Merry Christmas 2012

Merry Christmas to all Windbreaker Family and Friends!!  Ride On!!

Ride Report

Quick stop at Puddingstone Pass

Dec. 1, 2012. Taking a chance that the rain showers would hold off, a few of the Windbreakers rolled out for a Saturday morning ride.  Ride On.

This Says it All...

Our very own "Man of Letters", on this year's California
Coast Tour

November 20, 2012.  We Windbreakers are most fortunate to count among our own and have in our midst a master of the written word, a "laureate" as it were, who is able to capture the essence of what it is to be a cyclist, and as a Windbreaker. 

Stratton Easter, our "guest correspondent" who joined us this past summer on the tour of the California Coast and more recently on the Tour de Foothills, penned the following which I am honored to share.  

"In a world dominated by carbon fiber cage bolts, high viscosity lanolin based chamois creams and laser guided titanium fit machines there stood a shadow.  A visage cut from years of experience coaching kids soccer, dolling out household chores, imposing weekend curfews and greasing the pockets of the spawn of their virility.  In the face of ever-advancing fads and technological strides this collection of characters stood; blocking out not just wayward social conventions but also the gall of gales that have fallen inferior men.  I speak of the type of old man strength that can loosen even the tightest of jam jars laid beneath their feet.  The crows feet in the corner of their eyes serve only to drive home the fact that experience trumps aerodynamics any day.  They are a cognizant collective celebrating the finer things that life has to offer astride the pedal powered velocipede.  Where others snarl and lash for a county line sprint these select few stride by ablaze with a look upon their experienced faces that says "Why sprint when I can roll".  There is no mountain too looming, no descent too winding and no route too daunting for the men that wear the colors of black and blue upon their shoulders.  For there are those who turn the pedals in anger and not far behind them, with wider smiles and fuller bellies are the Windbreakers.  Leading the charge for those who see the bike not as a tool, but as a partner in the quest for all that life has to offer".

More at ilchatdelgiorno.wordpress.com Ride On!

California Roll 2012: Tour de Inland Craft Breweries

The day starts at Chino Valley Brewery with a
Butterfield Blonde Ale

Good advice at Claremont Craft Ales

We close out the day at Dale Bros. in Upland,
"Fresh Beer from Nearby"

November 17, 2012.  Comic Dave Barry is famously quoted as saying: "without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer.  Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza".  

It was with this celebration of great inventions in mind that the Windbreakers with good friend Vince took to our bikes on a cloudy, cool Saturday afternoon to celebrate 3 local craft breweries right in our own backyard.  When the morning's light rain finally let up, we hit the streets for a 40 mile circuit including stops at Chino Valley Brewery in Ontario, Claremont Craft Ales, and Dale Bros. in Upland.  Ride On!

Tour de Foothills 2012

Gathered at the start, L to R, Doc, Stratton,
Rabbit, MapBoy, Mike S., Coach, and Stealth

November 11, 2012.  A few of our ranks gathered on a cool, crisp Saturday morning to participate in the 2012 Tour de Foothills.  With a 7 am start in Downtown Upland, we followed familiar roads through Claremont, La Verne, and San Dimas, then a timed climb up Glendora Mountain Road (GMR), back out San Gabriel Canyon and returning along the foothills through Rancho Cucamonga to the finish in Downtown Upland.  Rabbit took Windbreaker club King of the Mountain honors (and 32nd overall) on the timed GMR climb, with Stealth not far behind (also inside the top 50 times for the climb).    And Stratton (that's right, of the famed Easter Cycling family), took 6th overall on the climb. Great Windbreaker representation...Ride On!

Summer in the City

Mike, Rick and John under the last bit of shade at the start that we would see all day!

September 15, 2012.  Braving triple-digit temperatures and scorching headwinds, your Windbreakers joined approximately 400 other riders for the first of two Tour de Foothills training rides.  Departing Cable Airport at 8 am, we made our way around San Antonio Dam then thru Claremont, La Verne, Glendora and Azusa, back thru Bonelli Park and beautiful Bonita...a 50 mile loop to the finish back at Cable.  About the only thing that made it bearable were two cold Dale Bros. Pomona Queens at the end.  Ride On!

Local Brew

September 2, 2012.  Labor Day weekend, the traditional end-of-summer holiday weekend.  Ahh traditions....The Windbreakers kicked the weekend off with a ride on Saturday morning around our favorite lake: Puddingstone. Then coffee and a bagel at 42nd Street Bagel.  Also a great weekend for an ice cold beer!  Yours truly will be enjoying a Pomona Queen from our very own local Upland-based brewery, Dale Brothers.  More info at www.dalebrosbrewery.com.

Ride On!

