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Rim
of the World Ride September 11, 2005 Valley Bikenight recognizes that on this day four years ago many lives were lost; we hope our strength to stay strong can help and we wish all our heartfelt best. As our way of "living life as we normally would", Valley Bikenight took the day to ride. The entire day! It was a beautiful ride starting in Sunland, through Big Tujunga, through Angeles Forest, out to Lake Arrowhead, along the Rim of the World, around Lake Big Bear and finally ending in Redlands. Exactly 200 miles of a perfect mix of tight, technical turns and long sweepers... on a perfect road! Members that went on the ride: Falco, Waxer, Netridah, JigxerJay, Radburn, Bikerchef and motofabio (duh!).
An absolutely trouble free ride. The roads were so nice that we all kept a good pace - even a few newer riders. Up Big Tujunga's wonderful, large sweepers. Through Angeles Crest's relaxing atmosphere. And back down to the 15 through the little villages. We did get passed by a group that -wow- let's just say they were movin'! I've never seen a naked bike drag peg at that speed... crazy! At the spot when we crossed the 15 freeway we stopped to gas up and for a snack. A few of the riders broke off and went home. It's too bad they missed the most spectacular views that Rim of the World offers. I heard they had a little bad luck on the way home too. See what happens when you break off early?! Ha ha, I kid because I love. After the first break, we moved on through the 138's red pavement section. The tight, technical, 10 mph turns lasted long enough to be fun, but not tiring before we got back onto a more relaxing road style. As we climbed the mountain, the views got more and more spectacular - at one turnout we made a quick stop to snap photos. We decided to ride through Crestline and stop in Running Springs for lunch. Along the way we found the Rim of the World High School. Their empty, newly paved parking lot offered us a great photo op and some fun, low speed "practicing". We stopped for lunch at Neo's Pizza House. It wasn't that bad, but I think next time we'll try another spot - like the coffee house across the street. One more little break on the bridge that crosses Big Bear Lake and it was on to Redlands through big downhill sweepers. We need a video camera for the next time. Gassed up and hit the freeway for a long 100 mile ride home - yes, it was worth it! If you missed this ride, there is another group doing it again on the 25th. I believe they are going from Redlands to Sunland, but it's such a great loop - I strongly recommend this ride for anyone who truely loves to ride. Set a day aside and just do it. Especially now when the weather isn't too hot or cold. -Fabio
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