Merry Christmas 2016

Merry Christmas from the Windbreakers! Ride On!

Tour de Craft Breweries VI

December 7, 2016.  It is the classical Greek philosopher Plato who was quoted as saying: "He was a wise man who invented beer".  

In that spirit and in full agreement, Windbreakers and friends set out this past Saturday on the Tour de Craft Breweries VI, the latest installment in what has become an annual tradition in search of the finest craft beers in Windbreaker Country.  

This latest edition took us along familiar roads eventually reaching Downtown Pomona and visits to Homage Brewing Co. www.homagebrewing.com, Sanctum Brewing Co. www.sanctumbrewing.com, and then to our finish and nightcap at www.rokhousebrewing.com.  All of this adventure on our trusty two-wheelers...a good time was had by all.  Ride On!

Happy Cranksgiving 2016

Windbreakers and friends meet up for a Thanksgiving Day
morning ride through Bonelli Park and the Covina Hills,
returning along Badillo and Bonita.  Much to be thankful
for with these great riding buddies.  Ride On!

Ride Report: Nashville

Map Boy and Ridemaster, along with Windbreaker wives Therese and Jenny recently returned from a trip with longtime friends to Nashville, Tennessee.  A highlight of the trip was a Sunday morning bike tour with Green Fleet bike tours through Downtown Nashville and along the Music City Bikeway. Ride On!

Ride On Jamie!

Congratulations and Ride On! to our very own Jamie Caldwell
who recently completed the week-long, 525 mile California Coast Classic
www.californiacoastclassic.com, down the California coast from San Francisco
to Santa Monica raising important funds in support of the Arthritis Foundation.
Jamie, along with fellow riders and supporters raised over $1 million in support
of this very worthwhile cause.  Ride On Guardrail!

Ride Report: Sullivan's California Coast Tour

Welcome Home to our very own "Rabbit" and son Michael
(a member of the Windbreaker "NextGen" crew), who just
completed their own monster cycling tour: a weeklong, 446-mile adventure
with 23,000 feet of climbing down the California coast from
Daly City, CA to Ventura. Well done lads, and Ride On! 

Ride Report : Cycle Oregon 2016 "Go for Gold"

September 25, 2016.  Windbreakers and friends have returned from Cycle Oregon #29, themed “Go For Gold”, a 7-day bicycling adventure held this year in southwestern Oregon www.cycleoregon.com.  

Every year, over 2,000 cyclists from far and wide gather at a starting point somewhere in Oregon (this year in Myrtle Creek, OR), to begin a weeklong adventure on two wheels.  Since signing up in mid-February, fellow Windbreakers John, Tom, Steve, Craig and Joe have looked forward to the day in September when they would gather their bikes, bags, tents, and chamois butter for this adventure.  On Friday September 9, these five stalwarts gathered at Steve’s house at high noon, to begin the road trip up Interstate 5.

The story of Cycle Oregon is a compelling one.  In 1987, Jim Beaver, an innkeeper from Ashland, OR, conceived the idea of Cycle Oregon.  Beaver contacted Jonathan Nicholas, then a columnist at the Oregonian newspaper, and together the two initiated the idea of a sister-city coast ride from Astoria to Ashland,  with the overreaching goal to bring tourism and generate income and economic benefit for Oregon’s rural communities. That first ride in 1988 included 1,006 cyclists.  Since then, the ride has grown to averaging over 2,000 cyclists per year, and has dispersed over $1.5 million in grants and generated millions in benefits to communities throughout the state. It has come to be known as “The Best Bike Ride in America”.

The Windbreaker caravan stopped for sleep on Friday night at the Hampton Inn in Redding, CA.  Rising the next morning, the lads continued across the state line arriving in Myrtle Creek about lunch time.  South Umpqua High School was the place, as cyclists gathered at the registration area, received their “Go for Gold” i.d. bracelets, and then dragged their bags to the grassy field that would be our campsite for night #1.  The new Windbreaker banner was unveiled here, courtesy of Joe (a tear was shed, courtesy of John). We then took a short ride into town for chips, salsa, tacos and some cold ones at El Azteca.  

The Windbreaker Banner, unveiled. Thanks to our
Ridemaster, Joe Rode.

Craig and Trail Angel Kathy arrived from visiting family in Portland - Back to camp before dark, then off to the tents.

Rolling Out

Excitement filled the air in camp as the riders gathered for breakfast.  Skies were cloudy and cool as we rolled out on Day 1 Sunday, a 53-mile ride from Myrtle Creek to Camas Valley.  As the sun broke through we followed beautiful rolling backcountry roads along the Umpqua River, through Lookinglass Valley and on the historic Coos Bay Wagon Road.  

The lads roll on through Lookinglass Valley

At Camas Valley we camped in a farmer’s field.  As we rose for Day 2 Monday (Camas Valley - Bandon; 75 miles) a cold fog filled the valley.  The buzz at breakfast was this was one of two big climbing days we were to encounter on the ride.  We met up with Steve’s brother Brian and friend Dave at the start, and headed out as the fog started to lift.  At mile 8, there it was…a steep, rutted road (Weaver-Sitkum Rd) with grades as much as 15%.  The pain and suffering was widespread, but we ventured ahead, eventually cresting at Myrtle Point with stunning views all around.  Then back down to the valley, through Dora, Fairview and Coquille, eventually arriving at the coast at Bandon.  Following camp set up, Craig and Kathy departed for a birthday celebration, and the other four grabbed dinner then to the Edgewaters Restaurant in town for calamari, clam chowder, and cold beers.  

