The story following, is over a two day period, just for your
information, it is a journey that the first day I took solo and the
second day I rode with my brother Paul, which ended up being a bit more
difficult then expected, regardless it was a great ride both days and I
felt it after that point for at least a couple days. It is a good
feeling knowing you took on a two day challenge consisting of
remarkable climbs up difficult ascents with a rather technical
downhill. Cruising on semi slicks, made it a bit more difficult as you
will learn more about later.
To start on the first day, being the 15th of June
2008, I had been wanting to climb Old San Juan Grade Road and the
weekly commute has to much flat spaces, so I decided I was going to do
it, setting a goal to get there in good time and climb directly to the
top of the Mountain, without stopping pedaling. For me that was going
to be a first time, as usually I would take breaks as the percentage
grade is considerable, the actual number escapes me and I will solve
that as soon as I have the information available. For now we will just
say it is a difficult climb, best handled with a Mountain Bike, though
not so much as a hill that may require the granny gear or in simpler
terms the smallest gear in the front cog set.
In riding you truly exist, in the journey you grow!
The ride there as expected was uneventful, there is a few
climbs along Old Stage Road that offer an opportunity for preparation
as there are some good climbs along the route, though it is primarily
cement, or more like granite along that stretch. Along the route there
is not to many cars which is nice, not to say you should only ride
roads with little or no traffic, just that it is nice when you just
want to cruise and enjoy the ride which is really the whole objective
right? Back to the story at hand, so the ride along Old Stage was
relaxing, the weather was great, the skies were blue and it just felt
good to be pumping the pedals and traveling at your own chosen pace,
having the control over speed and the fresh air and sights to see, just
add to the experience. Continuing onward climbing a hill here and there
and a nice cruise down a hill or two I came to the beginning of the
road, whereby you go from cement to gravel, at which point you are
about a couple miles or so from the gate. That gate that opens up once
you get past it, to pristine wilderness area, with no houses and a two
lane dirt road only thing you see around you is the trees and the hills
and the route ahead. It is at this point you really get in the mode,
the climb up ahead is not to difficult, with a consistent and
persistent effort. For a first time Mountain Climber on a Mountain Bike
it may seem daunting, the key here is to realize you just keep pedaling
drop the gears and just keep spinning, you will be amazed how this
simple effort makes it so easy to climb to the top and up and over. One
other trick I use to keep my mind focused on the objective is to take
the moment to visualize the downhill that is inevitably up ahead, and
the climb you are doing now is the action that will lead to the reward
of a fast, yet technical downhill ride so look ahead even if only in
your minds eye and keep spinning you will reach the top before you know
it.
I would suggest once you reach the top to take some time to
relax, have a drink of water or just chill, because really the
objective of the ride is to enjoy it, not necessary to see it as a
competition although certainly that would make it more interesting just
as a ride you are doing for the fun of it. To extend your life, to
breathe the fresh air and to be outside feeling the sun on your body
and the warmth of muscles that are working becoming stronger with every
rotation. To also realize you are making a difference in the
environment that is so necessary with all the previous damage that has
occurred if even unintentionally. Surely in that simple action of
getting your bike out and riding that instead of driving the car the
glass is very much half full if you get my point. Besides once you are
at the top you have a phenomenal view of what is around, clear of any
developmental signs, along the climb to the top though make sure you
look down in the canyon you will see some cars that went down there
many years ago. A testimony of the times when this road, before it was
closed to through traffic, used to be a party area of times of drinking
beer and having a good time. It is to bad, that those cars dropped into
that canyon but on the other hand, it is interesting to consider there
is definitely a history to this route you are riding here and now. In
respecting it, by riding safe, not skidding you keep the trail in good
condition for the many individuals who will follow that route in the
future. There has also been immense improvement since the last time I
rode that same route close to a couple years back, at that time the
downhill was more rough because of ruts, from erosion and probably to
much skidding. Though it made it more interesting this time on the
downhill it was smooth, still a few ruts but otherwise in very good
condition. My guess is they had done a lot of improvements in that time
period, and was good to see such difference in a route once rode
before. Of course the last time that two years ago I had also rode with
my brother and he did well even with the ruts, this time was a
different story though which will be explored further later in this
article. In the simplest terms, enjoy the ride just consider that the
environment is still susceptible to damage from skidding or other
operational error.
