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

Yamcha your version of reality is warped. This folding bike forum group are a friendly lot and don't need some opinionated jerk like you trying hard to be witty and attempting to wind up people at the same time. You aren't witty Yamcha so stop trying. You're attempt to engage in insults with Jur are like those of a clumsy college kid.

You've tried to turn the conversation away from Nekohime's admirable efforts to do something for a good cause. Are you proud of yourself? If you are, it speaks volumes about you doesn't it?

I wish you luck Nekohime with your event and would join and support you if i wasn't all the way over in London UK. Your organisational skills and energy are very refreshing to see and I like your little site dedicated to the event too.

You are focusing too much on me. What I do is unimportant. If you really want to support her and her good cause then you need to send her some money for the charity instead of finding reasons why you aren't. Talk means nothing.

Funny guy! NOT

(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.

Be easy on these people, Yamcha. I hope you do not disappear from this and related forums entirely-even for your extreme beliefs. I happen to be stuck around these people for now. Some are decent folk that have fallen into hard times (who hasn't). Others do scare me some. The folding bikes are simply a way of coping living amoung the hard luck crowd in an nonviolent way. I used bikes (especially folding ones) to simply get around-as an real alternative to motor vehicles-for many years. I do practice what I have been preaching here and on my Web site series. As much as I like to bike through nice grassy paths and gentle folk right now, that is not my calling or opportunity. I like to deal with problems in a healthy way-by demostration. Even if I have to face and witness the destruction of an area I once lived around when I was a teenager on live television. The area is still beautiful, but some of the people are not. I would not go there even in the daytime anymore. See: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-barricade4apr04,0,7181428.story

people ride bikes because they want to instead of because of having no choice.

What a dumbass comment! Does it matter what reason people ride bikes as long as they do? Where did this guy crawl out from lol?

Hi you guys, the ride is coming up soon!!! If you have any last minute questions or concerns (like, if on the way to the ride you get a flat and want us to wait a bit for you) and you can't reach me through here or through the ride email address (socal.folder.ride@gmail.com), PM me today and I'll give you my cell#. If you registered through the website you should already have it.

Looking forward to seeing y'all!

Good luck with your ride NH. I found the WBL site and will make a donation there. Very apt choice. Hope the weather is nice on the day for all you guys. :-)

Greetings all,

I rode the route this morning, from the end of the red line at Lankershim and Chandler to Lake Balboa, and back. By my odometer it is about 15 miles round trip, FWIW. (Hopefully someone else will bring a GPSr or a cyclocomputer, and we can find out whether GoogleMaps is out of its mind or I just don't know how to calibrate my computer. :) ) 5 of those miles are on a bike lane along Chandler. There's plenty of elbow room and the traffic is light even on weekdays. The other 10 miles are along a bike path shared only with the occasional pedestrian.

The terrain is mostly flat, with any ascents being very gradual. The path follows the Orange Line all the way to the park and back, so any of us having a hard time finding their legs can opt out wherever they feel the need. All the Orange Line busses I saw today had bike racks on the front.

There is not much choice of cuisine at the park. I believe there is a hot dog vendor there on the weekend, but I'm not sure. If you don't want to make a side-run for fast food, bring along a little something.

Appropriate dress, of course - the forecast from the National Weather Service as of 3:30 pm PST Thursday:
Saturday: A chance of drizzle before 11am. Patchy fog before 11am. Then gradually becoming partly sunny, with a high near 62. South southeast wind between 7 and 9 mph.

Weather is not a factor for me, I'll be there rain or shine. Bringing a boo-boo kit, a couple of extra tubes, patch kit, levers, blah blah blah.
I look forward to meeting everyone.

Greetings all,

I rode the route this morning, from the end of the red line at Lankershim and Chandler to Lake Balboa, and back. By my odometer it is about 15 miles round trip, FWIW. (Hopefully someone else will bring a GPSr or a cyclocomputer, and we can find out whether GoogleMaps is out of its mind or I just don't know how to calibrate my computer. :) ) 5 of those miles are on a bike lane along Chandler. There's plenty of elbow room and the traffic is light even on weekdays. The other 10 miles are along a bike path shared only with the occasional pedestrian.

