San Bernarrdino to Palmdale - Day 5

Mileage:  69

Total Ascent:  7,623 ft of climbing

I was putting "Elevation Gain" but was told it really should be total ascent.  So just remember the last 4 days of elevation gain was my total feet of climbing.  

We started climbing as soon as we left the motel and continued climbing pretty much all day.  It was a tough day for us but we made it.  Only 5 of us actually rode the entire route.  Most of the riders were bumped up to the top of the 9 mile climb.  For the first few miles it was relatively easy and then the climb became a 10-11% grade.  So Gail and I started making small goals.  First to the speed limit sign, then to the yellow curve sign and then to the rock that jutted out and on to the 2 trees.  This really helped us get to the top.  That 40 gear in the back sure would have helped me but I was still able to conquer it with my 36 gear.

We rode for a few miles on the old historic route 66.  

I15 for about a mile but it was a little crazy as the weigh station was there and we had trucks trying to drive into that with us trying to get around it.  But we all made it safely.  

Here is one of different rock formations on our climb.

We had a wonderful descent down through the Angeles forest.  As we continued down the hill there was a beautiful view which was too vast to take a picture.  We just drank it in.

And then of course at the end of this ride we were hit with 20-25 mile headwinds for the last 20 miles.  A very challenging day.  We were happy to see our hotel room.  It was an epson salt bath night with a bowl of ice cream that Susan so thoughtfully brought to me.  Here I was basking in a hot tub eating my ice cream.  Luxury!