The route itself is historically called Juan Bautista de Anza,
officially the first overland route in the Spanish Colonization of Alta
California, even if it was not necessary. In simpler terms although it
has great historical significance, when you explore it further it was
just another step in the eradication of the Indians from their lands
because they were not considered to be civilized and only seen as
savages. The actual story is a sad story, it was part in partial of a
turmoil history we each have had a part of becoming aware of through
history, even if it is slightly skewed. On a brighter note, it is
interesting to consider that you can explore the same route on a human
powered vehicle and so much more official in comparison to those who
have traveled before.
A historical route without a doubt, a part of an ever
improving journey, it is to bad that it is a history that was full of
so much pain and so much loss, in changing the people of the land to
people of the church, to force forgetting what the generations before
the church had done, to say they are each so full of sins, that unless
they convert they will burn in a never ending abyss that is this place
they call hell. The other option to reach a point where you go to a
place they call heaven where for eternity you sit and look upon this
lord. Anytime another civilization wants to change what a culture is
and has been for so many generations, the end result is rarely
pleasant. Let us continue the story, there is much to say of the
history and what has occurred but will save that for another article on
prejudice.
The journey is a pleasant one the climb a bit difficult unless
you just keep on pedaling all the way to the top, it is the downhill
that presented the challenge in the next day of riding when my brother
had joined me. For this day, Saturday the downhill was faster then I
remember because they had cleaned it up quite nicely. In a previous
ride along this same route, the downhill was made more difficult as a
result of overuse and not using proper technique, so it made it a bit
more rough which can add to the difficulty of a ride. The point being
as I visualized the downhill, I expected a different experience, so to
be on the safe side as I began the descent I pumped the brakes a bit
keeping my speed manageable. As I was traveling down the hill I found
that it was much cleaner making it also much faster, so I continued the
process down to the bottom of the hill. You must understand, that the
downhill itself is not straight down in actuality it is a series of
switchbacks and snake turns. Running semi slicks in such a
circumstance, is really looking for trouble so found it was better to
be safe then sorry, so I continued working the brakes down the hill.
Once I reached the last turn I nearly lost it but kept the bike under
control which was certainly for the better. At that time I did not
expect to have Paul along for the ride the next day though when I look
back I realize I should of informed him of the difference in the trail
in that it may of prevented what occurred the next day.
Reaching the bottom of the hill, I cruised on down the gravel
road that continues from the end of the hill, at this point I had not
eaten anything just drank a lot. Once I got down in San Juan Bautista,
decided to cruise a bit around the mission, as I saw mention of a
reenactment event going on so chose to take a look. It was an example
of what may have been the way this mission once was in the early days,
made it interesting so I took some time there. Traveled over near the
sanctuary and there was an overlook that mentioned about what may have
been the Highway 101 of the day that took them cross the country in
this objective of civilizing a culture that was different, that was not
them. Again I digress but it bothers me how these people were treated
when the parishioners first arrived. It was unique to realize, that the
highway we know today, was once simply a dirt road going north through
Alta California or so it was called according to the information there.
Relaxed there for a bit, pondering how it would be if I rode that route
myself, via bike, if it even went all the way in this day and age.
Seems it certainly would be an amazing excursion, though it will
require further research before I can say that definitively, although
my current research does mention that as a possibilitie.It is a worthy
journey of any traveler.
After relaxing there for a bit, I was about to head back home
following the same route that got me there when I came across a turn
off that headed towards Fremont Peak Park, adding an additional 22
miles to the route had I followed it all the way down. I wish I would
of now but I did cover seven or eight miles worth, cruising through
some nice areas with some straight forward descents and ascents, past a
quarter horse ranch and saw some of the houses following that down
further. Eventually my stomach reminded me that I was getting hungry,
so decided to turn back and climb the hill from the other side and
descend the other angle. Did a lot more stopping the second time up,
though I probably could of done the same and pedaled to the top, at
least then I would have the opportunity to reach the descent faster.
Things fall how they will and I enjoyed the ride back up quite
immensely and the downhill was a nice change, though it seemed the
winds objective was to slow me down particularly in the downhill, this
was later in the afternoon, so that could have been a big part of that.
I rode on, fought hard, and beat the wind on the downhill. Once I
reached the bottom of the hill, the wind continued it's relentless
assault on my forward progress, but I just kept pedaling as that often
seems to be the main thing when riding, against a head wind. Thinking
about it sometimes that is the best kind of workout, because to get
through it and to keep pace requires, you keep your rotations up,
keeping that constant you continue moving forward even if slower then
you would like.