The terrain is mostly flat, with any ascents being very gradual. The path follows the Orange Line all the way to the park and back, so any of us having a hard time finding their legs can opt out wherever they feel the need. All the Orange Line busses I saw today had bike racks on the front.

There is not much choice of cuisine at the park. I believe there is a hot dog vendor there on the weekend, but I'm not sure. If you don't want to make a side-run for fast food, bring along a little something.

Appropriate dress, of course - the forecast from the National Weather Service as of 3:30 pm PST Thursday:
Saturday: A chance of drizzle before 11am. Patchy fog before 11am. Then gradually becoming partly sunny, with a high near 62. South southeast wind between 7 and 9 mph.

Weather is not a factor for me, I'll be there rain or shine. Bringing a boo-boo kit, a couple of extra tubes, patch kit, levers, blah blah blah.
I look forward to meeting everyone. Thanks for the info! Looking forward to this.

Greetings all,

I rode the route this morning, from the end of the red line at Lankershim and Chandler to Lake Balboa, and back. By my odometer it is about 15 miles round trip, FWIW. (Hopefully someone else will bring a GPSr or a cyclocomputer, and we can find out whether GoogleMaps is out of its mind or I just don't know how to calibrate my computer. :) ) 5 of those miles are on a bike lane along Chandler. There's plenty of elbow room and the traffic is light even on weekdays. The other 10 miles are along a bike path shared only with the occasional pedestrian.

The terrain is mostly flat, with any ascents being very gradual. The path follows the Orange Line all the way to the park and back, so any of us having a hard time finding their legs can opt out wherever they feel the need. All the Orange Line busses I saw today had bike racks on the front.

There is not much choice of cuisine at the park. I believe there is a hot dog vendor there on the weekend, but I'm not sure. If you don't want to make a side-run for fast food, bring along a little something.

Appropriate dress, of course - the forecast from the National Weather Service as of 3:30 pm PST Thursday:
Saturday: A chance of drizzle before 11am. Patchy fog before 11am. Then gradually becoming partly sunny, with a high near 62. South southeast wind between 7 and 9 mph.

Weather is not a factor for me, I'll be there rain or shine. Bringing a boo-boo kit, a couple of extra tubes, patch kit, levers, blah blah blah.
I look forward to meeting everyone.

Awesome, Captain Ride Leader, sir! I shall have your special armband ready for you tomorrow :D

Hey, I know it's last minute but it'd also be nice to place a [screen]name with a face! I'll start it off...

Eugene (with my daughter)
http://stang99.w1.com/biking/img/socal_folder01.jpg

Sprocket!
http://stang99.w1.com/biking/img/socal_folder02.jpg

Cute kid, v6v6v6!

Me,

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j205/nekohime1378/blueguitar.jpg

and Mr. Fred Clark (Kent)

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j205/nekohime1378/Image006.jpg

edit: just realized I pasted a pic of teh bf and my lil sis there. Ooops--removed.

Thanks for the faces. Those of us that are very visual appreciate it.

Hopefully, someone will take and post pictures of the ride? (Especially for us former SoCA folks.)

Thanks for the faces. Those of us that are very visual appreciate it.

Hopefully, someone will take and post pictures of the ride? (Especially for us former SoCA folks.)

Of course! Camera charging!

Of course! Camera charging!

Any bets nekohime can't reist the temptation to change her folder soon after the ride if she sees a Downtube Mini :lol:

Any bets nekohime can't reist the temptation to change her folder soon after the ride if she sees a Downtube Mini :lol:

I'm already tempted...I saw a black one (or maybe dark blue?) on the subways before, and it was pretty :D

Once you get hooked on folders NH the temptation is there lol. I only started being a convert in August 2007 and sold my Specialized globe 26" wheels and that was a fine bike all the same. The Downtubes with hub gears are great value and a really good ride so the Mini with its 8 speed hub, you would love. Perfect for you!

I test rode a Birdy the other day. Absolutely stunning bike. i want a whole collection lol!

I've now ordered a Brompton to add to my Downtubes! Can only afford the indulgence as I pay over 12 monthly instalments and get 41% off the price through tax relief via my employer. One of the few good government initiatives in the UK. The Netherlands is the best place for cycle culture. But folding bikes are catching on fast in places like London!

