Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Seen on the Road

One in an occasional series...an appreciation of all
things two-wheeled and pedal-powered.  This view
from a recent trip to Skagway, Alaska. Ride On!

Amgen Tour of California

Stage start, Citizen's Business Bank Arena, Ontario
The 10th edition of the Amgen Tour of California returned to Windbreaker country in May, following familiar roads in Ontario, Upland and Rancho Cucamonga, through Mt. Baldy Village and Glendora Mountain Road, with an epic finish at the Mt. Baldy ski lifts.  
Eventual race winner Peter Sagan leads the
peloton up GMR
For the 2015 race, the Queen Stage started at Citizen's Business Bank in Ontario; the Windbreakers posted up at various points along the route to witness the pros on our Windbreaker country routes.  Ride On!

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Ride Report: California Roll X-Spring Fling

May 1-3, 2015.  Windbreakers and friends have returned from an epic 5-county bicycling adventure starting in the Inland Empire, covering the rugged inland roads of the Temescal Valley and north San Diego County, then out to the Southern California coast and Orange County, finishing on the Santa Ana River trail and familiar roads home. 

Day 1 began a Rick's home in Upland...we were seen off by Rick's wife Mary and Tom's son Griffin, who in just a few days would be traveling halfway around the world to compete as a member of the Airgas-Safeway professional cycling team in the Tour d' Azerbaidjan.  The 6-member group would start with an easy pace south on Euclid Ave. through Upland and Ontario, then through Corona eventually connecting with Temescal Canyon Rd. through Murrieta and Lake Elsinore.  With the day's heat rising steadily and taking a toll (this writer had to seek out the shade for rest stops in the last few miles), the riders eventually made lunch in Old Town Temecula.  After lunch and refilling water bottles, the hardy souls attacked challenging climbs in Rainbow Canyon and Pala Mesa along Old Hwy 395 eventually completing the 97 mile first day in Escondido.  Beers and burgers courtesy of trail angel Michelle at Port Brewing Co./Lost Abbey www.portbrewing.com.
At the start, left to right: Griffin, Tom, John, Rick, Mike, Vince, Joe


A much cooler morning greeted the riders on Day 2. The route would head west on San Marcos Blvd. and Palomar Mtn Rd to Carlsbad, then north through Camp Pendleton Marine Base.  Then north on PCH through Dana Point, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach to Costa Mesa completing the end of Day 2, 73-miles.  A hoist of the glass at Barley Forge Brewing Co. www.barleyforge.com then dinner at the Corner Office to watch the "Fight of the Century" between Pacquiao and Mayweather. Thanks to Trail Angel #2 Jacob for transport to the Corner Office.
Day 2 Finish, Barley Forge Brewing Co.












An equally cool and overcast morning greeted the riders on Day 3.  A quick pace took the riders north on the Santa Ana River Trail, then to Brea Canyon Road, through Diamond Bar, Pomona and Claremont eventually completing the 3-day, 217-mile loop back in Upland.  A great adventure...Ride On!

Monday, March 2, 2015

Quotebook

Read Across America Day: March 2, 2015.  Ride On!

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Ride Report: Glendora Mountain Road

February 14, 2015.  A beautiful Valentine's Day morning ride up GMR. Ride On!
A view toward the San Gabriel Valley
Allez, Allez!

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Ride Report: California Roll IX-Ride to Redlands


Cheers at Hangar 24

January 6, 2015.  Windbreakers and friends ushered in the new year with their annual end-of-year celebration ride to Redlands, visiting three area craft breweries.  After a beautiful ride through Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Devore, North San Bernardino, Highland, and Redlands, the lads made stops at Hangar 24, Ritual Brewing Co., and Wild Donkey Brewing Co., capping the afternoon with a sprint finish to the San Bernardino Metrolink station and a late afternoon train ride home.  Ride On!