Tour de Los Alamos, part duhhhhh

[sportsman]

Just finished what I'm proposing as the middle of the ride...

ouch....


Fire restrictions permitting, the TdLAII is scheduled for June 24. Unfortunately Timo, I can't commit to moving it up to either of the other weekends in June. But, I have had a request (actually three requests) to move it to Sunday. SO, I need a show of hands on keyboards..

If you are planning on riding, please chime in.. and, if you have a preference of Saturday vs. Sunday, also chime in. Frequent endurance riders' (from the first 2 of the series) votes will weigh slightly more. This goes for the guys that asked for a Sunday ride too, make sure that you vote and don't just rely on our conversation yesterday, because that was kind of noncomittal. I want to be inclusive..

About the ride.. the course is still slightly up in the air..The current plan is to take the trail behind the research park to gabriella to s-site to water canyon to reverse traverse. Then climb nail trail and descend pajarito canyon and take dickless back to the research park and return to my house for water. Next climb quemazon to pipeline to guaje ridge to pajarito trail to cabra and descend three bears. Take perimeter back to pipeline, climb pipeline and descend quemazon. return to mi casa for beer, bbq, hot tub, trampoline, and/or ping pong. Somewhere in there I'm going to add about 2 more hours of riding. Maybe a detour up to the ski area, or a dip into the canyons to the east of town. I'll post a topo/gps/elevation decription, and there should be a new map of the LA area trails released on June 1. If it isn't widely available, and if you request, I'll be happy to purchase some locally and mail them out to anyone attending (to be reimbursed on the day of the ride).

Resupply opportunities will be limited, it looks like I'm going to arrange for the first loop to start/end at my house, so that's an easy one (about 2.5 - 3 hours into the day). I'll probably be able to supply a second station after the guaje ridge/pajarito canyon descent. This will most likely just be a cache of water. If anyone wants anything special (6-7 hours into the day) then they should arrange with me ahead of time, as I'll be dropping this off the night before.

As you can tell from the description, and from previous rides in Los Alamos, this ride is comprised of a number of popular loops. What does this mean to you? If you are someone planning on doing the entire tour, nothing. If you are someone that wants to enjoy the comraderie but have a shorter ride, it means that you can pick and choose what you want to ride. You can start with us and ride until it hurts and then head back to town (I will figure a way to place restrictions to make sure that all the beer isn't gone when the rest of us finish), or you can sleep in and meet us later in the day, I'll provide time estimates if asked.

speaking of beer and bbq. I'm not rich, so bring some of your own to drink and char. I'll supply some starter material, but....


alas, I'm not sure about ssing this route....

also, start time. still undecided but it'll liukely be wheels rolling from my house at 9 am. we should have plenty of daylight..

[RichardinLA]

Personally, I like the date that originally set. Out of all other dates mentioned, the 24th is the closest to being a guarantee. But, if more interest is shown for other dates, go for it!

This sounds like a killer ride. It looks like about four or so "chunks" or rides that I usually take one day at a time. Cramming all four together might just obliterate me, but I'm game! Some day it might be fun to do a long-ass ride of taking dirt roads as far as possible up into the Jemes, then riding on asphalt just long enough (still quite a few miles) to get to some of those fun trails that I've been hearing about.

Richard

[sportsman]

Originally Posted by RichardinLA

Cramming all four together might just obliterate me, but I'm game!

that is the goal.

Originally Posted by RichardinLA

Some day it might be fun to do a long-ass ride of taking dirt roads as far as possible up into the Jemes, then riding on asphalt just long enough (still quite a few miles) to get to some of those fun trails that I've been hearing about.

the easiest route is to take dickless/fitness trails to the backgate, and then climb water canyon, connect to american springs. But then you have to take 4 up into the Jemez, there are no legal alternatives up. and then just ride the dome area.

extra mileage/harder climbs can be achieved by staying on the north side of west jemez road and climbing reverse travers/perimeter trail up to the dirt road to american springs, and exytra goodies can be had by climbing nailtrail, descending pajarito canyon, and then climbing reverse travers to american springs. Unfortunately, they all include ~4 miles on 4

[RichardinLA]

Well, the spouse has informed me that the 24th is out. Geeze, kids have birthdays every year... can't I miss ONE? That's what I get for opening my big mouth. Now I'll just sit back and see what happens to the date. Maybe, just maybe, I'll luck out and it will work out. I can't even suggest which alternate dates would work best- life is just that crazy.

