Jul 14, 2018 at 05:02 PM
Kissenas Around the World
Jul 14, 2018 at 08:30 PM
Week before last I went to the Los Angeles area and was sure to bring my bike. I expected incredible riding and was not let down in the least.
Mt. Wilson Observatory ride
During the week I rode a few times with Cullen Macdonald, an NYC racer for TBD who also happened to be in Los Angeles. This is at the beginning of the day, climbing up Highway 2, a.k.a. Angeles Crest Highway.
Still climbing ACH's consistent 5-6% gradient.
Can you find Cullen?
No pictures from the bulk of the ride up to Mt. Wilson because I decided to do a 15-minute LTHR interval that turned into 20 minutes...then 30...35...there's the top, can't be long long now!...40...45 minutes. Average HR, 180 bpm. Whew.
View from the rolling roads of Angeles Forest Highway looking north (riding southwest back to ACH).
This is where we stopped for a glorious water refill and some shade. Pretty much all downhill from here, the way we came up, on Highway 2. Best ride of the week.
Short-sighted ride up Nichols Canyon through the Hollywood Hills
Just my luck, a historic heatwave came through Los Angeles. Temps reached a searing 112F in the basin, and unusually for the area they stayed over 100F even after the sun went down that evening. I'm calling the ride short-sighted because I'm not sure I really got any fitness out of it but the heat sure did take a lot out of me.
Anyway, at least I saw some good sights. Nichols-to-Mulholland is such a local landmark climb that even Phil Gaimon featured it in his "Worst Retirement Ever" series. I wish I could've really had a go at it. The variation in gradients is much more similar to what we're used to around here--but of course just much, much longer.
View from Los Feliz neighborhood. In the city hills you gotta ride for the climbs because the narrow roads (glorified alleys, really; what's pictured here is one of the widest I saw) are full of cars and stop signs that make for stressful descending.
Glendora Mountain Road
This was the big one: Mt. Baldy. A local tipped me off that the best way to get there was along Glendora Mountain Road. It wasn't as hot as the day prior but was still toasty. We started at 7:45 to beat the heat but already by 10 it was 100F. The plan was to go all the way up the iconic climb which everyone agrees ends at the ski lifts, but we were quickly running out of time to meet our ride back in the valley. We pulled the plug about six miles short of Baldy village, before the really famous part of the climb where the road kicks up. I'm dying to go back...
Another pleasingly consistent 6% gradient--gotta love the West--but going was slow. I was feeling the effects of yesterday's heat.
Check out how the road follows the ridge! My riding partner was my girlfriend's cousin who was also in town. (Two days later he dropped me like a hot potato climbing in Griffith Park--dude is strong.)
Podium shot? No, this is just a random place we pulled over for a rest and some photos. I was trying for a pose that says "look at these mountains."
Griffith Park (once, twice)
All I could do was laugh when a recent NYC-to-LA transplant told me that Griffith Park was her new Central Park. Situated on the mountains the separate the San Fernando Valley from the Los Angeles Basin, the 4310 acres--that's about five time the size of Central Park--are easily accessible to tens of thousands of cyclists. The park has a bit of everything: a 15-minute flatish loop where you can paceline; multiple 10-20 minute climbs; and smooth, quiet descents. Plus great views: of downtown LA, the ocean, the surrounding hills, the Hollywood sign, and oh shit is that a film set around the corner?? _slams brakes_
Just a taste of the Griffith Park roads on a Monday morning. I gotta brag on Miles, who took this photo: he crushed the climb up Mt. Hollywood Drive. On his first time ever he clocked in at 14:41, only 48 seconds out of the Top 10 of all-time on the Strava segment. (Like most climbs around here, Phil Gaimon is KOM.)
There's stuff about my trip that I haven't touched on in this photo essay--the quiet cycling paths alongside the concrete rivers, my new Golden Saddle Cyclery tee, the fact that I didn't even begin to explore the miles and miles of dirt roads. You've just got to see it all for yourself. I barely scratched the surface, and I can't wait to go back.
Mt. Wilson Observatory ride
During the week I rode a few times with Cullen Macdonald, an NYC racer for TBD who also happened to be in Los Angeles. This is at the beginning of the day, climbing up Highway 2, a.k.a. Angeles Crest Highway.
Still climbing ACH's consistent 5-6% gradient.
Can you find Cullen?
