Southern California - Any recommendations for a noob rider?

Hey all, took my new bike out yesterday for its maiden flight. I did about 15 miles on it and it felt great, but had to turn around and get ready for work. I want to eventually get up to doing some of the group rides I see posted here on the BF, but want to get some miles under my belt first. Any routes you can recommend, or training tips? I live near Marina High School in HB if that helps with route choices. Also if there are some group rides I can participate in that my noobness will not be too much of a hindrance. Thanks and I look forward to seeing some of you out there.


Jon

Personally, I wish/hope more "Noobs" would post on here and form/organize rides that are a little friendlier to those just getting started. We've all been there and I can only imagine some folks log on here, shake their heads in disappointment and murmur, "too hardcore for me." I couldn't blame them! But you will eventually be joining on those rides that you may not be up to yet, Jon! Good for you on your new bike purchase, and I suspect some of the OC/HB folks will chime in with route suggestions. I don't know that area well enough. Perhaps SART would be a good place to start adding miles? :)

PCH between Laguna Beach and Seal Beach is always good for some flat miles with a nice ocean view.

If you start in HB and go south to newport coast and do that hill as you go over the top you can either come back down or continue over the hill and you will find a bike path that will take you further south. But riding PCH is a good workout once you hit the rolling hills after newport coast. you will find a lot of company as you ride down the coast on any given weekend so you will not fill lonely.

ride around the rose bowl on tuesday nights.

If you start in HB and go south to newport coast and do that hill as you go over the top you can either come back down or continue over the hill and you will find a bike path that will take you further south. But riding PCH is a good workout once you hit the rolling hills after newport coast. you will find a lot of company as you ride down the coast on any given weekend so you will not fill lonely.

Yep -- once you go up Newport Coast, you can make a left on San Joaquin Hills, which is just past the top (you'll see the Pavillion's shopping center on your left). Take that a few miles to MacArthur, make a left, and soon you'll be back at PCH. Good way to build a bit of climbing into your coastal ride.

ride around the rose bowl on tuesday nights.


yeah night rides during the beginning of the week are out for me. I work the graveyard shift Sun - Weds. Although as you ride past Hoag Hospital, give it a salute, because thats where I will be, wishing I was out on the road.

Personally, I wish/hope more "Noobs" would post on here and form/organize rides that are a little friendlier to those just getting started. We've all been there and I can only imagine some folks log on here, shake their heads in disappointment and murmur, "too hardcore for me."

I know I felt that way in the beginning. I'm thinking now that one may be able to lure some people out by organizing shorter, easier rides. Time to experiment.

I think ovoleg should organize and lead training camps for noobs. :D

Hey all, took my new bike out yesterday for its maiden flight. I did about 15 miles on it and it felt great, but had to turn around and get ready for work. I want to eventually get up to doing some of the group rides I see posted here on the BF, but want to get some miles under my belt first. Any routes you can recommend, or training tips? I live near Marina High School in HB if that helps with route choices. Also if there are some group rides I can participate in that my noobness will not be too much of a hindrance. Thanks and I look forward to seeing some of you out there.


Jon

Ride it like ya stole it, and the more you ride the less it cost per mile. Tour heart and lungs will thank you.;)

What about adding a shorter/easier option for some of the group rides as they're organized? Probably easier to join a local bike club. Anybody have any ideas for existing local groups?

ride around the rose bowl on tuesday nights.
He's in HB, silly, he wouldn't want to drive all the way to Pasadena!:p

I know I felt that way in the beginning. I'm thinking now that one may be able to lure some people out by organizing shorter, easier rides. Time to experiment.
I wish you would. I don't think I've met you, but you sound like an awesome guy. Throw it out there. Honestly, (and Indolent will sneaker here), but if I can find the time, I'd join on an easier ride. It sure wouldn't hurt me and truth is, sometimes an easier ride is GOOD for training (hear that hardcore folks?). So, please do. I'd love to meet you and some new folks. I would even love to come over to Redondo Beach and start there (Hello, Happytime?). I only bailed this weekend due to work. :(

What about adding a shorter/easier option for some of the group rides as they're organized? Probably easier to join a local bike club. Anybody have any ideas for existing local groups?

