GMR Friday: Inversion...

Whenever the temperatures spike here in So Cal we can expect this little thing known as the inversion layer to show up for the party. The layer is like an invisible cap sitting on someone's bald head. It sits up there and presses down, keeps the heat in, not to mention all the crud thrown out of exhaust pipes, smokestacks, and what have you. You can't see the inversion layer, but you can see all the brown gunk being held in by it. Fortunately you can ride up into the mountains and rise above those two layers - the gunk layer and the inversion layer.

looking down GMR into the gunk layer covering the Pomona Valley

with the mountains of Orange County in the far distance

a much more clear view looking the other direction

GMR Friday (with GRR/Baldy Loop)...

The Psycho-lists (Dean, Ralph, Keith, Robert, Francis, and myself) posted a 9:00 am start to the ride this morning, rather than the more typical 7:30, which meant I was able to group ride Glendora Mountain Road (GMR) rather than solo it. The plan was to leave Claremont, ride to GMR, up, continuing along Glendora Ridge Road (GRR), down to Baldy Village, and down canyon back home. If you are local, you probably know the loop; it makes for a good morning ride. Word was, though, that the winds were really gusting up there at Baldy, so once we arrived at the top of GMR we would play it by ear, wait to see what the conditions were like up high. Conditions heading up the Mountain Road could not have been better; I shed a windbreaker at the bottom, and rode comfortably the rest of the way up. Maybe a little too comfortably actually; it encouraged me to take off fast and not look back. 

That is until my energy level started to play out along GRR. Maybe it is time to invest in a compact crankset, or at least a 39 ring for these long climbs. A 42 is still fine up to a point, but pushing that bigger gear seems like it eventually wears me down now; and especially since I always feel compelled to be first to the KOM. Remember Jan Ulrich's battles with Lance during the Tour? I swear I had one rotation to everyone else's two. Anyway, I reached the first regroup, at the saddle, with no one in view behind me, patted myself on the back and waited about five minutes for the rest of the group to start showing. Made another push to the top of GMR, but was surprised by Ralph, who came around me (and carrying extra weight) just before the shack. I almost always seemed to have both Ralph and Dean ahead of me along GRR, where the compact would have come in handy. C'est la vie. Any day in the mountains is a good one.

Once we got well into the GRR section we expected to find that wind around each and every twist of the road, but it wasn't to be. That is until we approached Cow Saddle, and that is where we felt the fury of a gusting headwind. Luckily it was rather sporadic until we started the descent into Baldy Village - I was really being blown around my half of the road on that exposed stretch down the mountainside. Cautious riding continued down San Antonio Canyon, expecting my rear hub to blow up at any moment, it is making a hellish sound any time I freewheel with my speed approaching 30 mph or higher. Disconcerting, especially when I could hear it above the roar of the wind. Some deferred maintenance is long past due. Good day, fantastic loop, and a great group to ride with.

I forgot. I brought out something old today, beside myself that is, and it turns out that another rider in the group was also a Chevy/Sheriff back then. I guess it shouldn't surprise me, the green and yellow was a pretty common sight on the roads during the late '80s to mid '90s. You still see an old jersey, or as in this case windbreaker, every so often.

Searching for the Psycho-lists...

GMR Friday turned out to be that and more, much more in fact than I was planning on. Psycho-lists left just a bit too early for me, but I knew where they were planning to go, what route they would take. That route was supposed to be up GMR - down East Fork - down Highway 39. Assuming that wouldn't change somewhere along the way is what got me into trouble. I figured that if I rode that route backward we would cross paths, probably along Highway 39, maybe the lower portion of East Fork; I could turn around at that point and ride back with them from there. It would be a relatively easy ride, perfect since I had ridden miserably on a short ride yesterday. So much for best laid plans. I kept going along East Fork, further and further, without seeing them, finally realizing their plans had obviously changed and I was going to have to alter mine as well. I could either turn around and still have a relatively easy day, or go ahead and tackle that butt-kicking East Fork climb. If you have guessed that I chose to continue climbing, you guessed correctly. In reality there was really only one way to go once across the East Fork Bridge, and that was up.

