25 Mile Group Ride Tonight

The video

25 miles at 15.0. Backed off some prepping for a 60 miler on Saturday. Nice group of people tonight. Almost all different vs the last time I rode with them. Friendly people, not so catty.

Solo Nite BLSB+ Ride

 Solo night ride, BLSB and a lil more up Mills at the end to get 24 miles and at least 1,000 ft gain for the night. Warm 67 degrees in Glendora, felt good! Didn't have to wear my tights or windbreaker tonight. Cooler in Claremont at 63. Strange, go over the little hill at Live Oak and it is noticeably warmer within seconds. I guess there are a bunch of cold people in Claremont ha ha!

I have the Los Jarritos hill earlier and now the Pinnacle Peak hill ha ha! Yes, again with the restaurant names for my hills. Not that this is a hill but it is at the top of a little bump. I have to say it kills me to ride by this place when I'm hungry on the bike ha ha! Smells good. Honestly though, Gina and I went there about a year ago and it was not what it used to be. For the price, I'd skip it! Years ago, it was much better imo. It does smell good while passing by, but then again, so does Carl's Jr. ha ha ha!

Plenty of Christmas lights out lately!

63-67 degrees, no need for cover.

Hmm, my legs seem to be getting chubby in my old age ha ha ha!

Short 31 w/ Gina

  Pics for now. Weekend compilation video to come. Met some new and old friends this weekend. Various clips on video so I need to toss something together. But silly me, got so caught up with the video that I didn't think to use my camera getting pics of new friends ha ha! But I got video clips. :-P

So anyway, a nice 31 miler with Gina at 15.5. Stiff headwind seems to be the norm now but it was a good ride.  Ran into Rick C and his buds heading the opposite way. They were cruising so I turned around and caught up with them for a couple clips. I had planned this for some time and riding alone this day, it was safe to do so after a quick look back. Good thing they were cruising, made it easy on me as they are usually flying ha ha!

Ran into Alyce shortly after for a visit. Then later into Thai and Tony. Tony was ahead for a while then holding it down, I caught up later for a bit of video. This was Saturday, then Sunday, I rode with GIna and ran into more friends, Jim and his gal!

At the coast, I was in the restroom when I heard somebody roll up and ask Gina if she was "Gina" ha ha! I wasn't sure whether or not to come out wondering who it was. Could be haters and maybe have a gun ha ha! But turned out to be a guy and his wife that I have seen on Strava here and there. We ran into him on the return section a few months ago. Exchanged kudos on Strava a few times but I was not sure who he was. So they recognized Gina at the stop and started a chat. Ended up being really nice people. Mandy was riding an MTB but has a bike just like her hubby Donald's bike. Nice! 

Mandy was really nice and even threw out a few compliments about my material, as well as Donald. Always great to meet people who appreciate my efforts to entertain people, whether good or bad, it's all entertainment. But they enjoy it and even got a free energy bar from Mandy. They order them from England somewhere and highly recommend them. Heck, I'll try it ha ha! But they were really nice people and came out well on video.

Also ran into Jim and his gal. Ended up seeing them about 3 times along the ride today. Jim rode a few times that I did with Erik's group, that's how we met. Seems to be a really nice guy!

The video!

Solo Fat Bastard Fitty!

(((Video after the weekend, compilation of both days when I get enough footage for a video.)))

 Solo 50 miles at 16.4 average speed. Somebody turned on the wind a few weeks ago but forgot to turn it off ha ha! Strange day today, seemed the wind felt exactly the same going both directions. I got back to the train station and saw that I needed 3 more miles to make 50 so why not. I turned around heading back south for 1.5 miles then turned around again heading back to the station to make and even 50. I noticed my speed heading north was ok then turning around, I expected it to be slower but it was the same. OK, I'll take it!

I did run into Tony and Thai at the coast at breaktime. I was ready to head back and so they left with me. Tony said he was going to take it easy but he seems to go fast without moving his legs. I't like he is doing 15 RM but rolling easily at 20 ha ha! I'm starting to think he has a motor hidden somewhere on his bike. It looks like the e-bike riders, barely spinning his legs but moving at a fast rate of speed while I'm doing 100 rpm falling behind ha ha!

We separated at the start so he was about 30 yards ahead most of the way so in actuality, I probably drafted Tony for a mile or two so I think that still counts as solo. Along the way, Tony overtook some dude riding alone. At a good rate of speed, I thought he would just fall back but the dude hopped on rather quickly. He said he was going to sit at the back while he could if we didn't mind. I said Tony was at the front so it didn't matter to me ha ha! As we approached Tony's turn off, the dude went around and said we would catch him again. I said Tony was turning off and doing a solo 50, I wasn't sure as it seemed windy to me. So the dude rolled ahead as Tony turned off the trail.

I thought the dude would just roll away as he increased his speed and seemed to be doing well. He got about 75 yards ahead of me so I thought he was gone. But next thing I know, I'm catching up and he looks kind of beat. He did say he was doing 100, I said nice! So maybe the distance was getting to him and he was fading. I caught up on one of the little upside ramps of the underpasses. But I backed off not wanting anybody on my wheel. Yeah, heck man, can't ever just ride my bike without unknown riders hopping on. I just figured if I hang back some, he'll go ahead and I'll get my target speed anyway.

