We don't have anything that can really approximate the Alps or Pyrenees here in Southern California, but fortunately we still have the San Gabriel Mountains. A lot of my training for the stage ride in the Pyrenees will be done here, with me riding into the mountains at least twice a week. Here's a snapshot of my current training. It's not much now--roughly 30 miles of climbing and 60 total miles--but as the weight comes off and the endurance increases the climbing rides will get longer. |
Click on any of the thumbnails for larger images.
Although there's roughly 1,000ft of climbing before I reach the base of Angeles Crest, the real climb starts here. I was recently told by an long-time local rider that this is known as 'Heartbreak Hill'. It may not look like much, but by the end of that 1/2 mile stretch, the gradient starts getting painful.. |
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Once past the housing developments and golf courses along the lower base, I enter the Angeles National Forest near an altitude of 2,000ft. |
The first stop (if I am stopping on the ride) is Clear Creek Station. The 9-mile climb is the shortest ride I'll do on Angeles Crest; only illness or injury will get me to turn around before Clear Creek. The winding roads bring Clear Creek Vista in and out of view as I climb. Here's the first clear sighting on the climb: |
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There's a ranger fire station about a third of the way to Clear Creek . Across the street from it is one of the fire hazard signs found throughout the national forest. Fires normally aren't an issue until late into July or August, after the summer sun has baked the hills dry. Looks like things are bad ahead of schedule this year... |
This is the view from Clear Creek Vista back down the mountain. |
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And here's Clear Creek Station, less than a mile from the Vista. This is a great stop for a quick stretch and to refill the water bottles. At this point, the day's ascent total is about 3,200 ft. |
Hmmm...funny, this is the first time I ever actually read this sign. |
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After a short descent into the valley, we're climbing again to Red Box. |
Once at Red Box, the day's ascent numbers are up to about 4,500 ft and I've put in roughly 25 miles of climbing. Here's the view back to Clear Creek: |
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A right turn at Red Box and I'm on my way to Mount Wilson. |
Here's a view of the Mt. Wilson climb from across the valley: |
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Early in the climb up to Mt. Wilson. |
A road's-eye view of the climb. |
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A great, wide view of the final climb to the summit. |
With views like this you just ignore the pain in your legs... |
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A view from the base of the final ascent. |
Nearing the summit, I pass the tower platform. I'm sure there aren't any health concerns. |
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Finally, the view from the summit after 5,500ft of climbing. |
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