Comments for Tour de Foothills

Comment on What to expect at this years ride by Josey

Josey — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:48:06 +0000

Ferakin awesome event!! Im glad I did it even in the rain. The rest stops were the best I have ever seen in any ride I have ever done and that is a lot!!! The event Staff and Volunteers were amazing, it was like the VIP treatment!!!! You guys were awesome and should be proud of yourselves!!! Thanks again and looking forward to next year!!!
+1

Comment on What to expect at this years ride by Juan A

Juan A — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 02:36:37 +0000

This was my first TdF and I’m already looking forward to next year’s event. Thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors’ who put on a great event! Rest stops were awesome with plenty of support and refreshments…Hot soup on a rainy cold day hit the spot at the 1st stop.

Comment on Rider Review by admin

admin — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 01:18:18 +0000

Matt- Thanks for your suggestions. We are currently working on and planning next years ride and are already discussing many of the things you mentioned and will add your other notes to our list. We want the tour de foothills to be great and will always continue to improve. Hope to see you next year!

Comment on Rider Review by Matt Muehlbauer

Matt Muehlbauer — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:31:38 +0000

Done a few events this year throughout SOCAL. First time for Foothills, did L’Etape in May, how I found about your Fall ride.

Pros: GMR, Baldy Road sections/elevation (main draw here). Staff very helpful. Post ride food very very good. Great job on dealing with weather, heaters, keeping positive. I’ll be probably be back.

Recommend: Extend the route to go all way up to Baldy Village either via GMR on the first leg or as part of the second leg climb, and thus have less heavy traffic/light sections at the tail end (yes realize this is not L’Etape, but try and get us off busy roads!). You have to fix the check in: For sure, keep Saturday check-in for those who are from out of town/can’t make Friday, but if you can make Friday, you should be able to get everything in one shot. Chip timing, time the climbs, have a KOM/KQM challenge, overall time (builds the buzz/brand). Downtown Upland is a pretty nice place: Your sponsors might appreciate you more if there was dedicated area/festival atmosphere near the start finish in the city vice the Park (Riders families/friends can/will patronize business (coffee/breakfast/lunch/shopping), may also capture non-partisciapts to look at vender booths, cycling gear). Have some morning music playing, find a HS student to sign the anthem. Information Flow/Planning: Key events need to set and clear early on media (publish the route well before the day of (public roads anyhow), Friday registration locations changed mid day, swag-no swag info only came out Friday, parking – no info at other than it’s ample and near the start, did not even know start was in park until I asked Friday night).

Comment on Rider Review by Andrew

Andrew — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:21:26 +0000

My first time riding in an organized event and I had a blast even with the weather!
The setup, organizers, sponsors, caterers, support personnel, were all fantastic imho.
Will definitely ride it again and actively recruit my friends to ride with me!

Comment on Rider Review by Matt

Matt — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 01:01:44 +0000

Well managed ride. Those riders who let the weather keep them away missed out. Some comments:
1st SAG stop – not enough restroom capacity. Some port-a-lets like the 2d SAG stop would be nice so as to keep the lines moving. Hot coffee and ample amounts of food were greatly appreciated.

2d SAG stop – wish this stop had hot coffee or other hot drinks. Not a warm day, and after coming down Mt Baldy road it would have been nice to warm up a bit.

Liked this year’s route better than last year. All in all, a well run event. Will try the full Century next year.

Comment on Rest Stop Challenge by suzi

suzi — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 04:39:52 +0000

Finished the century ride. It would have been nice to have something warm before descending GMR . Hot chocolate( but only warm enough to drink fast) and heaters. Chicken noodle soup was good at thethe 2 rest stops but too hot. Burnt my tongue.
Good rest stood overall to stay hydrated and full…thanks

Comment on Riders Review The Tour by Gene

Gene — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 03:40:26 +0000

I did the metric and it was awesome but i wish there are more arrows i missed a few turns so had to pedal back but its all good the first sag was the best also glad that the rain stopped . Looking forward to next years ride hoping that you’ll include lytle creek and the glen elen area on rte 66.

Comment on What to expect at this years ride by Jason Conley

Jason Conley — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 21:47:01 +0000

Comment on riding in the rain by Brent Feller

Brent Feller — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 20:36:15 +0000

OK you riders that stayed at home missed a great ride, sure a little rain on GMR and the cold on East Fork but you missed the greatest rest stops ever. At the top of GMR was a party like you never have seen on one of these rides and after East Fork they had heaters and lots of food to warm you up.
If you don’t want to ride with the Big Dogs stay on the porch.

Comment on Rider Review by Catherine

Catherine — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 19:28:06 +0000

All in all, this is a great ride. Hey – we drive for 1/2 a day sometimes to do a ride like this, and here it’s in our own back yard! The SAG is very present. The rest stops are fantastic (one even served chicken soup and breakfast burritos!), and they’ve really worked the route so it’s a good, strong ride.
The metric is great for those wanting a moderate challenge, and the full century is fantastic for those wanting a nice hill climb with beautiful scenery.