Oscar pulling along the East Fork Road, the river on the left, and serious climbing ahead.

just past Williams and Hudsons Bay Camps. not a single vehicle passed from here up to GMR

Fortunately I had been joined further down along Highway 39 by Oscar, who had caught up to me, I am thinking easily, although he said otherwise. Oscar is a strong climber who probably could have left me behind at any time, but rode at a comfortable pace that was doable, even after my back started giving me some grief. The Santa Ana's were forecast to return today, and that they did, hitting the mountains hard. As it was they were at their worst where we made the switchback to begin the steeps of East Fork. One second they were giving us a helping push from behind, the next they turned face, hellaciously pounding us from the front. I swear during one of the sudden transitions from helpful to tormenting I was nearly blown over the side. There is no detracting from the beauty of this route, and the winds not-withstanding, the day was a stunning one up in the mountains. 

And the Psycho-lists? We did eventually cross paths - I was about four miles from home, they, almost back to their start point in LaVerne (after GMR, they did GRR to Baldy, down San Antonio Canyon and back). A fine day either way - for me 56 miles, 4600 feet of climbing, 3.5 hours.

GMR Fridays...

Nothing like a compliment to boost your spirits, is there? During the morning climb of GMR I was fortunate to receive a double dose. The compliments were in regard to aspects of my cycling I have mentioned previously - climbing, and turning circles (or pedaling smoothly). My ability at the former has always been respectable, though rarely acknowledged; the latter, lets just say, is my strongest suit. The ability to smoothly turn the pedals, is the one thing that seems to stand out when people observe my riding, and with which I felt confident enough to compose a post about.


Why don't I ever mention my cycling weaknesses, you may ask? For one thing it would be boring; for another, they are classified secrets, protected flaws you will only find out by racing against me. Would I ever reveal those secrets? In the immortal words of Sean Connery, that's "not bloody well likely." I keep those cards close to my chest.


And GMR? It was glorious today, and people knew it. There was a flood of riders on the mountain, at least for a Friday. Conditions could not be better than they are right now, and it looks like they will remain that way for the next several days. Might as well haul yourselves up there. Sorry, there are no photos to go along with today's post; some big head kept getting in the way.

Don't mash your pedals, turn circles with them.

Eatin' some humble pie on GMR...

So, last weekend I recounted how I had a seemingly especial good day while climbing Glendora Mountain Road. Looking to duplicate that, I hit the road up again yesterday morning; the ten mile or so ride over to the bottom of GMR had gone well, so I was looking forward to a good climb, though with limited time, I knew the ridge saddle would be my turn around. Shorter than I would like, but at least it is the steepest part of the climb. At the first ramp up, by the Forest Service station, I passed one rider and easily came up behind another; at that point we had topped the ramp just past Dalton Canyon, and I figured I would back off and wait for the real climbing to commence. Strategy. Yes, this is how I think when I ride on days like these. Competition. Trying to predict what may happen up ahead. Looking for any advantage. Whether the competition is real or imagined, if you are up the road on me, the race is on.


Segue for just a minute now for some context; this second rider I had come up behind looked more like a football player (an in-shape footballer, not one of those overweight ones), or body builder. Maybe even a track racer. Big, muscular upper body, not just filling out the jersey, but looking to burst the seams. Clear enough? 


Anyway, somewhere around the big yellow gate, or the forest boundary, he markedly slowed, and I couldn't help but catch and pass. He gave me a bit of a surprise by grabbing my wheel right away; he was really breathing heavily at this point, so I guessed he was riding at near maximum and I applied a little more pressure to the pedals to shake him. Didn't work, he was still there. We make the 180º at the bottom of Monroe Truck Trail (MTT) and I get my second surprise - he comes around. I think, "alright, I'll play along", and I let him get a little gap, knowing that I could close it down at any time. We continued along upward through the switchbacks in the same order, passing a handful of other riders, and those first fingers of doubt started tickling my brain. I couldn't close the gap. Not only that, but he was slowly pulling away. My hope now was that he was overextending himself and would blow up at any time. How could this be happening; I was climbing well, but falling away regardless. Damn. By the time I reached the Kevin Unck memorial, I knew there was no chance of coming to terms before reaching the saddle. Approaching the pine trees, marking the spot of my turn around, I had a good view up the road where I could watch him motor past a couple more riders and disappear around a bend in the road, view obscured by some high growing brush and trees.

I have more than enough experience to realize that you should never underestimate someone's ability, but  carelessly forgot that lesson today. So, hats off to you, who ever you were. Good effort.

Philippe Gilbert yet again...