I'll be watching this thread with crossed fingers though!

[Timo]

Sat. or Sun is really not all that issue to me because the obvious weekend highlight being the ride in Los Alamos, which has to be some of the best riding in the area. That said - if we ride all that on Sunday, I'll head home right after the ride is over, but can stick around if it's Sat.

My issue is the actual weekend date, but that's my obstacle to deal with.

[sportsman]

I thought that was your issue, but I already have tentative plans for the other two weekends, and I can't hold everyone else hostage to my pencil schedule. But the weekend of the 24th will be superceded only by closures, although, with a little ingenuity, we'll have enough open trails here that I can still out something together, it just wouldn't be the best of LA...

[red5jedi]

The 24th works for me. I work Sundays and I have family vacation planned the two weeks before that. After two weeks of vacation the wife will probably like to get rid of me for the day. I haven’t done any trails in LA so I’m really looking forward to it.

[brad h]

Scott, the date or day makes no difference to me as I have a four-month old and my hall passes usually don't get granted until the last minute anyway. Having said that, I've already put in for this one. Chances are good that I'll make it whenever you decide to have it.

Is there water on the route? Streams, creeks, etc.? What is your estimated ride time for the complete route? How much vertical? Thanks for organizing this, sorry for all the questions but I've never riden in LA.
Brad

[sportsman]

Originally Posted by brad h

Scott, the date or day makes no difference to me as I have a four-month old and my hall passes usually don't get granted until the last minute anyway. Having said that, I've already put in for this one. Chances are good that I'll make it whenever you decide to have it.

Is there water on the route? Streams, creeks, etc.? What is your estimated ride time for the complete route? How much vertical? Thanks for organizing this, sorry for all the questions but I've never riden in LA.
Brad

only 3 stream/creek crossings with flowing water...

I'm aiming for 10 (ish) hour ride..

vertical will probably approach 8k..

I'll have more definitive answers soon....

you'll enjoy LA riding. It's good stuff.

[glenzx]

Originally Posted by brad h

Scott, the date or day makes no difference to me as I have a four-month old and my hall passes usually don't get granted until the last minute anyway. Having said that, I've already put in for this one. Chances are good that I'll make it whenever you decide to have it.

Is there water on the route? Streams, creeks, etc.? What is your estimated ride time for the complete route? How much vertical? Thanks for organizing this, sorry for all the questions but I've never riden in LA.
Brad

Brad! Lemme know if/when you can make it - we can carpool up. Maybe we can even get MikeC on board if it stays SUNDAY (my vote too Scott... though I have little "weight" as an Oh-For-Two" NMES rider!

[sportsman]

Originally Posted by glenzx

Brad! Lemme know if/when you can make it - we can carpool up. Maybe we can even get MikeC on board if it stays SUNDAY (my vote too Scott... though I have little "weight" as an Oh-For-Two" NMES rider!

mikeC was the first to request it be on Sunday..

wow, that would be quite a triumvirate of santa fens..

[brad h]

Originally Posted by sportsman

mikeC was the first to request it be on Sunday..

wow, that would be quite a triumvirate of santa fens..

well in that case i guess i will formally cast my vote for sunday. i do enjoy pedaling with mr.C

glen, i'll let you know when i get my pass cleared, hopefully some reasonable amount of time before the 'sunday' in question...

[iloveone]

I want to come play!
Can you post whether It will be Sat or Sun soon so I can make work arrangements. Look forward to riding in LA.

Santa Fe ILOVEONE.

[sportsman]

I'm going to give everyone a few more days to have their votes counted (this isn't american idol, the lines are open a little longer) but the early pollsters are predicting a sunday ride..

Are you going to bring gears, or your pink ss? Do I have the right person?

[iloveone]

I've been riding the pink SS quite a bit. But for this type of ride I'll bring gears, It will give me a better chance to survive. I need some work done on my Santa Cruz. Any of you locals know who is good ( I'm picky) that can replace the bearings on my Blur? Alchemy used to service Santa Cruz but he only builds wheels now. Anybody in ABQ maybe?
Not every shop can do it causee you need the special bearing from SC.
Any rides going on this WE?

[SSweetleaf]

Hey Scott, if i want to come out and just ride the guaje ridge part of the ride would that work? Would i still be able to drink beer and BBQ? What is a cool nerd?