But he faded about 1/2 mile before Edna Park. I was staying about 40 or more yards back. So seeing he looked like he was going to fade, I picked it up and rolled around him hoping he wouldn't be able to catch on. He didn't, he faded back rather quickly. Many times I just feel like I don't need anybody's help and riding alone is a good workout.

Part of the reason I did it was some chick earlier ha ha! If one goes onto a cycling forum and mentions female riders not being as strong as male riders, boy you are about to take a rash of sheot ha ha! So heading south along the golf course just before Edna Park, I noticed a chick up ahead, doing pretty well it seemed. But I went by and not more than 2 seconds, she was like 2 inches from my wheel. 

I guess I am different. If I don't start a ride with a friend, or run into a friend who wants to ride together, I don't hop the wheel of every Tom. Dick, and Harry. So it tripped me out that she was so quick to hop on, almost onto the back of my saddle ha ha!

I turned on my rear recorder then she said I would not want any pics of her. Well, it is a video and I mentioned that knowing several riders out there, I record my rides and friends as we cross paths so since you're on my wheel........ :-P

But I turned off into Edna Park to refill my water bottle. I only have one when I use the rear saddle rail mount for the go pro. I can't use a seat pack for tools so I use one bottle cage to carry supplies. So I was out of water and needed to stop figuring the windy section from Edna to HB was about to start, I need water.

But later around Warner, I caught back up to her. I saw that an underpass was just ahead so I backed off so that I would not pass her just quite yet. If I do, she'll for sure jump my wheel. So I waited then as she started up the far side, I went around with a running start from behind and hammered up the ramp. I pushed hard for about 50 yards then sat up and turned my head to see if I could tell where she was at with my peripheral vision. Sure enough, she was about 15 yards behind me and I could see that she was pushing hard to get my wheel ha ha! So I hammered another 50 yards and noticed she was falling slightly back. Screw it, I hammered another half mile then looked back and she was gone. I jsut figure she's going to ride my wheel all the way to the coast and if I point her to the front, she'll turn her head  ha ha! Heck, we saw this with the guys the last few weeks. OK, call me a MSP but I know this gal ain't going to help me and I really don't care about being friends ha ha!

Earlier in the ride, I did see Rick, his buds Al and gang. I was somewhere near the Honda Center when I saw them heading the opposite direction so I through a quick U-eh and rolled up on them from behind to get some video footage. I also went to the front for a little so that I could capture them in the  front view with my rear recorder. I stopped at a ramp and turned around and that is when Alyce rolled up and stopped for a chat. She was doing a 60 mile ride, wow. I wimped with only 50 ha ha!

Oh, I have to mention this A hole on the trail. He was a strong rider and passed me from behind. He was looking back, probably expecting me to take his wheel, more than likely, not wanting me to. But hey, I don't make an uninvited guest out of myself so he just rolled ahead. I was keeping my own pace but he faded some and I started to gain back though I was not trying. I was trying to maintain my own pace into the wind. So we roll across the last bridge before the coast heading south. He slowed significantly after the bridge so I had gained back from a 50 yard gap to 10 or so. I don't race across the bridge but he really slowed down on it so I had to hang back figuring he is a faster rider so I didn't want to force him to pass me again for no reason.

Oh yeah, I forgot, the A hole had a blaring speaker on his bike. As we turn back onto the paved trail heading south, he rolls up on a couple of beach cruisers doing about 10 mph. There was at one time plenty of space to roll around but he slows to the 8 and sits behind the couple. Then I roll up but there is traffic heading the opposite way so I am forced to slow behind him as he is still stalling.

What does the idiot do? He pulls off his helmet and starts slapping it to clean it off and then he starts waving it in the air side to side as if to clean off his sweat. Oh thanks moron, now you're tossing your covid crap in the air so I have to hope you aren't a carrier. I just that was rude during these times, but that's not all!

So the A hole is still sitting behind the cruisers at 8 mph and now that it is clear, doesn't seem to be going anywhere. I gave him a minute, as I said, I don't like to pass someone who will have to pass me back, unnecessary movements and risks.

But he is going nowhere so I shout onyerleft and start to pass and just as I get there, he swerves hard to the left and almost takes out my wheel. Of course the idiot had the music blaring and was too stupid to look back first. Yeah, I always make sure it is safe to pass and give warning but it is also the responsibility of the A hole with a blaring speaker to look back and make sure it is safe before passing other riders. Just too many stupid riders out there!

                                                                    Some Alyce pics

Hardly anybody at the coast

Empty path as well

Tony's bike. He says he bought it used and has no idea

the brand. But I bet it has a hidden motor ha ha!

First time I'd been upstairs at the train station. Had to pee and

the restrooms downstairs were being cleaned. But there is a restaurant up there.

Closed but it is there!

Looking down onto the pretzel, smoothie place.

From upstairs looking out!

