The Hammerin' Wheels Road Bike Club

May 22, 2010 7:00 AM. 1 attended.

Ebbets Pass! Death Ride Primer B-36

Selected By: Marsh

What is this ride posting about? Does the phrase "Closed in Winter" have some alternate meaning in this Death Ride universe? From the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway web site, "the highway reopens in the spring after snowmelt, normally by Memorial Day, but sometimes as early as April or as late as July depending on snow conditions." With the weather we've been having, the Memorial Day date is wildly optimistic.

This is another in a series of rides designed to prepare us for the Death Ride.
This will be a hard a challenge, but it is still attainable. There is no food or water along the route so bring whatever you need with you. We'll meet at the Iron Point Light Rail Station Parking lot and carpool up to the Alpine County Courthouse in Markleeville.
Carpoolers, please compensate drivers. $5.00 per hour of drive time is fair.
This route is just to the top of Ebbet's Pass and back. We'll decide to descend the other side and climb back out when we regroup at the top. That choice could easily double the mileage.

DANGER!
This ride begins at over 5000' elevation and ascends to over 8800'! This ride is for very strong climbers only!

Distance: 36 miles (out and back, 18 miles each way)
Terrain: Country Roads
Elevation Gained: 3748 ft climbing (Max. 12% grade)
Skill Level: Strong Climbing Riders
Speed: 14-16 mph on flats / slower on hills / 30+ on descents
Sweep: No, but we'll regroup at the turn-around.
Pace: As fast as possible, which is not likely to be very fast.

You can see the route and print your own cue sheet here...
http://ridewithgps.co...

We'll stop for beers afterward.

As always, helmets are required.

An RSVP is a Social Commitment. Your Hosts and Organizers go to great lengths and often personal expense to make these events fun and enjoyable for you. If you are unable to show up, please update your RSVP a minimum of 2 hours before the start time of the event.

Rob Ryerson
10 day forecast has showers on Saturday high 54. None of my weather sites give hourly detail beyond 72 hours or so. So I can't see what time of day the showers are predicted. Should have a guess by Thursday.

Posted May 16, 2010 at 7:32 PM
Rob Ryerson
Rain forecast worsened today. And the high lowered to 48. Not concerned about the cold, other than it's a general indication the precipation is more likely.

Will update tomorrow, as models get more accurate the closer we get.

Don't want to be a 'fair' weather rider, and perhaps we should be training in all potential conditions for the actual ride. But, a solid rain forecast will keep me home, and possibly re-scheduled for the following weekend.

Posted May 18, 2010 at 12:54 AM
Marsh
I have to be at the Maker Faire this day anyway. I'm all for moving the date and I would cancel in case of rain anyway. Mountainbiking rolls rain or shine. Road rides only roll in dry weather. You have to consider your competition on the road...cars.

Posted May 18, 2010 at 4:40 AM
A former member
If we do not decide to go through with the ride this weekend, the weather looks good down here so I may do the Folsom Lake Loop with a trek down to Lake Clementine added in as well.

Posted May 18, 2010 at 7:20 AM
Macgyver
Has anyone verified that SR4 to Ebbetts will be open???

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/display.php?page=sr4

Current State Route 4 Conditions
SR 4 IS CLOSED FROM EAST END OF LAKE ALPINE TO 7.2 MI WEST OF THE JCT OF SR 89 /EBBETTS PASS/ (ALPINE CO) - FOR THE WINTER - MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE

Posted May 19, 2010 at 3:02 PM
A former member
Carson Pass is always open.

Posted May 19, 2010 at 3:22 PM
Macgyver
Unless something has changed and we are no longer riding to Eddett's, the route from Markleeville to Ebbett's doesn't include Carson pass. Did I miss something?

Posted May 19, 2010 at 3:36 PM
A former member
Didnt miss anything, I'm just merely suggesting an alternative to Ebbett's with the closure described in the link you have provided. Im not completely familiar with the area, as far as how Caltrans has described the closed portions, but it sounds as though we would get a little ways into the ride and be prevented from completing the ride to the top.

Posted May 19, 2010 at 3:54 PM
Rob Ryerson
Forecast is now Snow/Showers 43/31.

I'm out. But looking for something to climb locally.

Posted May 19, 2010 at 4:19 PM
Doug L.
It looks like it is going to snow or rain up there. Don't think that it is going to be a good time to climb this weekend. I am going to pass. Sun. would be a better day-- Georgetown ride? Slieger mine? Plenty of climbing. What about going South?
http://www.modestonorthrotary.org/Lick%20Observatory%20Ri...

Posted May 19, 2010 at 6:54 PM
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