So, Joel, the Energizer Bunny incarnate, decided that a recovery ride from yesterday’s 111 mile Santa Barbara century would be the Angels Fun Ride, sponsored by the LAPD, which raises money for the Children’s Hospital, would be the ticket. What I didn’t realize or bother to think about is that by the time we rode from Sherman Oaks to Griffith Park, over the bike path to Stadium Way, 16 miles both ways, we’d end up with 81 miles! :eek: Plus, this was not a flat recovery ride (#$@%^&! :mad:) Fortunately for Joel, I’m rather fond of him and was game. So, this morning at 6am (which meant I had to be up by 5am) I met Joel in the brisk fog (really nice change from yesterday’s heat!) and we hammered (he’ll roll his eyes here, but honestly, after 111 miles who wants to start the ride at 16mph and work their way up?!) So, we hit a hard pace to make it in time for me to register, Joel to tinkle, and then to wait and wait and wait for the ride to start. That’s okay, we heard some uplifting tunes, saw some SFVBC folks (Dick was there with his crew), hear what the LAPD charity is doing for the community (quite a bit) and watch Joel wiggle his behind and sing to the various tunes being blasted over the loud speakers – my personal favorite. :D
Later than expected, the mass group of “advanced riders” was allowed to take off and head out to downtown LA. We had police escort the entire way which was really cool since we didn’t have to stop for stoplights the entire time. Yes, some riders were “squirrelly” for sure (especially the complete IDIOT MORONS who were wearing Ipods in the middle of all of those riders – Joel and I both announced “on your left” to several of them and they didn’t hear us at all!). But for the most part, it was no different than any other mass ride and I got to see parts of the city I’ve never ridden on a bike. Joel, as usual, was wonderful company with jokes and singing (I never get tired of it, even when he is a little off key…okay, way off on Born to be Wild, but he knew the lyrics. :o) Also, it was for a great cause. They brought out a blood mobile that they were able to purchase with the funds they’d received from last year’s Angels Ride. They named it after a little boy (Max) who had cancer and who had ridden this ride before he passed away last year, succumbing to that dreadful disease. That really hit me, I must say. FAVORITE moment – when Joel and I passed some people out on the street clapping for us and this one little woman was standing on the top of a bus stop bench yelling, “Never, ever give up!” She was so cute and genuine.
After the ride, we had BBQ (blechk – but, hey, again it was for a charity), walked around a bit and then headed home. All and all…wonderful day! And, yes…I do plan to have a little talk with Joel about his “recovery rides.” :mad: ;) :D
A few pics to follow.
roadfix
04-29-07, 06:07 PM
Nice report! :)
....but you guys got me stuck in traffic this morning at Sunset Bl in Echo Park. I was late for work! :mad: :p.....but all for a good cause, so no problemo! :)
ronjon10
04-29-07, 06:10 PM
....we’d end up with 81 miles! :eek: .... (which meant I had to be up by 5am) .....
Wackos. I woke up at 7, turned off the alarm, went back to sleep til 8.
merider1
04-29-07, 06:10 PM
Dick and John from SFVBC:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/1-1.jpg
The Advanced Group of Riders getting ready to roll:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/2-1.jpg
And we're off into downtown LA:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/3-1.jpg
Glad it was good...sounds like they made a few improvements since I did it last....
dauphin
04-29-07, 06:13 PM
I love your pics me....makes me feel like I was there.
magicant
04-29-07, 06:14 PM
After the ride, we had BBQ (blechk – but, hey, again it was for a charity)
Food was definitely a disappointment after last year, when it was catered by Woodranch Grill.
merider1
04-29-07, 06:15 PM
Downtown is actually quite nice!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/7-1.jpg
Lou from the Adobo gang - nice to see him:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/8-1.jpg
Joel at the top of the hill in Griffith Park (they route took us on a loop through there toward the end)
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/9-1.jpg
Heading back with the front pack - quicker to the food!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/10-1.jpg
Joel commented "we've passed that how many times?" So! I still think this is a nice pic!:D
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/11-1.jpg
This is really for the leg/butt thread...:p
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/12-1.jpg
merider1
04-29-07, 06:16 PM
I love your pics me....makes me feel like I was there.
