Southern California - I like riding in LA.

I have decided that I really enjoy riding on congested roads. And I have swapped
out my clipless pedals for regular old flat pedals with teeth for better grip/
My favorites so far are Ventura Blvd. in the valley, San Vicente in LA, and Ocean Blvd.
in SM. Are there any other good city roads you guys like?

I've also heard good things about Agoura

Not even remotely funny. Ventura is a suicide mission.

so is sepulveda, but I still like it.
Nah.. Ventura is actually quite nice. Views of the buildings, and the girls in Encino and to Studio City... wow!

Not even remotely funny. Ventura is a suicide mission.m.e. and I were debating the merits of Moorpark vs. Chandler through the valley. Chandler is certainly more comfortable, but you have to get TO it, which from Ventura Blvd. is not the easiest thing.

I prefer just riding Moorpark over trying to get to Chandler up Woodman and back down somewhere in Studio City or Burbank. But I've been riding Moorpark for years, so I know the bumps and crevices pretty well.

Sepulveda is my most hated - PCH is worse, but I pretty much HAVE to take Sepulveda if I want to get back from a beach ride. There are some options, but none of them great ones.

A couple of years ago, I rode to downtown to watch the LA Marathon. When going back home, I decided to take the entire length of Ventura because I never had done that. On a Sunday it really wasn't bad. I grew up in the West Valley and parts were nostalgic and other parts were new developments. I'd do it again.

sunset is pretty sketch at times too!

While I was out in LA over christmast holiday I was looking around at some of the roads were driving on and I just kept thinking "How do these guys ride on these roads?!" Granted, a number of the roads we were on were already mentioned in this thread (Ventura runs right in front of the inlaw's apartment building). But I think what got me was all the street side parking that is everywhere in SoCal that we don't have in Texas. Only residentual streets have curb side parking out here so once you get on anything multi-lane you've only got intersections and driveway exits to worry about cars coming at you from the right side, and no doors to worry about. Ya'll are probably used to it and respect the dangers, but it just really wigged me out.

While I was out in LA over christmast holiday I was looking around at some of the roads were driving on and I just kept thinking "How do these guys ride on these roads?!" Granted, a number of the roads we were on were already mentioned in this thread (Ventura runs right in front of the inlaw's apartment building). But I think what got me was all the street side parking that is everywhere in SoCal that we don't have in Texas. Only residentual streets have curb side parking out here so once you get on anything multi-lane you've only got intersections and driveway exits to worry about cars coming at you from the right side, and no doors to worry about. Ya'll are probably used to it and respect the dangers, but it just really wigged me out.

I do not mind riding in traffic at all. I think it just takes getting used to when you have to take the lane or not. Where you should be for cars to see you. Staying clear of parked cars (doors) Things like that.

That being said, I don't ride in traffic very much as I generally head for the mountains, desert, or beach.

While I was out in LA over christmast holiday I was looking around at some of the roads were driving on and I just kept thinking "How do these guys ride on these roads?!" Granted, a number of the roads we were on were already mentioned in this thread (Ventura runs right in front of the inlaw's apartment building). But I think what got me was all the street side parking that is everywhere in SoCal that we don't have in Texas. Only residentual streets have curb side parking out here so once you get on anything multi-lane you've only got intersections and driveway exits to worry about cars coming at you from the right side, and no doors to worry about. Ya'll are probably used to it and respect the dangers, but it just really wigged me out.

You never get used to it....you just learn to be careful and try to look to see if there is someone about to open a door...even on the Class 2 bike lanes...people just fling their doors open....
But its all drivers we have to worry about out here...
Last Sat, MArk and I are in left turn lane behind a few cars...when this girl decides to backup for some reason...we luckily got out out of the way...and tapped on here window...she jumped out of the car all upset the she had hit us, but she didnt..she jsut want paying attention...good think we were!!!
And people always ask us why we wear a refs whistle......cause a little bell cant be heard!!!

ive been riding bikes on the roads of the SFV since i was in the second grade(1979ish...)...i truly believe i have become used to the traffic. i do avoid parts of ventura(mostly between colfax and kester!!), but i have been known to ride on it...i commute alot so i really have no choice but to get used to it. chandler is great with the whole orange line thing, too good! plus its on the way to work for me so no biggie. life is good, go ride...

