Free Willy

[1080P]

Been feeling guilty about not practicing with the big vertical like Gary, Roobik, Kanga, El Presidente, and Otto from OTBMBC, so today I decided after looking at NOAA that since it wasn't going to get much cooler, I should try some Inspiration Pt from Chaney Trail. While riding up the paved section ( pretty steep bland ride) we stopped at the spot for Lower Sunset, and took a breather.

It was a bummer seeing the big green and white with yellow pinstriping double rotor HD Sheriffs Dept Helicopter, the one with Search and Rescue, coming down the mountain pretty fast, dropping like a rock, no doubt another patient inside.

I forgot the banana this morning for potassium, and the legs were feeling a little tight, almost ready to cramp in the calves, but not quite there. Once I started again, the slope got a little easier where the pavement ended and the dirt began. Plenty of little ring with 3rd, 4th and 5th gear cranking, as long as the legs could pull it. When I got to Mt. Lowe, the legs were feeling much better, and since I wasn't chasing any other riders, I was free to set my own pace and own turnaround point. So I aimed high and set my sights on Willy. Mount Willy.

I cranked away, bagging the road section to Mt. Wilson and the Observatory. I rode the rest of the way up, did the loop around the Towers, and found out that I was a few days early, that the observatory doesn't open until April 1st. So I just rode the rest of the way out. About the time I got to the tunnel, my 2 liters/2 scoops of Cytomax was gone, and I'd all ready ate shot blocs before climbing the road to Mt, Wilson. The climb was short, I crested, and stopped, to put on my helmet for the descent, water wasn't going to be a problem.

Lots of fog, clouds and haze obscured the view, but it was a pleasant day, going faster, farther, but still feeling the pain.

Sunset single track was fun, but it's much more fun with a riding partner. I had to dial it back, didn't want to get hurt. Almost missed a switchback and ended up in the runout area, it crept up on me fast.

I felt good, having bagged Mt Wilson, and not even coming close to bonking. Pedaling a 6" bike that's porking out the scales in XL at a portly 34.5 pounds is a lot of work, but worth it.

Here's the stats: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/5256608

6 months ago, I was pushing 255 on the scale... the OTB workouts with some careful eating has me now looking at 215. I may lose my Clyde status yet, the year is young. I sure feel a lot healthier.

Maybe I'll be ready for Saturdays ride with OTB, although I hear Haines Cyn is brutal steep and unrelenting. If I decide to walk some of it, so be it. Rested legs ride better, I got 1.5 days to let 'em rest.

[Tedroy]

That's rad dude!

[EMrider]

Originally Posted by 1080P

Been feeling guilty about not practicing with the big vertical like Gary, Roobik, Kanga, El Presidente, and Otto from OTBMBC, so today I decided after looking at NOAA that since it wasn't going to get much cooler, I should try some Inspiration Pt from Chaney Trail. While riding up the paved section ( pretty steep bland ride) we stopped at the spot for Lower Sunset, and took a breather.

It was a bummer seeing the big green and white with yellow pinstriping double rotor HD Sheriffs Dept Helicopter, the one with Search and Rescue, coming down the mountain pretty fast, dropping like a rock, no doubt another patient inside.

I forgot the banana this morning for potassium, and the legs were feeling a little tight, almost ready to cramp in the calves, but not quite there. Once I started again, the slope got a little easier where the pavement ended and the dirt began. Plenty of little ring with 3rd, 4th and 5th gear cranking, as long as the legs could pull it. When I got to Mt. Lowe, the legs were feeling much better, and since I wasn't chasing any other riders, I was free to set my own pace and own turnaround point. So I aimed high and set my sights on Willy. Mount Willy.

I cranked away, bagging the road section to Mt. Wilson and the Observatory. I rode the rest of the way up, did the loop around the Towers, and found out that I was a few days early, that the observatory doesn't open until April 1st. So I just rode the rest of the way out. About the time I got to the tunnel, my 2 liters/2 scoops of Cytomax was gone, and I'd all ready ate shot blocs before climbing the road to Mt, Wilson. The climb was short, I crested, and stopped, to put on my helmet for the descent, water wasn't going to be a problem.

Lots of fog, clouds and haze obscured the view, but it was a pleasant day, going faster, farther, but still feeling the pain.

Sunset single track was fun, but it's much more fun with a riding partner. I had to dial it back, didn't want to get hurt. Almost missed a switchback and ended up in the runout area, it crept up on me fast.

I felt good, having bagged Mt Wilson, and not even coming close to bonking. Pedaling a 6" bike that's porking out the scales in XL at a portly 34.5 pounds is a lot of work, but worth it.

Here's the stats: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/5256608

6 months ago, I was pushing 255 on the scale... the OTB workouts with some careful eating has me now looking at 215. I may lose my Clyde status yet, the year is young. I sure feel a lot healthier.

Maybe I'll be ready for Saturdays ride with OTB, although I hear Haines Cyn is brutal steep and unrelenting. If I decide to walk some of it, so be it. Rested legs ride better, I got 1.5 days to let 'em rest.

Nice ride and thanks for the GPS track. I was up in that area riding today too at about 230pm. Riding conditions were perfect! My new favorite 2hr loop is out and back on Brown/Millard/Lower Sunset/EP. Great singletrack. Like you, I was solo and rode very conservatively.

[1080P]

It's relative... that would be a cakewalk for some here... Allison and Justin come to mind. For me, it's a milestone, so to speak. It was just a great day for a great ride. It makes me feel productive on my Bionicon Edison, that I'm using it for it's intended purpose.

[dstepper]

4,000 ft of climbing is great...cudos. It takes our friends in some parts of the states a month to do that.

Dean

[1080P]

Originally Posted by EMrider

Nice ride and thanks for the GPS track. I was up in that area riding today too at about 230pm. Riding conditions were perfect! My new favorite 2hr loop is out and back on Brown/Millard/Lower Sunset/EP. Great singletrack. Like you, I was solo and rode very conservatively.

I thought about that too, but decided that riding and climbing at 4000 feet elev + was really what my lungs and legs needed for me to see where I'm at riding wise.

But thats a great idea, 2 sets of single track on that ride... sweet! I'm adding that to my ride list. The more I ride the San Gabes, the more I appreciate how rugged and unforgiving that range of mountainous rock is.

[EMrider]

Originally Posted by 1080P

I thought about that too, but decided that riding and climbing at 4000 feet elev + was really what my lungs and legs needed for me to see where I'm at riding wise.

But thats a great idea, 2 sets of single track on that ride... sweet! I'm adding that to my ride list. The more I ride the San Gabes, the more I appreciate how rugged and unforgiving that range of mountainous rock is.

Exactly, two nice sections of singletrack on a relatively short ride. I used to typically hammer up to the top of Brown Mtn. and then do EP on the way back. But this loop is much more fun and interesting, with about the same amount of climbing overall.
R