Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Fighters React to Nick Diaz's Positive Drug Test

Palomar, shalomar

That is Palomar? You call that a mountain? ha. meh. piece of cake...

Star-divide

Park, suit up, check tires, put warm clothes, food, and Asian midget into my backpack (just kidding, she was actually native American), hop on bike and pedal.... steep road... ouch.... pedal, pedal, pant, pant, pant... sweat, sweat, drink, eat, drink, eat...  what? I'm only half way? seriously?... ok, time to concentrate... pedal, pedal, pedal... elevation 3000 feet sign! victory is mine!... wait, I thought this mountain was only 3000 feet tall? It's 5000 feet tall? oh... crap... pedal, pedal, drink, wave at the fans, try to catch football thrown by drunken tifosi while pedaling uphill riding with no hands on a 7% grade... SUCCESS!... now try to throw football back to drunken tifosi... uh, not much of a ball sports guy really... ahem... pedal, pedal... take some pictures... smile at the fans... is that snow? why yes, that is snow... ride over some yellow Lance chalk... more Lance chalk... and still more Lance chalk... finally, a Jens! sign and a Flanders flag... turn a corner, look up the mountain and see many switchback still ahead... grit teeth, dig deep, attack!... not really... pedal, pedal, drink, eat, pedal, wave, sweat... elevation 4000 feet sign... guy wearing huge afro wig... cars parked everywhere... crowd getting thicker... weaving in and out of spectators... is that guy wearing green sequined hot pants? Why yes he is (is that Sui? Nope. Sui's hair was longer)... see antler guy, giant elf, a mexican wrestler, a viking, the pope?... pedal... reach KOM... pedal a little more to the true summit.... stop... deep breath... tweet my acomplishment (5329 ft. 11.4 miles. Avg speed 7.1 mph. 1:35 total ride time from base).. feel generally studly until someone tells me that they pros will do it in 45 minutes easy.... grab a $2 coffee, then a $3 beer, put on warm clothing and pick a spot to await the madness...

Thanks to Nikki, I had an idea that there was a break off the front with Jens! attacking from the peloton, but not much more. We could see the riders a mile and a few hundred feet in elevation below, and they were up to us in no time. Jens! was in front with his Jens!-will-hurt-you face on, with Levi close behind. The enormous crowd was going absolutely batshit nuts, screaming, hollering... The crazy fans running by, motos, team cars, cowbells, and pandemonium. It was totally fucking awesome. Some of the riders had pain faces like I have never seen. True suffering. Very impressive stuff. It was all a blur as to who and when, but I did notice that Fast Freddie was Last Freddie that day. But he was doing it. Chapeau... Once the broom wagon passed, I hoped on my bike and joined a few hundred other people for the descent. That was sweet. In no time I was back down at the intersection of highway 76 and East Grade Road waiting for the race. 10 minutes or so later, they came flying by with someone from Rock Racing off the front. But no Freddie. I still haven't watched the race, so I have no idea what happened really, except for who won, but it was still fun, fun, fun to see in person.

After attending multiple finishes of the ToC over the past few years, seeing numerous starts, one TT, three prologues, the inside of several VIP tents, the phtog scrum, and a whole lot more, standing on that mountain top, 50 meters from the KOM, after having rode up there using my own two legs? Now that was hands down the best of all... by a freaking mile. Jimbo's advice is that if you ever get the chance to watch a big climb, go for it. Do not hesitate.I can only imagine what Alpe d'Huez is like. Wow...

Here are some photos and one short video...

Comment 63 comments  |  1 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Comments

Display:

Excellent.

Well done.

"....Up Sestriere on a rental clunker in jeans and loafers? Brother, lemme buy you a beer."

by Rolls on Feb 24, 2009 8:59 AM EST reply actions  

Awesome Report

LOL on those three dressed up guys.

by roadside on Feb 24, 2009 9:05 AM EST reply actions  

Fun stuff Jimbo!

Your reporting and tweets were a blast this week! It was great meeting you! The VIP beers were great, dinner was delicious, and the party a great time! Make sure to thank the wifey for letting you come out and play for us!

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Feb 24, 2009 11:14 AM EST reply actions  

great report

and the photos are well worth the scan !!

(I sense the suffering was the best part)

formerly known as cyclingchallenge

by Willj on Feb 24, 2009 11:20 AM EST reply actions  

Seeing the riders suffering

was very impressive. And my suffering was fun too, though I have to admit that it was not that bad of a climb at the pace I was going. And all the distractions made it very tolerable. But I was glad when it was done I must admit…

The Dude will have a White Russian...

by Jimbo... on Feb 24, 2009 12:58 PM EST up reply actions  

Palomar info

I just found this site with some info about the Palomar climb comparing it to the Alpe. Interesting…

The Dude will have a White Russian...

by Jimbo... on Feb 24, 2009 2:52 PM EST up reply actions  

thx for link

interesting ……

formerly known as cyclingchallenge

by Willj on Feb 26, 2009 6:12 PM EST up reply actions  

Sonny Jim,

How far is Palomar from Solvang? If it’s not terribly far I’d love to ride it with you in 2010. (Yes, the Drewd has recieved permission to go and is already planning his assault on the Brown Bear state. You have been warned).