Another impressive jewel was added to Gilbert's crown today when he ran away with the victory at the San Sebastian Classic. Gilbert seems virtually unstoppable this year; it is rare when a racer can continue winning from one end of the season to the other. It seems entirely possible that Gilbert will do so, and that will add an element of excitement to the Autumn Classics. Gilbert's all-around ability reminds me of Sean Kelly - almost always a threat. Kelly, of course, won the Vuelta a Espana in 1988, and was Points Champion four times. Gilbert finished 3rd in the Point Competition at this years Tour de France; I would like to see a prepared Philippe Gilbert contest the Vuelta. May not be in the cards this year, but I would put him in there with a shot any time.

Juan Herrero photo via 20minutos.es

While Gilbert was on his way to victory in Spain, I made my weekly ride up Glendora Mountain Road today, rather than the more typical Friday, and celebrated my own small victory - I caught everyone who came within my sight, and allowed not a single rider to catch me. A small feat to be sure; it is all in the timing. Honestly though, as much as I do enjoy the solitude of the Friday GMR rides, it is pretty fun to have all those other cyclists around. As long as they are not out lolly gagging or sightseeing, you can figure they are putting at least some effort into it, and can pat yourself on the back or, after making sure no one is looking, raise your fists and smile like Philippe.

here i close on a likely victim just before the

first saddle, while mt. baldy looms in the distance

Up-ahead: No Car GMR...

Read yesterday on Glendora Mountain Road that one of our favorite mountain roads will be closed to motorized vehicles beginning July 1 @ 10:00am. Hikers and cyclists will be allowed. The road will reopen to cars, et al on July 5. Get up there if you can - pure cycling heaven.

GMR Friday...

Things were warming up on the mountain this morning, temperature-wise I mean. Rolled up there solo, though there were plenty of other riders out, they were always going in the opposite direction. Felt better at the top than I did starting the climb which I always take as a good sign. I could have done without the racing motorcycles today, though. I don't normally have a problem with them, but today there was a group of four that were making multiple runs up and down the mountains; three of them were cool and throtled back when they came behind me, but the fourth guy (always in the lead) I guess had something to prove, and was just flying past every time. Other than that, it was a nice peaceful climb and descent.

They are faded now, but some of the chalk messages are still evident from last weekend. Though it doesn't look like it in the photo, this view is looking downhill, and someone's affection of Lars Boom can be read correctly climbing up. They are fading quickly.

Oh no, not another self-portrait. I had to throw this one in, as proof of my new, sleeker, moustache-less visage.

and even closer, to see what was reflected in my glasses. Have a good long weekend all. I am hoping to make it out to Woodland Hills on Sunday for the Barry Wolfe GP. Master's 45+ roll off at 9:35. Yikes!

GMR Fridays...

I guess you could call this the GMR Friday, Pre-race Edition. I had company on my trudge up the mountain this time, as a little peloton of 7 riders from the Psycho-lists Meet-up group also had the morning free. The plan was to meet them as they rode along Baseline, not far from home, and ride out to GMR - my normal route. It was one of those arrangements where there is a window of time to meet, and it is just a guess as to whether you are early, late, or right on time. I waited around about 15 minutes before guessing that I missed them roll by, and set out in epic pursuit. About five miles later I glance back and notice a group coming up behind. Cool, I won't have to chase this morning, or at least not yet. Meet and greet with some of the riders I didn't know, and we're off again. 

 the group's 'young gun' says so long old-timer

Close-up is a little too close, and that mustache is looking a little scraggly. maybe it is time to get rid of it. Anyway, Chris and I - smile or grimace?

When we got to that first switchback, at the bottom of Monroe Truck Trail, it was time to go. Not an outright attack, the ride was too social for anything that blatant. Just a gradual acceleration. When the road turns up it just calls to me like a Siren, even after all these years and miles, and I have to answer. Like that, it came down to two of us away. Before we reached the "saddle" though, where GMR switches from one side of the ridge to the other, I could no longer match the pace of the young gun in the group, and drifted off his wheel. That is how it ended, at the top of GMR - having someone to chase most of the way up, probably gave me one of my best time splits for the climb. After regrouping we hit the high rollers of Glendora Ridge Road (GRR) as far as the upper gate of the Experimental Forest where three of us watched  the other four continue along GRR on their way to Baldy Road and back home. The three of us, meaning Brenda, Dick, and myself, turned around to retrace our route, which would tack a few extra miles onto our day.

back down in Glendora, Dick and Brenda lead through

For some of the group, this ride was a kind of scouting mission, looking for just the right spot from which to watch tomorrow's race. Though there wasn't anyone camped out, and GMR / GRR won't be nearly as  popular for viewing as Baldy Road, there was noticeably more traffic up there, others also looking for that perfect spot. Caltrans had sweepers and cleaners out, plows attached to the fronts of trucks, clearing rocks from the roadway. Getting everything as ready as it can be. Tomorrow should be an exciting day indeed.

