Pasadena Montrose Ride--how difficult?

soupless · #1 03-22-2019, 05:41 PM

Hey what's up Paceline?

Thinking about doing the world famous Montrose ride in the Pasadena area tomorrow. I know it's fast, but I'm wondering just how fast and if there's enough people that one can kinda hide in the pack and hang on.

Anybody going to be there tomorrow?

CDM · #2 03-22-2019, 05:47 PM

I ve done it many times while here for work. It is fast. Never had a problem with the ride. Dont expect anyone to be friendly. Very snooty crowd...

soupless · #3 03-22-2019, 05:54 PM

Looks like there's a 7:45, 8 and 8:30 with the 8 am being a "tempo" ride. Maybe that's the one for me.

parco · #4 03-23-2019, 11:24 AM

I used to do this ride when I lived in LA. The key is knowing the sprint zones. If you know those and you can hang you should be able to say with the group, if not you may get squirted out the back. If the traffic lights are in your favor, you may be able to catch back up. There is an "in" crowd and if you're not part of that group I'd advise that you don't try to ride near the front unless you're really strong.

kitsnob · #5 03-23-2019, 06:34 PM

Since this week's ride is over, next weekend, start with the 8am ride leaving Traders Joes on Mission St close to Orange Grove.
Plenty of free on street parking.
Ride splits @ Gladstone with some "going long" Long version has more "stable riders" (ie: less squirrels).
Only way to know if you can hang is to try it. Bring your phone so you can navigate back to your car if you get dropped/lost/have a mechanical.
Montrose is a DROP ride ….
Good luck and have fun.
BTW .. Been doing Montrose for the past 6 years!
Come join the fun.

pasadena · #6 03-23-2019, 10:09 PM

Montrose is a fun group ride
There can easily be over 100 riders in each group sometimes, so it's a mixed bag of skills but most play it safe.

A lot of friendly people, and a lot of regulars that know each other.

If you want to learn the route and sure not to get dropped, do the 7:45

8:30 short is balls out, if the Cat 1-2 guys show up.
8/8:30 long is my usual route and it's a great course with great guys.
Taylor Phinney and Phil Gaimon have been out in the off season in years past, though it's probably just a fun tempo ride for them.

I always say that route would make such a great road race course- will never happen, but you can pretend it does every saturday