The Orange County Wheelmen (OCW)

1. First time Riders should start at first light
2. Experienced Riders will know but we reccomend to start by 7:00 am

RIDE DESCRIPTION

In the pre-dawn dark of Sylvan Park in Redlands you will be greeted by a sleepy band of volunteers who will help you through the registration process. Behind them you will see more volunteers already unloading the supplies and equipment for the post ride meal you will receive. Early birds will see the Ryder trucks loaded with food, water, and tables, heading out to set up the 4 rest stops that will help you finish the challenge you are about to meet.

As you roll out from the park enjoy the few miles of flat peddling through the semi rural outskirts of town. Expect 10 miles of warm-up before you turn right on Highway 330  and encounter 15 miles of serious climbing to a wide spot in the road for Rest Stop 1. Take a moment to cross the street and enjoy the great view. Don’t burn yourself out on this climb because there is more to come! The road will be open to traffic and the CHP will be patrolling to protect your safety. They do require that you ride in single file because the roads are winding and narrow.

The next segment is up and down, (mostly up) through Running Springs to Rest Stop 2 at the entrance to the Snow Valley Ski Resort. Enjoy the fresh mountain air as you munch on the fruit and goodies being offered. Now it’s time to head on up around Big Bear Lake to Lunch at Dana Point Park. Sandwiches, fruit and cookies will fuel you for the final stretch of climbing. Eight miles from Onyx Summit (8600’+) starts the toughest climb of the Ride. It is 8 miles of constant up. Once you have reached the Summit there are a few more hills to climb but there are some also down hills to the final Rest Stop at Angeles Oaks. Heading out from this final stop you will be rewarded with 40 miles of glorious nonstop downhill. It is very important to ride safely and be aware of traffic while being tempted to fly down the hill.

Meanwhile, back at the Park, the volunteers have iced down barrels of soft drinks, prepared platters of fruit and cookies, and barbecued some juicy burgers with all the trimmings for your return. Now that you have finished one of the 10 toughest Centuries in the US, grab a plate and drink, find a bench, and enjoy swapping stories with your fellow riders in the shade of the park’s stately old trees.

Don't forget to visit Dee for a welcome message to soothe those aching muscles that have seen the test of a lifetime.  You will find her in the park near the Park Benches.

CYCLIST MAGAZINE REVIEW in 1987

One of the all time great centuries. There is little more satisfying than cruising nearly 40 miles down the 7000- foot descent from Onyx Summit to Redlands. Not to mention the OCW feast at the end of the ride. This is a glorious ride but there is a little matter of climbing to Running Springs at 6030 feet. Big Bear Lake at 6750 feet and to Onyx Summit at 8443 feet to start with. This ride has been rated "One of the top ten most difficult centuries in the country" as stated by Cyclist Magazine in 1987 and California Cyclist in 1988 and is
NOT for Beginners.

We have secured a totaly new timing system that is now owned by the Club.  We are set for timing this year.  The timing serves 2 purposes.  ONE - for your total elapsed time on the course and TWO - to help us in determining that all riders are off the course.  Please come by the timing area located at the west end of E Street along the south side of Sylvan park.  Look for the railroad tracks.