Good point. Maybe we can get you out on a GMR ride? :D

My only advice: Make sure that you're having fun on the bike.

I wish you would. I don't think I've met you, but you sound like an awesome guy.

My awesome-ness cannot be overstated.

My awesome-ness cannot be overstated.
Pics? :D

Just keep adding a little length and/or a little speed each ride. I don't know of any clubs like this out your way, but the San Fernando Valley Bicycle Club www.sfvbc.org is awesome as they have 4-6 rides every Saturday and Sunday ranging from 20 mile slow rides to 50 mile hammer fests to 100 mile hilly challenges.

=BigSean]Ride it like ya stole it, QUOTE]


What?? don't leave the house because you might get arrested??:rolleyes:

Pics? :D

Mere photographs cannot capture my awesome-ness.

Mere photographs cannot capture my awesome-ness.
I'll be the judge of that. Pics! :D

I wish you would. I don't think I've met you, but you sound like an awesome guy. Throw it out there. Honestly, (and Indolent will sneaker here), but if I can find the time, I'd join on an easier ride. It sure wouldn't hurt me and truth is, sometimes an easier ride is GOOD for training (hear that hardcore folks?). So, please do. I'd love to meet you and some new folks. I would even love to come over to Redondo Beach and start there (Hello, Happytime?). I only bailed this weekend due to work. :(

http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/021230/182732__pinocchio_l.jpg

http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/021230/182732__pinocchio_l.jpg
Oh, whatever...tsk, tsk, Mister-I'm-riding-a-double-century-that-would-be-200-miles-in-one-day-with-you. Hello? Besides, your "slacker century" is STILL 100 miles! :p

Pics? :D

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r143/Indolent58/0610071336b.jpg

He's in HB, silly, he wouldn't want to drive all the way to Pasadena!:p


i like being silly. :p

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r143/Indolent58/0610071336b.jpg
Hey, how you doin'? :D You a cutie-po-tootie. But YET another pup. :D

Oh, whatever...tsk, tsk, Mister-I'm-riding-a-double-century-that-would-be-200-miles-in-one-day-with-you. Hello? Besides, your "slacker century" is STILL 100 miles! :p

Maybe, but the St Patrick's weekend ride was 38 miles. A pair of tree sloths on Huffys came and had fun.

hey can anyone recommend someone I can take my bike down to and get it dialed in for me?

hey can anyone recommend someone I can take my bike down to and get it dialed in for me?


http://surfcitycyclery.com/index.cfm

These guys rock...
it is 90% specialized...:(

hey can anyone recommend someone I can take my bike down to and get it dialed in for me?
Joe at Jax Huntington Beach is the only person to touch my Madone. I can't even begin to say enough good things about him, and his work. He'll take care of your Madone as if it were his own ;)
Also, we ( www.ocvelo.com ) have a Sunday ride that may be perfect for you. We leave the HB Pier at 8am, and head south to Back Bay and back. Roughly 32 miles, at a recovery pace.
Hope to see you :beer:

Sunday might be doable. All depends if I work Sat night or night. If I do decide to go, do I just show up? I will be the lost looking ogre on a red bike. Cant miss me. I look like I belong on a pro football defensive line.

Don't we all? When I first started out, the best rides I had were when I just left the house and pedaled. I didn't have a route, and I discovered which roads around me had hills, too much traffic, shade, parks w/ water, good shoulders, etc. Info like that can only be learned by riding, not by looking at a map. We might be able to suggest routes, but ultimately, you should just go. Take a watch or eyeball your cyclo computer if you have one, go 10 miles (roughly 35-45 minutes) and turn around.

Also, if there's something specific that you need help with in 'dialing in your bike', one of the best and most satisfying biking experiences is learning to do it yourself. Either visit the Bike Mechanics forum here, or go to www.parktool.com (http://www.parktool.com) and read up on their very informative tutorials. You'll soon discover that brakes and derailleurs are some of the most simple and efficient pieces of machinery ever invented, and dialing them in is a snap when you know how.

Good point. Maybe we can get you out on a GMR ride? :D

Are you suggesting I actually *ride* my bike??




Uphill?!?




On purpose?!!?



