Curious where to ride in Santa Monica

[dsidnt]

Hello-

I actually posted a similar message a little over a month ago. I'm a Chicago transplant working in Santa Monica for the next few months. I posted a while back looking for a good LBS and some good places to ride. Everyone was very helpful with LBS suggestions, and tried to be helpful with ride suggestions (mainly join group ride).

I work from 7 to 7 M-TH, so I'm limited to a trainer on those days. I go back to Chicago once every other weekend, so I'm really not around enough to join a group ride. Which sort of leaves me on my own. Can anyone recommend a good route? I'm looking for something where I can get 35-50 miles in with minimal stopping. I'm willing to drive an hour or so each way if necessary.

What about the beach? From what I've heard and read, this isn't really conducive to tri- bikes... too many people.

What about the PCH? I've seen some cyclists on it, but wasn't sure how safe it is.

Thanks!

[roadie gal]

Along the beach can be very slow, especially during tourist season. But it's GREAT people watching if you're just out for a cruise.

If you go further north, past Zuma, the riding gets better. You can park at Leo Carillo State Park and ride on PCH. You can also go up into the hills for a more challenging ride. I'm sorry I can't give exact streets. It's been a while since I lived down there and my memory for street names has never been great. But I used to ride in that area quite a bit.

Another possibility it to go south and ride around Palos Verdes. You can take PCH up and loop around the hill. Again, I can't give you the exact names. But it ends up being about a 25 mile loop that a lot of people do.

[cjbruin]

Finding good rides up that way can be a bit of a challenge. When I was at UCLA I did a lot of hill work as the best rides with the least amount of traffic were through the canyons. My favorites were Latigo (up Mailbu way) or up Topanga. Those probably aren't be best options for Tri bikes.

It's really tough out here to find long stretches with no lights...try PM'ing 55/Rad...he used to live in the Valley so he may have some good suggestions.