Thanks, John. :) I love taking them as it just documents the day for me.
Luwin1026
04-29-07, 07:17 PM
Downtown is actually quite nice!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/7-1.jpg
I used to live in that exact building (Grand Promenade) in 2000-2001, and watched the Disney Concert Hall be built (first the parking garage, then they ran out of money for awhile before construction continued) - that area is dear to my heart - thanks for sharing, ME!!
Happytime
04-29-07, 08:00 PM
Great pics. I'll do that one next year just to ride through that tunnel! :D
vc_rider
04-29-07, 08:01 PM
Thanks for the pics merider. Glad you had a good ride.
I unintentionally ended up in the rec ride because I noticed 20 mins into my drive that I'd forgotten my shoes :eek: I left my home in Moorpark (again) at 7am and rolled into the parking lot as the advanced ride was leaving. The rec ride was sooo slow and sooo crowded (more like your start photos) that it took complete concentration to avoid a crash. My hands were tired from riding the brakes.
I decided I'd had enough fun and left the group behind at the rest stop and rode the remainder at my own pace. I think I caught up to the slower 'advanced' riders on Stadium Way by the cheerleaders. Oh, did you notice the guy carrying his dog in a milkcrate on the back of his bike? I'm sure you would have remembered the dog - it had a mowhawk... from head to tail :lol:
Jeff
magicant
04-29-07, 08:08 PM
Yeah, the "advanced" riders got split into two groups when the back half trailed back too far. Not sure if it was intentional, but the ride was at least 2 -3 mph faster than last year's average pace. We rarely dropped below 16mph and were usually 18 - 20, which is quite a bit speedier than last year. We were done and in the lunch line by 11:20, almost an hour earlier than I remember last time.
The other strange thing was that going over the hill in Griffith Park (Griffith Park Drive) was an optional loop in the middle of the ride. Anyone who didn't want to do the climb could pull ahead and wait for those doing the loop to finish. Kind of weird, I thought, because everyone who skipped the hill had to stand around and wait for 20 minutes for us to do it.
vc_rider
04-29-07, 08:22 PM
The other strange thing was that going over the hill in Griffith Park (Griffith Park Drive) was an optional loop in the middle of the ride. Anyone who didn't want to do the climb could pull ahead and wait for those doing the loop to finish. Kind of weird, I thought, because everyone who skipped the hill had to stand around and wait for 20 minutes for us to do it.
Optional? So of course the slower 'advanced' riders probably decided to go for it :rolleyes:
magicant
04-29-07, 08:52 PM
Optional? So of course the slower 'advanced' riders probably decided to go for it :rolleyes:
Not too many, actually. If I had to guess, it seemed like only 40 or 50 of the 300 in that pack jumped onto the hill climb. By the time m.e. and I got back to the pack waiting area, we were way in the back because so many skipped it.
spingineer
04-29-07, 11:27 PM
So, Joel, the Energizer Bunny incarnate, decided that a recovery ride from yesterday’s 111 mile Santa Barbara century would be the Angels Fun Ride, sponsored by the LAPD, which raises money for the Children’s Hospital, would be the ticket. What I didn’t realize or bother to think about is that by the time we rode from Sherman Oaks to Griffith Park, over the bike path to Stadium Way, 16 miles both ways, we’d end up with 81 miles! :eek: Plus, this was not a flat recovery ride (#$@%^&! :mad:)
Great ride report, as usual. At least you got off your butt. I just sat around, waiting for dim sum, just to wait and wait and wait ... What was the elevation climb on that "recovery ride"? I think I suffer from the same "recovery ride" sickness ... Mine tend to be hilly in nature. I think we just like punishment.
mava
04-29-07, 11:55 PM
I rode with Dick from the SFVBC last week. He's a chatty fellow! Really nice guy. :)
merider1
04-30-07, 07:42 AM
I rode with Dick from the SFVBC last week. He's a chatty fellow! Really nice guy. :)
I want the little dog that is in your avatar. ;) Yes, Dick is chatty and funny. I saw him and his buddies at the BBQ after as well.
merider1
04-30-07, 07:53 AM
Great ride report, as usual. At least you got off your butt. I just sat around, waiting for dim sum, just to wait and wait and wait ... What was the elevation climb on that "recovery ride"? I think I suffer from the same "recovery ride" sickness ... Mine tend to be hilly in nature. I think we just like punishment.