[sportsman]

funny that you should ask

The day-long ride is essentially 3 different popular (although not necessarily easy) loops, with the first and second loop starting from my house. Which means that it would be easy for someone to pick and choose which of the loops that they want to ride. For instance, the second loop includes the excellent trail and incredible views from the Guaje Ridge (just renovated from the fire last year, and then after only 5-6 weeks of ridability, strong winds closed it back down through the winter), so if someone wanted to just ride my personal favorite part of the day, they could just and wait for the riders of the first loop to pass through. The first loop should take us about 2.5-3 hours, so if we start at 9, we'd be coming through just beffore noon. You could then ride with us (partial day people should not set the pace!!!!!!!!!) and get in a great 3-4 ride...

you don't have to ride all day to get the beer and bbq...

I am THE cool nerd. If you aren't hip enough to understand, well......

[glenzx]

Originally Posted by iloveone

Any of you locals know who is good ( I'm picky) that can replace the bearings on my Blur? Alchemy used to service Santa Cruz but he only builds wheels now. Anybody in ABQ maybe?
Not every shop can do it cause you need the special bearing from SC.
Any rides going on this WE?

Aha! As an ex-Blur owner (3+ years) I became a master at changing out the bearings, and in fact still have a few spares. I got the tools from SC as I had so many issues early on, they sent me a bag of bearings and the tools and all.

I'd be happy to show/swap 'em out sometime AFTER this weekend ('Torture Race and house work has me slammed) if it could wait that long. Not sure if I have any more of the lower pivot bearings, but will check tonight. If not - call SC and order 'em (4 total). The upper pivor bearings lasted 4X as long as the lowers...

[sportsman]

set your alarms, use a pen on your calendars...

TdLA, II, Los Alamos strikes back, will take place on Sunday, June 25, 8 am at my house (pm me for directions and a phone number).

Maps and elevation guesses to follow. Come ride every (almost) trail that Los Alamos has to offer. For anyone that hasn't ridden Los Alamos, think steep, rocky, climbs and descents. Only one really long one, but they all hurt, especially when they are all tackled in the same day, and the biggest descent of the day, is a relatively rough descent, that will throw everything at you. The high point will be the ski area (10k ft), the low point will be somewhere in a canyon to the east of town, the spectacular vistas will be along the Ridge...

Bring gears (I hate myself), bring suspension (ditto), bring your climbing legs, bring your log clearing skills...

Rumor has it that the Missile (which means there will be a fast group) and that the series' first female endurofreak will be joining us. There will also be a contingent of riders (some of them without deraillers) that will be joining us for part of the day. It's all good..

btw, for anyone interested in completing the Jemez experience, that weekend is also the weekend of the Valles rides. You could ride Saturday (open roads in the valles, not set course), crash at our place Saturday night, and then tackle the TdLA on Sunday. You'd be my hero...

[brad h]

Bring gears (I hate myself), bring suspension (ditto)

Gears? Who are you? Well I guess I can understand that...but suspension too?! Full suspension bikes are just a fad, like riser bars and the internet...

[rs3o]

Originally Posted by sportsman

...TdLA, II, Los Alamos strikes back

You are the cool geek!

[sportsman]

Originally Posted by rs3o

You are the cool geek!

hear me know
and believe me later

[iloveone]

Thanks Glen,
I have the bearing kit. I got it under warranty. I'm already on my second set. I've talk to one shop in town and they might be able to help me. I'll talk to you Sunday and maybe take you up on the offer since the shop hasn't responded yet.

[sportsman]

The 25th is looming, just around the corner..

The local word is that the forest will not be closed, so the tour is definitely on..

Wheels rolling from my place at 9 am. Please PM me for directions, or you can meet at sullivan field by 8:30, and I'll meet you there and lead you back to my house..

reply if you are planning on riding...

Most of the Los Alamos trails are in great shape, and we wil be riding most of the trails

If you only want to do part of the day, reply here and I'll give meeting places and approximate times....

[sportsman]

Here ya go..

I estimate that the day will be ~65 miles and a little over 10k in climbing. Mild numbers compared to the previous rides in the series, but sometimes numbers don't tell the whole story....

[sportsman]

The first stage....

[sportsman]

The second stage....

[sportsman]

The home stretch

[kenk]

We are willing to drop our truck at the Rendija Road crossing. Got two 5 gallon jugs for water and gatorade. If you have more and were willing to car pool down there in the morning we can have something cold for everyone at that location. Also have an extra BBQ if needed. Looking forward to it!