Along the Coast

The weather was our friend as the sun rose on Day 3 Tuesday (Bandon-Gold Beach; 72 miles).  We rolled out with a spirited pace line south on U.S. 101, reaching the optional turn to Cape Blanco Lighthouse.  Following the out-back to the lighthouse we continued south on U.S. 101 and the weather cooled considerably.  We rolled up to a small cafe in Port Orford, T.J.’s Cafe, with an employee staffing an outside table selling hot coffee and donuts!

Coffee Break at T.J.s Cafe in Port Orford

 Following lunch at Humbug Mountain State Park, we continued south to our home for the next two nights: Gold Beach.  Day 4 Wednesday (Gold Beach-Brookings Loop) was another beautiful day, and we took advantage of the sunny weather continuing south on U.S. 101 with stops at Cape Sebastian, Pistol River, and Arch Rock viewpoints.  The views of the Pacific Ocean were stunning.  Happy to have a “loop” day returned to Gold Beach and lunch at Hunter Creek tavern, enjoying burgers and brews from neighboring Arch Rock Brewing Company, a local craft brewery.  Then back to the high school football field, our camp and dinner, enjoying some Widmer Ales and Eola Hills wine.  

To the Mountains.

The Bear Camp Coastal Route (Bear Camp Road) is a remote road connection traversing the Klamath and Siskiyou Mountain Ranges of the Rouge-Siskiyou National Forest.  It is closed for half the year due to weather and access, and was last used for Cycle Oregon in 1994. Day 5 Thursday (Gold Beach - Indian Mary Park; 73 miles) was the other big climbing day all were talking about.  Today’s climb was referred to by CO organizers as one of the toughest in the history of the ride.  As cyclists left the cool overcast of Gold Beach and began their day on Agness Road, anticipation filled the air.  After the first food stop at mile 30, the riders hit Bear Camp Road, a 16-mile ascent to lunch at Bear Camp Overlook.  The Windbreakers crested the overlook with panache, led by Craig, then down a long ascent to re-join the Rogue River at Galice and finish at Indian Mary Park. Following camp set up and showers, we celebrated a good, tough day in the beer garden

Raising a glass after a tough Day 6 in the saddle;
Indian Mary Park

.  Day 6 Friday (Indian Mary Park - Glendale; 67 miles) was a beautiful and challenging route through rolling countryside along Lower Grave Creek and Lower Wolf Creek Roads

Day 6 start - Indian Mary Park.  L to R: Dave, Joe
John, Tom, Steve, Brian, Craig

. Following a rest stop and the historic Wolf Creek Tavern/Inn, we rode up and over Stage Road Pass and along Cow Creek Road to lunch.  We then returned on the same roads to dinner and camp at Glendale HS.  We celebrated our final night together listening to stories from founder Jonathan Nicolas and tunes from the Tory Rose Band.

To the Finish

Day 7 Saturday (Glendale - Myrtle Creek; 44 miles) greeted all with sunshine and cool temps.  Following breakfast we rolled out at an easy pace on Cow Creek Road knowing this was the last day.  However, as we got closer to the “barn” the pace quickened, with a spirited pace line through Riddle and crossing I-5 in Tri-City then finishing at the high school. One last cold chocolate milk and the ride was done…approximately 430 miles and 30,000 ft. of climbing.  

At the finish! Ride On!

There we were re-joined by Trail Angel Kathy to organize gear and enjoy a celebration ale!  Following showers and hugs we caravaned home that afternoon/evening back to Windbreaker Country.  A great adventure! We missed our homies back in Windbreaker Country, but look forward to many more adventures.

Ride On!

Ride Report: Glendora Mountain Road

Rabbit and son Michael (Windbreaker NextGen) on
Glendora Ridge Road

August 20, 2016.  The Windbreakers rode out to the high country today into the San Gabriel Mountains on Glendora Mountain Rd and Glendora Ridge Road.  After a mid-route meet-up at Horse Canyon Saddle, Steve and Joe descended to San Gabriel Canyon via East Fork Rd.  Rick, son Michael and John continued on Glendora Ridge Rd to Baldy Village then returning to Upland.  Ride On!

Ride Report: Breckenridge, Colorado

The Andrews/Curtis family recently returned from a family vacation to the Rocky Mountains and Breckenridge, CO.  Fly fishing on the Blue River, a hike to Mohawk Lakes, river rafting in the Arkansas River, and a day of mountain biking in Breckenridge.  Ride On!