Ron, the Dim Sum sounds like a great recovery personally! :) The stats I go off my (#$%^@&!) garmin are:
Distance: 81.20
Total Time: 5:24
Evevation: no F****** clue cause my garmin doesn't work! :mad:
I think around 3,600, but Joel will have to post. Honestly, I've gone back to look it up in my garmin and in the history under Day and Laps it tells me everything BUT the elevation gain. I so hate the POS.
spingineer
04-30-07, 08:05 AM
Ron, the Dim Sum sounds like a great recovery personally! :) The stats I go off my (#$%^@&!) garmin are:
Distance: 81.20
Total Time: 5:24
Evevation: no F****** clue cause my garmin doesn't work! :mad:
I think around 3,600, but Joel will have to post. Honestly, I've gone back to look it up in my garmin and in the history under Day and Laps it tells me everything BUT the elevation gain. I so hate the POS.
I personally felt guilty about not doing a recovery ride on Sunday. But I felt I should spend some time with the family, and not be disowned any more than I already am. My bicycling escapades always seem to be a good topic of amusement to other family members. They already know I'm nuts, but now they know I'm a crazy lunatic!
Garmin ... piece o' ______ but I guess you already know that. I did observe that just about everyone in the group has one ... it's the chic thing to have.
thomson
04-30-07, 08:15 AM
How can it not be a fun ride when riding with you two?? You guys are a hoot. Joel really brings the fun to cycling!!!
spingineer
04-30-07, 08:17 AM
How can it not be a fun ride when riding with you two?? You guys are a hoot. Joel really brings the fun to cycling!!!
Oh yea, this was a "fun, social ride".
Thomson, how many extra pounds did you have in that bag? Maybe we should have had you carry all the heavy drinks and extra water .. :D
thomson
04-30-07, 08:32 AM
Oh yea, this was a "fun, social ride".
Thomson, how many extra pounds did you have in that bag? Maybe we should have had you carry all the heavy drinks and extra water .. :D
I am guessing the CamelBak, when full, 10 pounds and the Carradice, mount, and contents about 16 pounds. But, on the good side, I topped the water off at the lunch stop and did not have to refill again.
The Carradice is kind of like a garage, it abhors free space. So, I tend to keep it pretty full even when not necessary. As an example, I had a jacket in there, what the heck was that all about?? A first-aid kit, a few tubes, one tire, a good set of tools all seem to fit in pretty well. And, of course, food food food (mostly Clif Bars).
So, it is big and dorky and I do take a fair amount of ribbing over it, but I like it.
DZA_LA
04-30-07, 08:43 AM
How did you guys feel about all the riders using aero bars in tight groups?
ronjon10
04-30-07, 08:59 AM
I am guessing the CamelBak, when full, 10 pounds and the Carradice, mount, and contents about 16 pounds. But, on the good side, I topped the water off at the lunch stop and did not have to refill again.
The Carradice is kind of like a garage, it abhors free space. So, I tend to keep it pretty full even when not necessary. As an example, I had a jacket in there, what the heck was that all about?? A first-aid kit, a few tubes, one tire, a good set of tools all seem to fit in pretty well. And, of course, food food food (mostly Clif Bars).
So, it is big and dorky and I do take a fair amount of ribbing over it, but I like it.
I presume the ribbing ceases when you drop the person at the nearest 20% grade. :)
magicant
04-30-07, 09:09 AM
How did you guys feel about all the riders using aero bars in tight groups?
