Conquered Killer Ride ... PICTURES!!!

[Jiffer]

I conquered what was, for me, an incredibly difficult ride. I did this ride with DH on the tandem recently for the first time and, I dont know what I was thinking, but decided to do it on my single today. Hubby went with me and we went at my pace.

Fredwina, this of course would be the Mt. Baldy Road to Euclid ride. It was a 28 mile ride, which is my longest so far on my single. (Intended to do 30, but decided the killer hills made it enough of a workout!)

There's a hill with a 10% incline that completely wiped me out. Had to stop at least three times just to make it to the top of that section before entering the mere 9% grade section, followed by other various slightly lower grades, mixed with some 3's and 4's.

I don't plan on doing that ride on my single again until I've done some other less killer hill work and maybe do it on the tandem a few more times.

The big highlight was going downhill, of course! I got up to 42.3 mph, which blows my previous speed record away! Though we got up to 49.9 on the tandem last time.

Here are pictures of me plugging away up the hill with two of me pretty much dying in agony. I look like I'm throwing up in one, but rest assured I was not!

I'm so totally proud of myself for conquering it, even with all the stops!

Oh yah, and on the way home, we just happened to be riding right past the stable where my daughter's horses are boarded, so I told Hubby we were making a pit stop to give one of them a shot! Otherwise I'd be driving back over there later. It was interesting walking around the stables in our riding apparel!

[Susan126]

Congratulations Jiffer! But I don't see the pictures. I would love to though!

[Zen]

Hey!
You forgot something!
And it doesn't matter how many times you stop. That's my philosophy, anyway.

[Fredwina]

Your're almost as crazy as I am! Is this a good or bad thing?
You're pics aren't showing up!
I'm trying to remember- I know you have a double - is standard or compact (hint: Chainrings have thier # of teeth stamped in)
It's a lot easier the other way. Or go up mountain instead. I think it maxes at about 8%.
That would be a tough one for a new rider! going up to Neely's Corner's would be a better idea, IMHO
Congrats and WooHoo!!!

[Jiffer]

I don't get why you guys don't see the pictures. I see them on my browser. Well, anyways, I re-posted them. Do you see them now?

Fredwina ... yes, I plan to do the Lytle Creek gas station several times (and maybe further) before I tackle today's ride again. I've done it once on my own and it wasn't as horrible as I anticipated.

I have a standard crank set. DH used to have my very crank set, but upgraded with his new bike to compact for climbing purposes. I told him, "I'm the one who needs the easier to climb bike cause I need all the help I can get!" I have a feeling it will get upgraded eventually. For now, I'll just get really strong! I hope!

Hey Fredwina, I'll let you know when I ever get around to doing a group ride. I must meet you eventually! You do the Saturday rides, right? I won't be able to do any until August, which is just as well since I'd like to get stronger before attempting a group ride.

[Fredwina]

pics work now!
Yes, I usually do "the Grind" rides on Saturday AM. I have a problem with Sunday AM rides. I think you may have the same problem I work in El Monte (10 & Rosemead blvd) and don't get off until 6PM(plus I work 9 hour days), so I can't do the Tuesday Thursday ride. I soemtimes show up for Taco Thursdays.
I get every other Friday off PM me if you want to get together and toture the slow poke

[annie]

Didn't see the pics before. See them now! Looks like a killer climb, Jiffer! Congrats on making it to the top! That is great. I love your pink top. Very cute. You not only conquered the hill, but you looked good doing it.

Annie

[Jiffer]

I get every other Friday off PM me if you want to get together and toture the slow poke

Yay! The pictures work!

Okay, I'm not sure what you mean by this quote. Are you ensinuating that I'd be torturing you, the slow poke, or you'd be torturing me, the slow poke?! Or does it mean something else all together?

I'll keep Friday nights in mind and let you know if and when it seems like a good time to do that. My schedule is a little hectic right now because of a musical I'm rehearsing for at church, among other things. I have a rehearsal tonight and Friday night and Saturday day and .... hey! Not Sunday! (Which is not the norm.) Anyways, this is why I can't do Saturday rides with the group until some time in August.

[jobob]

And you know what they say, it's better to look good than to feel good.


Congrats, Jiffer. Before you know it, the climb will feel good too. Or at least feel less bad.

[Jiffer]

I love your pink top. Very cute. You not only conquered the hill, but you looked good doing it.

YES! Thank you for noticing my cuteness! I'm pretty excited about it myself. The jersey was a birthday present from Mom (with a major hint from me!). It's only the 2nd time I've worn it. It goes SO well with my beautiful bike. I'm a little frustrated that it's unzipped as much as it is in the pics! I unzipped it going up that climb to be as cool as possible and didn't think about it when Dh was taking pics. It's not a big deal, though, and there will be more cute pictures to be had of me riding that I can frame and hang!!!

Thanks for your post.

[Darby361]

Congrats! You can tell from you photos that is a killer hill! Well done!
Trish

[teigyr]

I've ridden that hill and it IS difficult! It's hot too...the pictures kind of show that but there is absolutely no shade anywhere. I'm trying to think if I ever rode it on my road bike and I'm not sure, on my mountain bike it was difficult enough.

Great job!

[Susan126]

I see the pictures now! I can tell climb was a steep hard one by your pictures! Especially the two with you standing and your head on your handlebar! Love the pink bar tape and water bottle! Again congratulations!

[Tri Girl]

Wow- you're a stud in my book! I'm such a hill wuss- I might have stopped a hundred times!
Congrats on making it up all on your own power. Next time you'll kick it's tail a little harder (and pretty soon you'll be flying up AND down that hill).

And- of couse I noticed your outfit and bike before I looked at the hill. You look so cute (aside from the obvious exhaustion on your face- but that makes the pics all that much better).

[RoadRaven]

Those pix really show it was a steady climb... congrats!

How long/what distance was the actual climb in photo?

Stopping is fine... I made a pact with myself not long after I started riding that I would not walk up hills anymore. I would stop if I needed to, and then, as soon as I was able, i would hop back on and ride a bit more.

For me it was a HUGE psychological advantage because i had not walked one centimetre... I had ridden the entire way.

Awesome Jiffer!