Fuel

In addition to the energy drinks so vital on long rides such as the recent trip down the California Coast, other fuel is necessary as well to propel the riders on the ride.  Dale Bros Brewery, Upland, CA provided an ample supply of Pomona Queen Amber Lager and Pacific Daylight Ale.  And a stop at Tobin James Winery in Paso Robles allowed the riders to pick up some grape juice for the journey.  In addition, we stopped at Island Brewing Co. in Carpinteria and Anacapa Brewery in Ventura for some cold ones.  Ride  On!

Ride Report: Monterey Peninsula-Los Angeles, Summer 2012

Along with friends and family the Windbreakers have returned home from an epic, multi-day 375 mile bicycling journey down the California Coast, starting at the Monterey Peninsula and finishing in Los Angeles.  Much of the route followed California SR-1, also known as the Cabrillo Hwy and named for the great explorer Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo.  Cabrillo was the first European explorer to navigate the coast of present day California.

Ride Leader Rick the "Rabbit"

In a similar spirit of exploration and adventure, a total of 16 riders braved the winds, climbs, twists and turns of this most famous and scenic coastline; all were rewarded with a fantastic adventure.   Many thanks to our very own Rick “Rabbit” Sullivan and his entire family for organizing the ride and taking good care of all participants. 

Directeur Sportif Stephanie

Equally important on a ride of this scope is the role of Directeur Sportif (French for Sporting Director).  For this ride we had Stephanie, the wonderful daughter of participant Steve Heron, filling this essential role.  Thanks go to Stephanie for all her efforts and organization to handle the support for the ride.  Ride On!

Day 0 started with a group meet-up at the Sullivan house in Upland.  The caravan consisted of two vehicles with support trailer including all bikes, food and support gear.  Once the caravan left the LA metro area we were headed north along I-5 over the Grapevine and into the Central Valley of California. Following a lunch stop in the remote highway outpost of Lost Hills we made our way west along SR-46; it was at this point in the journey that we remembered we were entering into the Paso Robles area and its up-and-coming wine region.  A wine tasting stop was therefore in order and no better place that at Tobin James.  Following an hour-long tasting and purchase of additional bottles for the bike ride, it was off again north on US 101 to Monterey Peninsula and to our Pacific Grove hotel.  Day 0 concluded with pizza and beer at Gianni’s pizza in Monterey.

Day 1 Pacific Grove: Assembled at Start

Day 1: Pacific Grove-Kirk Creek Campground

Under cool, overcast skies the riders assembled for pictures and a mass start.  Within minutes we were cruising on the famous 17-Mile Drive; with views of the Lone Cypress Tree and Pebble Beach Golf Links. Upon leaving Carmel we were now on SR-1, headed south to L.A.  Following lunch at the River Inn and Fernwood we had our first big climb out of Big Sur.  In and out of the cloud cover with views of ocean coves and coastal canyons we finished 67 miles later at Kirk Creek.  The reward was a breathtaking sunset over the Pacific Ocean and fun with great friends and family.

South on SR 1 near San Simeon

Day 2: Kirk Creek-Pismo Beach/Oceano Campground

At precisely 6:05 a.m. ignition on the supply trailer generator was completed to begin breakfast and the all important coffee brewing.  At approximately 8:15 am the riders exited the campground to head south.  More climbing immediately greeted riders, after a stop at Ragged Point we dropped onto the San Simeon plain and into Morro Bay for lunch.  Following lunch we rode through Morro Bay State Park and the Los Osos Valley through San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach to our campground finish at Oceano.  Dinner that evening at the nearby Old Juan’s Mexican Café.  Our longest day at 95 miles.

Day 3: Oceano Campground-Gaviota State Park

Dr. Tom on Black Road near Santa Maria

An 8:30 start from Oceano began Day 3…just a few miles into the ride the group was met by a Caltrans roadblock and detour thorough Nipomo.  Rick and John’s route-finding skills were used to navigate the group off the planned course and to the first refueling stop at Black Road, our first climb of the day.  Following this beautiful late morning climb we soon found ourselves in the Casmalia Hills near Vandenburg AFB, and then into Lompoc for lunch.  Following lunch we were back on SR 1 toward the coast and our camp at Gaviota.  Unfortunately it was on this last leg of the day that rider Kathy suffered a crash that took her out of the tour.  She remained on however to finish and help with support.  Also on this day William, one of our young “heads of state”, had an allergic reaction to a bee sting which would take him out of Day 4.  Dr. Tom was busy that afternoon tending to riders;  later that evening many enjoyed a swim at Gaviota beach, a walk on the pier and a great Italian dinner brought to camp courtesy of Stratton who joined us for the remainder of the ride.

Rolling through Santa Barbara

Day 4: Gaviota State Park-Ventura

Following a windy overnight the riders grouped up for the Day 4 ride down US 101.  We exited the highway at Isla Vista for the bike path through UCSB and into Santa Barbara.  Following a beautiful side route through Hope Ranch the peloton hit State Street and coffee at Handlebars Coffee, a bicycling-themed coffee house in the downtown district.   The ride continued through Montecito and into Carpinteria for a stop at Island Brewing Co for a cold beer.   The last leg skirted the coast at Rincon and Emma Wood State Beach, then to our hotel at Ventura.  After swims, showers and mass at Our Lady of the Assumption, all regrouped at Anacapa Brewing Co. downtown for a great dinner and viewing of the Tour de France.