And if it’s not logistically possible, SSmith assures me there are some tremendous climbs just a few miles outside of Solvang, so maybe we can wreck ourselves there as an alternative.

Riders note – I am 6’3" and 180lbs. Not, repeat, not a climber. But I can suffer for 90 minutes with the best of them.

"I didn't look for him and I didn't see him. If you base your race on another rider, most of the time you lose."

Tom Boonen

by Drew Davis on Feb 24, 2009 12:30 PM EST reply actions  

Solvang to Palomar is a 4-5 hour drive

defintely needs a transfer. SSmiths back road into Solvang secret helped Nikki and I get into town very easily, so much thanks to him. Although we had our doubts as we first turned off the highway.

"...The mind has to rule the body and tell the body, shut up and do what I tell you to do..." Jens!

by Clydesdale on Feb 24, 2009 12:33 PM EST up reply actions  

Just like he anticipated :-)

Well there you go Jimbo – we’re climbing around Solvang.

I can’t be too far from the beer…or the hot pot…..or the wings…..or the enchiladas. You can see where this is going.

"I didn't look for him and I didn't see him. If you base your race on another rider, most of the time you lose."

Tom Boonen

by Drew Davis on Feb 24, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions  

We will ride them all

I have a feeling that there will be a mountain top finish on Palomar next year. The road up is pretty wide actually and there is plenty of space up there for them to park all of the necessary finish line crap. So plan on climbing it. And you get to carry the midget this time.

The Dude will have a White Russian...

by Jimbo... on Feb 24, 2009 12:42 PM EST up reply actions  

I'm working on getting a Kitchen Pass approved

by itsmrswells for Cali next year. Initial negotiations have begun and so far, she’s been receptive. I gotta treat this situation with care cuz I’ll also need to finagle a new gruppo out of the deal (I ain’t traveling w/out my bike).

by swells on Feb 24, 2009 12:50 PM EST up reply actions  

Flowers are good too, especially unlooked for.

"I didn't look for him and I didn't see him. If you base your race on another rider, most of the time you lose."

Tom Boonen

by Drew Davis on Feb 24, 2009 12:53 PM EST up reply actions  

A night with out kids.

Quiet, romantic, relaxing. You could treat her to a spa day too. Start now. The more the better I say. :-)

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Feb 24, 2009 12:56 PM EST up reply actions  

Was that the line you used?

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Feb 24, 2009 12:57 PM EST up reply actions  

That line is sure to work

He’ll end up sporting Lynn’s eye.

"I didn't look for him and I didn't see him. If you base your race on another rider, most of the time you lose."

Tom Boonen

by Drew Davis on Feb 24, 2009 1:03 PM EST up reply actions  

This is our concern, Dude.

Boonen's a shark... choking on Livestrong chalk and FAIL. Go Cav!

by crashdan on Feb 24, 2009 1:29 PM EST up reply actions  

I've been helping Chris's

sorry ass up hills for years, the midget should be a relief.

"I didn't look for him and I didn't see him. If you base your race on another rider, most of the time you lose."

Tom Boonen

by Drew Davis on Feb 24, 2009 12:54 PM EST up reply actions  

Oh SNAP!

Boonen's a shark... choking on Livestrong chalk and FAIL. Go Cav!

by crashdan on Feb 24, 2009 1:29 PM EST up reply actions  

And these are Mr. Lebowski's children.

"I didn't look for him and I didn't see him. If you base your race on another rider, most of the time you lose."

Tom Boonen

by Drew Davis on Feb 24, 2009 1:35 PM EST up reply actions  

Different mothers?

far out man

The Dude will have a White Russian...

by Jimbo... on Feb 24, 2009 1:39 PM EST up reply actions  

He's pretty liberal that way

"I didn't look for him and I didn't see him. If you base your race on another rider, most of the time you lose."

Tom Boonen

by Drew Davis on Feb 24, 2009 1:45 PM EST up reply actions  

It's all a part of your sick Cynthia thing, man.

Boonen's a shark... choking on Livestrong chalk and FAIL. Go Cav!

by crashdan on Feb 24, 2009 1:48 PM EST up reply actions  

What are you talking about?

I didn’t rent Dan a fucking bike, he’s not drinking your fucking beer, and he’s not sleeping in your fucking bed.

"I didn't look for him and I didn't see him. If you base your race on another rider, most of the time you lose."