Wow, not sure if they kicked out the homeless but they are all over the stops. Throwing crap, thought I heard a bottle but luckily it didn't break. There was some respectable looking older woman

walking out to the benches as if to catch a bus when I was walking out. I felt sorry for her, almost thought I should wait there till her bus comes. But that could have been a pretty long time. But 

I would almost guess she was afraid to be out there with all these idiots.

Mostly Solo 30 Miler Claremont to Covina

Mostly solo 30 miles tonight from Claremont to Covina and back. I rode across Baseline and a little up Mills to get in a few extra miles as the course for me is like 22, I needed more toward my goal of 4,000 for the year. Only 390 more I think. 

But I was riding around and figured Erik's group would roll by. So I waited till I saw them go by then I chased them down. I passed all by 2 but they stopped at a regroup but I kept going. Later, I got stopped by the stubborn red light on Arrow and Badillo so they caught back up. So I ended up riding with them for a couple of minutes but then the faster guys took off so I went with them for a bit. Then the 2 faster guys pulled away from the 2 guys in front of me so we fell a bit behind the 2 leaders. I ended up going around the other 2 but once we hit Glendora Ave, the 2 faster guys just pulled away. The others were behind me and stopped to regroup but I kept going just trying to ride through. 

Later it seemed to get really cold on Bonita again. What is it with that area? Trying to ride through but about 27 miles in, I had to stop and take a break ha ha! So I did the self interview thing and let my legs rest a bit. So after a little break, I took off again and finished the ride. My legs still felt a little tired from doing a ride a couple days ago in mostly the same area but heading up Lorraine towards GMR.

Man, I am getting old ha ha! But hey, still out there riding my bike! 30 miles and 13,000 feet of gain, I'll take it!

Passed Erik by the Los Jarritos hill on Baseline. Yes, I name my hills after restaurants ha ha!

The group caught me at a red light so I jumped in for a couple minutes, then went around with the faster guys.

On Mountain Ave (Claremont) just above Bonita, I had to take a break so this was a good time for a self interview ha ha!

 Just the boring video from Sunday's ride with Gina. Took the recorders but nothing really to record. Not many riders around. 31 miles at 16.0 on a breezy day.

Solo Night Ride BLSB Ride with 2 Lorraines

 Solo 25 at 13.6 average speed. I call this my BLSB ride as described in a previous post. But this time, I descended Valley Center, back to Foothill, across again to Lorraine for a second little gentle climb to add some mileage. Last time it was like 22 and 800 ft.  This time I got 25 miles and 1,102 ft of climbing. That is what I wanted, 25 and 1k if possible. Worked out just right.

I did wear my brightest jersey for night visibility. But again, once I got to the start, it was cold and I know I'd need my windbreaker and tights. I was prepared ha ha! The face masks covers the ears as well and keeps me from sucking in too much cold air. Seems to be working as usually I get a little scratchy after a cool ride. I did forget to stuff tissue in my ears this time so the cool air was felt a bit more tonight. Minimum temp 55 but felt even cooler than the other night at the same temps though the high was 5 more degrees at 62.

Strange thing though. I thought climbing up Lorraine right to the base of GMR, that it would be cold. But it actually warmed up. Not that I was climbing but the air was warm. I even stopped to feel the air thinking that was strange. But once back to Bonita, much lower elevation, it was really chilly. Heck, almost felt like I had a migraine or toothache coming on. But no, just the cool air!

It is strange because I feel like I am riding at a good pace but when I look at my average, what the heck is going on ha ha!? Maybe it is the cold air? It did feel windy last night but I think it is more than that, like dense air, I dunno! I just know the times are slower than the Spring and Summer rides out there. Hmm, could just be the dark itself. It is a little scary going down too fast in some of the areas I am not too familiar with yet. Descending Valley Center from GMR is one place that can be fast but I back off at night not knowing the curb arrangement. Pretty straight but curves around near the lower section and I'm  not wanting to hit a curb at speed. Figure at some points I am doing 25 on roads I am not too familiar with and at night. Not to tough but not familiar with the road and a bunch of cars behind me on the descent yesterday. Where did they all come from last night? Haven't seen it that busy before, not even in the car ha ha!

But anyway, another successful ride and a good time!                                               

                       Well heck, got my bright jersey and it does no good with the windbreaker.

But I have to show the old fart ha ha!

I'm always trying to catch the bike lane logo in a pic. A little closer tonight but still a miss!

Those drivers are after me! Not really, I am surprised at how courteous traffic is when I ride. I have had maybe 2 cars race me to the intersection which is fine with me. I'll let them win, matter of fact, I want them to win. That means they get there first and not the same time so I am more than happy to back off a step if I hear traffic behind me approaching and intersection. But some just stay behind me even when I don't want them to, like 30 yards before the intersection. I guess it's safer for me so once I know, I kick up my speed to get out of their way and keep myself alive at the same time. My average speed is not worth getting hurt and losing to a car at an intersection costing me 10 seconds won't really affect my average speed anyway.

That Halloween house is also a Christmas house. Wow, this place goes all out for the holiday!

The house and yard.

Opposite side of the sidewalk. Like a little Santa seat ha ha ha! I mean Ho ho ho!