Day 5: Ventura-Los Angeles (Griffith Park)

With some more weary than others, the riders met for breakfast and planning for the last day of the tour.  Ridemaster Joe had departed the night before due to work commitments, but good news greeted the gang as William was able to re-join.  Equally good was that Kathy was feeling better, though understandably not able to ride.  This last day was to include some of the most challenging riding of the tour; a difficult climb up the Potrero Grade and urban riding through the San Fernando Valley.  And this last day took us much farther inland, so an early start was in order and after packing up we were on the road at 7:30 a.m.

As we rode toward the Conejo (appropriately meaning “Rabbit” in Spanish) Hills through the agricultural fields of Oxnard, the Potrero Road climb loomed as a major challenge.  All accepted the challenge with gusto and panache, as we marched up the hillside with selected segments at 18% gradient.  Unfortunately Josh, another of our heads of state, was forced to cut his ride short at the first rest stop after the summit due to a pulled achilles.  Then through Thousand Oaks, Agoura and Calabassas and into the San Fernando Valley.  The last 20 miles featured an urban route along Ventura and Burbank Boulevards, with the long-awaited finish at Griffith Park.

The finishing group gathered for a concluding dinner of beers, burgers and stories from the journey at Clearmans Galley (“the Boat”) restaurant in East Pasadena.  Ride On!

Ride Report: Mammoth Lakes

July 6, 2012.  An extended 4th of July trip to Mammoth Lakes. Beautiful roads in the Eastern Sierra high country. Ride On!

North on U.S. 395 headed toward June Lake Jct.

Dry Creek Road (Mammoth Scenic Loop)

Seen on the Road

Father's Day 2012, Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, California
Ride On

Amgen Tour of California: Stage 7 Start Riders

Tom Boonen

Levi Leipheimer

George Hincapie

A few of the riders who came to Windbreaker Country to tackle our high country roads. Ride On Fellas!

Amgen Tour of California: Stage 7 Start-Ontario

Ontario Convention Center, site of the start

The Amgen Tour of California returned to Windbreaker Country for the Stage 7 start in Ontario and the Climb to Baldy.  For the second straight year, the winner of this Queen Stage was the ultimate winner of the Tour. Ride On!

The riders pull out onto Holt Boulevard, a portion of the historic Ocean to Ocean Hwy.

Ride Report: Brea and Carbon Canyons

May 6, 2012.  Decked out in their new custom designed jerseys, the Windbreakers hit the road on Sunday morning for a beautiful ride through Brea and Carbon Canyons.  Ride On! 

Ride Report-Tour de Cure Ship to Shore

April 29, 2012.  A beautiful Sunday morning century ride raising funds for the American Diabetes Association.  Start at the Queen Mary, through Downtown Long Beach, around and over the Palos Verdes peninsula, through Seal Beach and Huntington Beach, and back along Pacific Coast Hwy.  Ride On!

Seen on the Road

April 15, 2012. After a spring storm in Windbreaker land, you can usually find the Sullivan boys in the Old Baldy high country. Ride On!

Seen on the Road

At the Robert Renzoni Winery in Temecula...a creative way to store your bike. Ride On!

Quote

March 25, 2012. This from the British Admiral and Member of Parliament Lord Charles Beresford (10 February 1846- 6 September 1919): "Whoever invented the bicycle deserves the thanks of humanity." Ride On!

Morning Chill

March 18, 2012. After a big Saturday storm hit Windbreaker country, managed a quick ride up into San Antonio Canyon on Mountain Avenue and Shinn Rd. Ride On!

Ride Report: Mt. Baldy Village and Glendora Mountain Road

February 18, 2012. The Windbreakers headed for the hills on Saturday up Mt. Baldy Road, over Cow Saddle, and along Glendora Ridge Rd. and Glendora Mountain Rd. A beautiful day in our own backyard. Ride On!

Ride Report: Temecula

February 11, 2012. While spending the weekend in Temecula with friends, managed to squeeze a ride in before an afternoon of wine tasting. East through the Temecula Valley along De Portola Road and through the Tucolata Hills, returning on Rancho California Road and ending in Old Town. And Rick Rabbit carried the Windbreaker colors at this year's Tour of Palm Springs...Ride On!

Coming Soon to Windbreaker Country

Right here in our own backyard, Amgen Tour of California, Stage 7

http://www.facebook.com/ATOCONT7

Super Bowl Sunday Ride

February 5, 2012. A beautiful (and tough) Super Sunday climb up San Antonio Canyon to Baldy Village and Cow Saddle. Ride On!