Good luck with the SoCal ride, I'd love to organise a similar thing in Greater London/South East.

Oh, oh sorry to disappoint. I am afraid I missed out on going. Unfortunally, I had an unexpected emergency-an old friend needed some cheering up before her hip surgery yesterday and final checking up on her admission dates & papers. I stayed with her all day. So I overslept today (things like that really affects me physically and psychologically). My new computer is not on the Internet quite yet. So I still am stuck with the library's hours (past the ride's time) until I finish my DSL connection to check things like email & my online scheduling calender. I really was looking forward to meeting others like myself.

But one good thing came from not going. I have been noticing more folding bikes in even poorer areas here in Southern California. I spotted a Dahon 2007 Speed D7 today just a couple of blocks from my house when I was walking to the library The young man was "dumpster diving" in one of the larger trash bins. So I think folding bikes are becoming more common here. Perhaps soon these bikes would be so common that they would not have a second glance or noticed anywhere here.

Sorry to hear that FF Some of you should still arrange to meet up anyway, you have quite big representatio on here from California. It's great to see people from all walks of life getting together like this and sharing such a great interest. And as we know folding bikes is not a geeks clique when you see the diverse variety of people who got together for the SoCal ride and the people who interact on this forum.

Hi! Just got back home from the ride. Well, actually the ride ended much earlier but I meandered around downtown first because I needed to return books at the central library and then I wandered into the fashion district and got further distracted...

Anyway.

It was perfect weather for riding--overcast, chilly, and slightly windy. Six people showed up at Union station, and it was pretty much a Dahon party--v6v6v6 riding a MuSl and John (from Midnight Ridazz), his son, and his wife riding two Boardwalks and a Speed TR, respectively. I had my Kent Ultralite, of course. Il Bruto showed up to the meet and greet session to give us a spin on his Swift, but wasn't able to join the ride. People are right when they say the Swift has the stiffest frame. I felt like I was on a regular road bike because of the geometry and frame.

After talking for a while we headed down to the Red Line, while Il Bruto said goodbye and headed to the Gold Line. The subway was more crowded than usual, but it wasn't a problem for us! The guys went to the middle of the car and folded their bikes, while us girls went to the front where the wheelchair area was so we could keep our bikes unfolded. We got a lot of stares, and John even demonstrated the folding and unfolding to some people on the train.

We got off at the North Hollywood station, where we met Captain Spalding. He was riding a Jetstream with a Rohloff! Anyway, from North Hollywood station, we went on Chandler, then to the Orange line bikepath, then to Balboa Park. We dropped by the Encino velodrome to show off our bikes and watch a bit of the time trials (unfortunately there weren't a lot of people). From there, we went to have lunch at Millie's, yum.

We switched bikes around when we were at stoplights. First I got to try the Jetstream with Rohloff. WOW such a nice nice thing to ride. Shifting was as smooth as butter, and the bike just wanted to be ridden fast and hard. Oh, and it had a Brooks B17 saddle too. Captain Spaldings cranks were a too long for me though, and I ended up having to raise the seat much higher than I was used to giving me a racing geometry I wasn't quite comfortable with.

Next I tried the MuSL...another great ride, and I particularly liked the geometry with TT bars. Very comfy, and definitely another one that wants to be ridden fast. The thumb shifter was really accurate and fast.

Next I tried the Speed TR--wow, so many gears! I played around with them, but got confused really fast, so I just put it on the top gear and flew to the front of the pack. I also really liked the biologic seat and thudbuster on it. I ran over some bumps but the only reason I knew was because I saw them--I couldn't feel them at all!

Going back to my Kent was a bit of a disappointment after riding those great bikes, but I still like it a lot. Compared to the others it's definitely low-end, but what I really is appreciate the intense workout it gives me. It's hard work riding my bike fast because I have it setup like a cruiser with upright seating, but I did keep up with the rest of the pack (until we started riding to Millie's. Then they left me in the dust. I guess they were hungry :p).

I'm gonna organize another one late in the summer depending on how the weather is (I practically aestivate when the temperature is above 80*F), and also in the winter. Same deal, donation to World Bicycle Relief, etc. We might try going up the Gold line next, but I'll have to figure out a good route for that. Next time around, I hope more brands of bikes will be represented!!

