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Mitch, my mechanic, is in Pasadena, and my car was ready but I was in Sunland. I decided to ride my bike, but it was rush hour. Why not wait and make it a night ride through Angeles National Forest? I figured it would be pleasant and fun.
As I started up Big T, the lightening was a little intimidating. I thought of turning around, but I knew what I'd say if TJ were with me and suggested going back, so I kept on going! LOL.
A light sprinkle began to fall on the last 3 miles of Big T, but it wasn't enough to affect me, so I continued on. Curiously, there was a terrific wind blowing just before the descent to the big bridge below the dam, maybe in the top 10 I have encountered on a bike, but very little wind the rest of the ride (thankfully).
The approach to the stop signs at the top of Big T was realistically the point of no return. It seemed as though the lightening was not getting any closer, so I decided to continue as planned. However, as I neared Clear Creek, the rain began in earnest, and the temperature dropped to 48F as I began to descend Angeles Crest Hwy. At first, it was just a normal rain, but it increased to a legitimate downpour which hampered my vision in the dark, particularly with a significant sheet of water on the road surface and the rooster tail flying off the front tire and into my face. I was thankful for my disc brakes, but I had nothing like stopping power, only gradual slowing.
I was in hot weather gear, and sort of kicked myself for not having at least arm warmers with me. The deluge of water began to suck the heat from my core, and I began to shiver. Normally I could warm up by really cranking on the pedals, even downhill, but with the compromised visibility and concern about traction in the corners, I kept the speed down to the low 20's, which was basically coasting or soft peddling with a light touch of the brakes (hoping to keep them ready if I needed to stop). Drivers coming up ACH were mostly idiots, evidently with no idea of how their traction might be compromised by a first rain loosing oil deposits across the macadam.
As I reached the signal at the golf course, I decided the brakes were good enough to let me take Crown Ave to the bottom of Foothill, a more direct route to Pasadena, but much steeper than ACH. With constant application of the brakes, they actually seemed to dry and be reasonably effective; I had no problem keeping my speed low on the steep downhill.
When I reached the bottom, I saw more lightning in the area into which I would be heading, and I considered looking for someone to rescue me and finding shelter to warm up, but, realistically, I realized I would make it to my car long before anyone might get to me.
Happily, the rain diminished substantially at that lower elevation, and on the flat roads I was able to ride harder and stop the shivering. Being able to flex my fingers and wrists was also a great relief. I was happy to get to the car, but from Foothill on the ride was more fun than otherwise.
Sometimes, cycling is more of an adventure than you might have anticipated! I find that such rides actually enhance the appreciation for the sport, not diminish it.
By: | dhartson@gmail.com |
Started in: | LA, CA, US |
Distance: | 35.3 mi |
Selected: | 35.3 mi |
Elevation: | + 3564 / - 3936 ft |
Moving Time: | 02:54:14 |
Page Views: | 59 |
Departed: | Oct 12, 2018, 7:18 pm |
Starts in: | LA, CA, US |
Distance: | 35.3 mi |
Selected distance: | 35.3 mi |
Elevation: | + 3564 / - 3936 ft |
Max Grade: | |
Avg Grade | |
Cat | |
FIETS | |
VAM | |
Ascent time | |
Descent time | |
Total Duration: | 03:08:41 |
Selection Duration: | 11321 |
Moving Time: | 02:54:14 |
Selection Moving Time: | 02:54:14 |
Stopped Time: | 00:14:27 |
Calories: | 1856 |
Max Watts: | |
Avg Watts: | 181 |
WR Power | |
Work | |
Max Speed: | 35.1 mph |
Avg Speed: | 12.2 mph |
Pace: | 00:05:20 |
Moving Pace: | 00:04:56 |
Max Cadence: | 217 rpm |
Min Cadence: | 10 rpm |
Avg Cadence: | 54 rpm |
Max HR: | 147 bpm |
Min HR: | 70 bpm |
Avg HR: | 109 bpm |
Heartrate zones: | |
Zone 1: | 1 hour 14 minutes |
Zone 2: | 25 minutes |
Zone 3: | 1 minute |
Zone 4: | 0 minutes |
Zone 5: | 0 minutes |
Best format for turn-by-turn directions on modern Garmin Edge Devices
Best format for turn by turn directions on Edge 500, 510. Will provide true turn by turn navigation on Edge 800, 810, 1000, Touring including custom cue entries. Great for training when we release those features. Not currently optimal for Virtual Partner.
Useful for uploading your activity to another service, keeping records on your own computer etc.
Useful for any GPS unit. Contains no cuesheet entries, only track information (breadcrumb trail). Will provide turn by turn directions (true navigation) on the Edge 705/800/810/1000/Touring, but will not have any custom cues. Works great for Mio Cyclo. Find GPS specific help in our help system.
Estimated Time shows a prediction of how long it would take you to ride a given route. This number is based on your recent riding history, and represents an estimate of moving time. Each time you upload a new ride, your Estimated Time profile will adjust to reflect your most recent riding. Only rides exceeding 10 miles (16 km) will affect these estimates.
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