Didn't bother me much (I actually didn't notice), but we both went into this knowing that there were going to be a lot of riders and that some of them weren't going to know how to ride in a pack, so we just kept our distance. It only got annoying when slower riders hugged the left side of the lane and wouldn't move when you yelled out to them. (and then when we'd stop, they go around the group to get in the front again just to be passed again). :rolleyes:
spingineer
04-30-07, 09:42 AM
It must have been fun to ride through downtown, which normally would be filled with cars. But yea, I know what you mean about the slower riders taking up space.
merider1
04-30-07, 10:44 AM
How can it not be a fun ride when riding with you two?? You guys are a hoot. Joel really brings the fun to cycling!!!
Oh, really? And what do I bring? :rolleyes: :p
merider1
04-30-07, 10:48 AM
It must have been fun to ride through downtown, which normally would be filled with cars. But yea, I know what you mean about the slower riders taking up space.
It really was quite enjoyable to ride on streets I will never ride again (until the same ride next year). I mean, who rides on Sunset and Hollywood? Unless you get up on a Sunday at 4am to do it - and even then, it would be dangerous with the drunks driving home from all the clubs. I also didn't have too much of an issue with the large group since I knew what I was getting into.
herbm
04-30-07, 10:58 AM
It really was quite enjoyable to ride on streets I will never ride again (until the same ride next year). I mean, who rides on Sunset and Hollywood? Unless you get up on a Sunday at 4am to do it - and even then, it would be dangerous with the drunks driving home from all the clubs. I also didn't have too much of an issue with the large group since I knew what I was getting into.
Glad to hear that...sure seems better ..I may have to do it next year!!
magicant
04-30-07, 11:05 AM
Oh, really? And what do I bring? :rolleyes: :pum... the sexy back?
Happytime
04-30-07, 11:06 AM
Oh, really? And what do I bring? :rolleyes: :p
Raw, unbridled sex appeal. :D
I just bring donuts. :rolleyes:
thomson
04-30-07, 11:12 AM
Oh, really? And what do I bring? :rolleyes: :p
oops, that was supposed to say "you guys bring the fun to cycling". I started talking about Joel bringing a boombox and then backtracked, but didn't get it right. My apologies, I am somewhat redeemed as EVERYONE knows you are fun fun fun Mary.
merider1
04-30-07, 11:16 AM
oops, that was supposed to say "you guys bring the fun to cycling". I started talking about Joel bringing a boombox and then backtracked, but didn't get it right. My apologies, I am somewhat redeemed as EVERYONE knows you are fun fun fun Mary.
Sigh...:rolleyes: I was hoping for a response like Joy's.:p
Oh, and Joy? You bring far more than donuts, lady. ;) We just have to get you ON a ride!
merider1
04-30-07, 11:18 AM
um... the sexy back?
:lol: You're so odd, but that's why I ride behind you...well, that and your firm heinie. :D
herbm
04-30-07, 11:19 AM
Sigh...:rolleyes: I was hoping for a response like Joy's.:p
Oh, and Joy? You bring far more than donuts, lady. ;) We just have to get you ON a ride!
She is going to do Goodbye GMR!!
thomson
04-30-07, 11:20 AM
Sigh...:rolleyes: I was hoping for a response like Joy's.:p
<snip>
That is on a PM, you know how bashful I am in front of groups.
merider1
04-30-07, 11:36 AM
That is on a PM, you know how bashful I am in front of groups.
Now YOU deserve a few :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :p
curiouskid55
04-30-07, 01:10 PM
I overtook this ride in the park on my way to ride Chevy Chase Sunday morning. Was really great to see that many bikes out for a ride. As I was trying to go by on the left everybody kept yelling at me to "keep to the right." Was I supposed to follow them for the rest of the day? Anyway still an awsome sight to see several hundred + riders out together.
spingineer
04-30-07, 01:16 PM
It really was quite enjoyable to ride on streets I will never ride again (until the same ride next year). I mean, who rides on Sunset and Hollywood? Unless you get up on a Sunday at 4am to do it - and even then, it would be dangerous with the drunks driving home from all the clubs. I also didn't have too much of an issue with the large group since I knew what I was getting into.