Tom Boonen

by Drew Davis on Feb 24, 2009 1:55 PM EST up reply actions  

I told those fucks down at the league office a thousand times...

… that I don’t ride on Shabbos!

Boonen's a shark... choking on Livestrong chalk and FAIL. Go Cav!

by crashdan on Feb 24, 2009 2:02 PM EST up reply actions  

Next year the meat is being shipped for sure.

This year no one wanted to claim it with traveling but next year, beer, brats, and burgers!

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Feb 24, 2009 12:53 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, we need some of those Hamgrenades for Saturday morning

"I didn't look for him and I didn't see him. If you base your race on another rider, most of the time you lose."

Tom Boonen

by Drew Davis on Feb 24, 2009 12:55 PM EST up reply actions  

See you guys really do need me at the house. Really.

I can cook while you guys go for your rides. And really, wouldn’t it be nice to have someone around to pick up after you, cook, clean, giggle. I’m so there for you guys.

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Feb 24, 2009 12:58 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, we both laughed and were like, oh yeah, he did say "trust me."

Great little road though. I could see why cyclists were everywhere. Some shade offerings in the summer heat, some nice scenery, little rollers, and a small climb or two. On the one, it would’ve been nice for a heads up sign that we were about to do a twisting down 90 degree switch. :-) Huge thanks for the short cut. Litterally took us into down town Solvang. We kept wondering if one of the riders on the road was SSmith. I have no idea what he looks like and I was like, well his pic is of a banana. A minute or two later we see riders in birght yellow jackets. Clydesdale comments on that we’re getting closer to finding him in that bunch. ha ha. :-)

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Feb 24, 2009 12:39 PM EST up reply actions  

He's little and he climbs like a scalded monkey

"I didn't look for him and I didn't see him. If you base your race on another rider, most of the time you lose."

Tom Boonen

by Drew Davis on Feb 24, 2009 12:55 PM EST up reply actions  

He'd have to confirm if he was out on that road.

We saw a lot of riders on it. One even decided he wanted the whole road.

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Feb 24, 2009 1:03 PM EST up reply actions  

Party on Palomar?

Perhaps we need to do a group assault on Palomar if they use it next year. Supah fun.

And yes, Drew, there are pretty much climbs everywhere around here. Cali = oh so hilly.

by Jen See on Feb 24, 2009 1:27 PM EST up reply actions  

I've always pictured it as

Nebraska, but with an ocean. I gotta get out more.

Any chance of luring you into climbing with us? I can promise Jimbo will set pace all the way up.

"I didn't look for him and I didn't see him. If you base your race on another rider, most of the time you lose."

Tom Boonen

by Drew Davis on Feb 24, 2009 1:36 PM EST up reply actions  

Gav will crush us all

not kidding

The Dude will have a White Russian...

by Jimbo... on Feb 24, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions  

the truth you have spoken, jedi

I don’t even bother, I just let her go. After all I know where the rides end…

by Christopher See on Feb 24, 2009 2:37 PM EST up reply actions  

In our case it will be

at an ice cold keg of beer.

"I didn't look for him and I didn't see him. If you base your race on another rider, most of the time you lose."

Tom Boonen

by Drew Davis on Feb 24, 2009 3:16 PM EST up reply actions  

mmm, this sounds so excellent

is it next year yet? how much longer?

by Jen See on Feb 24, 2009 3:59 PM EST up reply actions  

Can't we just get through boring old

April and July and skip right to January 2010?

"I didn't look for him and I didn't see him. If you base your race on another rider, most of the time you lose."

Tom Boonen

by Drew Davis on Feb 24, 2009 7:09 PM EST up reply actions  

We tried the keg thing...

… the only kegs available in the Solvang area were at an Albertson’s super market… and all they had was full kegs of Bud Light. No pony kegs of… well… anything else.

Guess I know what’s going in the back of the pickup truck in 2010.

Boonen's a shark... choking on Livestrong chalk and FAIL. Go Cav!

by crashdan on Feb 24, 2009 7:41 PM EST up reply actions  

A pony keg of Boddingtons, I'll wager

"I didn't look for him and I didn't see him. If you base your race on another rider, most of the time you lose."

Tom Boonen

by Drew Davis on Feb 24, 2009 10:01 PM EST up reply actions  

Is it wrong to make your Oatmeal with Boddingtons?

I mean, that’s incestuous right?

Boonen's a shark... choking on Livestrong chalk and FAIL. Go Cav!

by crashdan on Feb 25, 2009 1:54 PM EST up reply actions  

Has to be a better option than this...

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Feb 25, 2009 2:45 PM EST up reply actions  

Yep...

… just threw up a little into the back of my throat.

