A friend, Alex, who teaches at Azusa Pacific University wanted to ride into the San Gabriel mountains to Mt. Baldy yesterday so I rode with her. We rode into the San Gabriel’s from Azusa taking the western side route to Mt Baldy. Some very tough climbs, 7900 ft.+ gain, too many 10-16% grade sections and finally some great descents back to Azusa. 86 miles total. Very little traffic was a good bonus.

We are back to our normal sunny 70+ degree weather for a while now. It did get cooler the closer we got to the end of Mt Baldy road. The cooler temps helped in the torturous switchbacks too. The descent back to Mt Baldy village was hard on our rims and we stopped to let them cool down a bit from the braking and do some stretching. Made me wish I had disc brakes!!! Alex made some Allen Lim rice cakes and I brought some homemade energy bars. Both helped with keeping us fueled well but I have to say the salted french fries we had at the Mt Baldy Lodge were GREAT.

We went to see the Los Angeles Cathedral Choir perform on the APU campus last night….made for a blessed night following a great day of riding with some incredible views, some good challenges and the enjoyment of being with a good friend ……**plus**……Massage Envy in Azusa for a perfect massage and facial after a hard ride!!!!