View Full Version : City of Angels Fun Ride
We're considering signing up for the City of Angels Fun Ride on May 4. We're undecided on which route -- the recreational route, or the "advanced" route.
I wouldn't consider us "advanced", but not complete newbies either. We have new road bikes and should be able to go at least the speed posted for the advanced group. It's the hills I'm worried about. We participated in the LAPD memorial ride last month which ended with the hard climb up the hill to the Police Academy. We made it up in our granny gear -- on hybrids -- so I have no doubt we could make it on our new CF bikes (Specialized Roubaix). It's the other hills that they haven't posted yet that leave me wondering.
I really don't want to wobble around with inexperienced riders who don't know how to ride in a group... but I don't want to drop out of the advanced group either.
Anyone have any idea how hard the advanced ride really is?
roadfix
03-15-08, 07:24 PM
Congratulations on your new bike purchases!
magicant
03-15-08, 07:32 PM
The hills on the advanced route are up and over Cahenga to Barham, then an optional jaunt up Trash Truck hill and then circle back around the zoo, then the final climb back up to the Police Academy.
I've never done the basic route, but the advanced isn't that tough as long as you feel you can keep up the pace. The hills are minor, with Trash Truck being the tougher optional add-on.
Congratulations on your new bike purchases!
Hey George - thanks! :)
Magicant: How would you compare Trash Truck with the last hill back up to the academy? I know that one is tough and I'm wondering how the others compare. If the memorial route hadn't been as flat as it was, I may not have had enough leg strength left to tackle that hill, so I don't want to use it all up on other hills on the advanced ride. But then again, the Roubaix is MUCH lighter, faster, and nimbler than my hybrid and seems to want to climb all on it's own, so......
magicant
03-15-08, 09:57 PM
pretty similar. Trash truck is longer but most of it's not steep until you get close to the top. But you can do the advanced ride and skip trash truck. Last year they wouldn't let the slower riders go up it because they have to keep the group together.
Hollywould
03-16-08, 12:34 AM
I really don't want to wobble around with inexperienced riders who don't know how to ride in a group... but I don't want to drop out of the advanced group either.
Anyone have any idea how hard the advanced ride really is?
push yourself and do the adv. route.
i've only done this ride once. The deal-breaker was that it was a controlled ride - no one could pass the leader. And the rest stop in the Cahuenga pass was mandatory. meh...
merider1
03-16-08, 08:03 AM
push yourself and do the adv. route.
I don't recall there being two routes last year - just some riders (many) who chose to ride over the back side of Trash Truck Hill and others (a lot) who skipped it. I wasn't paying attention I guess, as I don't remember the slower group being held back, but I'm sure Joel is correct.
I would just advise taking off and going at your own pace. There is a fast pack that leaves the slower riders (and by slower, I'm not commenting on abilities, just that some weren't hammering). But overall, there riders spread out along the way that end up regrouping and riding together with police escorts the whole time. The only exception is going through lights. That was when the "slower" riders became the back pack.
I say, Yen, that you just have FUN and if you get to Griffith Park and are with a group going over the hill, take it on. The last climb, of course, is up Stadium Way. I saw people walking their bikes up that and no one cares. The barbecue was okay if I recall.
Oh, congrats on your new bikes. :)
Thanks. Sounds like "advanced" doesn't imply it's for elite hard-core roadies who can do Breathless Agony, but perhaps is meant to forewarn those less experienced to make an informed choice.
I feel that if we could make it to the top of Stadium Way on our heavy hybrids, after only 1 year of riding (and still trying to get in shape), and even dropping a few road bikes along the way (no disrespect intended.... it was a very difficult climb), then we could probably accomplish the advanced ride on our new bikes that are half the weight and seem to want to climb all by themselves. The LBS loaned us some demo Roubaixs for the weekend and after climbing a hill we'd done many times on our hybrids, Hubby exclaimed "That was AMAZING!! It didn't even feel like a hill!!"
My only remaining concern is getting lost if we decide to take a detour...
Another one to do is the LA River Ride...its usually in June
Griffith Park to Long Beach...and either ride or take the train back....
magicant
03-16-08, 01:00 PM
My only remaining concern is getting lost if we decide to take a detour...
"Doctor, it hurts when I do this!"
