My First time up GMR

Where I live I am lucky to be close to the Foothill mountains. They have loads of great climbs around here. I had been toying with the idea of attempting GMR ever since I got my bike. I had read about lots of great rides on a couple of blogs such as Mr Beanz and his bikes, Bicycle Friends and Glendora Mountain Road.

Today I finally got it done. I had tried last week but my legs felt crap so I turned and headed home. Today I was more determined and my legs felt a whole lot better than they did last week. My goal was to do GMR to the Shack. A popular ride for lots of people. I didn't care about time or speed. I just wanted to get to that shack!

I had asked around on some forums and read lots of ride reports. Mr Beanz had mentioned to just take it easy, keep pedaling and take my time. I did just that. It was hard and long. There a plenty of little steep climbs and then it would ease of. It has lots of switchbacks. I would look towards one and wonder how I would make it, but before I knew it I would be half way through it.

I had driven up GMR with the wife a while back to scope it out. I was familiar with some parts from that drive. The only thing I couldn't remember was where the shack was. I would plod along and think, "yeah, it's just round this corner" only to get to that corner and see the road keep going.

I had to stop a few times to catch my breath and eat some food. My heart was working big time. I stopped a total of three times on the way up. I was please that I didn't decide to turn around. I knew I would make it after my first stop. I climbed back on the bike and felt good, I knew then I could do it, even if it meant stopping again.

I saw plenty of people pass me while I was stopped and a couple powered passed me. Everyone was saying good morning and the folks on the decent would give a little wave. I saw a couple of nutters running up GMR! I even saw a deer, that was cool!

After a long hard slog I finally caught a glimpse of the shack! I powered up to it and gave a huge sigh as I made it to my goal! I was really happy to make it! I was expecting to see some riders there but it was empty. I stood in the shade and had some water and a bite to eat before heading down the mountain.

The decent was great. I took it easy as I didn't know the road to well so I kept the speed at 20mph for most of it. About half way down my front wheel started to wobble. Dammit! My first flat! I remembered not to panic, slowed down and pulled to the side of the road. I had my puncture repair kit, CO2 cartridges and tire levers in my saddle bag. I had left my spare tube sitting on the table at home, typical! I started working on the tire, hunting the puncture. Everyone on the way up asked if I need a hand. I had what I needed so thanked them for their offer and kept at it. I found a crack in the tube and was working on it when a guy pulled up in a truck and offered a proper pump to inflate it, I accepted and he helped me get the tube back in the tire. Then I was off again.

As I got to the bottom I saw I'd lost some air. So I either missed the puncture or got another. I filled it with air to tide me over and slowly made my way home. When I got home I pulled the tube out and found a tiny puncture, I think I must have missed it, it was a really slow puncture.

I had a great time on my first time up GMR and am looking forward to doing it again. Next time I'll make sure I take my spare tube!