Boonen's a shark... choking on Livestrong chalk and FAIL. Go Cav!

by crashdan on Feb 25, 2009 6:23 PM EST up reply actions  

LOL, yes

You definitely need to get out more :-)

I’m in. So much trouble we could cause.

And you know, you could come to Cali and ride bikes before next year ;-)

by Jen See on Feb 24, 2009 1:57 PM EST up reply actions  

yeah, I'm working on that

SSmith has been nagging me to come out so he can pedal away laughing at me.

"I didn't look for him and I didn't see him. If you base your race on another rider, most of the time you lose."

Tom Boonen

by Drew Davis on Feb 24, 2009 2:25 PM EST up reply actions  

killer :-)

it would be oh-so-wrong if you missed the party :-)

by Jen See on Feb 25, 2009 4:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Jimbo

a few other videos here from Palomar including the dressed up guy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46yK5vewMic

and Cav bringing up the rear
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JQy2opY8Bg

by roadside on Feb 24, 2009 3:15 PM EST reply actions  

And one more

Can you count how many times that cop says “MOVE”? \o/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icwtZ—ysq4&NR=1

by roadside on Feb 24, 2009 3:44 PM EST up reply actions  

Cool

I was about 50 meters down the hill from that last one. No cops down there.

The Dude will have a White Russian...

by Jimbo... on Feb 24, 2009 5:07 PM EST up reply actions  

Cav! I knew there was a reason he's on my VDS....

…and believe it or not his climbing skills are lending me confidence (that he might win other sprint jerseys, that is).

by Ed K on Feb 24, 2009 8:52 PM EST up reply actions  

Gavia

This guy rode up Palomar with his surfboard on his bike

Fun Velo News article/pics here on the fun party on Palomar

by roadside on Feb 24, 2009 8:55 PM EST reply actions  

I saw all of those fools

they were all equally awesome

The Dude will have a White Russian...

by Jimbo... on Feb 25, 2009 12:07 AM EST up reply actions  

lol

a beach cruiser up palomar? gah. that’s core.

by Jen See on Feb 25, 2009 12:05 PM EST up reply actions  

he said it was hard..

but he’s a trackie so what’s ha know about hills?

by Christopher See on Feb 25, 2009 1:07 PM EST up reply actions  

He's done this before

But not with the surfboard, I think.

Pretty impressive.

by johnw on Feb 25, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions  

indeed

tho, one of my cruisers has a lovely small gear that I probably could ride up Palomar without too much trouble.

by Jen See on Feb 25, 2009 4:40 PM EST up reply actions  

Hey Jimbo, sorry I missed seeing you on Palomar day.

It looks like you were down about a half mile from me on 76, when the race came back around off Palomar Mt.

Your photos are fantastic! And it was fun meeting you at the PdC party in Solvang!

by Veloki on Feb 25, 2009 5:56 PM EST reply actions  

Hey Veloki

Nice meeting you as well. I was looking for Podium Cafe chalkage but missed yours on my ride up (must have been the oxygen debt/hypoxia). Sorry I missed you. How far up the Palomar road were you?

The Dude will have a White Russian...

by Jimbo... on Feb 25, 2009 6:10 PM EST up reply actions  

I did the chalking after you went up the hill I'm sure.

I only walked up to the first big switchback on South Grade Road. Next year I’ll have to arrive earlier to go higher up. Looks like total mayhem up there!

by Veloki on Feb 25, 2009 6:36 PM EST up reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Every sprint, every cobble, every mountain pass from the world of Pro Cycling

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

White_unicorn_160_x_160_small
Need help picking your FSA Directeur Sportif team? Ask the unicorns!
Small
FSA DS for Dummies
Javino_small
Five Newbies to Watch for 2012
Bike_flag_small
I'm the best f******g sprinter in the world
Torre_small
Project PdC Runway - the new kit edition (+poll)
Pdc_5a_small
PdC’s Trivia Monday Quiz #14
White_unicorn_160_x_160_small
Happy Hour Over Here
Small
[Techs Mechs] Darn Tough Socks: Hammer in Style
Rocky_small
The day before "the decision": What are you hoping for?
Dauphine_liberee_08_small
Hoogstraten CX - LIVE!

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Recommended FanShots

Another Cancer Survivor

Recent FanShots

This is funny on so many levels. [Html should open bigger]
New 2012 World Tour stage race in China
Interesting interview with Cancellara
TRANSFORMERS...!!!
scientific american article on plasticizer testing
Pippo out until T-A
‘How to pee’ for women
Ullrich banned, stripped of post 5/2005 results
Matthews vs Nordhaug
If some says rider X has great bike handling skills, show him this clip.*

*(Especially if X is Peter Sagan.)

+ New FanShot All FanShots >


Editors

30102_394659898780_714513780_3911404_852720_n_small Chris Fontecchio

Espresso_cup_small Jen See