Folding Bikes - SoCal folder people, I have an idea

Don't know about other people but I'm folder shopping!!

Well, you don't *need* a folder to join the ride, but it certainly is an excuse to buy one. :p

We have a flier! If you wanna help with promotion, print/photocopy some out and post them all over the place. Download it from:

http://socalfolderride.freehostia.com/folding%20bike%20flyer.jpg

Also! The website compatibility issues are fixed!!!! Now you don't have to be stuck using internet exploder to view the website.

http://socal.folder.ride.googlepages.com

Nice job, looks like you've put some time into this. Any idea how many are gonna show up?

Nice job, looks like you've put some time into this. Any idea how many are gonna show up?


LOL! It's still two months away! Spread the word!

Nice job, looks like you've put some time into this. Any idea how many are gonna show up?

It color-coordinates with the website, heehee. :D Oh the joys/pains of being a girl with OC tendencies.

Dunno how many are coming, but I'm counting at least 7 people just from BF. I was gonna chase down this guy with a strida at Union station, but I was cutting it close to catching my afternoon bus so I didn't talk to him. In hindsight it would've been worth it to miss that bus to rope him in.

It color-coordinates with the website, heehee. :D Oh the joys/pains of being a girl with OC tendencies.

Dunno how many are coming, but I'm counting at least 7 people just from BF. I was gonna chase down this guy with a strida at Union station, but I was cutting it close to catching my afternoon bus so I didn't talk to him. In hindsight it would've been worth it to miss that bus to rope him in.

I have no doubt that the folding bike population around here might be rather small, but a quickly growing one. If the guy with the Strida is on-line, I am sure he is at least a visitor here. I think you will have a rather interesting group of people coming. It will be a party atmostsphere for sure!

Ok...another idea. Remember how I said donate through checks? Well...bike forums is giving out little Igor icons to those that contribute to a charity in Sheldon Brown's name. Soo...check, cash, I don't care anymore, but cash donations will be pooled together to make a contribution to WBR in Sheldon's name. I think it'll be a great way to honor Sheldon's memory. Whaddya guys think?

Ok...another idea. Remember how I said donate through checks? Well...bike forums is giving out little Igor icons to those that contribute to a charity in Sheldon Brown's name. Soo...check, cash, I don't care anymore, but cash donations will be pooled together to make a contribution to WBR in Sheldon's name. I think it'll be a great way to honor Sheldon's memory. Whaddya guys think?


Good Idea! Since I prefer to do cash donations (I like to keep my charity giving private), that is fine with me. And Sheldon was a great help to me when it came to bike restoration (my old English made three speed), and even selecting my first folder.

I submitted the registration for my daughter, Sara, and me, Everett, the other day, but haven't heard anything more. How many people plan to go on the ride? Are there any particulars that we should know about? Looking forward to the ride---we have new Dahon D7 folders------Everett

What time do you expect you guys will be arriving at Balboa park (that's Balboa park out in the valley, right? Which, is on Balboa (which is a little bit west of, and parallel to, the 405), north of the 101?) How late to do you all expect to be there? I'd love to attend, but I've signed up for a tennis class through the city of Glendale, and it's on Saturdays, from 9:50am to 10:50. Do you think you'll be there until 12 or later? I can throw my new folder in my car and head out there after tennis. I'd love to come see everyones' bikes.

Hi you guys,

Been busy the last couple of weeks because of finals, and then now I'm in China! That's why you haven't heard any more info...

So far, I'm counting around 7-10 people who are coming to the ride. Particulars...none I can think of that's not addressed in the website. We're probably arriving @ Balboa (yes, the Balboa with the lake out in the valley) at 11-something AM depending on the speed of participants. (Or rather, the slowness, since I'm gonna be in the ride. :p) We will probably be there until 12, so do come!

Sounds awesome. I am coming from HB, but I am pretty sure that I can find a bus that will connect me with the green or blue line and then up to Union Station.

