Saturday Ride

With my first Brevet coming up next week I needed to get out and pedal. I’m still setting up the Casseroll, making adjustments here and there. I’m also refining my gear and fuel intake for longer rides. One of my Christmas gifts was a pair of Ibex Wool Bib shorts. I was anxious try them out and make sure that there were no fit issues. The Brevet will have me riding before sun-up and after sun-down, so I also will need to shed and apply layers as needed. I haven’t installed a bike computer yet, so I mounted my Garmin 60CSx to the stem. The mount is from RAM Mounts. It’s a base that can accept different cradles. So it’s easy to switch to the iPhone if you want. There are some pretty cool iPhone apps for bikes out there. This one is particularly interesting.

So off I go. Just have enough time today for an hour ride. I’ve started carrying the G10 across my shoulder. I have the strap adjusted so that it fits perfectly in one of my jersey pockets. I don’t feel it back there, and I can get the camera out faster. You know, for shots like this!

I only get about 3 miles away when I get a phone call from my wife. She’s going to be at work a little longer, so I get an extra half hour before I need to turn around. So I decide to ride out towards Arcadia. I need to get some Hammer Gel and Helen’s carries it.

Yep, I got a huge bottle of Banana flavored gel and a flask. The Acorn bag holds everything, although the front feels noticeably heavier. They let me top off my water and I’m outta there.

I decided to head up the foothills towards Chantry Flats. Chantry is a climb that I’ve always wanted to do, but never attempted. I think I could do it, but I wasn’t sure if I’d have time today. The road up to the base of the climb is actually the steepest part. I made it to the base of the road and look at the time. Damn. 1:59pm, and I have to turn around at 2pm. Oh well, I’ll have to save the climb for another day.

Looking up the road to Chantry Flats.

This tree was kinda creepy.

So I start the descent to Sierra Madre Blvd, and then climb up to the little village of Sierra Made and then to home. Took a couple more shots along the way. They have some cool signs on the roads up there.

This is where the Rose Parade floats will end on 1st of January. The floats will be put on display for people to come see them up close.

And here are the workers getting the bleachers ready for the Rose Parade. Only a few days left now.

The rest of the ride home is pretty uneventful. I need to make time so no more stops for pics. I couldn’t have timed it better. My wife and I got to our street at the same time. What great planning!

Here’s route and the elevation gain. Check in tomorrow for the Sunday ride.

Saturday Ride

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