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JoeTruth · 03-12-2008, 09:29 AM

BTW, not to be a stick in the mud but let's make sure no one gets in over their heads and clear something up. Mike said...
"Fun ride on the front range of the San Gabes. This is one of the easier rides and a lot of fun."

Although I agree with his first statement, I don't agree at all with his 2nd statement. This is NOT an easy ride and I would NOT recommend it for anyone who's not an intermediate or higher rider. If you're NOT comfortable with exposure, tight switch backs, poison oak and climbing for about 3500 feet, this might be too much for you. If those factors sound enticing to you, you'll LOVE this ride. It's definitely a sweet loop, just not sure about "easy".

Also, if you all get a good turnout and some of the riders end-up being not as strong as some others, you all might want to coordinate to meet the slower riders @ the Sunset Trail head and have them bypass the climb to Inspiration Point and going down Middle Merrill. Just a thought.

airgabe · 03-12-2008, 09:39 AM

We can see who shows up and then split into 2 groups and do a guided begginer and advance group ride with regroup sections and loop!!!

KBL · 03-12-2008, 10:11 AM

"Easier"

It's all relative. It's easier than climbing the Mt. Wilson Toll Road, and there's a lot more oxygen to be had at the top of Echo Mountain compared to, say, Chilao. Just the same, this is not a beginner ride. In fact, if you take a first-timer on this ride, he/she may very well be a last-timer, too.

You'll need good climbing ability, and strong technical ability. If you lack either one, you'll need good judgement as to when it's time to get off and push instead of pedal.

The Lower Sam Merrill is very twisty and is a slopeside trail that you don't want to fall off of. The grade is moderate, though. Once you reach Echo Mountain and enjoy the view, you can revel in the knowledge that the worst of the climbing is behind you. Echo Moutain to the Cape of Good Hope/Sunset Ridge trail is technical, but mild. Sunset ridge is pure joy, and the climb from Millard Canyon to the El Prieto trailhead is really and truly no big deal.

I took a mixed group on a shuttle run from Eaton Saddle to Millard Canyon a few years ago. Our run that day included several sections of this Saturday's ride. Some thrived, and some walked several sections. Everyone had a good time.

Tom Cosgrove · 03-12-2008, 09:32 PM

Damn Mike why don't you post these rides on Sun?
Bummer.
Miss riding with you guys, this is one of my favs.

CupLess · 03-13-2008, 07:55 AM

hey guys... how will you guys get to Inspiration Point and back down?

will you ride up lower Merrill to Echo Mtn then to Middle Merrill to Inspiration Pt and then back down Middle Merrill to Echo Mtn?

or is there a different route to get to Inspiration Pt?

txs

Hanzo · 03-13-2008, 08:07 AM

I think Mike is starting at JPL parking lot and riding the road over to Lake and Loma Alta and riding up Lower Merrill to Echo Mountain to the Mt Lowe Fireroad to IP and then down Middle Merrill, Echo again, Sunset, Brown, then EP.

MotoRider · 03-13-2008, 11:41 AM

Riding up Middle Merril is a bitch! Lots of gravel, alot of exposures, many many hikers especially on a saturday and its a loooong way to the top due to these circumstances. I've done it once, never again. I'd rather take the fireroad up to Sunset trail and get seat time rather than hike-a-bike up middle merril.

KBL · 03-13-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MotoRider

Riding up Middle Merril is a bitch! Lots of gravel, alot of exposures, many many hikers especially on a saturday and its a loooong way to the top due to these circumstances. I've done it once, never again. I'd rather take the fireroad up to Sunset trail and get seat time rather than hike-a-bike up middle merril.

That's my preferred way to do it,too. Up the old railroad grade and back down the middle Merrill. There are several interpretive signs along the way, showing the history (pics and words) of the Mt. Lowe railway. If you need to take a break during the climb, these interpretive signs give the perfect excuse.

CupLess · 03-13-2008, 02:38 PM

thanks all.... i might be up there with a separate group... might run into all of you... RIDE HARD.

dirtmistress · 03-13-2008, 05:37 PM

So Mike! How is this ride you posted going to be run? Up a Merrill or up a fire road?
It's also s'posed to be cold and may be rainy. Will you still be going in the rain?

