57.3 miles, 4:01 moving time, 3,823 elevation. Cold, Colder, and Hot.

The PTC ride to Cogswell Dam started in Sierra Madre, on a cool 45F winter morning, with a promise of a warm day 80F. We rode over to Duarte’s Encanto Park and picked up a few more riders. Then, we rode up the San Gabriel River Trail to the end, and proceeded up Azusa Canyon. There were tons of riders out this morning. PAA (Pasadena Athletic Assoc) had a supported ride up to Cogswell, so we saw them all along the ride. We also saw Jeff and Richie fly past us, and wave. We regrouped at the Cogswell gate. After the gate, the rode is closed to auto traffic, as it winds along a scenic creek with trees and rocks. Beautiful. In the shadow of the canyon, it got colder 50F and colder 40F, as we continued on the slow grade up the mountain. The final incline is noticeably steeper 15%. We gathered on the top of the dam and it was lovely 65F and scenic up there. The descent was cool. By the time we reached Sierra Madre it was mid 80F. Iced coffee at Starbucks.

Top of Cogswell Dam: Mike, Gregg, Lynda, Sven, GT, Bob, Alvin, Bill, Kirk, Bjoern, Anton, Ryan, (and Joe). Peter, Tiffany already descended.