South Mountain summit at sunrise from the final mile
This morning, Cruz and I got up really early to get in a training ride on South Mountain. Cruz had never driven up South Mountain let alone pedaled up the mountain on a bicycle... So, today was a first for Cruz.
Cruz and I are among approximately 50 cyclists participating in the Baby Dragon 180 Ride in California. The Baby Dragon 180 Ride supports the mental health, crystal meth addiction recovery, and LGBTQ homeless youth programs of the LA Gay and Lesbian Center. I've kept up my training since AIDS LifeCycle, getting in around 2-4 rides a week... Most of them on South Mountain. Cruz only purchased a bicycle a few short weeks ago, but he's taken to it quite well!
Cruz climbing the last half mile with the sun rising on the horizon
Cruz did an excellent job on the mountain today! Not that I ever doubted him. He kept a good pace on the climb and didn't look like he wanted to kill me at the summit. He even kept up as we both sped back down the mountain together - often one of the scariest parts for newer cyclists. I clocked us at a maximum speed of 39 mph... But don't tell the ranger.
All in all, we had a great ride! 16 miles and over 1,500 total feet of climb. Cruz conquered South Mountain for the first time, we both got in a good training ride, and we both got to go about the rest of our day with the satisfaction of having done something pretty amazing before most people we know were even out of bed.
No rider's first summit on South Mountain with me goes without a victory photo! Here's Cruz and me at the top of South Mountain showing off a little...
Cruz is still raising money for the Baby Dragon 180 Ride! If you would like to sponsor him, check out his fundraising site at http://www.lagaycenter.org/site/TR/Events/BabyDragon180Ride?pxfid=3580&fr_id=1160&pg=fund today!
And, per Peter Geissler's request... The elevation profile from this morning!
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