Pain Freak · 03-13-2008, 06:13 PM

No rain forecast for Saturday and the temps are usually around 60 something. Should be excellent riding weather. The plan is how Hanzo described it. I'll be starting at JPL around 8 am then riding over to Lake to the trail head of Sam Merrill. I want to leave a vehicle or two there just in case we have some folks who may have a difficult time of it and I'll save them the climb back to Lake.

Joe pretty much brought me back to reality. None of this ride should be described as easy, but it's all relative. I forgot how I used to think of this ride as an "epic" ride. There is exposure, but nothing that can't be walked. And if it's your first time on the trail I'll give you the heads up of what is coming up. We have quite a few folks coming along to help out who are familiar with the trail so we can keep everyone informed.

Once again, this will not be a race to the top, but moving along at a somewhat slower pace. We did it last weekend and nobody really zoomed up the trail and I found it to be very enjoyable. I'll leave it up to the group of who wants to continue on to Inspiration, I think we all will though as the riding from Echo for the most part is a mild fireroad climb.

Are you coming along, Liz?

airgabe · 03-13-2008, 06:56 PM

I will assist anyone, mike&myself can alternate to help the group and technical aspects of the trails.

epicriderat · 03-13-2008, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtmistress

So Mike! How is this ride you posted going to be run? Up a Merrill or up a fire road?

It's also s'posed to be cold and may be rainy. Will you still be going in the rain?

I have not climbed lower Merrill yet, but did climb the pavement to reach the fire road a few weeks back. I can say that is a grunt of a climb. Once you reach the FR it's a pleasant grade up to Inspiration point. I'm looking forward to my 1st climb up lower Merrill.

Will we see you?

dirtmistress · 03-13-2008, 09:30 PM

I'm thinking about it but the weather keeps hopping around between rain and cold and then not!
I'm not in the mood to be cold.
Also, I feel unprepared for the Mulholland challenge and am thinking I need to get in a good road ride.
I'm in a wait and see mode at this time!

bighit8 · 03-13-2008, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epicriderat

I have not climbed lower Merrill yet, but did climb the pavement to reach the fire road a few weeks back. I can say that is a grunt of a climb. Once you reach the FR it's a pleasant grade up to Inspiration point. I'm looking forward to my 1st climb up lower Merrill.

Will we see you?

Was quite the grind todd, cant wait to do it again.

Tedroy · 03-13-2008, 09:41 PM

... Should rain around 8PM Sat. Go for it! Couch reserved for Sunday...
Btw... Did I say yer all nuts? Thats some serious F'n climbin'. I know all the locals do this ride, but jeez, that is some serious busting. I guess I AM gettin' old. Have fun all Y'all

mazer75 · 03-14-2008, 12:17 PM

Hey Mike (Pain Freak), something has kinda come up for me tomorrow, but I still plan on doing this ride.

I know it's impossible to estimate the time cost of regroups, etc., but how many hours do you estimate this ride will take. I'm talking about the whole thing, up to IP and back down through El P. Just a guess is all.

I need to tell some peeps when I'm showing up to their 1-year old's birthday party

Thanks! Looking foward to tomorrow!

JoeTruth · 03-14-2008, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mazer75

Hey Mike (Pain Freak), something has kinda come up for me tomorrow, but I still plan on doing this ride.

I know it's impossible to estimate the time cost of regroups, etc., but how many hours do you estimate this ride will take. I'm talking about the whole thing, up to IP and back down through El P. Just a guess is all.

I need to tell some peeps when I'm showing up to their 1-year old's birthday party

Thanks! Looking foward to tomorrow!

Not trying to speak for big Mike but my guesstimate would be between 4-5 hrs. (car-to-car) but like you said, that all depends on the climbers speed and how many re-groups and stops along the way.

dirtmistress · 03-14-2008, 02:00 PM

MAN! I am so tempted to do this but really don't want to be wet and cold. I wish I was a decider like the prez!

mazer75 · 03-14-2008, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeTruth

Not trying to speak for big Mike but my guesstimate would be between 4-5 hrs. (car-to-car) but like you said, that all depends on the climbers speed and how many re-groups and stops along the way.

