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!

AMGEN Tour of California Stage 7

I'm currently following the AMGEN Tour of California. I'm excited that it is coming to Claremont as that's not too far for me to go and check it out.

As it's my first time seeing it I am planning on heading to the start area to see all the festivities at the start and watch them loop around downtown Claremont to begin with. I will then head over to Glendora to watch them again as they pass through on the way up to Glendora Mountain Road.

Check out the Stage 7 website here

For a map of the planned route click here

For a log of the route with ETA at each point click here

Hope to see y'all out there!