Endurance

It’s hard to believe that March is here already. With longer days and warmer temperatures, it is time to start plotting long rides with your buddies or exploring new and challenging routes.

If you are one of those riders who think the CSRs are too short, then the PAA Endurance Team is here for you! The Quarterly Endurance Ride (QER) that we started last year will become the Endurance Team Ride (ETR) this year, which will occur approximately once every 2 months. The ETRs are largely self-supported rides with longer routes that take us to places that are less frequently ridden by many of us.

The first ETR took us to the Santa Monica Mountains on a route we called the “Santa Monica Barbells.” Starting from Calabasas, the route took us through two scenic loops up and down the mountains, connected with the famous stretch of Mulholland Hwy known as the “Snake” that was still closed for cars but open to bicycles. We had about 25 riders at the start and enjoyed a sunny, warm January day with temperatures reaching 70F. The descents were a little more exciting than usual with strong gusty winds at some spots. The Santa Monica mountain roads were such a treat - the punchy climbs, the twisty descents, and the canyon and ocean views are hard to beat! 

The second ETR is coming up in a few weeks on March 24, 2024. We plan to tackle a longtime club favorite on the west side of the San Gabriel Mountains, “The Acton Loop”, which connects the Big Tujunga with Little Tujunga with an awesome descent on Aliso Canyon Rd from Mill Creek Summit to Acton. You don’t want to miss it! Please be on the lookout for the forum announcement and registration information soon!

The rest of the ETRs include Wrightwood, Ventura-Santa Barbara Century, and other routes that will surely bring a smile to your face and pain to your legs during the ride!