Hey thanks for the estimate... that's what I figured too. I've climbed up that Chaney paved access road to Sunset and the El Prieto, and that took nearly 3 hours for me (I am slow as heck). Not sure I can do this ride then, so I'm going to put myself down as "maybe" unfortunately

There's just too much going on this weekend for me, ugh...

03-12-2008, 09:29 AM	#21 (permalink)
JoeTruth Don't touch me!	BTW, not to be a stick in the mud but let's make sure no one gets in over their heads and clear something up. Mike said... "Fun ride on the front range of the San Gabes. This is one of the easier rides and a lot of fun." Although I agree with his first statement, I don't agree at all with his 2nd statement. This is NOT an easy ride and I would NOT recommend it for anyone who's not an intermediate or higher rider. If you're NOT comfortable with exposure, tight switch backs, poison oak and climbing for about 3500 feet, this might be too much for you. If those factors sound enticing to you, you'll LOVE this ride. It's definitely a sweet loop, just not sure about "easy". Also, if you all get a good turnout and some of the riders end-up being not as strong as some others, you all might want to coordinate to meet the slower riders @ the Sunset Trail head and have them bypass the climb to Inspiration Point and going down Middle Merrill. Just a thought. __________________ "Man's maturity: to have regained the seriousness that he had as a child at play."

03-12-2008, 09:39 AM	#22 (permalink)
airgabe Senior Member	We can coordinate for 2 groups We can see who shows up and then split into 2 groups and do a guided begginer and advance group ride with regroup sections and loop!!! __________________ Dino told me I was his Mr.Miagi TURNER HOMER

03-12-2008, 10:11 AM	#23 (permalink)
KBL Powered by chocolate	Easier Compared To... "Easier" It's all relative. It's easier than climbing the Mt. Wilson Toll Road, and there's a lot more oxygen to be had at the top of Echo Mountain compared to, say, Chilao. Just the same, this is not a beginner ride. In fact, if you take a first-timer on this ride, he/she may very well be a last-timer, too. You'll need good climbing ability, and strong technical ability. If you lack either one, you'll need good judgement as to when it's time to get off and push instead of pedal. The Lower Sam Merrill is very twisty and is a slopeside trail that you don't want to fall off of. The grade is moderate, though. Once you reach Echo Mountain and enjoy the view, you can revel in the knowledge that the worst of the climbing is behind you. Echo Moutain to the Cape of Good Hope/Sunset Ridge trail is technical, but mild. Sunset ridge is pure joy, and the climb from Millard Canyon to the El Prieto trailhead is really and truly no big deal. I took a mixed group on a shuttle run from Eaton Saddle to Millard Canyon a few years ago. Our run that day included several sections of this Saturday's ride. Some thrived, and some walked several sections. Everyone had a good time. __________________ Beware, lest STR suck you in too far...

03-12-2008, 09:32 PM	#24 (permalink)
Tom Cosgrove Tom the Bomb	damn Damn Mike why don't you post these rides on Sun? Bummer. Miss riding with you guys, this is one of my favs. __________________ Keep the Zen.

03-13-2008, 11:41 AM	#27 (permalink)
MotoRider Senior Member	Riding up Middle Merril is a bitch! Lots of gravel, alot of exposures, many many hikers especially on a saturday and its a loooong way to the top due to these circumstances. I've done it once, never again. I'd rather take the fireroad up to Sunset trail and get seat time rather than hike-a-bike up middle merril. __________________ "Oh squiggly line, in my eye fluid. I see you there, lurking on the periphery of my vision. But when I try to look at you, you scurry away. Are you shy, squiggly line? Why only when I ignore you, do you return to the centre of my eye? Oh squiggly line, it's alright, you are forgiven."

