Hi all, I've been road riding for years. Okay, really on and off for about 6 years, but I was recently bit by the bug again a few months back. Plus, having a new bike doesn't hurt. Anyway, what are your favorite climbs in The OC? If only because it's near my apartment, Pacific Hills(nah, I meant Island) Drive is a frequent part of my rides. I have only done this one once, but Temple Hills Drive up to Top of the World was a tough one. I came down with a wicked cold that next morning, so I'm hoping that it's really not that bad. Newport Coast Drive is okay, but I always feel like there's not enough. I finally rode over the backside two weekends ago and now have the itch to climb back up once I go over. Methinks that'll be a nice combo. Any thoughts and suggestions? Andrew
I do Live Oak (13%) a couple of times a week. Modjeska Grade (18%) and Stonehill (15%) are short but sweet. Pacific Island Drive is always fun.
Yesterday on the road bike I climbed Newport Coast and yeah its really not a hard hill unless your sprinting up it. Some of the steepest hills I found are in my neigborhood. I live in San Juan Capistrano and theres one hill thats gota be well over 13% I'll have to check with Edge next time. Are in Pacific Hills in Mission Viejo, if so your not far from me so lets ride:bang:
redlands classic when you climb from the bottom of snob hill to the top and you drop down into yucapia.
forget the OC, drive to temecula, park and then ride to the top of Palomar and then back. It is anywhere from 80-100 or so miles. That and some drugs worked for Landis!!
favorite roadie climb? Crown Valley Parkway from PCH to Antonio. not short, but up 90% of the way none the less. Newport coast is a fine climb either way. Pacific Island is a heck of a climb as well (Aliso area)
I live in Laguna Niguel, near the corner of Golden Lantern and Marina Hills. I'm currently down the for the count: another nasty cold has hit and I won't be able to ride until probably after New Years. Thanks for the suggestions. It looks like I'm going to be spending some time in SJC and LB.
Do a search for the Seven Sisters ride. It is listed on geoladders. Climbs 7 different hills around the Laguna area. I did it several months ago. My Garmin registered one section at 26%, many sections are in the 20% range, and I think all the climbs are above 15%. My knees hurt for like 3 days after the ride. I posted on a report on STR, look back a few pages for it or search for posts I started.
Favorite local climb: Big Pine Hwy from Valyermo Post Office to Mtn High then turn left up 2 miles 13%+ grade to Ski Sunrise. Coming back downhill is a thrill ride! For a sick ride you can add any or all of these 4-5 mile up-and-backs along the way; Mt. Emma, Littlerock Dam, Juniper Hills, Devil's Punchbowl, and Big Rock Canyon. Favorite local climbing ride: Palmdale to Angeles Forrest Hwy to Angeles Crest Hwy to Mtn High down Big Pine Hwy and back to Palmdale. Stops at Newcomb Ranch and Mile High Cafe for sandwhiches & beers.
The 7 Sisters: http://www.geoladders.com/show_route.php?route=488 I think I am gona do this ride sometime this week or next. Anyone want to join?? I may start from my house in SJC. Yesterday I rode with one of the guys from Rock n Road and he was talking about riding this route twice in a day. 11,600ft... whoo!! Another awesome climb out in Arizona is South Mountain. Yes the same place you can mountain bike, but but the road is on the backside. http://www.geoladders.com/show_route.php?route=11012 It a 7 mile climb going up to the Towers. It's not that hard of climb but coming down is awesome. Lots of sharp turns that makes your feel like your in Alps or the Pyrenees.
Alright, since we are moving away from O.C. I will throw out San Gabriel Canyon up to Crystal Lake, much less traffic than Angeles Crest, especially once you get past West Fork.
Von Skipp I did this with MTBMaven a few months ago, I said at the time never again, but you know how these things are. We forget pain. I live in Aliso, when are you thinking of doing it?:bang:
I know how that goes saying never again. Just yesterday I was out on the road bike. Was not planning on riding more than a few hours. Ended up doing 70 miles and finishing through Santiago Canyon in the dark! I was miserable being out of water, soo damn cold, numb and tired!! The whole way through the canyon I was telling myself I'm hiding my road bike and never want to look at it again!! Well I ended up doing a short recovery ride today, haha. Anyways lets defintely plan to ride the 7 Sisters route. I'm good for this weekend or next week. Just want to know a couple days ahead so I will be fresh for it. Anyone else thinking about it?
Post it and they will come. Not sure I will make it but if I can I would do that ride again. Hell of a kick in the pants. Twice...I don't know.
I live just a few miles away from the park, so count me in for at least part of it. My climbing legs may only allow me to do the first 3 sisters. After that, well, a ride down to San O may be in the cards. This weekend would work best for me.