GMR Fridays...

There were a few more people up there today, both riders and drivers. I wondered how many drivers were looking for the best spot to watch the TOC. I know at least one was because we talked about it. Not sure who the women's group was - they were coming down as I rode up. Oh, and to the driver of the white van (however small the chance that you see this) you are awesome. It would be nice if everyone were as conscientious and aware of what is going on around them. I am sure you are the same person I have seen driving GMR on each of the past four Fridays. You always slow, that's right slow, making sure the coast is clear of downhill traffic before moving wide around me to pass. Well, today you did that and more, patiently keeping a discreet distance behind me as the women rode on past and down the hill, before moving into the downhill lane to go by. I would nominate you for a good driver award if there was one to give.

In remembrance of Kevin Unck

A Baldy view. I wish all that yellow-flowered Broom

were not so invasive, I could easily enjoy it guilt-free

And yes, I am planning on a GMR Friday morning next week, the day before Stage 7 hits the same road, if anyone is interested, and has the time.

GMR Fridays...

Alright, that does it. I am making it official. From now on, for the foreseeable future, Fridays are to be known as GMR Friday. Again, almost no traffic; very few riders this time as well, which seemed a bit strange. Where was everyone? The spot where the horse was killed a few days ago by a speeding and out-of-control car was gruesome, and very sobering; from what I have read the rider will make a full recovery, physically anyway. Also, judging by comments, this seems to be a recurring concern of local residents and all non-motorized users of GMR - cyclists, equestrians, and hikers all face the same dangers up there from irresponsible drivers. Closing the road to motor vehicles during the summer sounds like a fine idea to me. 


Two additional observations on this: 1. I did not see (and rightfully so) a single comment blaming the equestrian for being on the road, and I sincerely doubt that I could say that if a cyclist were on the receiving end; we all know how the creeps and blame-the-victim types come out of the woodwork when a cyclist is hit. 2. Some journalists still report this sort of thing as an "accident". 


Well, I didn't originally intend for this post to bring you down, because otherwise it was a great morning up there. Clear, cool and, I had my climbing legs. Here's a pic:

A lot of Lupine in bloom, even more Monkey Flower (though I didn't stop for a photo of it). These Lupine were growing on the other side of a low stone barrier wall, you pass coming back down; it is about the last place you have a view down into San Gabriel Canyon before you cross over to the other side of the ridge. 

GMR on a Friday morning...

is indeed an unexpected pleasure. A single car passed me the entire climb. Lots of cyclists out, those downhilling longboarders, and a few hikers. I wonder if it is always like this on a Friday. Very peaceful up there under these conditions, or would have been if I were not trying to flog some life back into my legs after last nights less than stellar performance at the Rose Bowl.

San Dimas Stage Race 2011, Stage 1 Time Trial...

Even though rain would have made for some interesting photo opportunities, I imagine most of the racers were happy that  it had ceased falling earlier in the morning and that the course, for the approximately 4 mile time trial up lower Glendora Mountain Road, was mostly dry.

I staked out a spot maybe 1/2 mile up from the start gate which gave me a view back down the road, taking in a couple bends with lower hills and the valley beyond. There was a bit of an increase in the grade, so I hoped that that would prompt a few of the racers to rise out of the saddle. It did, but since the steepest part of the course had to be tackled further along, most of the riders stayed in the saddle, some very relaxed with their arms resting on the bar tops, while others charged by in the drops. Interesting to compare. This race has really grown in stature over the years, judging by the number of riders who had either rainbow stripes or the red/white/blue stripes, identifying them as former world or national champions in the time trial discipline. The next couple days of racing should be brilliant. 

 in need of a photographer? this guy seems qualified.

 alright, those ear plugs just freak me out.

who travelled the furthest? I am guessing that would be 
Pure Black Racing, from New Zealand.



San Dimas Stage Race 2011, Stage One Time Trial from Michael Wagner on Vimeo.

Slideshow from the women's categories can be found here.
Slideshow for the Juniors 17/18, and men categories 4 and 5 are here (mostly Juniors).
Slideshow for the men 35+, 45+ 55+, Cat 3, and Cat 2 are here.
Slideshow of a few misc. photos from the day are here.