Old Stage Road, is always a lot of fun, through ranch land and
past many farms, considering Salinas is the salad bowl, you can just
about count on that. So up and over some hills along some flatland and
the journey progressed. It truly can be amazing sometimes, how fast
things go by, before I knew it I was already pulling up to the gate
that entered into the complex I live in, feeling good and being proud
of fulfilling the goals of the day, dropped the gears and just pedaled
it out slow. I have found that often it is good to have a cool down
lap, so dropping the gears is one way to make that happen, and it makes
for a nice variation of a journey. Upon arrival at home I brought my
bike inside it was time to eat. After dinner started speaking with my
brother about the ride that day, and messing around as he always does
he starts saying that ride was weak. So instead of taking offense, I
said “If it is that weak, then why don't you join me in the same ride
tomorrow, and we will see how weak it is.” He Agreed and that ended the
first day.
The next day begin early, one thing I found out about the day
previous that it was better to get going early, less likely to hit to
much wind when you start out early. Even after some grumbling and
stumbling, a good breakfast we prepared for the trail. I was just going
to carry my rack pack, as I was not carrying much, while my brother,
has a rack but no bags. So to solve that I hooked him up with one of my
panniers, as I figured may as well test it on a rougher trail, and he
could carry some of his crap in it. Hooked him up and secured it, we
made lunch, I learned from the day before that it was probably better
to have some kind of food to keep the blood flowing strong. Seeing as
you are the engine when you are on a bike, you want to make sure there
enough fuel and it doesn't cost five dollars to the gallon. :) Prepped
the fuel and packed it all up and the ride began.
In the start, I could feel the muscles recovering from the day
before, definitely was a great workout, and here I was doing it all
again, for the experience for the proof of the falsity of his comment,
cruising right along. First part of the journey was really pretty
straightforward, down North Main to Boronda Road, to San Juan Grade
Road, that part of the stretch is a pretty long one, but it's a nice
warm up lap for sure. San Juan Grade Road is really the way to the
truly rural areas of Salinas depending on which direction you follow,
the one we were following was the most direct connection to Old Stage
Road, following that route can be difficult unless you know where you
are going. Fortunately I did, but I do not think he knew it to well, so
it worked out. Following Old Stage Road and taking the turn that was
necessary, we ended up at the gate that was the access point to Old San
Juan Grade Road, the hill that would climb at least 7 or so miles and
then down the other side into San Juan Bautista the climb up was
uneventful I was able to repeat my performance from the day before,
climbing to the top of the hill without stopping, though I felt the
burn in my legs when I got to the top a bit later then my brother had,
only minutes really, at the summit we both decided to dismount and take
sometime. Was definitely not to easy even for him though he would not
admit it early, he eventually admitted the facts.
The most interesting thing about reaching that point, was when I looked
at my shirt it looked like I had poured water on my shirt around the
abdomen area, it was soaked. Proved that the climb was really a
workout. Instead of going directly for the downhill right after the
climb we both figured we would take some more time to recoup the
initial expenditure of energy. So we both sat awhile and talked it up,
shortly thereafter we see a hiker climbing up to the summit from the
other side and we started chatting it up, seemed to be a good guy, he
was walking his dog, and he shared some of his stories with us about
the cars in the canyon. Apparently this road was quite the party place
for sometime before they locked it out to through traffic. The only
problem here was, that so much partying eventually resulted in at least
a few cars finding there way into the canyon, not by choice. As you
walk, ride or hike up there take a look you will see at least a couple
cars readily identifiable. The fun times of the 50's and 60's along
with part of the 70's, the result of drinking and driving and just
having to much fun. Adds to the experience though of the ride in and of
itself constantly cruising and experiencing life at your own pace makes
it worthwhile.
After taking the time recouping the breath and talking with a
couple of individual hikers, we began the downhill journey, all seemed
to be going well, my speed had increased, but I kept pumping the
brakes, to be sure that I did not lose it on this fast downhill with
it's switchbacks and loose dirt, at one point I nearly lost it but
recovered quite well, did not reach any extreme of fishtailing, which
could of resulted in some meetings with the dirt that was unplanned.
That is likely to result with some, road rash and some blood loss but
not much. Once I recovered I continued the downhill, I lost sight of my
brother because I was so far ahead at this point. Once I came out the
gate, I realized he was taking a bit to long and I was beginning the
ascent when I see him riding on down, once he reached me I could tell
he had that meeting I mentioned earlier, albeit unplanned. Apparently
up the hill a bit on or about the last switchback to the straight ride
to the gate,he had lost it. From his story he explained it to me, that
the momentum went the wrong way and he was trying to go another way.
The end result, was he went down on his left side and got a bit tore
up.
