Southern California - Feedback on Griffith Park Route Please

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mkadam68
11-30-07, 08:03 AM
I work on Vermont Ave just south of Griffith Park. I get off the train in Burbank (Flower St.). I'd like to spice up my commute a bit and continue to train in the hills/mountains in anticipation of KOM 2008.

Currently, I just do Zoo Drive down to Los Feliz. What about this route? I've never ridden in the hills above GP before.

Should I recon the route by car during the day so I don't get lost in the pitch black of 5:30am?
Is riding it in pitch black not recommended by those w/experience?
What about the connection between Mt Hollywood & Vermont Canyon? On the satellite picture, it doesn't look like it's there. But the map says no problemo.
Any other route suggestions that'll bring me to Vermont Ave at some point and still incorporate some climbing?
Any other questions I should have asked but forgot to?
Thanks.

Edit: Bikely Link (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/89235)

merider1
11-30-07, 08:08 AM
I really can only answer two of those questions.

1. You will not be riding in pitch black if you have a good light or two. That's all you need.
2. I've got plenty of experience riding at the crack of dawn with my HID without issue. I find it exhilarating and amazing once you get on the bike. It's the getting out of bed in pitch black and cold that is the hardest part.


Others will have to help with the route as I haven't ridden through the park recently encough to know what roads are open. :)
curiouskid55
11-30-07, 08:22 AM
You could get on the bikeway at Victory and head towards Los Feliz. You could turn right off Victory and head over to Travel Town and head up the little hill that will bring you back to Crystal Springs Drive at the carousel picnic area. You could jump the gate at the top of the Travel Town Hill (road is not maintained , lots of bad pavement) and eventually come out on Los Feliz in the neighborhood of the Greek Theater. You could take Barham to Cahuenga and reach Hollywood in the Franklin and Highland area.

roadfix
11-30-07, 09:31 AM
You can add a couple of miles by riding towards Travel Town and riding up and over trash truck hill and down the other side.