Jan 8th, 2022.
Saturday long ride to Mt. Wilson in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Mt. Wilson’s peak in Los Angeles County is at 5,713 feet. At the top is an observatory, most notable for the discovery of Andromeda Galaxy as a galaxy in its own right by Edwin Hubble in 1920’s.
I must apologize- the whole observatory thing came to mind after leaving the peak. In the presence of its granduer, we ended up just simply taking it in the moment.
But here’s a photo of all the antenna’s they use to communicate with other observatories.
It’s something 🤷🏻♂️
We had planned to roll out at 0900 from Burbank- a 45 minute bike ride from my home.
This picture was at home at 0831 lmao.
A photo en route to Burbank where I was pushing zone 4 immediately out the door
These are the bikes we used for our long climbing ride.
2017 Trek Emonda ALR Pro with DT Swiss 1400 DiCut deep section wheels
&
2019 Canyon Endurace CF SL 8 Di2 with HED Vanquish 4GP wheelset
Both are climbing bikes. To be as light as possible in its class.
Any long ride in Los Angeles involves a coffee stop. This is when GT was deciding which to go.
We tried a fancy shmancy coffee shop but with the long line and current rona sitch, decided to coffee bean it.
Then straight onto the climbing galore. Weather was mid 60º’s. Perfect for climbing.
Quick snack break where we had some fig bars and chex mix to fuel the hours ahead.
One of my fav and most proud capture of the day
As soon as we saw the signage, we hit a nice little spot called the Red Box Picnic Area. They had a convenient parking lot for the hikers/picnic-ers, a small cultural center, and a small shop where they sold snacks like water, soda, candy, fruits, etc. They take Apple Pay.
We were happy about the coke break for sure, but more so the road to peak was closed to cars.
As soon as we left Red Box to continue climbing,
we entered into another world.
First turn into Mt. Wilson from Red Box Picnic Area.
It was like we were climbing up to the shire.
Snow starting to show on the side of road
Then it started piling up the side of the road. Like GT in the above, I was pleasantly surprised and elated.
Trying to mount my bike in the snow, but it was not soft snow 😑
Snow mountain
Mountains of Los Angeles County
Rare occasion we get a photo of us together, but it worked out with some bystanders in the area.
Mt. Wilson Observatory Skyline Park National Forest.
Then… we went into a track stand photoshoot. Yes.. judge us.
Hard ice blocks on the way back down. I tried riding over them to smash with my tire, but that is a very bad idea. these are hard af and the tire will lose. Better safe than sorry.
Beautiful descents left and right. and v cold 🥶
Riding through the snow
Riding in the snow
Influencer posing in the snow
Not being able to clip in because of ice
Amazing view of snow mountain descend
Another gem shot
When we came back down to Red Box, there was a pop up Brazilian BBQ with bbq pineapple and everything!! Had we not planned on eating lunch further down, I would have tried some!
Frozen hands
More descents
Finally back in the city!
And straight to Pho 22.
My #1 comfort food. The brisket Pho. Pho 22 was heavy on the flavoring. A little synthetic, but good nonetheless.
Back on the saddle riding through the sunset
Some cool murals and a reminder to get vaccinated on my way back home
A quick trip to the bank cause some of my clients love paying cash
I love it too.
A little night riding to arrive home
85.79 miles
6,253 feet gain
5:46:53 moving time
I’ve been meaning to go see snow and I’m glad it happened doing two of my favorite activities.
Riding bikes and capturing moments.