Comment on riding in the rain by Martin Adamczyk

Martin Adamczyk — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 01:38:30 +0000

Can’t agree with you more, Xavier Torres. Everyone!!! No matter what the conditions, cycling has a risk component. Does not really matter if it is raining or not, and the risk component does not necessarity go up if it is raining. Your stats or getting hurt riding are pretty much exactly the same on a 80 degree perfect Sat weekend as on a rainy descent. Check your stats before you post undeducated comments and request route changes, when really you have no clue what your are talking about. The majority here are writing as if cycling had not risk components whatsoever, and a sunny 76.5 degree day with slight westerly breezes would guarantee a safe descent and ride. Not true whatsoever. I signed up for the century, main reason being I expect to do GMR and Baldy. Those are the main components that make this ride worth coming to. Considering it is November, and the event is “rain or shine” “no refunds” I did take into account that it might rain, and I am prepared for that. WHY ARE WE EVEN DISCUSSING ROUTE CHANGES OR REFUNDS!!!!????? If you do not want to ride, you have the choice of staying at home and watching college football.

Comment on riding in the rain by Xavier Torres

Xavier Torres — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:34:36 +0000

Wow! A lot excuses for backing out. This ride and all others are challenges. That is why we do them. I hope we don’t always stay off our bikes just because it is raining and there will be car traffic. You can always slow down on GMR and avoid competitive packs.

Comment on riding in the rain by Hector

Hector — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:48:53 +0000

From my experience cycling in the rain is only for experienced
Cyclist . It takes a lot of determination , I rode in the rain last weekend and everything gets wet , now riding at 3,300 ft. Above sea level it gets colder even with the rain , my opinion is if you trained really good for this ride and your a strong rider go for it , because I know if I was stronger I would do this ride rain or shine, riding in the rain will only build your confidence more and make you feel stronger . For those that think that the risk doubles yes your right but also remember that cycling is a dangerous sport and we all take risks everytime we ride , and without risks where would we be ? In conclusion please leave the rain to the real cyclist that trained properly and knows how to take risks
Good luck cyclists
Hector

Comment on riding in the rain by Ron V

Ron V — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:20:26 +0000

Was really looking forward to going up and down GMR and ACR. Have gone up and down Hwys 338, 18 and 38 during Ride Around hte Bear several times in the rain. Just SLOW down and don’t lean over, and ride lower pressures. But RATB is usually in warm weather. 40-45 degrees at 15-30 mph for 7+ hours does not sound fun. If it is raining at the start, no go for me. If I get caught out in it, oh well. The promo says rain or shine, so I don’t expect a refund, the money is for a good cause. Just hope for better weather next year, cus I will be signing up!

Comment on What time should you arrive? by admin

admin — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:56:25 +0000

Catherine- You can check in on Friday night but the goody bags won’t be available until Saturday morning

Comment on riding in the rain by admin

admin — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:48:56 +0000

Brian-As of now GMR and Mt. Baldy are still part of the Highlander Century Ride.

Comment on riding in the rain by Brian

Brian — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:44:40 +0000

Dear Admin,
If it rains Friday night and remains a 50% chance of rain on Saturday will you eliminate GMR and Mt. Baldy from the course?

Comment on What to expect at this years ride by Dave Morasse

Dave Morasse — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:22:36 +0000

Thanks to the event coordinators, sponsors, volunteers, and the participants for all the hard work that has gone into planning and training for this event. This ride will be outrageous!

Comment on What time should you arrive? by Catherine Gallagher

Catherine Gallagher — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:03:24 +0000

If we pick up stuff on Friday night do we still get the goody bag and can we avoid having to check in on Saturday morning?

Comment on riding in the rain by Oscar

Oscar — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:54:46 +0000

Never ridden in cosiderable rain so i have no opinion but just that i’ll ride it and take precautions as i go but rain or no rain iam there.

Comment on riding in the rain by Paul

Paul — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 02:49:02 +0000

wimps, geez, wait for spring time & ride in the sunshine

Comment on riding in the rain by admin

admin — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 02:06:06 +0000

Mike- Yes you can pick everything up Sat. Morning. See you there!

Comment on riding in the rain by Poco

Poco — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:14:35 +0000

It’s always, always about the money. Upland is not going to give any of it back

Comment on riding in the rain by Dan

Dan — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:39:37 +0000

I second what Roger and many others are saying. Safety is a priority. The challenge is what brought many of us to this race and why we signed up. We are all aware of the challenge but Challenging and Dangerous are not the same. (Rain) + (Cars, Open Road, Bikes, Treacherous Road). Lets not add to the Las Flores Canyon Tragedy that happened just recently. I will not be riding in the rain.

Comment on riding in the rain by mike

mike — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:18:19 +0000

Just wanted to confirm that we can pick up our bib # and check-in on Sat morning instead of Friday night.

Comment on What time should you arrive? by admin

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:21:18 +0000

Hi Ed. Registration will begin Sat. Morning at 6am. See you then!