_ I signed my daughter and me up for your ride----we have new Dahon D7 bikes, and we are looking forward to the ride and the getting on and off the trains. Is the ride planned for sure for April 19th----do we meeet at Grand Central?------Sara and Everett

At this point I plan to make the ride. I live in the San Fernando Valley, so I'll probably meet the group when it pops its head above ground at the end of the red line. Sounds like a fun time.

So I am wondering about how many miles it is from Balboa Park back to union Station... in case I'd rather ride on a bike instead of a train? I am hoping to be there on my Dahon MuSL.

_ I signed my daughter and me up for your ride----we have new Dahon D7 bikes, and we are looking forward to the ride and the getting on and off the trains. Is the ride planned for sure for April 19th----do we meeet at Grand Central?------Sara and Everett

Yep, April 19 for sure, and we meet at Union Station, in the courtyard, near the fountain.

So I am wondering about how many miles it is from Balboa Park back to union Station... in case I'd rather ride on a bike instead of a train? I am hoping to be there on my Dahon MuSL.

According to Bike Metro (http://www.bikemetro.com/route/route.asp), it's approx 24 miles from Lake Balboa Park to Union Station.

If the link doesn't work, search for the route with these addresses:
FROM: 6300 BALBOA BLVD
CA 91406

TO: 810 N ALAMEDA ST
CA 90012

So I am wondering about how many miles it is from Balboa Park back to union Station... in case I'd rather ride on a bike instead of a train? I am hoping to be there on my Dahon MuSL. Not sure how doable it is, but a Google Maps search reveals a 22.9 mile ride (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=2004322180229324152,34.056400,-118.237050&saddr=Balboa+Blvd,+Van+Nuys,+CA+91406&daddr=N+Los+Angeles+St,+Union+Station,+Los+Angeles,+CA+(Union+Station)&mra=cc&dirflg=h&sll=34.129426,-118.369102&sspn=0.198082,0.458679&ie=UTF8&ll=34.103703,-118.314857&spn=0.099071,0.22934&z=13).

nekohime, depending on the number of riders we have and how busy the trains are (not too busy I'd imagine) would it be smart to stagger our ride into 2 or 3 groups?

nekohime, depending on the number of riders we have and how busy the trains are (not too busy I'd imagine) would it be smart to stagger our ride into 2 or 3 groups?

Naah, I don't think there will be more than 20 people coming to the ride, so we'll definitely fit on a Saturday morning train. If not, half the group can catch the next train.

Well, my tennis class started last week and it doesn't look like I'll be finishing by 10:50. Maybe, if we're done by 12, I can make it before 1. What are the chances, though, that you guys will be riding around there, still, at 1pm? Anybody bringing a Strida, one of the magnesium frame Dahon MU bikes, a Brompton or a Birdy? If I make it (I may leave tennis early), I'll be bringing my Dahon MU P24.

Thanks for the info on the mileage. Might be a little long ride... but then again, it might be a good challenge. I'll keep an open mind for now. Thanks also for the Bike Metro link! I am goping to see if I can come up with a more scenic/less travelled (is that possible in LA?) route. I'll post it as I get it done.

Well, my tennis class started last week and it doesn't look like I'll be finishing by 10:50. Maybe, if we're done by 12, I can make it before 1. What are the chances, though, that you guys will be riding around there, still, at 1pm? Anybody bringing a Strida, one of the magnesium frame Dahon MU bikes, a Brompton or a Birdy? If I make it (I may leave tennis early), I'll be bringing my Dahon MU P24.

v6v6v6 is bringing a Dahon MuSL (I think. Yes?); if she shows up, folderfanatic might bring her brompton; if I can rope them in, other guys from the socal forum will bring Xootr Swifts and KHS folding bikes... Dunno if we'll still be there at 1pm though.

v6v6v6 is bringing a Dahon MuSL (I think. Yes?); if she shows up, folderfanatic might bring her brompton; if I can rope them in, other guys from the socal forum will bring Xootr Swifts and KHS folding bikes... Dunno if we'll still be there at 1pm though.