No pictures from the bulk of the ride up to Mt. Wilson because I decided to do a 15-minute LTHR interval that turned into 20 minutes...then 30...35...there's the top, can't be long long now!...40...45 minutes. Average HR, 180 bpm. Whew.
View from the rolling roads of Angeles Forest Highway looking north (riding southwest back to ACH).
This is where we stopped for a glorious water refill and some shade. Pretty much all downhill from here, the way we came up, on Highway 2. Best ride of the week.
Short-sighted ride up Nichols Canyon through the Hollywood Hills
Just my luck, a historic heatwave came through Los Angeles. Temps reached a searing 112F in the basin, and unusually for the area they stayed over 100F even after the sun went down that evening. I'm calling the ride short-sighted because I'm not sure I really got any fitness out of it but the heat sure did take a lot out of me.
Anyway, at least I saw some good sights. Nichols-to-Mulholland is such a local landmark climb that even Phil Gaimon featured it in his "Worst Retirement Ever" series. I wish I could've really had a go at it. The variation in gradients is much more similar to what we're used to around here--but of course just much, much longer.
View from Los Feliz neighborhood. In the city hills you gotta ride for the climbs because the narrow roads (glorified alleys, really; what's pictured here is one of the widest I saw) are full of cars and stop signs that make for stressful descending.
Glendora Mountain Road
This was the big one: Mt. Baldy. A local tipped me off that the best way to get there was along Glendora Mountain Road. It wasn't as hot as the day prior but was still toasty. We started at 7:45 to beat the heat but already by 10 it was 100F. The plan was to go all the way up the iconic climb which everyone agrees ends at the ski lifts, but we were quickly running out of time to meet our ride back in the valley. We pulled the plug about six miles short of Baldy village, before the really famous part of the climb where the road kicks up. I'm dying to go back...
Another pleasingly consistent 6% gradient--gotta love the West--but going was slow. I was feeling the effects of yesterday's heat.
Check out how the road follows the ridge! My riding partner was my girlfriend's cousin who was also in town. (Two days later he dropped me like a hot potato climbing in Griffith Park--dude is strong.)
Podium shot? No, this is just a random place we pulled over for a rest and some photos. I was trying for a pose that says "look at these mountains."
Griffith Park (once, twice)
All I could do was laugh when a recent NYC-to-LA transplant told me that Griffith Park was her new Central Park. Situated on the mountains the separate the San Fernando Valley from the Los Angeles Basin, the 4310 acres--that's about five time the size of Central Park--are easily accessible to tens of thousands of cyclists. The park has a bit of everything: a 15-minute flatish loop where you can paceline; multiple 10-20 minute climbs; and smooth, quiet descents. Plus great views: of downtown LA, the ocean, the surrounding hills, the Hollywood sign, and oh shit is that a film set around the corner?? _slams brakes_
Just a taste of the Griffith Park roads on a Monday morning. I gotta brag on Miles, who took this photo: he crushed the climb up Mt. Hollywood Drive. On his first time ever he clocked in at 14:41, only 48 seconds out of the Top 10 of all-time on the Strava segment. (Like most climbs around here, Phil Gaimon is KOM.)
There's stuff about my trip that I haven't touched on in this photo essay--the quiet cycling paths alongside the concrete rivers, my new Golden Saddle Cyclery tee, the fact that I didn't even begin to explore the miles and miles of dirt roads. You've just got to see it all for yourself. I barely scratched the surface, and I can't wait to go back.
Jul 14, 2018 at 10:05 PM
Jealous
Jul 15, 2018 at 07:57 PM
@MaxThorn , seems like LA is kind of like NY, where at first glance doesn't appear to be a cyclist's paradise with all the density and car traffic, but you've found some great roads. Thanks for the background!
Jul 21, 2018 at 02:39 AM
Anybody have any good intel on road riding in & around Laramie WY? Headed there for a week and it might be nice to give the legs a spin while I'm there.
Jul 21, 2018 at 04:58 PM
Found a bike brother today on the shores of Lake Superior
Jul 21, 2018 at 10:30 PM
I'm acquainted with Charles Pelkey, one time VeloNews editor. He lives there. If you want, I can reach out to him and introduce you.Jules said:Anybody have any good intel on road riding in & around Laramie WY? Headed there for a week and it might be nice to give the legs a spin while I'm there.
