Mar 26 - Dancing with Malibu

I looked at the weekend weather forecast and got a little disappointed because it indicated possible rain on Sunday morning. On wet Sundays, VeloViets will either ride short routes or exchange riding stories while sipping milk coffee at a local cafe. But I had been off the saddle for a while so I was in the mood to ride. Besides, I badly need to get my legs into condition for the upcoming GMR battle. Fortunately, Luke, The Beast, sent out an invitation to VV members to join him and his co-workers for a Saturday ride in Malibu. To be honest, I wasn’t enthusiastic at first because he proposed two routes, a 10,000’ and 6,000’ elevation gainer. It’s not completely outrageous but I haven’t been on a decent ride for weeks so I know even the shorter route would still be a challenge for me. Initially I brushed the idea aside and hope for a clear Sunday but somehow I couldn’t get the thought of dancing with Malibu out of my mind. Finally succumbing to her allure, I cleared my Saturday schedule and informed Luke that I will join him, a decision I’m glad I made.

Luke, Al, Tom and I arrived at the rendezvous point around 7am. Malibu greeted us with her mesmerizing silhouette covered by thin layer of morning fog. The morning air was crisp and fresh. I took a deep breath and was thankful for being healthy and standing on this beautiful ground.

We briefly exchanged pleasantries and got our bikes and gear ready. We then went over the riding plan with Luke doing the longer route while the rest doing the shorter one and to meet back at the parking lot for a short break before embarking on the second half. We nodded in agreement, pointed our bikes toward the first loop and headed east on Mulholland.

We warmed up on the tree lined road for four to five miles with near flat to 2 to 7% gradient. After a few minutes, Luke gradually cranked up the output and quickly disappeared into the distance. The three of us then turned onto Stunt Road and the path slowly meandered upward. We got off our saddles, took Malibu’s hand and began to dance. We danced and danced to the tunes of various gradients with some exceeding 10%. We were so enthralled with the dances that we missed a turn and sped downhill for a few miles. After realizing our mistake, we started to retrace uphill. Beat by beat we again moving with the music and the song seems to last forever.

We finally got back on course, at which time the tempo changed from a slow Tango to a fast Waltz. Ahead the road began to unveil a downward slope. In the distance it can be seen winding downward toward the fog covered valley below. Lowered to the drops, we tucked into aero position and let ourselves go with the music. Immersing ourselves in the sound of rushing air, the hissing of the hubs, the subtle grinding of the brakes, we leaned and weaved with the melody. For about five miles we lose ourselves and rode like the wind toward the valley below.

View of the valley below

A side view from a descend

The road eventually leveled off breaking us out of the trance. We turned into Cold Canyon Road and headed toward Mulholland. On here we met up with Luke who had circled back after completing his longer loop, went back to the car and didn’t see anyone. Cold Canyon was a series of moderate rolling hills. As we got close to Mulholland, she suddenly rose upward and offered a 14% to 15% gradient. Without missing a beat, we accepted the invitation, got off our saddle and again began to dance.

Reaching Mulholland, we turned left and raced back toward our cars for a water and nutrition break. By now I can start to feel the slight soreness from the lactic acid build up on my quads. I need to preserve some energy for an event later that afternoon so I informed the other riders that I will only join them for part of the next forty miles. After adequately refueled, we headed west on Mulholland toward Malibu Lake and the peak beyond.

Luke leading the pack toward the summit

The ride to the summit was a gradual climb ranging from flat to 9 to 10%. We rode together for a little while but the hills began to separate us. Luke and Al, heeding the call of Malibu at the peak, steadily raised their tempo and gradually disappeared into the meandering path. Excited by Malibu’s beauty and being back on the saddle, I cranked a little harder looking to feel the pain on my quads and hamstrings. The exertion eventually took its toll on my legs, not only did I feel the pain but I also began to experience occasional cramps, especially when dancing out of the saddle. Near the top of the peak I had to settle for just slow dances. By now, the other riders were out of site. Seeing a lookout point, I veered off for a quick refuel before turning around. As soon as I came to a complete stop, my thighs immediately stiffen up and felt like columns of lead. Reaching my soft limit, I acquiesced to head back and save the rest of the route for next time. Just before leaving, I ran into Luke who had turned back to check on me. I thank him for the ride, bid our good bye and headed downhill.

View from a look out point near the peak

The winding descend back to the car was very picturesque and exhilarating. Although it was not a clear day, the overall view of the lush mountain and fog covered valley was absolutely gorgeous. The route offer plenty of steady and steep ascends to work any cyclist’s quads. The descends are long and winding guarantee to satisfy one’s need for speed. What also made this route super nice was the roads were virtually empty, a cyclist heaven. VeloViet should consider adding this hidden gem to its must do list.

I felt slightly disappointed that I didn’t complete the entire route but was quite content with 44 miles and 5,700’ after being off the saddle for a while. I took in a few deep breaths, packed up, bid Malibu farewell and drove home all the while longing for the next encounter.

Meanwhile, Luke, Al and Tom continued pass the peak, turned onto Latigo Canyon and descended ten miles to Pacific Coast Highway. To make their way back, the trio retraced their path up the mountain. This is when Luke began to feel some pain in his legs. He can feel the onset of cramps but fortunately they never came and he was able to effortlessly sped back to the car. Al was next to return. Tom, running low on reserve, decided to end his ride at the Rock Store, a famous biker hangout. Luke and Al drove to meet Tom at the store where the three had lunch to cap off a rigorous ride. Looking at his Garmin, Luke nodded pleasingly at the display of 71 miles and over 10,500’ of elevation gain, a good ride indeed.