"Don't do that."
"Doctor, it hurts when I do this!"
"Don't do that."
Can you elaborate? Being new to organized group rides, I have no experience to go on. The LAPD memorial ride was different in that some of the members of that team circled around to the back of the group to round up the stragglers so no one would lag behind. I suppose with a map and planning ahead of time, we could choose an alternate street back if we don't want to do a hill.... but again, this is new to me and I'm trying to learn and understand how things are typically done.
magicant
03-16-08, 03:22 PM
You'll be fine. Just follow the group. By the time you hit any hills you'd like to avoid, it'll be too late. The ride goes over Cahuenga to Burbank and you won't have many alternatives. Just skip trash truck hill. Based on everything you've said, you won't have any troubles.
To elaborate: the advanced ride is not a tough ride for anyone who rides even moderate distances. If you've ridden more than 40 miles before, you'll be fine. It's just not a ride for complete beginners, which is the short course.
OP, my buddy has done the ride for the past 2-3 years and he mentions that the "advanced" group usually keeps a pace of 18-23 mph while the "beginners" keep a pace of 14-16 mph. You should go on an exhibition run to see how well you'd do on the ride...it's really not that tough as long as you pace yourself at the police academy hill and the climb after the rest stop near Barham.
magicant and buck65: Thanks so much for your replies and additional information. Once we have our new bikes in hand and start riding them, we'll know our average speed on those bikes and have a better idea of what we'll be able to do on them. Our typical "easy" weekend ride (like today) is 20+ miles, often close to 30, and that's on 30+ pound hybrids with some short hills in the mix.
Sounds like a fun ride. The Police Academy holds lots of memories from my childhood with my dad on the force at that time. My parents may enjoy being volunteers that day.
Thanks again everyone.
Is anyone else planning to do this ride?
Focused1
03-17-08, 12:36 PM
Yen, I've done this the last two years and really liked it. Where else can you do a forty mile ride and give blood afterward! Nice venue, nice people and I think you'll be fine on the advanced ride. The ride marshalls keep the group pretty much together (they're a little obsessive) and the rolling closures are kinda cool cause they cut down on the number of lights to stop at. If I don't do that Fiesta 150 ride that weekend, I'll be at this one again for sure
merider1
03-17-08, 12:54 PM
Is anyone else planning to do this ride?
I may do it again. It really was a fun ride and I liked riding Sunset and Hollywood Blvds with no traffic.
Rick@OCRR
03-17-08, 01:32 PM
This is the day after Breathless Agony, . . . so I won't be there!
Rick / OCRR
This is the day after Breathless Agony, . . . so I won't be there!
Rick / OCRR
You could sign up for the easy route and call it your recovery ride. :)
JetWave
03-18-08, 08:55 AM
I'm hoping to be able to do the short ride, my son has a concert at 1:00 that afternoon. Does anybody know from experience what time will the short ride finish if they start at 7:40?
Another one to do is the LA River Ride...its usually in June
Griffith Park to Long Beach...and either ride or take the train back....
Please tell me more... is this posted somewhere? Will there be a notice here?
With the new bikes on the way, I'm scouring the info out there for interesting rides to sign up for this year. We've talked of doing a century by the end of the year so we need to get working.
Please tell me more... is this posted somewhere? Will there be a notice here?
With the new bikes on the way, I'm scouring the info out there for interesting rides to sign up for this year. We've talked of doing a century by the end of the year so we need to get working.
Sure thing..it is sponsored by the LA Bike Coalition
LA River Ride (http://www.la-bike.org/events/los_angeles_river_ride.html)
I got my road bike in March a few years ago....I did my first century that August...
and it was a Cool Breeze.... Cool Breeze is one of the best and easiest centurys to do....
ClanLee
04-25-08, 12:07 AM
BUMP!
I just signed up. Anyone else doing this ride? I'm also planning on the LA River Ride as well. :)
We registered this week, for the recreational route (34 miles, 1800 total feet of climbing, rated "moderate"). I lost my dear father 3 weeks after I started this post and I need something to aim for in terms of cycling to get us back in the saddle (literally and figuratively). Not sure my body and mind are ready, but my dad would be thrilled.