Jul 21, 2018 at 10:50 PM
Jul 22, 2018 at 01:13 AM
Cousin. Seat and bar tape.Jules said:Found a bike brother today on the shores of Lake Superior
Jul 22, 2018 at 01:15 AM
True. And a stumpy stem with no drop. Still, it made my ride.JohnMalcolmson said:Cousin. Seat and bar tape.Jules said:Found a bike brother today on the shores of Lake Superior
Jul 22, 2018 at 09:58 PM
Jul 22, 2018 at 10:06 PM
Well I'll be.
Aug 27, 2018 at 10:57 AM
Spent a few days deep in the Huron National Forest.
From last year, I knew that the forest has infinite dirt roads and ATV/ORV trails. So brought the old cyclocross bike, that counts as an ORV right?
It was sweet hotness.
Well, being lost with no cell signal, on a rwgps deadend, after the longest 4 miles unrideable sandpint pseudo road full of bear tracks is, um, frustrating, and kinda terrifying.
But then being able to let it rip for hours on end on dirt roads is everything awesome.
Beautiful views, sweet pine forests, ton of deer, some wild turkeys, and big big big lakes... did I mention bears and sand? The only thing that could possibly make it better if it you were there. Honest.
oh, and thanks JP for the Gavilan BFF, no bike fees!!
From last year, I knew that the forest has infinite dirt roads and ATV/ORV trails. So brought the old cyclocross bike, that counts as an ORV right?
It was sweet hotness.
Well, being lost with no cell signal, on a rwgps deadend, after the longest 4 miles unrideable sandpint pseudo road full of bear tracks is, um, frustrating, and kinda terrifying.
But then being able to let it rip for hours on end on dirt roads is everything awesome.
Beautiful views, sweet pine forests, ton of deer, some wild turkeys, and big big big lakes... did I mention bears and sand? The only thing that could possibly make it better if it you were there. Honest.
oh, and thanks JP for the Gavilan BFF, no bike fees!!
A few tips -- that I type, mostly, so I don't forget myself, specially when using ridewithgps
- If possible, when planning gravel rides, consider planning for civilization too, one hour or two or so on dirt, and then find some asphalt, or town, or whatever, wave to a person, and then go back to the deep dirt roads -- hours without signs of human civilization sound great in paper, but feels maybe risky once out there
- How to find good gravel roads on ridewithgps: satellite view, labels off. Do you see a road? if not, then there's no road. If yes, that's the awesome road you want.
Even made a little movie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZPgsb_ICQA
Aug 27, 2018 at 02:35 PM
Beautiful!
Aug 28, 2018 at 09:46 PM
So nice to get out of the city for a few days
Aug 29, 2018 at 02:43 AM
Where are the cars?
May 17, 2019 at 12:50 AM
I blogged about my trip to Tuscany Italy. Blogs on the travel, the cycling (with three punctures on the first day,) and days off the bike. Complete with photos and videos of Il Giro d'Italia.
https://awjbikeracing.wordpress.com/cycling-in-italy-spring-2019/
https://awjbikeracing.wordpress.com/cycling-in-italy-spring-2019/
May 17, 2019 at 02:00 AM
I felt like I was in Tuscany myself. Love the pics too.
Jun 11, 2019 at 02:46 AM
I took this picture for you guys this morning and only later realized that if you squint just right you can see the text I just got from Kissena alum @Jeffrey White
Jun 18, 2019 at 07:19 PM
Hey guys. So today the Tour de Suisse started in Murten/Morat, which is around 23k from my home in Fribourg. I rode there with the primary goal of seeing Svein Tuft, one of my fave cyclists. I rode there, waited a little bit, rolling around all the team trucks as they arrived. Eventually Rally showed up, and as I loitered a drop, the team physician walked over and struck up a conversation with me because I was wearing my Kissena kit. He comes from Rhode Island, and recognised the club. After a nice long conversation with him, Jonas Carney, the team director (and a very strong racer in his day, along with his brother), walked over and introduced himself after seeing the Kissena kit as well. I'm pretty sure he's from the Northeast scene. Real nice guy. We spoke about Switzerland, and how he'd like to do a bike vacation here with his wife next year. Then a team soigneur from Newark rolled over, and spoke fondly of racing in the parks and Kissena velodrome. Then I got my selfie with Svein, and rolled around. Ended up next having a nice conversation with former Paris-Roubaix winner Matthew Haymen. Real nice down to earth guy. In contrast to the Bora team which was blaring 'We Will Rock You', and had a truck dedicated to Sagan behind the team bus, I guess for his marketing purposes and fan base. Total rock star ambiance there.