PS. These trails only add up to <70 miles, must be that the vertical is trully vertical as in steps and drops. My granny gear will be in use for certain. Pipeline in the home strech...weeeeeeeeee.

[sportsman]

It is less than 70. But, I think that it is a pretty hard 70. If anyone is concerned that this doesn't live up to the challeng, I could add in a drop into Guaje Canyon, or maybe we can work in a climb up Guaje Road and then a descent down pajarito (or guaje Canyon).

Thanks for the offer for water and a grill. 'll probably take you up on both of those. I'll give you a call wednesdau night. I'm going to drive my truck up to the ski area on Saturday (after the Valles rides), and leave a cache of water up there.

[AndyN]

My legs hurt just looking at the planned route.

Ustedes son loco.

[SSweetleaf]

Hey Mister SSportsman, What time does the "2nd Stage" start?and does it leave from your house? Will i get ridiculed for just riding Stage 2? Thank you

[sportsman]

Originally Posted by SSweetleaf

Hey Mister SSportsman, What time does the "2nd Stage" start?and does it leave from your house? Will i get ridiculed for just riding Stage 2? Thank you

The course has changed a little since we last talked...

The second loop now includes the climb to the top of the ski hill and then backtracking to Guaje. The all-dayers will pass back by my house between 11:00 and 11:30, so we should get to the ski hill between 12:30 and 1. Which gives everyone else the option of meeting at my house between 11 and 11:30 or driving up the ski hill and meeting us there. If you choose to drive up, it'll be up to you to meet us before we climb the ski hill, or on the way back down. I really recommend climbing the ski hill, the new ST that has been cut this year from near-the-summit is simply sick. After we descend the ski hill, we'll roll back out canada bonita to pipeline to Guaje.

but sweatleaf, stay tuned....

[sportsman]

so far, the only people that have responded recently are kenk and sweetleaf.. kenk lives a few blocks from me, so we can ride this whenever we want, and sweetleaf just wants a sick SS ride, which I'd be more thatn happy to join him on my ss, without doing the extra miles which require the extra wait of gears..

If no one else responds by Thursday night, that they are going to come and attempt the whole day, I am going to scale back the ride for sweetleaf, or I'm going to ride in the Valles that day (sweetleaf, I'll call you because that is also a pretty sweet option).

I'm excited to do the TdLA, but if no one else wants to, then I can do it myself (chasing the diesel of course) at a more convenient date...

so the clock is ticking, commit or not, but let your voice be heard..

[glenzx]

Originally Posted by sportsman

so far, the only people that have responded recently are kenk and sweetleaf.. kenk lives a few blocks from me, so we can ride this whenever we want, and sweetleaf just wants a sick SS ride, which I'd be more thatn happy to join him on my ss, without doing the extra miles which require the extra wait of gears..

If no one else responds by Thursday night, that they are going to come and attempt the whole day, I am going to scale back the ride for sweetleaf, or I'm going to ride in the Valles that day (sweetleaf, I'll call you because that is also a pretty sweet option).

I'm excited to do the TdLA, but if no one else wants to, then I can do it myself (chasing the diesel of course) at a more convenient date...

so the clock is ticking, commit or not, but let your voice be heard..

I'll be making my return to biking at the event - though I may not survive the whole triple-threat in it's entirety. By the end of loop two, the BBQ and beer tractor beam may prove too strong.

Great maps, research, and prep. Scott! I'll get word from the santa fe contingent asap. Should prove to be epic. If it all falls through - I'd be happy to tour around the Valle as well, as I've not yet been out there and am excited to see it from an interior POV someday. Plus, I'd bet the terrain and distances are not quite as intimidating as your proposed loop(s) of death!

And thats "The Missile" if it's kenk you refer to

[glenzx]

Originally Posted by iloveone

Thanks Glen,
I have the bearing kit. I got it under warranty. I'm already on my second set. I've talk to one shop in town and they might be able to help me. I'll talk to you Sunday and maybe take you up on the offer since the shop hasn't responded yet.

We'll talk Thursday at the great bearing replacement, but are you still up for some/all of the TdLA...? Trying to rally a few Santa Feans for burritos and carpooling...

[sportsman]

the missile is a 2-3 hour (or shorter) designation. The diesel is his ability to just keep motoring on all day long....