Comment on riding in the rain by roger

roger — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 06:56:51 +0000

my girl, I and a few other friends trained hard for this ride. the idea of riding part of GMR and Baldy sounded like a very cool challenge. but there is no way any of us will be riding these roads in the rain. safety is a priority! even if route changes a large portion of this century is through city streets. car drivers have a hard enough time maneuvering their vehicles in rain alone. throwing bike riders into the mix is just asking for trouble. refunds should be made available to those concerned more about their safety rather than checking off another century from their list.

Comment on riding in the rain by Dan

Dan — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 06:11:46 +0000

The GMR-Eastfork route is what makes this century stand apart from the others. Those riders that take risks down the backside of GMR in the rain would have taken risks in dry weather as well. This isn’t baseball, we don’t quit when it gets wet.

Comment on riding in the rain by Anthony

Anthony — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:42:21 +0000

The lure of this year’s century was to be able to ride up GMR and part of Baldy. If that part of the century was removed, then I and many other cyclists would be very bummed out. TDF becomes just another ordinary tour

Comment on What time should you arrive? by Ed Bneson

Ed Bneson — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:53:30 +0000

Can I register for the ride sat morning or is it closed?

Comment on riding in the rain by Don

Don — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:00:55 +0000

Screw it, I’m riding!

Comment on What time should you arrive? by Robert M

Robert M — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:08:13 +0000

We have no problem riding in the rain and with BRRR weather, we will deal with it. But with downhill, any suggestions?

Comment on riding in the rain by Suzi

Suzi — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:26:07 +0000

I feel better now. I though I was being a wimp for not wanting to ride GMT in the rain.

Comment on riding in the rain by Eric

Eric — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 03:42:17 +0000

I think I’ll let this one go. Not too crazy. My safety is worth more than the $70 registration fee. Very dangerous descent in the rain

Comment on riding in the rain by Don

Don — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 02:52:31 +0000

I’m sure that it’s a HUGE undertaking to put an event like this together, but it would be an absolute catastrophe if the rain and steep descent caused even one rider a serious injury. I love to ride, and I’ve been looking forward to this Century in particular, but this is starting to sound a little absurd. I may just have to eat the registration fee and look for another Century that makes more sense.

Comment on riding in the rain by admin

admin — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:34:37 +0000

Gerry- You are absolutely correct. We want everyone to be safe on the ride. Depending on the weather we will have an alternate route that doesn’t include GMR.

Comment on riding in the rain by Gerry

Gerry — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:47:30 +0000

I think everybody’s concern is pretty legitimate. Organizers should really be concerned of the safety of their riders. I know we ride rain or shine but coming down GMR at over 30 miles per hour on a wet & slippery road would be a disaster and no gear can prepare u for that nor prevent it. I maybe riding easy but the person next to me might not. Refund? Re-schedule? Just wanna ride and get home to my family in one piece.

Comment on What time should you arrive? by admin

admin — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:45:28 +0000

The Highlander Century and The Metric Century start at 7AM. The Half Metric Century will start at 9AM. The route sheets will be handed out the day of the ride and there will be multiple outs if there is too much rain or any snow. We want all riders to be safe. A reminder that the rest stops will have cover, and heaters.

Comment on riding in the rain by Brian

Brian — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:40:30 +0000

I came down the fork road in pouring rain last year, and while I made it down safely, can’t say it was much fun. Not sure I would do it again.

Comment on riding in the rain by Brian Mueller

Brian Mueller — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:39:21 +0000

A wet 47 degrees at 20+mph. Can you say namonia?

Comment on What time should you arrive? by Bert Dubois

Bert Dubois — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:31:28 +0000

Do all 3 rides start at the same time?

Comment on riding in the rain by Montana

Montana — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 03:52:19 +0000

Is there anyway to receive a refund?

Comment on riding in the rain by Brenda

Brenda — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:31:19 +0000

I have to second all those concerns for desending down GMR, I have ridden that area often and a wet, steep, twising road, sounds like there will be a great potential to slide out on the corners…that area is well known for the cars and motorcycles driving fast!
For tandum riders it seems the risks are doubled.

Comment on riding in the rain by Anthony

Anthony — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:32:21 +0000

Brings extra pairs of socks and install those splash guards! I’m also concerned about the descent from GMR.

Comment on riding in the rain by Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:28:13 +0000

Say what ” if it isnt raiining we aint training

Comment on riding in the rain by admin

admin — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:21:31 +0000

Great advise for riding in the rain. Hope to see you there.

Comment on riding in the rain by Loren

Loren — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:09:30 +0000

Just take your time and stay off the paint in the road. Depending on the force of the rain I may or may not be riding.

Comment on riding in the rain by admin

admin — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:30:19 +0000

We’re going to make sure the ride is as safe as possible. The official route will be announced the day of the ride. Hope to see you there! We’ll keep the website and facebook updated as we have more information for riders.

Comment on riding in the rain by Leo

Leo — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:58:06 +0000

The forecast calls for some drenching rains with few breaks from Friday to Sunday. Riding up the GMR & then down the really windy section to the East Fork sounds a bit suicidal to me.