Hey, it could happen.

http://cinedechu.ifrance.com/menu/images/waynesworld/wayne3.jpg

Being a noob and trying to get into the road biking scene is quite intimidating like others have mentioned...and would definately be up for a beginner ride or something that isn't 100% hammering up crazy hills etc. I've learned so much about the sport from the forum and I think its a great resource but really haven't got out there to ride all that much.

If someone does indeed organize a noob friendly ride please keep us noobs posted!

Thanks,

Jason

If its near you
check out the San Fernando Valley Bicycle Club

http://www.sfvbc.org

They have many different levels of rides...the #1's great for noobs and anyone else...
I do the Sunday #1 as a recovery ride, as do many people here!

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They have many different levels of rides...the #1's great for noobs and anyone else...
I do the Sunday #1 as a recovery ride, as do many people here!
+ 1! When I was a noob, I rode with the SFVBC and that is where I met three fantastic women cyclists, Orrie, Vickie and Deb. I highly recommend that anyone just starting and wants to ride with a group to try the #1 ride with SFVBC.

Hey all, took my new bike out yesterday for its maiden flight. I did about 15 miles on it and it felt great, but had to turn around and get ready for work. I want to eventually get up to doing some of the group rides I see posted here on the BF, but want to get some miles under my belt first. Any routes you can recommend, or training tips? I live near Marina High School in HB if that helps with route choices. Also if there are some group rides I can participate in that my noobness will not be too much of a hindrance. Thanks and I look forward to seeing some of you out there.


Jon

Since you asked;

First, just ride the bike. Figure out how it works and what it's good for, get comfortable on it. Have fun and ride everywhere. It's not rocket science.
When you start riding with a group, learn the rules and manners of riding in groups. Nothing will make you (and everyone else) feel worse than causing a crash. Most LBS's have or can hook you up with a group ride.

+1 on the SFVBC #1 and #2 rides. They're fine for noobs and quick enough to be interesting.
-1000 on Rose Bowl Tuesday night. That is not a noob ride, that is a bloodfest.

First, just ride the bike. Figure out how it works and what it's good for, get comfortable on it. Have fun and ride everywhere. It's not rocket science.

Ride on!
Just go to the River Trail and head towards the mountains go to Imperial and turn around. 40 miles flat. Nice ride, no traffic, no stopping. Get used to the bike before stepping up to a club ride. Nothing worse than being dropped by the entire club, even the slow riders.

Hey all, took my new bike out yesterday for its maiden flight. I did about 15 miles on it and it felt great, but had to turn around and get ready for work. I want to eventually get up to doing some of the group rides I see posted here on the BF, but want to get some miles under my belt first. Any routes you can recommend, or training tips? I live near Marina High School in HB if that helps with route choices. Also if there are some group rides I can participate in that my noobness will not be too much of a hindrance. Thanks and I look forward to seeing some of you out there.


Jon


hey Im a n00b in HB too.... hit me up and maybe we can do some n00b rides around here...

Sunday might be doable. All depends if I work Sat night or night. If I do decide to go, do I just show up? I will be the lost looking ogre on a red bike. Cant miss me. I look like I belong on a pro football defensive line.
Awesome!
Yep, just show up. You'll see us!
Hope to see you then!!

BTW, I am Greg.. Look for the red spokes :D

I've been riding down HB way lately and I have to say it's pretty nice. You can get all the way to long beach pretty easily via the coastal bike path and the ride is mostly supported by the #1 OCTD bus if you have a breakdown or poop-out or somthing.

I would also look at http://bikeboom.com/ or http://midnightridazz.com to see what kind of beginner/ mellow/ cruisey rides are out there. People are doing all sorts of fun rides all the time and many of them are just fine for a person that can comfortablly do 15 miles alone.

I was a bonified noob just a year a go and while i am still pretty green, I happily do a 30 mile (rt) urban commute every monday and shorter commutes throughout the week. About 80% of my trips are by bike nowadays. I attribute this mostly to getting sucked in by some social rides that pushed me to ride places I never expected and have more fun that I ever considered possible on a bike. Oh yeah ... the nice people I met along the way helped me out and taught me a lot about the streets as well.

....