[NuMexJoe]

Not that you were waiting on me, but this sort of punishment is far out of this weekend warrior's league, especially after a long day on the VC the day prior. That said, if you need some logistical support, give me a shout.
- Joe

[Timo]

Originally Posted by sportsman

so the clock is ticking, commit or not, but let your voice be heard..

You made fun of me and the SYDC and I don't like you anymore, so I'm going to skip this. Either that or I already had plans for this weekend!

P.S. Ran into Brad and Mike C last Sunday and they both said that they will not make it - apparently they are going to a baby shower. (I truly wish I could say that I just made this part up....but no such luck)

Regards, Timmie

[sportsman]

Originally Posted by Timo

You made fun of me and the SYDC and I don't like you anymore, so I'm going to skip this

Just looking for a fight..

[Timo]

Originally Posted by sportsman

Just looking for a fight..

Hey I don't mess with nerds. I saw the movie.

[brad h]

Originally Posted by Timo

You made fun of me and the SYDC and I don't like you anymore, so I'm going to skip this. Either that or I already had plans for this weekend!

P.S. Ran into Brad and Mike C last Sunday and they both said that they will not make it - apparently they are going to a baby shower. (I truly wish I could say that I just made this part up....but no such luck)

Regards, Timmie

Scott,
The baby shower happens to be Mike's...and yes it is coed. By the way, I ran into Matt this past Sunday and he said he was going road biking(?!) this weekend. (I truly wish I could say that I just made this part up...but no such luck)

In any event, I truly regret missing out on this spectacular ride. Hopefully you can show me around LA later this summer or in the fall. If you and your LA posse make it up to CB you guys are more than welcome to crash in our yard. We're at 4th and Sopris in a brown duplex with red trim. PM me and I'll send you a cell #.

Have a blast Sunday, looking forward to reading ride reports.

Brad.

[sportsman]

I love Devo

[sportsman]

thanks for the yard offer, but I'm pretty sure that we're going to try to camp at the Oh my God (?) area. we'll have a large group and a few dogs, and it's pretty nice up there..

definitely exchange contact info to at least get together for a few beers and rides (and maybe I can hose off after the century)

[Timo]

Originally Posted by brad h

Scott,
he said he was going road biking(?!) this weekend. (I truly wish I could say that I just made this part up...but no such luck)
Brad.

touche, touche....I bow before thee

[kenk]

the missile is a 2-3 hour (or shorter) designation. The diesel is his ability to just keep motoring on all day long....

Obviousily there is a risk of posting and not revisiting. I think I will stay the missile with you two endurance freaks in the neighborhood.

Even though we can ride this any time, jess and I are still in. If the group is small we have no problem shortening the route and raising the beer/mile ratio. I think I may have convinced Mark W-H to show for the first two portions.

[Skipndizzy]

I want to ride the TDLA but my knee is saying no. I fell about a week ago going about 2 MPH . Clipped out wrong and flopped over. It has some fluid on it and is telling me to rest it . Too bad, that second stage looks like a hoot. Have fun.

[sportsman]

oh yeah.

it is on! Glen's in, you guys are in. Car's in for the first lap, Sweetleaf for the second, I;'m trying to convince icegeek to join us for the second. Maybe some of the BnS guys. It'll be a good day, looks like there is a decent chance for t-storms in the afternoon, so it may be cut short anyways, but we'll still strive towards the absurd...

it'll be good to ride with MWH..


9 am my house, wheels rolling..

Sweetleaf, you can give a call during the morning if you need an update, but we should be back at my place between 11 and 11:30, and then up to the ski hill around 12:30 to 1. you can meet us in either place...

potluck for the bbq, bring your own beer. we'll have some to start with, but you d@mn single speeders drink too much

[notaknob]

Originally Posted by sportsman

If you only want to do part of the day, reply here and I'll give meeting places and approximate times....

I'm interested in joining up for the 2nd part of the TDLA. I'll be the one far behind sweatleaf... Damn singlespeeders.

[sportsman]

very cool..

you saw the meeting times, right.

Sweetleaf, are you meeting at my place or at the ski hill? I'll call you later,

I won;t be online from ~10 this morning until tomorrow evening.



call me to get directions and more info. I'll be at the valles tonight and tomorrow, so I'll probably turn my phone off tonight. It'll be on tomorrow, but the coverage is spotty. I should be home by 6 tomorrow evevening. I can be reached all day today..