Couple minutes of climbing then some descending. Average 91 degrees and high of 98. Started about 4:30 but I sure wish I would have waited a bit. I saw only one other rider on the climb. As I was descending I noticed several riders just starting as I was finishing up. Oh well, if you can climb GMR in the heat, you can ride just about anywhere! [video=youtube;Dx6WlDfEwv0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx6WlDfEwv0[/video] Talk about helmet hair after the ride!
Hey there Beanz. You're right about the heat. Myself and a friend rode up and down Monroe the day before, and yes, it was just as hot. Just a heads up. Next week, according to a ranger we talked to at the top of Monroe, the forest service is going to close the forest a little earlier than usual for the 4th of July. He said if the fire danger gets any worse, they may not open again this summer or until the first rain. When we were up there, the danger sign was at moderate-high. Today it was raised to extremely high. Best get your rides in now before the forest is closed. -Lloyd
Ah cool thanks for the heads up! But I'm hoping that they close it to vehicle traffic only. They did it years ago but allowed cyclists up during that time. It was a nice few months without traffic. I know on the road there are some killer bugs. I'm betting on Monroe there are some really really mean bugs ha ha! I have to wear bug repellent on hot days or I get eaten alive...on the road. :-O
Yeah, the black biting flies are out, used a bit of Cutter repellent. Trail's in good shape, but will turn to powder real quick because of the heat and both bike and foot traffic. Because of the heat, we cheated. We shuttled a couple of runs then kicked back with a couple of brews at the top and caught a nice sunset up there. Dinner at T-Phillips in Glendora village afterwards. I'm sure there will be no problems going around the gate. Like you said, closed to vehicle traffic. Also be careful on pavement up there. This mornings' news showed a go-pro video of a road-biker or motorcycle, I'm not quite sure which, that hit head-on with a Cal-Fire truck. Don't know anything else about the incident, still trying to look it up. Have yourself a good 4th Mr. Beanz, and see ya up there. -Lloyd