I do have photos, but I have to figure out how to get them off my replacement phone, and onto this computer so I can share them. I busted my other phone last week. I've now learned the hard way that phones in the jersey pocket should be screen-side facing in.
It's great to see how the long and strong history of Kissena continues to this day. We are known, and liked, by many out there. The other teams I rode for do not have nearly the reputation of Kissena. Wear that kit proud, race hard, and ride smart my friends.
I do have photos, but I have to figure out how to get them off my replacement phone, and onto this computer so I can share them. I busted my other phone last week. I've now learned the hard way that phones in the jersey pocket should be screen-side facing in.
It's great to see how the long and strong history of Kissena continues to this day. We are known, and liked, by many out there. The other teams I rode for do not have nearly the reputation of Kissena. Wear that kit proud, race hard, and ride smart my friends.
Jun 18, 2019 at 07:24 PM
so much awesome!!!
Jun 18, 2019 at 07:26 PM
FIYAH!
Jun 18, 2019 at 07:26 PM
(also, google photos is your friend)
Jun 18, 2019 at 07:51 PM
Sounds awesome. Looking forward to seeing your pictures
Jun 19, 2019 at 12:56 AM
@Nathaniel Miller
Jonas Carney grew up in New Jersey. His brother was in the NJBC when I was, though I don't think Jonas was ever part of it. I think Jonas even rode for Toga some. He was probably friends with guys from Kissena--back then Charlie I, the Hincapies, the Loehner, Trevor Silvera, and more did time in Kissena in one form or another.
Calling him a strong racer is an understatement. Multiple national championships on the road and track, retired with the pro national crit jersey on his back.
Love to see those pictures.
Calling him a strong racer is an understatement. Multiple national championships on the road and track, retired with the pro national crit jersey on his back.
Love to see those pictures.
Jun 19, 2019 at 08:48 PM
Okay guys... a few photos from the Tour de Suisse.
With Matt Hayman, former Paris-Roubaix winner, and overall good guy. Spoke about how pretty Switzerland was. He asked me more questions than I asked him.
With Jonas Carney. As JP said, in his day, the man won a lot. I'm glad JP elaborated on how important he is. He told me about how he and his wife want to spend a month in Switzerland next year, just riding bikes. There's a small chance he and I may go for a ride together when and if they do.
With Svein (pronounced 'Swen'). As the team doctor said, there's almost nobody more zen than this guy. When a few years ago my wife asked me who my fave cyclists were, I first mentioned Svein.
This Belgian couple called out to van Avermaet, and he pulled over to have a very nice conversation with them.
Americans shooting the shit before the start.
Former world champion Rui Costa, looking like he was antsy to try for the early breakaway. It was easy to spot who wanted to be in the breakaway. They showed up early and were nervous.
Larry Warbasse on the right.
With Matt Hayman, former Paris-Roubaix winner, and overall good guy. Spoke about how pretty Switzerland was. He asked me more questions than I asked him.
With Jonas Carney. As JP said, in his day, the man won a lot. I'm glad JP elaborated on how important he is. He told me about how he and his wife want to spend a month in Switzerland next year, just riding bikes. There's a small chance he and I may go for a ride together when and if they do.
With Svein (pronounced 'Swen'). As the team doctor said, there's almost nobody more zen than this guy. When a few years ago my wife asked me who my fave cyclists were, I first mentioned Svein.
This Belgian couple called out to van Avermaet, and he pulled over to have a very nice conversation with them.
Americans shooting the shit before the start.
Former world champion Rui Costa, looking like he was antsy to try for the early breakaway. It was easy to spot who wanted to be in the breakaway. They showed up early and were nervous.
Larry Warbasse on the right.
Jun 19, 2019 at 09:53 PM
Oh Nathan I'm grinning from ear to ear right now! Thanks for sharing 
Jun 19, 2019 at 11:11 PM
Get this guy a sponsor correct jersey for next year
Jun 19, 2019 at 11:20 PM
Hear hear!Mark Taylor said:Get this guy a sponsor correct jersey for next year
Jul 11, 2019 at 05:06 PM
Straight from Paris; this lady has more souplesse inner little pinky...
