March rides.....riding into the days of the Spring equinox

[rebeccaC]

I’m beginning to explore the roads in the San Gabriel mountains as an alternative to the Santa Monica mountains. Since I worked 14 hours yesterday I took today off, drove to and parked in Azusa and rode into San Gabriel Canyon to Crystal Lake. The ride started with a pleasant 11 mile ride with just a couple of short intense climbs and a gain of a little over 1000 ft. The next 12 miles took more energy with a gain of 4000+ ft and with a sustained climb. 46 miles total. When I started the temps were in the low 70’s and it was into the 80’s when i got back to Azusa.
The road had a narrow or no shoulder in places but there was little traffic and it was easily heard coming. I saw three other riders and one guy stopped where I took a water, nutrient and stretching break and we had a good talk about other canyon roads he has done in the S.G.’s and where to get water. A good ride and I’m looking forward to riding other canyons.

and a big plus was a good sushi dinner with my friend Alex and now spending the night here....she's an intelligent, beautiful soul and woman