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We Welcomed the Tour of California to Town with a Mountaintop Party

Reportage

We Welcomed the Tour of California to Town with a Mountaintop Party

When Sean from Team Dream found out what the route was for this year’s Tour of California stop in LA, he began scheming about how we could welcome the race with a KOM party… The thing about partying on top of a mountain is it takes a bit of planning. Sure, you could pull a grill, a cooler and food up a 5,500′ climb in a Bob Trailer but you’d end up being too pooped to party at the end of it. This left Sean with a decent plan: he’d shuttle his VW van, dubbed “the Brick” up to the top of Upper Big T at HWY 2, filled with all the necessary goods to throw down one hell of a hangout on the course. We’d wait for the peloton, grill hot dogs, drink beer and when the race came through, erupt with unrivaled support for the racers. Sounds like a good time, right?

As I was herding people from Golden Saddle, Sean was shuttling his van up to the KOM, barely arriving back to South Pasadena in time to begin the group ride. We went up Highway 2, one of the most scenic road rides in California. All 40 of us. With bikepacking bags loaded with food, water and camera equipment, I took off with the group on my rigid 29’r and sneakers. Believe me, doing a “road ride” on a loaded down MTB isn’t all that fun, but I was stoked to see Adam doing the same… and yeah, it made for some playful jibs along the way.

Check out the story in the Gallery!

Radar

Frankie Andreu and the Cub House

Yesterday before our group ride to watch the Amgen Tour of California, Frankie Andreu rolled through the Cub House to talk to Sean of Team Dream / Ringtail / The Cub House about riding in the Los Angeles area.

Radar

The ATOC Stage 02 Highlights

Stage two of the Amgen Tour of California fell in our literal backyard, taking place in the Angeles National Forest and finishing in Santa Clarita. The Peloton battled Highway 2, Big T and every incline of the day with prowess and panache. Unfortunately, our party didn’t make this highlight feed, but don’t worry, coverage from that is on the way tomorrow!

Los Angeles Always Parties!

Radar

Los Angeles Always Parties!

… when the Amgen Tour of California comes through town. Thanks to everyone that came out to the GSC / TDT / RAD ride up the 2 this morning and thanks to Amgen for bringing this race through some of the most scenic roads in California! Expect a full write-up soon!

Come Ride Up to Highway 2 and Watch the ATOC with Team Dream, GSC and the Radavist Tomorrow Morning!

Radar

Come Ride Up to Highway 2 and Watch the ATOC with Team Dream, GSC and the Radavist Tomorrow Morning!

Tomorrow morning, I’ll be leading a group ride from Golden Saddle Cyclery (1618 Lucile Ave) to the Cub House in South Pas (1412 El Centro St) at 8am. We’ll roll out and meet up with the group ride leaving the Cub House at 9:30, so be on time! From there, we’ll all ride at a chill pace up Highway 2 to Upper Big T where Sean’s VW Van is parked, loaded with goodies as we watch the Amgen Tour of California race past!

Cali is Not California™ – ATOC Cruz to San Jose

Reportage

Cali is Not California™ – ATOC Cruz to San Jose

Ever have one of those rides where a crazed redneck kicks you off “his mountain” and you end up somewhat lost, having to re-route yourself? Yeah. This was one of those rides. Not that I’m complaining. If Santa Cruz is dirt heaven, then surely the roads are worth a mention.

During the ATOC this year, a few of us got together and rode from Santa Cruz to San Jose. Leading the way was Garrett Chow on his FEA Venge. He promised a big climb, some poaching, a little dirt and heat, heat, heat. All of which were delivered. Then our route was truncated short by the above-mentioned, real king of the mountain…

60 miles and 4,000′ later and we were in San Jose, just in time to watch the last TT and drink a few beers. It’s a bummer we missed the stage, but so it goes. Check out some narrated photos in the Gallery!

Tools of the trade:
Yashica T4
Fuji Pro400H