Oh, here is a pic of us and our folded bikes, taken by v6v6v6's wife (who didn't join us because she is very, very preggy! :D)

http://lh3.ggpht.com/nekohime/SAquP8Cx3wI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/PBK4_Shfp2o/s800/CIMG5851.JPG
From left to right: me; John's kid, Jackson; John from Midnight Ridazz; John's wife, Kim; Captain Spalding; and v6v6v6

More pics to come on the website, it'll probably be up by next Saturday. (oh, side note, v6v6v6, can you send me your pics? Thanks)

Oh, here is a pic of us and our folded bikes, taken by v6v6v6's wife (who didn't join us because she is very, very preggy! :D)

That's a nice group shot! :)

Looks like you had fun.

Who's who?

Looks like you had fun.

Who's who?

Oh, forgot to add that. Will edit my post.

Nekohime: I hope you organize another one. I wanted to go very much and hoped for a different day but got voted out. Today was my daughter's first birthday (and party) so I'd be in huge trouble if I went. I live in LA but often take my Brompton on Metrolink to go to L.A. Anyway, seems you all had a fun ride.

Nekohime: I hope you organize another one. I wanted to go very much and hoped for a different day but got voted out. Today was my daughter's first birthday (and party) so I'd be in huge trouble if I went. I live in LA but often take my Brompton on Metrolink to go to L.A. Anyway, seems you all had a fun ride.

Yes, I'm definitely putting together another one! I'll probably put up the idea-gathering thread sometime after my "hell week"

Interesting that the Encino Velodrome was on your route.

We spent many Fri & Sat nights out there in the 70's with our young daughter watching the likes of Jerry Ash, Ron Skarin and on one occasion Jack Disney (then in his 40's). That experience is definitely the major reason our 10 yr old grandson is now involved in the summer youth development classes at the Marymoor Velodrome in Redmond, WA.

Sounds like you had a good time.

Interesting that the Encino Velodrome was on your route.

We spent many Fri & Sat nights out there in the 70's with our young daughter watching the likes of Jerry Ash, Ron Skarin and on one occasion Jack Disney (then in his 40's).

I was there as well in 1973 and 1974. This was before bicycle computers and Ron Skarin would ride his Teledyne Titan with a Huret analog speedometer in road races.

Don't forget Fast Freddy Markham and his bicycle babes! Those were good times . I remember ordering my first hardshell helmet in 1974 from Bell directly since they weren't selling through retail stores yet.

I mostly rode the westside since I was living in Santa Monica and didn't have a car. I can remember many nights at the Encino Velodrome. Were you there when the 6-day races were in LA in 1973? The sprints between American Jackie Simes versus the Frenchman Daniel Morelon? The Australian John Nickonson with his shoes bolted to his pedals on his track bike.

Good memories from Encino.... Got my first folder a year later in 1975 after I moved back to Berkeley to go to university...

Seems better weather than London at the moment in the group shot but that's not difficult!

Pictures are up! http://picasaweb.google.com/nekohime/FirstEverSoCalFoldingBikeRide

I'll post them to the ride website and to midnight rideazz sooner or later...

Pictures are up! http://picasaweb.google.com/nekohime/FirstEverSoCalFoldingBikeRide

I'll post them to the ride website and to midnight rideazz sooner or later... Great job Nekohime! I look forward to our next folder ride soon. :) Here are some pics:

At Union Station... Alan's Swift in the foreground
http://stang99.w1.com/biking/img/socal_folder_ride01.jpg

John and Jackson on the train
http://stang99.w1.com/biking/img/socal_folder_ride02.jpg

At North Hollywood getting ready for our ride to Balboa Park
http://stang99.w1.com/biking/img/socal_folder_ride03.jpg

Balboa Park
http://stang99.w1.com/biking/img/socal_folder_ride04.jpg

Encino Velodrome
http://stang99.w1.com/biking/img/socal_folder_ride05.jpg

Neato! Thanks for the report!
I've always thought of owning a folder one day, fixed gear, of course. :D

Neato! Thanks for the report!
I've always thought of owning a folder one day, fixed gear, of course. :D

Check out LittlePixel's brompton/merc fixie!

