A pretty good event.  The metric option was a nice ride for a little over 3 hours.  Route was good, but I would personally have preferred more distance up the mountain.  Refreshment stops were nicely stocked.  However, I would have liked to see some refreshments availible at the finish line other than the one drink with the lunch coupon - something like the rest stops along the road at the finish line would have been great. 

Had a great time! Good support throughout the event. Nice route. Only thing I didn't like was those ugly jerseys. See you next year!

This was my second year, the 100K route was changed slightly (not going through Bonelli Park) which was actually better. Well organized, road support volunteers constantly going by and checking on you.

This years Jersey was not that good looking, I did not get one, get it redesigned for next year. See you in 2010.

This was my third TDF metric century. I found that the LA and Long Beach bike tours were no longer offering the challenge they once did so this ride is a welcome option. Good challenges, could have done with fewer traffic lights after Baldy, but I'm not mad. The route markings were on the money. Although the cookie was like food from the gods after the climb, fruit would likely be a better choice. Save the cookie for the end. The apres velo meal was better this year but still not as good as TDF '07. I will do this ride again. Thanks to the organizers for organizing this event.

What I like about the TdF:

It is in my backyard.  45 yrs of riding in Glendora and Upland I can say the organizers of this event have identified some of the best roads/routes in the area.  Providing a mix of challenging climbs for the newbies and fast paceline opportunities for the more seasoned.

The volunteers are always awesome.  This was my 4th TdF and I have always noticed how supportive the SAG people and volunteers are.  Food at the SAG's was average for this type and length of event, but 28 miles into it is a little long for some riders (hydration is important for endurance and to avoid cramping).

Route markings were better than previous years.  Good call going with the signage in addition to the the pavement arrows.  No need for a route slip (unless your lost, but then you would have to know the area to get back on course).  Registration was easy and fast Friday night.  Nice being able to ride up to the start and just go.  Police escort is the most amazing contribution to the event.  How about getting Claremont, LaVerne and San Dimas on board, especially for the unprotected left turns and excessive red lights?

I am assuming other coinciding events (drag races and Rancho Cucamonga parade) posed routing problems and altered the course from previous years.  Good job in adapting, but the left turn on B Street was almost suicidal!  What surprises me is when I suggested two years ago to proceed up Mills from Baseline to Baldy Rd I was told by the organizer that they can't because the left turn is unprotected.  Guess what?  There is a left turn signal there now.  Mills provides a wide bike lane left of a parking lane and a wide lane for vehicles.  Every year I have cars crossing the yellow up Padua to provide a safe distance from bikers.  This is not the best route to Baldy Rd.

Other route considerations: Since we should be experiencing as much of the "Foothills" as possible, dump the city lights/intersections on Arrow.  Maybe replace this mileage with climbs up Barranca to Sierra Madre in Glendora then down Valley Center (fewer lights).  What happened to the route through Alta Loma incorporating Lemon, Banyan, Day Creek?

The porta potty at the second SAG was impressive.  Much nicer than the blue pit toilets.  Thanks for sacrificing some profits for the upgraded.  It was also smart going with the water dispenser as opposed to the bottles at the first SAG.  Wouldn't that be cheaper and less trash?  TdF event organizers should get input from organizers of Tour de Palm Springs, Solvang Century, Planet Ultra, San Diego Century and many others that have years of experience in promoting these events.  No need to start inventing the wheel from scratch, just utilize what works best for SAGS, registration, etc.

A brief side bar for any newbies reading this review.  It is not your responsibility to inform other riders of the motor vehicle code.  Worry about yourself and while your at it stay to the right if you have faster riders passing you.  I know this is not a race but many of us like to compare our times to previous years and to continue to challenge our performance.  Green means go! Not, let me finish my conversation and those behind me can go around.

I think enough was said by other reviewers regarding the T-Shirt's!!!  I realize this event is to raise money for the Chamber of Commerce, but the swag was really sad this year and will probably hurt registration for future events.  Maybe with the extra cash you saved you can donate it to the City Manager have ask him to have the bike lane paved on Baseline westbound between Mountain and Carmel Circle West.  You need a mountain bike getting through those potholes.

So how about one of the event organizers posting a response on this forum to the comments made by the reviewers?

I will most likely continue to participate in this event, maybe not as a paid rider (hard to justify paying $50 to ride streets around my house) but maybe as a volunteer.

Thanks again for all your hard work.

A friend and I just recently got back into cycling after a several year layoff for me and a couple decades for her.  This ride (half metric) was a great experience for us.  I thoroughly enjoy any time spent on my bike.  Many thanks to the organizers and sponsors for all of their efforts.  Lots of people sacrificed their own participation in order to support and man the event, which is very much appreciated.  Our rest stop was well-stocked and had very clean portable restrooms.  The lunch was delicious, and we also took advantage of some clothing specials at the vendor tents.  Overall a very positive experience.  THANK YOU!

A really nice ride and great weather too. The ride support was excellent - Ride support personnel were present at the critical turns making sure everyone was on the right road! Three very adequate water and snack stops including the most important in my opinion: on the century ride, just south of the turn at Mt. Baldy!  The lasagne lunch was a real plus too. Thank you to the City of Upland for their sponsorship. I'll be back again.

First off, thanks to all the volunteers that work this event - you did a great job and are without question some of the friendliest staff I've encountered.

On the "plus" side: 1) Blazing fast packet pick-up on the morning of the ride. 2) I've done LOTS of these rides and this is one of the very few times I actually saw the roving SAG support out on the road (and I saw them a lot)  3) As others have mentioned the police escort on Foothill rocks. 4) Lovin' the mini size Clif Bars at the SAG stops.

On the "minus" side: 1) I know this has been discussed to death (especially out on the road), but I just have to add my 2 cents - go up Mills to Baldy Road!  If there's a compelling reason to use Padua I'd sure love to hear it. 2) OK, most experienced riders don't do these rides for the T-shirts, but I occasionally talk a few "now-and-then" type riding buddies into coming along and they love to have the shirts as a sort of trophy.  Having to buy them separately really turns them off. 3) You set the bar pretty high for yourselves with your goody bags a couple years ago.  It was almost enough to justify the entry fee by itself.  I realize the economic climate is different and sponsors are probably harder to come by, but relative to back then...quite a letdown.

In closing, it's nice to have a "home ride" in the area, and the date is great.  Hopefully the perceived "value" of the ride rebounds next year.

Thanks again to all who worked on the ride.