Yup, I wouldn't mind also showing off the Dahon Vitesse D7 and the KHS Mocha (w/BionX motor) if I find some other riders to join me. I'd welcome anyone from the Pasadena area who wants to come out and borrow a folder for the ride. Let me know and we'll meetup.

If you don't own a folder but you're interested in getting one, this would be a good opportunity to check out the various rides before you buy!

....if she shows up, folderfanatic might bring her brompton....

Don't worry, I am planning to show up. I was not sure which bike to take (I was leaning toward the Piccolo), but if you want to see the Brompton, I will get it out and tune it up before the ride. Here it is in all it's glory with one of it's swinging sixities/seventies predessesors, the Schwinn Sting-ray Manta-ray model from 1971 with all original parts:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/world-of-folding-bicycles/265082469/in/set-72157594325178229/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/world-of-folding-bicycles/265082469/in/set-72157594325178229/)

Yay, ride is coming up soon! I'll be posting fliers more aggressively now, so watch out for them! :D

Hello people,

Folderfanatic asked if helmets were required for the ride. Nope, they aren't but they are recommended, because neither me nor bikeforums is responsible if anything happens to your unprotected noggin while on this ride. That's all.

:)

Larry from Ridethisbike.com wrote an article about our ride, yay!

http://ridethisbike.com/2008/04/socal-charity-folding-bike-ride.html

Sorry but I won't be making the ride. I really have no interest in promoting folding bikes or folding bike culture. I like it just the way it is, unique and reserved only for the most intelligent. I like it that I am one of the only ones around town on a folder and would not like to see everyone's grandma and grandpa on one.

As for your charity, the reason why the people in those countries need charity is because of their over-population problem there. They basically are unnecessary people who are incapable of contributing anything to their society or even taking care of themselves but instead they are draining their land of valuable resources. When you give them charity they will take that charity and have more children and then give you back more of the problem you are paying them to resolve. They do not need bikes or money. What they really desperately need is condoms. If you are really concerned about them then you should send them condoms. You can buy condoms for cheap at any 99¢ store.

Lol, yamcha you are indeed back!

Sorry you can't make the ride. :(

Side note: I was on a trip to China two weeks ago. Folding bikes galore! It was awesome. I guess the Chinese people are really intelligent, since a lot of them have folding bikes. ;)

Wow! Yamcha...you are such an intelligent and very opinionated guy. Now go back to your room and play with yourself!

Lol, yamcha you are indeed back!

Sorry you can't make the ride. :(

Side note: I was on a trip to China two weeks ago. Folding bikes galore! It was awesome. I guess the Chinese people are really intelligent, since a lot of them have folding bikes. ;)


Chinamen are indeed intelligent. They are the ones who invented paper, the compass, gunpowder, paper money, the water clock and chopsticks.

... unique and reserved only for the most intelligent.Soooooo, uuuhm, errrr, you have one to look intelligent? Won't work. There is a saying, 'by your fruits will you be known.' We have already seen your fruit. And it is rotten.

OK Shakespeare, so you have seen my fruit huh? Reading your post is less interesting than watching paint dry. If wit was spit, your mouth would be drier than a shallow well in an African heat wave. Most repair manuals are far more interesting than you. Your total worth amounts to less than the crap stuck to your anal hairs.

http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/thumbnail2/1974_eating_popcorn.gif

http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/thumbnail2/1974_eating_popcorn.gif:beer:

Chinamen are indeed intelligent. They are the ones who invented paper, the compass, gunpowder, paper money, the water clock and chopsticks.


Nobody knows who invented chopsticks. Most likely it just goes far back into the mists of time - some people sitting around eating, grabbing the food with twigs.

But I am pretty sure those people were sittting around in China.

