BajaNomad - The Baja Observatory Challenge

The Baja Observatory Challenge

BajaGeoff - 3-20-2013 at 02:45 PM

For all of you cycling enthusiasts...

The Baja Observatory Challenge has been established and the Baja Bound crew will be tackling the mountain very soon. This is not an organized event on any specific date as much as it is an open ended invitation for bike riders to attempt this intense ride and post up their results via GPS. Every recorded finisher will get a snazzy Baja Observatory Challenge t-shirt! More information will be posted soon....

Bajaboy - 3-20-2013 at 03:06 PM

Sweet!

Ateo - 3-20-2013 at 03:14 PM

Sounds like fun. I'd love to do a downhill on a skateboard from the top.

Bajaboy - 3-20-2013 at 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
13,000 feet?
Observatory is at 9,200' and the tallest peak in Baja, a few miles to the southeast (Picacho del Diablo, and other names), is just over 10,100 feet.

Net gain....yes, 13,000 ft.

BajaGeoff - 3-20-2013 at 03:24 PM

Not so fast DK....the road to the top does not just go up, up, up all the way...you climb, drop down, climb again, drop down...repeat. The net result via GPS readings makes the total climb well over 13,000 feet...

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
13,000 feet?
Observatory is at 9,200' and the tallest peak in Baja, a few miles to the southeast (Picacho del Diablo, and other names), is just over 10,100 feet.

BajaGeoff - 3-20-2013 at 03:42 PM

Whatever you want to call it...it's going to be a lot of work!

David K - 3-20-2013 at 03:49 PM

Yes indeed... it should be a great event... Maybe some business for Astro Baja, as well?

Ron_Perry - 3-20-2013 at 03:53 PM

What about a date? Any guesses? If this info was given to cycling clubs up and down California, I believe hundreds would enter.
It is a GREAT challenge! More info ASAP. Thanks, Ron

BajaGeoff - 3-20-2013 at 04:06 PM

Hello Ron,

We are not setting it up as a specific event....it's just a ride that people can do on their own time, track with GPS and then share their results with other riders that have done it. We'll have the website and info posted soon.

We are going to start in the afternoon at the highway turnoff and ride to Meling Ranch on the first day, then Meling to the top on the second day.

I'll be shooting video by the way...only bike ride that I do is the Rosarito to Ensenada!

mtgoat666 - 3-20-2013 at 04:12 PM

a few years ago on a trip to SPM i passed 60 or 70 bicyclists riding from hwy 1 up to the plateau. it was a mexican club, with members ranging from newbies to fit cyclists,... i guesstimated that about 50% got rides from sag wagon to make it up the last big elev gain ending at the forest station. they must have had 1 sag wagon for every 4 cyclists, but were not camping in park, apparently went home after reaching park

that elev gain is for fit, experienced cyclists, the elev gain will kick most people before they even get close to the park entrance

it's a great area for riding, park is really pretty, roads are great, traffic is very light.

Ateo - 3-20-2013 at 05:38 PM

Hey Geoff,

Great graphic BTW.

That is one hell of a bike ride.

David K - 3-20-2013 at 05:53 PM

The condor is cool!

Ron_Perry - 3-20-2013 at 09:18 PM

Baja Geoff, is it all asphalt? Looks like some loose, rocky asphalt. Has anyone done this yet? Camping up top? What are the temps at 9500 feet? Any food up top? Good water? I think the challenge for many riders would be to summit it in one day.
Yep, the condor is...cool. I saw 6 condors at Pinnacles National Monument about 2 months ago....what a treat. Keep us posted, Ron

David K - 3-20-2013 at 10:30 PM

Until Geoff gets back on for his take, here is some info:

All 100 kms. paved, except for patch work after washouts. The camping area is lower than the telescopes... closer to 8,000'... Good spring water tap just off the highway at Los Manzanos RV park entrance, just outside park entrance station. No food service to tourists that I have heard of. ?

nandopedal - 3-21-2013 at 06:57 AM

End of May, Memorial day weekend, I am willing to give it a try if I can find somebody to come along I will supply vehicle just need driver for the day of the "assault".
@ Goat, Yes I have been invited in the past, once a year there is a ride up by a bunch of people from TJ.
@ Zac, maybe we can talk Tracy into driving? :tumble:

BajaGeoff - 3-21-2013 at 11:25 AM

Hank from Baja Bound has already done the climb from Rancho Meling to the top. The road is in great shape as DK said...just some areas affected after bad weather. Campgrounds are beautiful in the park, but it is going to be way too cold right now to stay up there. Our crew will return to Meling after they finish the ride. Shirts are all done!

