Southern California - Griffith Park Beauty Tour

I decided after last Saturday's century that I am not in the shape I need to be to tackle Mt. Wilson. I could have done it, sure, but it would have hurt. I'm not going to be into that as hardcore in 2008. I don't mind pushing and hurting at times (and I'm sure I will over the next 12 months), but I wanted to start the new year out with a ride that I knew I'd truly enjoy.

Originally, when I decided to ride from my place to Griffith Park, I had planned to do it solo. This meant a lonely ride as I'd miss all the great folks out on Wilson. However, I was determined to scout out the Griffith Park canyons and see with my own eyes how they are faring since the fires. Luck would have it that Scootcore saw my post about riding Griffith Park and PMed me to join. I was thrilled. I always love riding with Bill and his keen sense of humor. I knew, too, that he'd be okay with my "relaxed" pace.

We headed out from my place around 10am. The air was perfect...not cold, a nice breeze and no wind. As we arrived at Griffith Park, luck hit again, and there was Roadfix and Rubic, whom I had not had the pleasure to meet and ride with. I've missed riding with George and was thrilled to see him and I truly enjoyed meeting Rubic. What a nice guy and strong rider. I found myself apologizing to him by the end of the ride for my pace. But it was a wonderful ride today! Those gentlemen were perfect company and Griffith Park, my stomping ground for sure, provided me with just what I needed. You will see in the pictures that all of it's wonderful beauty is still intact even in the burnt-out areas. It's starting it's re-growth, and it's gentle hills are alive with small brush already. The roads are open to cyclists - there is even a brand new sign saying so!!!! But not to cars!!!! Yippee!!!!

Thanks Scoot, Roadfix and Rubic for your excellent company on a great ride and way to start the New Year. :)

Here are some pics:



http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/New%20Year%20Ride/10.jpg

Scootcore, Roadfix and Rubic
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/New%20Year%20Ride/9.jpg

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Great pics Mary... I too am not going to be as gung ho in 2008. I want to enjoy the rides and do many new and picturesque routes. This year is about having fun.....

Great pics!!

Here's a stupid question - but for someone who wants to ride it (me) - and is not familiar with the area at all (been to the LA Zoo/Light Festival recently, Observatory when I was a wee little lad), can you provide some pointers/directions?

Specifically, coming from the 134 West from Pasadena, where to park? Route?

Thanks in advance!

That looks like a nice ride. How far up there?

Great pics!!

Here's a stupid question - but for someone who wants to ride it (me) - and is not familiar with the area at all (been to the LA Zoo/Light Festival recently, Observatory when I was a wee little lad), can you provide some pointers/directions?

Specifically, coming from the 134 West from Pasadena, where to park? Route?

Thanks in advance!

Usually the zoo parking lot is a good place to park...
Whenever you want to do this let me know...its 5 minutes from my place...

Sorry we missed you ME, Scoot, Fixer, Rubic

I wasnt sure what route we were taking...but this was some serious climbing...check the Jan1st ride thread for stats!
Would make a nice addition to one of your rides..or as a change of pace sometimes..

i am so freakin tired right now....... pesky wind was trying to kill rick and i on our way back to van nuys......stupid wind

i am so freakin tired right now....... pesky wind was trying to kill rick and i on our way back to van nuys......stupid wind

Bummer
It was just starting to come up as we headed up Beachwood then over to Lake Hollywood...got a couple of small gusts in burbank...but nothing too bad...

Great pics, as usual. You make me want to go back there again, one of these days.

I had a great ride and it was nice meeting rubic. I'm glad I went out to ride this morning......otherwise I would have just vegetated in front of the tv all day. I am now watching the USC game and we'll watch a couple movies this evening.
Here are some photos from the ride:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/jojisan/P1020139Medium.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/jojisan/P1020145Medium.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/jojisan/P1020157Medium.jpg

awesome pics as always george!!!! glad we all hooked up!

nice photos, look like such a good weather.

I finally got to meet ME and roadfix and I am glad that I did. It was really beautiful up there today. I got to see one of the canyon roads that I never knew existed. On the way home Scootcore and I ran into some nasty headwinds.

As for herbm's ride, Beachwood and Lake Hollywood are seriously steep hills!!

See you on the next ride.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/jojisan/P1020157Medium.jpg

That's some professional looking posing, right there!

Great pics, beautiful weather. We are all so lucky to live in So. Cal! :)

Should have seen the view from Mt. Wilson Observatory, The entire valley, downtown, the ocean, Catalina , and beyond. It was the most beautiful day I have ever been up there.

Should have seen the view from Mt. Wilson Observatory, The entire valley, downtown, the ocean, Catalina , and beyond. It was the most beautiful day I have ever been up there.

Yes, I've been up there on a crystal clear day and the views are stunning. Today certainly turned out to be a wonderful riding day. Only winds I encountered were a bit on the way back, otherwise none.

Nice pics!

Hey these pictures are awesome! What was the route order you took to eventually get to the observatory? It looks like you went up TT/garbage hill, did you do so and then climb to the observatory, if so how? I would like to know the paths taken(streets etc), and which entrance of GP was taken etc. I want to try this and take some pictures as soon as the anticipated rains come and go.

Thanks

Hey these pictures are awesome! What was the route order you took to eventually get to the observatory? It looks like you went up TT/garbage hill, did you do so and then climb to the observatory, if so how? I would like to know the paths taken(streets etc), and which entrance of GP was taken etc. I want to try this and take some pictures as soon as the anticipated rains come and go.

Thanks

Ion, I really do anticipate a night ride next week unless there is bad weather. You are welcome to join and I'll show you the route. Otherwise, it's basically, hopping the fence and climbing Mt. Hollywood to a split in the road. You go to the right (and NOT left), go down to another gate, cross it, and go right and up Observatory Way (I think that's the name of it).

Oh, and thanks, by the way. :)

Ion, I really do anticipate a night ride next week unless there is bad weather. You are welcome to join and I'll show you the route. Otherwise, it's basically, hopping the fence and climbing Mt. Hollywood to a split in the road. You go to the right (and NOT left), go down to another gate, cross it, and go right and up Observatory Way (I think that's the name of it).

Oh, and thanks, by the way. :)

I don't know if I'm fast enough but there is only one way to find out I guess. As long as I'm in town I think I will join. Need to put my lights back on my bike, and I should be set. Thanks for the invite, I appreciate it.

I don't know if I'm fast enough but there is only one way to find out I guess. As long as I'm in town I think I will join. Need to put my lights back on my bike, and I should be set. Thanks for the invite, I appreciate it.

It's not a super fast ride, Ion. Trust me! But it is a good climb. :)