03-13-2008, 07:55 AM	#25 (permalink)
CupLess Junior Member	hey guys... how will you guys get to Inspiration Point and back down? will you ride up lower Merrill to Echo Mtn then to Middle Merrill to Inspiration Pt and then back down Middle Merrill to Echo Mtn? or is there a different route to get to Inspiration Pt? txs

03-13-2008, 08:07 AM	#26 (permalink)
Hanzo .	I think Mike is starting at JPL parking lot and riding the road over to Lake and Loma Alta and riding up Lower Merrill to Echo Mountain to the Mt Lowe Fireroad to IP and then down Middle Merrill, Echo again, Sunset, Brown, then EP.

03-13-2008, 02:38 PM	#29 (permalink)
CupLess Junior Member	thanks all.... i might be up there with a separate group... might run into all of you... RIDE HARD.

03-13-2008, 05:37 PM	#30 (permalink)
dirtmistress	So Mike! How is this ride you posted going to be run? Up a Merrill or up a fire road? It's also s'posed to be cold and may be rainy. Will you still be going in the rain? __________________ http://www.bichonsandbuddies.com/ Shannon; "You see the problem is that God gave men a brain and a penis...but only enough blood to run one at a time".

03-13-2008, 06:13 PM	#31 (permalink)
Pain Freak Charlie bit me	No rain forecast for Saturday and the temps are usually around 60 something. Should be excellent riding weather. The plan is how Hanzo described it. I'll be starting at JPL around 8 am then riding over to Lake to the trail head of Sam Merrill. I want to leave a vehicle or two there just in case we have some folks who may have a difficult time of it and I'll save them the climb back to Lake. Joe pretty much brought me back to reality. None of this ride should be described as easy, but it's all relative. I forgot how I used to think of this ride as an "epic" ride. There is exposure, but nothing that can't be walked. And if it's your first time on the trail I'll give you the heads up of what is coming up. We have quite a few folks coming along to help out who are familiar with the trail so we can keep everyone informed. Once again, this will not be a race to the top, but moving along at a somewhat slower pace. We did it last weekend and nobody really zoomed up the trail and I found it to be very enjoyable. I'll leave it up to the group of who wants to continue on to Inspiration, I think we all will though as the riding from Echo for the most part is a mild fireroad climb. Are you coming along, Liz? __________________ If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests? “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body—but rather a skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow, what a ride!’ ” —anon.

03-13-2008, 06:56 PM	#32 (permalink)
airgabe Senior Member	Guides I will assist anyone, mike&myself can alternate to help the group and technical aspects of the trails. __________________ Dino told me I was his Mr.Miagi TURNER HOMER

03-13-2008, 09:30 PM	#34 (permalink)
dirtmistress	I'm thinking about it but the weather keeps hopping around between rain and cold and then not! I'm not in the mood to be cold. Also, I feel unprepared for the Mulholland challenge and am thinking I need to get in a good road ride. I'm in a wait and see mode at this time! __________________ http://www.bichonsandbuddies.com/ Shannon; "You see the problem is that God gave men a brain and a penis...but only enough blood to run one at a time".

03-13-2008, 09:41 PM	#36 (permalink)
Tedroy Mt Wilson Motoboy	... ... Should rain around 8PM Sat. Go for it! Couch reserved for Sunday... Btw... Did I say yer all nuts? Thats some serious F'n climbin'. I know all the locals do this ride, but jeez, that is some serious busting. I guess I AM gettin' old. Have fun all Y'all

03-14-2008, 12:17 PM	#37 (permalink)
mazer75 Rocket Man	Hey Mike (Pain Freak), something has kinda come up for me tomorrow, but I still plan on doing this ride. I know it's impossible to estimate the time cost of regroups, etc., but how many hours do you estimate this ride will take. I'm talking about the whole thing, up to IP and back down through El P. Just a guess is all. I need to tell some peeps when I'm showing up to their 1-year old's birthday party Thanks! Looking foward to tomorrow!

03-14-2008, 02:00 PM	#39 (permalink)
dirtmistress	MAN! I am so tempted to do this but really don't want to be wet and cold. I wish I was a decider like the prez! __________________ http://www.bichonsandbuddies.com/ Shannon; "You see the problem is that God gave men a brain and a penis...but only enough blood to run one at a time".

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