Good photos, some very interesting folders. You can see the fascination on the train towards the folding bikes in one pic! The virus will spread, long live foldinitis lol!

Have to say Nekohime your Kent suits its purpose and although its subjective on whether people like the side colour panels they are actually very good side reflectors passing by junctions at night, a neat idea.

Good photos, some very interesting folders. You can see the fascination on the train towards the folding bikes in one pic! The virus will spread, long live foldinitis lol!

Have to say Nekohime your Kent suits its purpose and although its subjective on whether people like the side colour panels they are actually very good side reflectors passing by junctions at night, a neat idea. Let me just say Nekohime is a very good example of how folders serve as utility, commuting, and recreation, and in her case it's also very cost-effective at just $150. From what I understand her commute is from West Covina to Westwood via a combination of bike, train, and bus--lots of people along the way to learn from her example. What a trooper!

I was there as well in 1973 and 1974. This was before bicycle computers and Ron Skarin would ride his Teledyne Titan with a Huret analog speedometer in road races.

Don't forget Fast Freddy Markham and his bicycle babes! Those were good times . I remember ordering my first hardshell helmet in 1974 from Bell directly since they weren't selling through retail stores yet.

I mostly rode the westside since I was living in Santa Monica and didn't have a car. I can remember many nights at the Encino Velodrome. Were you there when the 6-day races were in LA in 1973? The sprints between American Jackie Simes versus the Frenchman Daniel Morelon? The Australian John Nickonson with his shoes bolted to his pedals on his track bike.

Good memories from Encino.... Got my first folder a year later in 1975 after I moved back to Berkeley to go to university...

I don't think we got involved until a yr or two after the Morelon/Nicholson race - I remember the announcer talking about it though. I am only familiar with Fast Freddy Markham now because I have read about Bike Friday's Rob English who also attempts speed records in Human Powered Vehicles.

We sure didn't ride with helmets back then, and neither did our young daughter who spent several years in a seat on the back of my bike.

You were definitely an early adopter of both helmets and folders! We were just switching from 5-speed Schwinn Collegiates to 10-speed Schwinn Varsitys back in those days.

Thanks Nekohime for organizing a charity ride on a nice day with nice pix as a bonus! Note the pic of my son sitting on his foldie in the Red Line subway car. I've done that many times on busy days when no seat is available; use a foldie and make your own! Gets people interested every time.

Good photos, some very interesting folders. You can see the fascination on the train towards the folding bikes in one pic! The virus will spread, long live foldinitis lol!

Have to say Nekohime your Kent suits its purpose and although its subjective on whether people like the side colour panels they are actually very good side reflectors passing by junctions at night, a neat idea.

Actually those were Planet Bike stickers. I ripped off the original rather ugly side panels and replaced them. You're right, they do make for good side reflectors!

I'm be looking forward to the next. I wasn't able to make it, this time. Not necessarily the first reason I didn't make it, but definitely the end of all possiblities, was me pulling/straining some muscles in my back/side during tennis class. Bummer! I don't know why it happens, but it's the same injury I received a couple of months ago while playing table tennis and racket ball. How much street riding did you all do?

Yes, I'm definitely putting together another one! I'll probably put up the idea-gathering thread sometime after my "hell week"

Great! Another chance to meet and visit with you all! I was afraid that I missed out on my one and only chance at seeing other people and their unique bikes. I don't want to make anymore promises, but I am still hoping things will work out this time(s).

Great! Another chance to meet and visit with you all! I was afraid that I missed out on my one and only chance at seeing other people and their unique bikes. I don't want to make anymore promises, but I am still hoping things will work out this time(s).


You know you can't resist the call of the Socal fold FF :D Some lovely bikes on the SoCal rude and NH's was a cute little folder too :-D (Not being patronising BTW)


My students are always amused about my enthusiasm for folding bikes and my trusty Downtube VIIIH has ended up in the lecture theatre during an evening session on occasion, ready to go afterwards! However they never laugh and some of them have or want to get one. I even wrote a case study on Yan's company Downtube for my e-business class for their summer exam lol. That should test them!

The foldinitis virus is becoming a pandemic lol.

I hope to make the next one!