mtgoat666 - 3-21-2013 at 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGeoff
Hank from Baja Bound has already done the climb from Rancho Meling to the top. The road is in great shape as DK said...just some areas affected after bad weather. Campgrounds are beautiful in the park, but it is going to be way too cold right now to stay up there. Our crew will return to Meling after they finish the ride. Shirts are all done!

camped there several times in april, it's not bad temperature. the nights get quite cool, but firewood is abundant so easy to stay toasty warm. and when sun comes up you build a fire for bfast, then days warm to 60s pretty quickly as soon as sun comes out.

good thing about camping in april is the weekend crowds usually are not there yet. in warmer weather the campground gets noisy on weekends. but camping spots are far apart so noise is usually acceptable

for people that dont like camping, there are some cabins you can stay at inside the park. booking info (tele # in ensenada) is available thru the SPM park facebook page

BajaGeoff - 3-21-2013 at 12:57 PM

Excellent info mtgoat!

Geoff

bajaguy - 3-21-2013 at 01:02 PM

See your u2u

bajabound2005 - 3-21-2013 at 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by nandopedal
End of May, Memorial day weekend, I am willing to give it a try if I can find somebody to come along I will supply vehicle just need driver for the day of the "assault".
@ Goat, Yes I have been invited in the past, once a year there is a ride up by a bunch of people from TJ.
@ Zac, maybe we can talk Tracy into driving? :tumble:

I'm in!

bajabound2005 - 3-21-2013 at 10:49 PM

bump bump bump...who is going with me and when are we doing it?

Ron_Perry - 3-22-2013 at 06:02 AM

I'm interested, but I have a million questions. I was planning on a month or more trip down camping, with kayak, surf board, fishing gear, mt. bike, freediving gear. Now my 19 year old daughter want to go...her 7 trip down. She gets out of school about June 10th.
But I could leave earlier if the weather would be better, late April or early May. Sounds like a support team is a must.
David K., do you have the time for a map? I love....all Baja maps! Any other Nomads interested? Ron

nandopedal - 3-22-2013 at 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabound2005
bump bump bump...who is going with me and when are we doing it?

Like I said before I am willing to give it a go the weekend of Memorial day, I have been up there on those dates and usually is a great time of the year weather wise, I see that you are in Punta Banda? I will take off of work on the 24th Friday, could pick you up or meet in Ensenada? Any body else in for that weekend? The more the bigger the bonfire!

when to go?

bajabound2005 - 3-22-2013 at 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by nandopedal

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabound2005
bump bump bump...who is going with me and when are we doing it?

May 25 i am already committed to another ride, El Paseo Rural from El Porvenir to La Mision. but i could do sunday/monday. and yes i can pick you up. i think i could put together a chase vehicle

David K - 3-22-2013 at 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ron_Perry
I'm interested, but I have a million questions. I was planning on a month or more trip down camping, with kayak, surf board, fishing gear, mt. bike, freediving gear. Now my 19 year old daughter want to go...her 7 trip down. She gets out of school about June 10th.
But I could leave earlier if the weather would be better, late April or early May. Sounds like a support team is a must.
David K., do you have the time for a map? I love....all Baja maps! Any other Nomads interested? Ron

To start, here's one I drew on my first trip up to the observatory (from Mike's Sky Rancho via Meling's Ranch)... when I was 15, in 1972 and added notes in '74 after I returned for the first SCORE Baja race:

Here is a more recent AAA map, followed by a closer image of the observatory road, all paved since the map was made:

nandopedal - 3-22-2013 at 08:23 AM

Quote:

bump bump bump...who is going with me and when are we doing it?

May 25 i am already committed to another ride, El Paseo Rural from El Porvenir to La Mision. but i could do sunday/monday. and yes i can pick you up. i think i could put together a chase vehicle

Thanks for the response and I will keep you in mind for Sun. and Mon., meantime I will check with my compadres to see if I can get some interest because my idea is for sure four days (Driving from SD) if you know what I mean.

BajaGeoff - 3-25-2013 at 11:45 AM

Cool! Glad you guys are going to put another ride together!

We went down over the weekend and did the ride. The weather was perfect, the road was in great shape and the stay at Meling Ranch was excellent. Photos and video will be posted soon. Hank is going to get all of his GPS information uploaded, and then we will get the official ride page set up so anyone that does the challenge can post their results.

BajaGeoff - 3-25-2013 at 03:22 PM

Here are the pages on Strava that show the GPS maps, time and elevation for the ride we did on Friday and Saturday:

Friday - Highway turnoff to Meling Ranch

Saturday - Meling Ranch to Park Entrance

Saturday - Park Entrance to Observatory

[Edited on 3-25-2013 by BajaGeoff]

nandopedal - 3-26-2013 at 06:55 AM

Thanks a lot Geoff, it is fun to see a bicycling event going on in the nomad community (right up my alley) hopefully I'll do it on memorial day wknd, can't wait, mean time I am out of the house tomorrow for some 14 days of Baja time, 3 JK's loaded with kayaks and mountain bikes coming your way!........andale muchacho!

elgatoloco - 3-26-2013 at 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGeoff
Here are the pages on Strava that show the GPS maps, time and elevation for the ride we did on Friday and Saturday:

Friday - Highway turnoff to Meling Ranch

Saturday - Meling Ranch to Park Entrance

Saturday - Park Entrance to Observatory

[Edited on 3-25-2013 by BajaGeoff]

That's quite a profile! I know I could do this in near record time..............top to bottom. I think I will start training by riding the 7 miles from my house to Pizza Port in OB. :saint:

Bajaboy - 3-26-2013 at 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by elgatoloco

Quote:

That's quite a profile! I know I could do this in near record time..............top to bottom. I think I will start training by riding the 7 miles from my house to Pizza Port in OB. :saint:

I often recover after a long workout with a pitcher of Jetty IPA and a large pie :spingrin:

elgatoloco - 3-26-2013 at 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

Quote:

Originally posted by elgatoloco

Quote:

That's quite a profile! I know I could do this in near record time..............top to bottom. I think I will start training by riding the 7 miles from my house to Pizza Port in OB. :saint:

I often recover after a long workout with a pitcher of Jetty IPA and a large pie :spingrin:

I've gotten a glimpse of one of your workouts. Mine are worthy of a pint and a slice. Mostly due to fact of having to ride back home and what not. :lol:

BajaGeoff - 3-26-2013 at 04:08 PM

Jajajajaja!

BajaGeoff - 4-17-2013 at 01:07 PM

Here is the video I put together:

mtgoat666 - 4-17-2013 at 04:15 PM

that road has some hors categorie climbs! anybody toss their cookies? did you award KOM jersey?

David K - 4-17-2013 at 04:45 PM

Nice! :cool:

BajaGeoff - 4-17-2013 at 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666
that road has some hors categorie climbs! anybody toss their cookies? did you award KOM jersey?

Nobody tossed their cookies, but Luke had to throw the towel in once he reached the entrance to the national park....15KM short of the goal. Hank was first up to the top and his prize was a t-shirt and a Tecate!

bajadock - 4-17-2013 at 05:03 PM

T-shirt AND Tecate? That is a very nice prize combo.

THANKS for the video and the challenge, Geoff and Hank. Nice editing. Looks like the horses were offering a ride up. CHEERS.

Inspiring ride!

Whale-ista - 4-18-2013 at 07:12 AM

Thanks for inspiring video! What a beautiful ride.

And great to see my friends Cassie and Refugio supporting your efforts. How did you recruit them?

Lori

Ateo - 4-18-2013 at 08:14 AM

I can't even imagine riding up that road, maybe down, but not up!!

Thanks for posting the video. Trying to watch it but it's a slow go on the crappy wifi I'm currently on.

Ron_Perry - 4-22-2013 at 08:13 PM

Anybody up for this ride...or support for me for a one day trip up? Spend the nite up top. I will be heading down for about a 6 week camping trip to the East Cape in early May.
I have a Dodge van loaded with kayak, surf, fish, dive, mt. bike and camping gear, but I could stuff one more person with me. Start at first lite, go on energy management, no Tecate at the top....cold Pacifico! Let me know, Ron

BajaGeoff - 4-22-2013 at 09:27 PM

Hey Lori....three of the four riders were Cassie's kids!

Quote:

Originally posted by Whale-ista
Thanks for inspiring video! What a beautiful ride.

And great to see my friends Cassie and Refugio supporting your efforts. How did you recruit them?

Lori

Bajaboy - 4-22-2013 at 09:47 PM

Quote:

Fernando, good chance we are headed down for Memorial Weekend....not sure I will ride but might try and run much of it. Tracy is doing Rock and Roll marathon the following weekend. Let me/us know if you plan on heading down. We can coordinate.

nandopedal - 4-23-2013 at 06:54 AM

Thanks for letting me know Zac, I know I am the one that had mention that date in the first place but looks like things may change for me, just got a last minute invite for that same weekend but to do Picacho, I should find out in the next couple of days if it's a go, I'll keep you posted.

