Breathless Agony Roll Call

[crispy]

sounds like a good idea...count me in.

One question...Im currently running a 11-23 10s cassette and wonder if i need to swap out for something in the 25-28 low range? Im a decent climber but never done 13k+ elevation in one sitting.

11-23 is fine. The only real steep part on BA is the Oak Glen climb, but its only steep near the top and only for a short while. Also, it is early enough in the ride where you aren't tired yet.

Once you get over that, most of the climbs are 4-7% grades, not bad at all.

 

[lesper4]

I am in!

 

[Pain Freak]

11-23 is fine. The only real steep part on BA is the Oak Glen climb, but its only steep near the top and only for a short while. Also, it is early enough in the ride where you aren't tired yet.

Once you get over that, most of the climbs are 4-7% grades, not bad at all.

To me was that final climb to Onyx Summit. The grade may only be 6% but about that time I'm usually ready to sell my soul for one more gear.

 

[FFW]

Thanks Mike, now I don't feel like such an old wuss with my dinner plate-size cogs!

 

[Pain Freak]

Well, I just pulled the trigger. I'm in! Let the training begin! I guess I might as well go for the KOM again.

 

[bikerider]

I'm in for the whole adventure. I figure since I've done 3 CC's and 3 VQ's this shouldn't be much harder. I've driven that road several times and thought how much I'd like an excuse to climb it. Gives me motivation to train.

 

[mr.plow]

i'm currently running 53x39 chain ring with 11-27 cassette. i dont care what my riding buddies say, im getting a 11-32 cassette for the KOM tri.

 

[FFW]

How was the ride up 39?

So Jeff^d, MrPlow; how was your ride? Hope it was better than mine...

Saturday was a fantastic day to ride although some pretty strong gusty winds in part of Westlake and TO area. I'm happy I didn't ride with you guys because I started in with stomach cramps and nausea on the last little uphill after Hidden Valley. A few good heaves and we turned around and rode home so only got in 60 miles. My daughters and I all have the same thing (could it be my cooking?)

 

[jeff^d]

We had a great ride...

Started in Upland, rode up 39 to Crystal Lake (which was very scenic this time of year). We both underestimated the climb to Crystal Lake and ended up eating most of our food by mile 45 or 50. Took advantage of the delicious spring water along 39. 50 mph descent down to East Fork, AWESOME cheeseburger, fries, and soda at Camp Williams Cafe, up GMR to GRR, over to Baldy Village. Skipped the ski lifts, dropped down to Claremont. At this point mr. plow realized we were only a few hundred feet away from 10,000' of climbing, so we turned around and back up Baldy Rd to Shinn Rd, then down to Upland and cruised around the block to hit 100 miles with closer to 11,000' ascent. About 7 hours ride time, not too shabby for mr. plow's first century ever.

Looking at weekend of Feb 5/6 for next big road ride.

 

[mr.plow]

jeff summed up the ride pretty god. was an awesome day out. despite using sunblock, got a little color in my arms and legs. jeff pulls a good pace and never entertains the idea of cutting the ride short. aside from a couple mechanical issues with another rider, things went without a hitch. was my first century and the hardest effort, with maybe the exception of VQ, that i have ever made. looking forward to many more between now and end of May.

-t

 

[grant]

Parking situation at Sylvan Park

Looking at the satellite picture at the park it looks like there is a drastic lack of parking.

Where does everyone park?

 

[MnMDan]

Generally on the side streets to the east of the park...there's one that's pretty long and non-residential right next to the tracks east of the park.

Edit: Google earth hasn't been updated to show the road leading to the constructed buildings.

 

[Pain Freak]

Well, I get there early and have never found it full. I leave as soon as I can as I'm a slow climber and I like to get an early start.