3/23/12 Up and down Montezuma Grade

[jgspin]

Montezuma Grade from Borrego Springs. About 12 miles to the store at the top. Nice clear day warm at the bottom but there was a 10-15 degree drop from around mile 6. Here are some pics.

http://s420.photobucket.com/albums/p...203%2023%2012/

[mso]

We spend a month in Borrego every Feb/March and Montezumas is one of our favorite rides. The climb is beautiful and the views are spectatular. Thanks for sharing your pics!

[Ken Robb]

how fast do you go on the way down?

[maxn]

very cool! I used to drive out there all the time when I was in grad school. Borrego and environs are such a beautiful area -- particularly in the spring

[thinpin]

Nice. All that open space and no trees.
I like my trees, hides the road ahead on the steep stuff. Did you descend or drive down () Your comment on the touring trikes suggest you drove down it.

[jgspin]

Originally Posted by Ken Robb

how fast do you go on the way down?

About 45 mph but I was sitting up and braking to slow down cause I was holding the camera. I tried uploading the video that showed my speed but it was too big and was slow so I cancelled the upload. When the curves came I put the camera in my pocket to get more control of the bike. Plus it was windy so I didn't want to risk it. If I had the cojones I could easily have done 50+.

[jgspin]

Originally Posted by thinpin

Nice. All that open space and no trees.
I like my trees, hides the road ahead on the step stuff. Did you descend or drive down () Your comment on the touring trikes suggest you drove down it.

Yes we drove down, parked and rode up and rode back down. If we had more time we would have done a loop around to Teofilo summit with a 13 mile descent to Scissors Crossing. Here I can do 48+ without a tailwind and it is relatively straight so I can tuck all the way to the stop sign at the bottom. My bigger friends go 50+ regularly. There is nowhere to hide from the sun on Montezuma, so on a hot day make sure you have sunblock or coolers.

[Bikingbob]

Several years ago I was touring across the desert and had to make an ascent up Montezuma Grade with winds blowing in excess of 60 miles an hour. When I came around on bend the wind actually was pushing back down the hill. That's what I call a steep grade and a strong wind.

[bobswire]

Originally Posted by jgspin

About 45 mph but I was sitting up and braking to slow down cause I was holding the camera. I tried uploading the video that showed my speed but it was too big and was slow so I cancelled the upload. When the curves came I put the camera in my pocket to get more control of the bike. Plus it was windy so I didn't want to risk it. If I had the cojones I could easily have done 50+.

Thanks for doing that ride on my birthday since I was stuck painting my bathroom. Nice, would love to do that ride.

[Dan Le foot]

Originally Posted by Ken Robb

how fast do you go on the way down?

KEN.
I do about 20-22 mph. Gotta change out my brake pads at the bottom.

Dan

[tiretrax]

Looks like I need to go to the desert next winter. Is that Death Valley?

[Ken Robb]

Originally Posted by Dan Le foot

KEN.
I do about 20-22 mph. Gotta change out my brake pads at the bottom.

Dan

Gee, I didn't know you were so conservative-----I can get 46-47mph down La Jolla Shores Drive if traffic permits and I'm being stupid. I think those days are behind me. I know Montezuma Grade as a fun Ducati road and it must be really tempting to let her rip on the descent. OTOH I don't corner at more than 65mph on a motorcycle because so many of the curves are through cuts which limit vision and allow rocks to roll onto the road at any time. I might be tempted to approach motorcycle speeds on a bike. Or maybe I'm smarter than that.

OH, here's a thought. Descend it on my Strada Bianca (fabulous descending bike) wearing my motorcycle leathers and helmet. Hmmmmm.

[Gummee]

I had clients out in Borrego Springs. Went up and down that lots on both a MC and in my truck.

Never have ridden it on a bicycle.

M