Bajatripper - 4-23-2013 at 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
13,000 feet?
Observatory is at 9,200' and the tallest peak in Baja, a few miles to the southeast (Picacho del Diablo, and other names), is just over 10,100 feet.

Net gain....yes, 13,000 ft.

As long as we're being factual, my odometer showed it to be over 70 miles out to the Observatory, but perhaps it's in error.

Bajatripper - 4-23-2013 at 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ateo
Sounds like fun. I'd love to do a downhill on a skateboard from the top.

Fun doesn't come to mind to me for that run. More like one intense thigh burn after another for a whole bunch of hours.

But I do agree the return trip would be a blast.

BajaGeoff - 4-23-2013 at 01:46 PM

It is exactly 100 kilometers from the turnoff to the observatory....or just over 62 miles.

David K - 4-23-2013 at 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajatripper

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
13,000 feet?
Observatory is at 9,200' and the tallest peak in Baja, a few miles to the southeast (Picacho del Diablo, and other names), is just over 10,100 feet.

Net gain....yes, 13,000 ft.

As long as we're being factual, my odometer showed it to be over 70 miles out to the Observatory, but perhaps it's in error.

We don't let facts get in the way of a good story do we? Well, some of us do!! LOL

As I see Geoff replied, I also recall seeing the 100 km. marker near the end of the road, up there at 9,280 feet. The AAA map has it about 62 miles, as well. I still don't get the '13,000 foot gain' deal, but I guess if you keep adding the gains in elevation and don't subtract any downhill sections (dropping into the Meling Ranch valley and dropping into Vallecitos past the ranger station)... ??? I just hope they have fun and don't become food for the condors up there!!! :light:

2002maniac - 4-23-2013 at 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ron_Perry
Anybody up for this ride...or support for me for a one day trip up? Spend the nite up top. I will be heading down for about a 6 week camping trip to the East Cape in early May.

Ron, what day are you thinking? I am going to be camping in between San Felipe and Loreto May 5-11. I wasn't planning on bringing a bike (I'm still not sure I could fit one) but checking out those strava files makes me want to do it!

I would be willing to summit in one day. I'm a glutton for punishment.

Bajaboy - 4-23-2013 at 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajatripper

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
13,000 feet?
Observatory is at 9,200' and the tallest peak in Baja, a few miles to the southeast (Picacho del Diablo, and other names), is just over 10,100 feet.

Net gain....yes, 13,000 ft.

As long as we're being factual, my odometer showed it to be over 70 miles out to the Observatory, but perhaps it's in error.

David, you got it. It's just like you don't measure the distance to the Observatory "as the crow flies"....total climbing or gain is what is the total elevation gain.

Elevation Gain

J.P. - 4-23-2013 at 08:08 PM

Elivation Gain is taken from Sea level isnt it

Bajaboy - 4-23-2013 at 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by J.P.
Elivation Gain is taken from Sea level isnt it

depends on where you start...might also depend on context....for example, I'm doing a 50 mile race on the PCT next month...total gain of 7500 ft.....it's an out and back course. Cycling is the same format.

BajaGeoff - 4-24-2013 at 10:13 AM

Here is an example: If you start a point-to-point ride at sea level, climb 500 feet, descend 300 and then climb another 500, you will be 700 feet above sea level, but you will have climbed a total of 1000 feet.

Ron_Perry - 4-29-2013 at 10:11 PM

2002maniac, check your U2U.

Elevation gain...You DO NOT START AT SEA LEVEL. Start at any elevation.

example 1: start at 5000 ft...and ride up to 6000ft...with zero elevation drop equals...1000ft gain

example 2: start at 5000ft...and ride to 6000ft... while losing a total of 200ft...equals...1200ft elevation gain.
hope this helps.

Looking to do this ride 5/10 or 5/11, Ron

bajabound2005 - 5-20-2013 at 06:51 PM

hey cyclists...here is another great ride (that i just did this past weekend for the 3rd time)
a very excellent experience!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cruzando-la-Baja-MTB/270923606...

Bajaboy - 5-20-2013 at 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabound2005
hey cyclists...here is another great ride (that i just did this past weekend for the 3rd time)
a very excellent experience!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cruzando-la-Baja-MTB/270923606...

that looks like a sweet ride...more details please?

David K - 5-20-2013 at 10:22 PM

I have heard about it before... Zac, just go to the Facebook link and scroll down to see the online book on it... across Baja via San Borja. Very cool.

Bajaboy - 5-21-2013 at 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I have heard about it before... Zac, just go to the Facebook link and scroll down to see the online book on it... across Baja via San Borja. Very cool.

David, I watched the video...really cool. But I wanted to hear a first-hand account of the ride. Thanks for the help, though.