Keep in mind (if you view the slideshows) that Photobucket seems to be having some trouble saving in correct order. The women's slideshow is fine, but the others you should click reverse order when viewing to put them in correct order. Thats it for stage 1.

Kevin Unck, Rest in Peace...

Reports are coming in about a rider killed on Glendora Mountain Road today. Apparently Kevin Unck, who rode with the local Coates / Back Abbey Cycling Team, drifted into oncoming traffic while descending around a corner at speed and was struck by an oncoming vehicle. I did not know Kevin well, but recall sitting around chatting a bit, about jobs and riding, at the conclusion of a weekend ride. Cycling is a tight-knit community, and events such as this hit close to home. My condolences to family and friends of Kevin. Thoughts and memories are being left on the Coates Cyclery facebook page.

I am sure many people will be posting remembrances at various spots around the web, in fact, it is likely there will be more than I can keep track of. Many people in Southern California knew Kevin through racing and training, not just through Coates, but also the Cycling Connection, and  by way of the Claremont Colleges where he was employed. He was an accomplished racer, and experienced rider. I will post up additional links to remembrances as I come across them. Besides the Coates link above:


Lava Racing News has a nice memorial,


Biking In LA offers his condolences and a more detailed account of the incident, which differs in content from the original newspaper account but, unfortunately not in the outcome,


Christy at SoCalCycling recalls a recent training ride with Kevin, and others are leaving remembrances on SoCalCycling's Facebook page,


Pomona College ITS condolences,


From the Coates Facebook page: A memorial will be held this Saturday, January 15 during the Grape Fun Ride in Rancho Cucamonga. I don't see any information at to the time of eulogy and moment of silence. Information on the ride can be found at the Majestic Cycling site,


On January 22, starting at 8:00 Cycling Connection will be holding a memorial ride in honor of Kevin. Ride leaves from It's a Grind, 7325 Day Creek Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga. Photos from the ride here.


Remembrance at Launchday.


Condolences of the Redlands Water Bottle Transit Company.


Glendora Mtn Road Blogspot.

For a little comparison...

with yesterday's Highway 39 ride, I present you, today, with Glendora Mountain Road (GMR):

As with many good climbs, the bottom of GMR starts unassuming enough, within the city of Glendora. Many people will park here and ride up, but I, glutton for punishment, took the opportunity to get a longer ride in and rode over from home. Just in the distance is a fire station where the road make an upward turn. This is just a preview though and a relatively short rise, after which the road levels out again, passes by the turnoff into Big Dalton Canyon, enters the National Forest, makes a 90º turn at the small parking area for the Monroe Truck Trail (in my opinion the best mountain bike single track in the San Gabriel Mountain front range). But that is a story for another day.

From the lower Monroe TT, the GMR is a succession of upward sloping switchbacks, gentle curves and panoramic views. There is little wonder that on a typical day there will be any number of cyclists making the climb along this road. The first part of the route is the steepest, you gain the most elevation in the shortest distance. Look off across the canyon to your right and you can see the Monroe TT climbing the next ridge over. 

Eventually the GMR switches over to the north side of the ridge it has been climbing and you now are overlooking San Gabriel Canyon, and looking down on the two reservoirs I mentioned in yesterdays post about Highway 39. You get a very dramatic view of just how much climbing GMR makes in its first few miles as opposed to Highway 39 as it traverses the canyon far below.

I thought I got off to a nice (relatively) early start, but even so there were quite a few riders already headed down, either railing the turns or taking a more relaxed descent.

In due time I reached the upper end of the Monroe TT, my designated turn around point. From here you have an expansive view to the northeast to Mt. Baldy and can spot the GMR heading down toward East Fork. It is just past the point where I stopped that the Glendora Ridge Road branches off the GMR. This road heads on to Baldy Village and would have made a nice loop for me, and a much easier all downhill end of ride. But I stuck to the out and back plan.

The way back is when you get the best views down into San Gabriel Canyon so I stopped for a few photos. Different perspective that is for sure. Anyway I let the new bike run a bit back down the mountain, and best of all no front end wobble at all, woo hoo. Two good mountain days now in a row and the bike has worked out at least as well as I had hoped - climbs with ease, and descends with stability. I feel almost like the climber I was ten years ago. Distance from Claremont to upper Monroe Truck Trail and back 38.3 miles.