Sepulveda is my most hated - PCH is worse

Wow. I guess I'm just used to it, but PCH really doesn't bother me at all. I don't like it during evening commute times, but weekday mornings are no problem. The road is in good shape, not much debris, just car doors and that one place where it pinches you into the road.

Sepulveda is in terrible shape, and looks much narrower. Ah well, to each their own.

I have decided that I really enjoy riding on congested roads. And I have swapped
out my clipless pedals for regular old flat pedals with teeth for better grip/

That seems more dangerous to me. I have a bike with the spd / flat pedal combo, and whenever I'm on the flat pedals, I spend as much time concentrating on keeping my feet on the pedals than to what's going on around me in traffic.

Wilshire in Koreatown/Miracle Mile is nice too! :rolleyes:

I've also heard good things about Agoura

Well, as this is where I live, guess I'm just a bit bias!

Just great, great riding out our way. Many of our areas have decent bike lanes, the Santa Monica's are minutes away with as much climbing (or not) as you want. Some areas have horses, lakes, bunnies and there are a tremendous number of riders here, both MTB and roadies.

We moved here from the Westside 5-1/2 years ago and I've never regretted it.

Sheldon

I have decided that I really enjoy riding on congested roads. And I have swapped
out my clipless pedals for regular old flat pedals with teeth for better grip/
My favorites so far are Ventura Blvd. in the valley, San Vicente in LA, and Ocean Blvd.
in SM. Are there any other good city roads you guys like?
if you really want congested, any place along wilshire during rush hour should fit the bill. i like san vicente in SM because it's pretty laid back with few lights-- i only find it congested from 7am on and that's mainly once you get into brentwood.

Wow. I guess I'm just used to it, but PCH really doesn't bother me at all. I don't like it during evening commute times, but weekday mornings are no problem. The road is in good shape, not much debris, just car doors and that one place where it pinches you into the road.

Sepulveda is in terrible shape, and looks much narrower. Ah well, to each their own.
hey ron, you don't commute everyday, do you? oh btw- Tom wants to do the solvang century! i'm so excited-- are you down?

i love riding in LA

most of my riding is commuting between silverlake and west la. but since home is in silverlake, its not hard to get to a variety of places to ride around. i've become totally use to traffic (sometimes i feel naked without it).

for a few months i thought i would be moving up to portland and was going to miss riding around LA, but it looks like mrs. spqla and i will be staying in the city of angels after all.

You definitely want to check out Crenshaw (south of the 10 - runs all the way to the 105 . . .), King Blvd., Rosecrans (off the 105) - all excellent roads that would inspire you to go FAST. ;) :rolleyes: Just be sure to wear your Kevlar under that jersey . . . . :o

On a more serious note, I love the quiet, wide, suburban streets of San Marino and where I currently live - Arcadia. Even the ones w/ more traffic (i.e. Huntington) are great streets to ride on.

FOOTHILL BLVD.

Since you seem to have a death wish, try Crenshaw or Prairie!

My favorites so far are Ventura Blvd. in the valley, San Vicente in LA, and Ocean Blvd.
in SM. Are there any other good city roads you guys like?

Then you might enjoy this video (http://www.digave.com/videos_drag_race.html). I know it's been posted on BF like a million times...:D

I posted this before but still it's my favorite ride and always puts this silly grin on my face rain or shine. Well, more grin when it's shining.:D

http://home.comcast.net/~jmitschiener/wsb/media/141116/site1044.JPG

My commute includes taking a lane and fighting a merge while passing by the (San Diego) airport. Fun!

I have decided that I really enjoy riding on congested roads. And I have swapped
out my clipless pedals for regular old flat pedals with teeth for better grip

You don't have to rigidly adhere to the congested roads to have a really fun experience on a bike.

I certainly don't.

Try the Angeles Crest highway. Top to the bottom, of course. But you really won't enjoy the subtle ambiance of the 25% to 40% hairpins, and the exciting straight runs, unless your using cleated shoes and your securely clipped into the ole crank stompers.

And it goes without saying that you'll be on your fixed gear... a must to truly gain from the experience.:p


-phil