ride around the bear

[caligurl]

saturday i did ride around the bear again.... always a fun ride... well supported... but i HATE the traffic going up to big bear! the road is narrow.... no shoulders... steep drop offs! GASP!

i left later than i wanted (wanted to ON the road at 5:30!) didn't leave until 6:51.... it was a gorgeous day... but for me (used to desert temps) it was still a leg warmer and arm warmer day (although i wore my light sun screen arm warmers vice winter weight ones!)

i didn't spend hardly any time at the rest stops... (i never do.... i'd rather grab my food and eat it on the road!) i MUCH prefer the climb to onyx from this side vice the angeles oakes side... a much "easier" climb! not so steep and a lot shorter!

the descent from onyx is always fun! but they keep growing more and more climbs on that descent! lol!

it would have been a faster descent had there not been such a strong headwind!

we bought our pics from the photographer at the end (it's nice to get it right away and not have to send away... i always procrastinate! i still haven't bought last year's grand tour pic! but i digress!)



looking ahead



literally above the clouds!




big bear lake



onyx summit



my reaction when the computer said my time! (i had been shooting for ONE minute faster than last year! i was 16 minutes faster!)



and note to self (and others)..... the breathless agony jersey gets a lot of attention! i bought the jersey last year... but never wore it (i finally wore it by myself when i was riding locally!) but decided since i thought it was going to be cool enough for arm warmers (i hate the icky tan lines of short sleeve jerseys so rarely wear them!).... i'd wear it! i couldn't believe the people that commented on me having/wearing/having done the ride! do NOT wear this jersey if you are shy! (i'm not outgoing.... so ya... it's a little discomforting to me! lol!) the "worst" part was a guy at lunch wanting to talk about the ride... and i'm rushing around trying to get my sandwich... water... etc!! i did give him info.... but he hadta kinda follow me around to get it!

now i'm afraid to wear my king of the mountains jersey once i get it!

[bcipam]

Cali:

As always I am in awe of you. I've sag the Bear on numerous occasions for my friends. I love the scenary but with you, I hate the traffic and just know I would never by comfortable doing that ride. The climb is very tough and the downhill isn't much better. And not stopping through the sags... again you are too awesome. Do not downplay your acomplishments!!!

Great job. Thanks for the photos. I didn't sag this year and heard the weather was wonderful (as opposed to the heat in years before).

And yes, I always speak to someone wearing the Breathless Agony jersey ( or Death Ride or Triple Crown...etc.)- I'm always amazed at folks who do these rides!!!

[caligurl]

Cali:

And not stopping through the sags... again you are too awesome.

pam.... i stopped! at each one of them... just not for very long! (JUST long enough to tinkle and grab food, them go!!)

[redhot3368]

Congrats Caligurl....Good job!!!
I hate being in a car on the road up to big bear...I always feel ill.
Can't imagine on a bike.
Very Cool..great pics too!!

Karen

[Tiffanie]

Wow you're a brave soul!!! I hate that road in a car - can't imagine it on a bike. Congrats on you beating last year's time.

[Veronica]

Nice pictures! Makes me want to do that ride! So many rides - so little time.

Congtrats too on besting your time.

V.

[tprevost]

Awesome Job Caligurl!!!

I tried to connect to the other link but the server is busy! I'm gonna try again later!

That is so cool about your jersey getting so much attention! AND even cooler that you beat your time by 16 minutes, that is SO awesome!!!! You are da bomb!!!!

Congrats on another exceptional ride!

Trac'