Sounds a lot like the mayor's ride I did a while back when Dick Riordan was mayor. Imagine having the entire width of Wilshire Blvd completely filled with bikes. Oh, and riding through Beverly Hills was fun too.
Happytime
04-30-07, 01:21 PM
She is going to do Goodbye GMR!!
Yup, looks good on my schedule. As long as it's not too hot. Otherwise, you guys will be dragging me and my bike down that hill on a makeshift stretcher made of two sticks and a lot of Clif bar wrappers.
DaveSANYYZ
04-30-07, 01:37 PM
So you'll be doing this on the way down?
http://www.auldovertheroad.com/lugephotos/lugephotopage54/lugephotopage54.htm
roadfix
04-30-07, 01:40 PM
Actually, it's quite pleasant riding through downtown LA on most Sunday mornings. You'll be amazed at how little traffic there is.
curiouskid55
04-30-07, 03:18 PM
It really was quite enjoyable to ride on streets I will never ride again (until the same ride next year). I mean, who rides on Sunset and Hollywood? Unless you get up on a Sunday at 4am to do it - and even then, it would be dangerous with the drunks driving home from all the clubs. I also didn't have too much of an issue with the large group since I knew what I was getting into.
You should try one of the Midnight Rydahs(sp?) events. Leave all the bike geek stuff at home, bring your cruiser , and ride in large groups all over urban Southern Cal. A real kick in the pants and see a lot of people dedicated to cycling that aren't into the whole touring/road racing scene. Really fun for a change of pace.
merider1
04-30-07, 03:30 PM
You should try one of the Midnight Rydahs(sp?) events. Leave all the bike geek stuff at home, bring your cruiser , and ride in large groups all over urban Southern Cal. A real kick in the pants and see a lot of people dedicated to cycling that aren't into the whole touring/road racing scene. Really fun for a change of pace.
You're going to think I'm picking on you, C-kid, but I promise I'm not ;) - However, truthfully, I'm wary of the Midnight Rydahs. They are a fun bunch for sure, but I've heard stories of them drinking and riding as well as riding sans helmets, etc. (practices I don't condone and really don't want to be around as I am very concerned about safety while out riding and really only wish to be surrounded by riders who expect the exact same as I do when riding in a group). The accounts I've heard about may have been isolated rides and/or isolated incidences/riders, but I've heard enough to avoid their scene (although I certainly do not mean to bad talk the group - in which I'm sure there are some safe riders).
Minemee
05-01-07, 01:05 AM
Hey you! I didn't know you were there yesterday. I rode with my friend Matt. It's always a fun little ride.
I'm training for Davis Double. Any advice?
xoxoxoxo
minemee
By the way I sold MINEMEE. Kinda bummed!
curiouskid55
05-01-07, 08:12 AM
No some riders do party it up in those groups. But both me and the wife (both 50 +) have always felt safe and had a great time on the few midnight rides we have done.
merider1
05-01-07, 10:03 AM
Hey you! I didn't know you were there yesterday. I rode with my friend Matt. It's always a fun little ride.
I'm training for Davis Double. Any advice?
xoxoxoxo
minemee
By the way I sold MINEMEE. Kinda bummed!
You SOLD Minemee? :eek: Explain. Also, good to see you back on! :) I'd love to catch up and can offer advice for sure. Come ride Cruisin' the Canejo.
Turtle1
05-01-07, 01:02 PM
I did this ride and I had a great time. I'm new to the whole bike thing so I hope I didn't anger/disgruntle/frustrate anyone too much.:o Folks were so friendly which made for a very relaxed atmosphere. I must admit that for a new guy, this ride got somewhat challenging towards the end with the climb back up into dodger stadium from the GP area. I guess I missed the optional loop as it was a bit confusing to see some folks pulling off to the side and others continue on. I can't wait to do similar events in the future:)
vc_rider
05-10-07, 11:22 PM
If anyone's interested, they've posted pictures from the COA ride here -