Overall View
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Just One Hand
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Closeup
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To damn High to Mention
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He came out well enough to ride with me into San Juan Bautista
where we stopped at the Windmill Market, pulling out my Medical Kit,
had a chance to clean him up and took a look at his bike to make sure
he was doing good. The worst damage I saw, was the seat looked like it
got tweaked out as the nose was angled down, not to exciting in that
sense but a relatively easy fix. It was pretty straightforward, and to
make it more interesting upon arrival two Sheriff's were just taking
lunch, and being a friendly sort, I initiated some conversation,
talking more about the trip and the trail as well as the crash. Paul
went inside and looked for some medical stuff, apparently they did not
have any, so I ended up going in myself and talking with one of the
clerks, a cute little latina, and just asked if they had some
Anti-Bacterial Cleaning wipes they did not though she asked me to “Wait
her just a minute.” While I waited I stretched out some and looked
around. I did find they had, a wall of medical stuff, none of which I
needed at that moment. A few minutes later she came out with a handful
of wipes and information I was quite appreciative although I did not
expect such kindness, it is amazing to see people who really care about
cyclists, and they do all they can to insure a good experience.
To make things even more interesting when I got outside, my
brother had been speaking with the Sheriffs, and had asked about a
place nearby to get patched up. When I came out they were calling over
the radio for a medical team and an ambulance if needed, later the
ambulance was canceled as it was not necessary. A short time later, a
fire team pulled up in what looked like a CDF truck. Both came out and
moments later they were cleaning him up and patching him up. The whole
proceeding maybe took all of a few minutes, and by the time they were
done they had done an outstanding job, though I would have to say, he
was patched up so well it made it near impossible to make the ride back
with all the bandages and things they put on him. At that point we
decided to chill and have a bite to eat, on the wonderful standby that
is Peanut Butter& Jelly Sandwiches, and Paul had picked up some
drinks so that made it a bit nicer. Being a rather frugal person
sometimes I had brought tea bags and was sipping on water and added
some tea over lunch. We sat there and chatted it up for a bit,
exploring what may of happened and how it happened and just regular
every day stuff. After a good meal we sat and relaxed some more before
we took the trip to the Mission San Juan Bautista.to enjoy a bit of
history.
The day before they had a Old Days Of San Juan Bautista, kind
of like a trip back in time to the way the mission was in the early
days, they had folks in full costume of a bygone Victorian era. They
had a actual Old Stage, Wagon that was once the main mode of transport
from the East to the West following the Oregon Trail and who knows how
many other experiences. At the time I did not take much time just rode
about the place and looked at the sights, there was also a benefit
going on so at a local barbecue pit, had a line going out the door and
nearly around the back. Besides the extensive collection of motorcycles
along the downtown area, so added a bit more to the experience. All in
all I did not take much time exploring what was setup but had hoped to
see it going through Sunday, though apparently it was only Friday &
Saturday because the next day we arrived, only saw a few things that
were just packing up and heading out. Really did not take to much time,
around there. Partly because he was feeling some pain from his surface
wounds and the initial plan of traveling from the Mission down along
the road towards Fremont Peak, ended up being delayed to another time.
After checking out a few sights we ended up going a back route around
and back to the main road, as San Juan
Bautista is just right across Highway 156 and the road that
connects back to the Juan Bautista De Anza Historical Trail, and the
hill we had just climbed early that day and descended before the
accident.
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It was definitely a
nice ride with some great climbing and growth focus which made the day
even more interesting. The route itself is pretty straightforward,
simple process of getting where you need to go, and by bike, to use the
Human Powered Vehicle For the Ride. It works on so many levels it is
amazing, you know an ongoing process and a definite journey by bike.It is in
the simpleness of it, you truly find out how much more enjoyable it can
be by doing not just watching others do.
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Short as it may of been, at the very least the ride there was
enjoyable and on a brighter side, Paul learned a valuable lesson, in
technique, and fast downhill. I also learned more then a few things for
example I should probably stock up my first aid kits with more then
just thoughts. Preparing for the worst while expecting the best, it
goes something like that. The good thing is also that it did not stop
him riding, he took it as a lesson and is back on his regular cycle
commute. He rides just as a vehicle would and I am glad to hear
that he has received more then a few appreciative thoughts, of drivers
because he was predictable and made the experience of driving safer for
all those users of the road. On the downhill he pumped the brakes and
came out well, caught up with me and we chatted a bit as the journey
itself of that day, and the life experience gained from both the action
and the opportunity to speak with people outside of the home to see
another persepective and learning something new, as each person has
different experience and a unique perspective on life as we each live
it.
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