Oh and Bike Maps ...
I agree with the point about just exploring and seeing what's out there, that one of my favorite things to do but it sure helps to know which roads are nice(r) to bikes, especially when you have a destination.

http://www.octa.net/bikeways.asp?category=bikeways&page=bikeways%20map

Ride on!
Just go to the River Trail and head towards the mountains go to Imperial and turn around. 40 miles flat. Nice ride, no traffic, no stopping. Get used to the bike before stepping up to a club ride. Nothing worse than being dropped by the entire club, even the slow riders.

Where is the River Trail? Does it go by another name? Hubby and I are relative noobs after 20+ years of non-riding and we are looking for some additional nice rides to get in condition. We live in the Glendora/Claremont/Upland area. Yesterday we rode around for a while and then rode to Puddingstone. We didn't go all the way around the lake because we had already been riding for a while and we knew that the entire route involves some hills and would add more mileage than we wanted to accomplish yesterday. We put in 24 miles yesterday, and did 18 last week.... we are trying to add only 10% each week.

Yen

Where is the River Trail? Does it go by another name? Hubby and I are relative noobs after 20+ years of non-riding and we are looking for some additional nice rides to get in condition. We live in the Glendora/Claremont/Upland area. Yesterday we rode around for a while and then rode to Puddingstone. We didn't go all the way around the lake because we had already been riding for a while and we knew that the entire route involves some hills and would add more mileage than we wanted to accomplish yesterday. We put in 24 miles yesterday, and did 18 last week.... we are trying to add only 10% each week.

Yen

San Gabriel River Trail
Runs along the 605 frwy...and goes from Azuza to Seal Beach
We usually park at Encanto Park in Duarte and start from there...or you can drive to the Santa Fe Dam and start from there as well...

San Gabriel River Trail
Runs along the 605 frwy...and goes from Azuza to Seal Beach
We usually park at Encanto Park in Duarte and start from there...or you can drive to the Santa Fe Dam and start from there as well...

Oh, that River Trail. I cross it every day on my way to/from work. I've read scary things about it, gangs and attacks on cyclists, so I'm a little afraid of it. Is there a portion of the trail and a time of day to avoid (other than night time, obviously...)? It's just the two of us, me 'n Hubby.

Oh, that River Trail. I cross it every day on my way to/from work. I've read scary things about it, gangs and attacks on cyclists, so I'm a little afraid of it. Is there a portion of the trail and a time of day to avoid (other than night time, obviously...)? It's just the two of us, me 'n Hubby.

Most of those stories are urban myths...that not to say there are never problems...but I have ridden it many times and have had no problem...
Plus on the weekends there are many riders out there...I would not ride this at night unless in a large group...
And I would imagine these areas are further south of the 60 frwy...
One thing we have done is ride down to Whittier Narrows and across to the North Rio Hondo Trail and back...a nice 45-50 miles....

The other alternative is the Santa Ana River Trail...I have never ridden it, but many here have and say it is very nice...

Thank you! We'll give both of those a try.

Yen

This is one of my sources for reference about danger on the San Gabriel River Trail...

http://www.nearfield.com/~dan/sports/bike/notes/hazards/index.htm (http://www.nearfield.com/%7Edan/sports/bike/notes/hazards/index.htm)

This is one of my sources for reference about danger on the San Gabriel River Trail...
http://www.nearfield.com/~dan/sports/bike/notes/hazards/index.htm
That site seems a little oversensationalized and unreliable.
Of the graffiti referenced in those photos, none of it appears to be gang related.

There is one link on there referring to a single incedent from last year. And it is a scary story. However, I would consider how many cyclists have actually been assulted on bike paths relative to the ammount of usage they receive.

I don't know how to tally those stats but after really searching for evidence of violence on the bike paths (due to my own weekly commute on ballona creek) I have only come up with reports of a few isolated incedents over the years. Reletive to a person's safety on the streets of L.A. I think the Bike Paths add up to be pretty safe.

But it is important to consider, because increased usage of the public space actually makes those spaces safer and less desirable to crime elements. If we allow ourselves to be irrationally scared of using the bike paths then we are, in a sense, contributing to the probelm.

It was nice meeting, and riding with you today John!
Congrats again on your ride!!! :beer: