One guy at Bikejournal has kept on asking me how it is like to ride CA 39 - The San Gabriel canyon - on a weekday. Today I took him up on his challenge.
one of the reason why I've been putting it off was that fact going out to Azusa on a weekday would involve mega traffic, and since gas is close to $4.00 a gallon here, I was doubly challenge.
Then I realized that I have a Metrolink pass. So decided to use Metrolink to get to Covina or Baldwin Park and then ride up.
I woke up early and got to the Station in Upland just as the 7:00. I had just bought a detours hightailer bag. ,so I brought along the Daily Bulletin to read.
Before I knew I as in Covina I was not sure about which station to get off at. I finally decided to go ahead and get off in Covina. I was started pedaling my way north on Citrus and west on Arrow.
I soon came to the Santa Fe Dam and a beautiful vista(second pic)
For the next 10 miles or so I was on the San Gabriel Bikeway. I went under the 210 Freeway, and Foothill blvd. I stopped to to some pics of a Rock Conveyor of the San Gabriel for a Quarry.
I soon started to climb. I went by the Morris Reservoir and took a pic of the old Navy base. I'm still trying to figure out that ramp was used for. I also took a pic of the lake. If you look at the top right, you can just barely make out Glendora Mountain Road. I then went by the San Gabriel Reservoir(sorry no neat pics or fun articles. I went by the Off road area. Did I mention the road was nice and quiet?
I passed the West Fork bridge. here the road steepens a lot - like 10% sustained. I did about two miles before I felt I should give up - probably should ate more for breakfast , or brought some thing other than Hammer Gel and Accelrade along with me.
Plus, I wanted to do the bike path/ access road that winds along the west fork to Cogswell Dam. while I didn't make it to the really steep section, I enjoyed it.
I stopped to take photo of Mt baldy on the way home. One thing to remember is that you have to climb from the turn off for the East Fork back to the San Gabriel Dam. I stopped to take another pic in the park above Santa Fe Dam. I rode along the top of the dam before starting back.
I also forgot to bring along a train schedule. But I knew that a train left El Monte heading east at 12:40, so I knew I should be able to meet it at the Baldwin Park station just in time. I had a little time. so I took some pics.I was going to buy a copy of the LA times, but it was all sold out. The only problem was that both slots for bike were taken in the car I boarded. I settled down, only tho have the conductor come by. he said there room on another car , but I would have to take my chances on moving my bike at the stops. I had decided to get off in Claremont any way since i need some extra mileage to do a metric century.
I tried to take a photo of the train leaving, but it wound up a video
So a great day. 62 miles, less cars than on weekend, and hassle free commutes!
2 comments:
Hello. This post is likeable, and your blog is very interesting, congratulations :-). I will add in my blogroll =). If possible gives a last there on my blog, it is about the Livros e Revistas, I hope you enjoy. The address is http://livros-e-revistas.blogspot.com. A hug.
I ride here as well! But I stop at that sign where you took the picture with the wooden railings. I'm too much of a newbie to ride up those hills!! My BF and his friend go up there though. They say its quite a work out and also quite scary.
Adding you to my blogroll :) (http://losangelesdaze.wordpress.com)
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