WE Ride: The Acton Loop Saturday May 17th
We want to make the most of the predicted perfect 70F riding weather with a big ride. WER will take on a classic route through the scenic western side of the San Gabriel Mountains, with spectacular climbing and descents, and a fast flattish section in the high desert between Acton and Sand Canyon. This is a route that will challenge you and leave you breathless, in more than one way :-)
The Acton Loop
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50706747
Distance: 74 miles
Elevation gain: 7,437 ft
Date: May 17
Meeting time: 7:45 am
Rolling time: 8:00 am
Starting location: Sunland Recreation Center (parking lot, street parking)
https://goo.gl/maps/H1bnBAhNu5qExYdV8
Bathrooms available at the park but may not be open yet at the start time
The ride will begin at the Sunland Recreation Center and climb the Big Tujunga Canyon and Angeles National Forest Hwy for the first 24 miles (with two shorter descents) all the way to Mill Creek Summit (4900 ft altitude). This challenging section is followed by an almost heavenly (if there is no headwind…) and scenic 27-mile long descent towards Sand Canyon Road, interrupted only by our rest stop at Acton Park. The next climb to Bear Divide, and the following descent, is rather gentle, but you should save some energy for the last shorter, steeper ascent to Dillon Divide before a fun descent down Little Tujunga Canyon to Foothill Boulevard that will take you back to the start.
Regroup/Rest Stops:
Mile 18: Monte Cristo Fire Station (Left side), water available
Mile 24: Mill Creek Summit (Right side), bathroom available
Mile 36: Acton Park, water + bathroom
Mile 52: Sand Canyon Shopping Center Lunch
Mile 60: Bear Divide
There is no food and little cell service available en route until we get to Acton, so make sure you carry enough food and water with you. You don't want to bonk and have to face the last climb at Little T.
If you are like me (Wylie) and think this might be a bit more than you want to bite off in one ride, there are some good spots to break off and make a smaller loop. Two good break off points are Angels Forest Highway (36 mile 3800 ft) or Upper Big T (56 miles 6000 ft). Please let Lou or I know if you do not plan to do the full Acton Loop.