Trail ride on the Blue River trail

NextGen Report

August 2, 2016.  Two of our Windbreaker NextGen riders, Griffin and Cullen Easter, have recently returned from Qinghai Province, China, having competed as members of Team Illuminate in the Tour of Qinghai Lake.  The race is an annual professional road bicycle stage race and is sanctioned by the International Cycling Union (UCI) as a 2.HC race as part of the UCI Asia Tour.  Both returned to the states with outstanding results, finishing in the top 40 riders overall (Griffin: 21st, and Cullen 39th).  Congratulations to both on a fantastic result in a very difficult and competitive professional stage race.  Ride On!

Tour de France: Mont Ventoux

July 13, 2016.  Tomorrow's 12th stage of the 2016 edition of the Tour de France will feature one of the epic Tour de France mountain climbs.  For the 16th time in Tour history, the route will ascend Mont Ventoux, a mountain in the Provence region of Southern France.  It is the largest mountain in the region and has been nicknamed the "Beast of Provence", the "Giant of Provence" or "the Bald Mountain".

Tom Simpson, ascending the Mont Ventoux

The name "venteux" means windy in French, and the mountain is known for its high winds at the summit.  Indeed, tomorrow's finish may be shortened due to anticipated high winds.  

Mont Ventoux is legendary as the location of the Tour's most grueling and epic climbs.  Worldwide notoriety was achieved on this date in 1967 when it claimed the life of British cycling champion Tom Simpson, who died on the mountain, during the race ascent from heat exhaustion caused by a variety of factors including dehydration, amphetamines and alcohol.  Reports from the day note that temperatures were recorded as high as 129 deg F during the stage.  It should be noted that prior to this fateful day, Simpson had already made his mark in cycling, as a winner of 2 stages of the Vuelta a Espana (1967), the 1967 Paris-Nice, and the Tour of Flanders (1961), Bordeaux-Paris (1963), Milan-San Remo (1964) and the Giro di Lombardia (1965).

As Simpson was climbing the mountain, he began to weave before he eventually fell.  Delirious, he asked spectators to put him back on the bike, which he rode to within a half mile of the summit before collapsing dead, still clipped into his pedals.  A memorial now stands in his honor on the mountain route, which has become a shrine of sorts to cycling fans the world over.  And the epitaph on his gravestone in Harworth, England reads: "his body ached, his legs grew tired, but still he would not give in".

Cruisin'

With the BFFs at Huntington State Beach on the way
to Balboa

Some recent cycling fun on the beach cruisers with friends at Huntington Beach, Balboa Peninsula, and Coronado for the July 4th holiday.  Ride On!

With friends Bill, Dan and Wayne cruising in Coronado

The Boys of Summer

After a ride on the eastern frontier through Fontana we return
through Rancho Cucamonga on one of our favorite roads,
Banyan Street. 

The Windbreakers have ushered in the summer riding season with two recent rides in Windbreaker country.  Ride On!

After a tough test through the Chino Hills we
gather for coffee at Augies Coffee in the
Claremont Packing House.

Annual Spring Meeting 2016

The Annual Spring Meeting of the Windbreakers will come
to order.   Last Name Brewing (formerly Dale Brothers Brewing). Ride On!

Hell of the North

April 10, 2016.  The completion of today's 114th edition of the Paris-Roubaix bicycle road race marked the latest chapter of one of professional cycling's most storied races.  Famous for its rough terrain and cobblestones (also referred to as "setts") it is one of the "Monuments" on the European calendar.  Referred to as "The Hell of the North", "a Sunday in Hell" and "the Queen of the Classics", today's victor was Mathew Hayman of Australia.  

Ride Report-Surprise, Arizona

March 4, 2016. While traveling to the Phoenix area recently to visit family son Greg (one of the Windbreaker NextGen) and I got out for a beautiful morning ride on Sun Valley Parkway along the northern edge of the White Tank Mountains Regional Park.  Ride On!

News From Windbreaker Country

February 18, 2016.  Big news from Windbreaker Country! Several of our members and friends have signed up to participate in the 2016 edition of Cycle Oregon, a weeklong recreational bike ride held annually in the state of Oregon.  This year, the ride theme is "Go for Gold", and will start in Myrtle Creek, passing through Camas Valley, Bandon, Gold Beach, Indian Mark Park along the Rogue River, Glendale, eventually returning to Myrtle Creek.  Depending on route options, the ride will cover 365-457 miles and 25,853-33689 vertical feet of climbing. Ride dates are September 10-17; info at www.cycleoregon.com.

Ride On!

RIde Report: 2016 Tour de Palm Springs

L to R: Stratton, "Doc", Griffin, and the "Silver Bullet"
All smiles before sun up and the start of the ride.

January 24, 2016.  Joined by two visiting "Heads of State" Stratton and Griffin Easter, two of our Windbreaker ranks have returned from a beautiful day in Coachella Valley participating in the Tour de Palm Springs www.tourdepalmsprings.com.  Tom reports that it was "good weather and a great day". Well done lads - Ride On!

Happy New Year 2016

The Windbreakers gather in San Dimas Canyon

January 3, 2016.  Joined by our very own "heads of state" Griffin and Cullen Easter and friend Lexie Millard, the Windbreakers ushered in the new year with an early morning ride along the base of the San Gabriel Mountain foothills with a stop for coffee at Butter Cafe & Bakery www.buttercafebakery.com. Ride On!