[S54MCoupe]

It's a huge bummer that GMR is open. We rode it the other day, and the main highlight was an SUV full of teenage kids flipped over. None of them were hurt, but it's my hope that the road will self-regulate and get rid of those who aren't going to respect it.

[RidetheRAAM4]

I got a long run planned next weekend on saturday and trying to get in 100 miles on friday otherwise I would try and climb on my tri bike with you.

[Pain Freak]

Looks like we are going to ride it Saturday. I'm not sure of the group size or the attendees, but if you want I'll ride up and then come back for you.

I'm not sure of the difficulty level as it is on paper it's listed as a 5500 foot climb, but from my house to Baldy Village I get even more elevation (6300 feet). Distance on the climbing portion is 25 miles on the Crystal Lake ride and 22 on the GMR??? Must be a route I'm not familiar with.

Jeff we will be doing this one on Saturday, if you want the meet time and location, PM me and I'll give you the info as soon as I get it. Personally I don't think I'll be happy with just the climb, I'll probably come back thru East Fork, then climb up to GMR, but take the ridge road part and head back home that way. Should be close to 10,000 feet for the day and over 100 miles.

[Sharky]

Mike ....my buddy Dave (on a red motorcycle) rides up there all the time and happened to make their first video on GMR the same morning you were there last weekend . Maybe that's you riding solo shown. Hopefully they weren't playing "chicken" with any of you guys.
You weren't kidding...all you see are motorcycles!!

Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QeB2VUu6JM