For over 20 years Inland Valley mountain bikers have congregated at 4523 feet on Glendora Ridge Road just above Mt. Baldy Village. On this Thanksgiving "only" 150 riders split into separate skill groups and headed three miles and 1488 feet up to Sunset Peak. From there the ride turns into an eight mile thrill fest all the way down to the base of Baldy in La Verne. With a ride like that who could have felt guilty over the soon to be devoured 6000-calorie plus meal?
Terry Martin was on hand not only because his best training bud Umaro Jimenez was riding but also to get some photos in the fresh layer of snow that's hit the Southland. The Inland Valley includes Upland, Ontario, Chino, San Dimas, Alto Loma, Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside and San Bernardino. One former IE resident, Mark Forensen, travels down from San Francisco every year to do the ride aboard his Santa Cruz Ultralite. Umaro is the assistant manager at Competitive Edge Cyclery. Get details on next year's "unofficial" ride by calling Competitive Edge at (909) 483-2453. There have been as many as 300 riders in the past. The round trip is 36 miles and a one way journey is 24 miles. A round trip means that you cycle up to the 4523 foot meeting spot.
|