OK Shakespeare, so you have seen my fruit huh? Reading your post is less interesting than watching paint dry. If wit was spit, your mouth would be drier than a shallow well in an African heat wave. Most repair manuals are far more interesting than you. Your total worth amounts to less than the crap stuck to your anal hairs.
Wow, impressive insults there, Yamcha!

I have scoured the internet but couldn't better those. You win. So here are some of my wishes for you:

May you find a well-paying job.
May you do well in that job.
May you enjoy excellent health.
May you have a nice home.
May you have many folders with internally-geared hubs.
May you have a wide circle of friends.
May you gain the respect of all who come to know you.







Just kidding. :)

Sorry but I won't be making the ride . . . What they really desperately need is condoms. If you are really concerned about them then you should send them condoms...
Maybe you could modify a lawn seeder to throw condoms instead of seed, and then tow it behind your bike. Then you could participate in the ride in good conscience.

Maybe you could modify a lawn seeder to throw condoms instead of seed, and then tow it behind your bike. Then you could participate in the ride in good conscience.

BTW, CaptainSpalding, do you mind being the ride leader on the North Hollywood stn.~>Balboa park portion of the ride? I just realized that while I know the route, I'm not overly familiar w/ the traffic over there, and with being a ride leader, for that matter. :eek:

Maybe you could modify a lawn seeder to throw condoms instead of seed, and then tow it behind your bike. Then you could participate in the ride in good conscience.

No, the Western countries do not need contraception. In fact, they need to have more kids in order to counter balance the rapid Islamic takeover of the world.

Come on guys. Let's keep this on the topic of a ride to display and demostrate folding bikes in a region where any bike is laughed at and not taken too seriously. As for any topic on family planning, I prefer to keep that in the privacy of your own home. Anywhere else invites trouble. While I personally don't care much for the charity selected (I prefer not to ride for any charity), I will show up just to support & demostrate my bike(s).

Come on guys. Let's keep this on the topic of a ride to display and demostrate folding bikes in a region where any bike is laughed at and not taken too seriously.

(edited by mod)

It would make much more sense to take this ride down south to Irvine where the bike routes are super nice the people ride bikes because they want to instead of because of having no choice.

It would make much more sense to take this ride down south to Irvine where the bike routes are super nice the people ride bikes because they want to instead of because of having no choice.

yamcha,

Maybe it is time to cool it with what could best be described as "incendiary" comments - your style I know from my observations.

(FYI: I know it says Vancouver, WA on my profile, but we grew up on the border with ELA in the 1950's & early 60's, still own a place in Ventura and visited both there and Orange County for several weeks last month. We also rode our BF's on bike paths, trails and streets in both locales. There are plenty of "recreational" (ie., optional) bike riders all over SoCA.)

Don't worry about me. I am going to be receiving my new folder in a day or two and then I will take a bunch of pictures for you guys like I always do and then you won't hear from me again for years or until I buy a new folder. And FYI: Irvine California is perhaps the most biker friendly city in the entire world. The scenery along the bike trails are incredibly beautiful.

Check it out: http://www.ci.irvine.ca.us/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=8767

BTW, CaptainSpalding, do you mind being the ride leader on the North Hollywood stn.~>Balboa park portion of the ride?
It's not a certainty that I can participate - but if I can make it (i.e. weasel out of another commitment) I'll be happy to lend whatever pomp and circumstance I can to the occasion! Do I get a special arm band or something?

99% of the people riding bikes around LA are blah blah blah . . .
I get it. You're one of those glass-is-half-empty types.

It's not a certainty that I can participate - but if I can make it (i.e. weasel out of another commitment) I'll be happy to lend whatever pomp and circumstance I can to the occasion! Do I get a special arm band or something?

Sure!

I get it. You're one of those glass-is-half-empty types.

The glass is neither empty or full. I am just pointing out reality. It does not concern me how you want to interpret it.