Anyone else? I'll be the one in the pink helmet. Come on, let's get a group together.
Jen
vc_rider
04-26-08, 12:09 AM
We registered this week, for the recreational route (34 miles, 1800 total feet of climbing, rated "moderate"). I lost my dear father 3 weeks after I started this post and I need something to aim for in terms of cycling to get us back in the saddle (literally and figuratively). Not sure my body and mind are ready, but my dad would be thrilled.
Anyone else? I'll be the one in the pink helmet. Come on, let's get a group together.
Jen
Jen - my deepest sympathies on your loss. I'm sure your father would be proud of you. Unfortunately, I've opted out of doing this ride this year in order to afford to go to Sea Otter & Cruisin' the Conejo. Have a good ride and be sure to report back!
Jeff
Thank you, Jeff.
The Sea Otter & Cruisin' the Conejo sounds fun... I'll have to look it up and learn about it.
alicestrong
04-27-08, 08:21 AM
Hi Yen
I have a conflict on that date, or I would consider joining you...
I second the suggestion that you join the LACBC LA River Ride. I rode it last year and it was a good time.
I would do it again this year but I will probably be doing some volunteer work instead of riding it.
Hi Alice,
We are considering that ride also. I just wish it wasn't on Sunday morning..... but it sounds like a lot of fun.
You'll be fine. Just follow the group. By the time you hit any hills you'd like to avoid, it'll be too late. The ride goes over Cahuenga to Burbank and you won't have many alternatives. Just skip trash truck hill. Based on everything you've said, you won't have any troubles.
To elaborate: the advanced ride is not a tough ride for anyone who rides even moderate distances. If you've ridden more than 40 miles before, you'll be fine. It's just not a ride for complete beginners, which is the short course.
Since my legs have lost a little fitness over the past several weeks due to very little riding, we've decided to take the recreational ride. In our case, it's not about the distance of the advanced ride, it's about the hills. I've done the last hill up to the academy and I want to save my legs for that hill. We should be ready for the advanced ride next year. I'd say the short course is not necessary for "complete beginners", but for recreational riders who know the basics of riding and can tackle that hill. We dropped a few experienced-looking roadies going up that hill in February.... they were picked up by the SAG wagon.
Luwin1026
04-27-08, 09:19 PM
I'm thinking of registering for this one - will decide midweek.
Yen - I read your blog, and was excited about the entry to Joe's Place. I'm a frequent regular there, and absolutely adore that place. Joe is an amazing fellow, and his mom is super nice as well. In fact, I was sorting through some of my photos there earlier this week and she sat down with me and looked at them, and long story short, I ended up giving her some prints for her to display. I'll update when they're up. :)
travelmama
04-28-08, 07:47 PM
Yen - I know what you are going through and how you must be feeling at this point in your life. I am in the same boat as my sister passed on ten weeks ago. I know that she is off doing positive things with herself and meeting new faces. Never consider your fathers passing as a loss but as a gain. People are here with us for reasons from which we gain knowledge, love and compassion. I do believe they are not with us now because they are helping to prepare a grand life for us all in the future.
Be strong and ride on! Make your father proud as I will do for my sister.
I will be doing the fun ride on Sunday. I am looking forward to it. I just hope that it is not hot.
Hi Yen
I have a conflict on that date, or I would consider joining you...
I second the suggestion that you join the LACBC LA River Ride. I rode it last year and it was a good time.
I would do it again this year but I will probably be doing some volunteer work instead of riding it.
We're considering the LA River Ride.... it sounds like fun. Just wish it wasn't on a Sunday morning.:o
I'm thinking of registering for this one - will decide midweek.
Yen - I read your blog, and was excited about the entry to Joe's Place. I'm a frequent regular there, and absolutely adore that place. Joe is an amazing fellow, and his mom is super nice as well. In fact, I was sorting through some of my photos there earlier this week and she sat down with me and looked at them, and long story short, I ended up giving her some prints for her to display. I'll update when they're up. :)
I'll take a roll call at the end of the week... I hope you will decide to go.
We love Joe's place. That albondigas soup was fantastic. We took some chicken noodle soup to my mom's and she said it was great. Joe's Place will become a regular stop for us. Would love to see your photos.
Yen - I know what you are going through and how you must be feeling at this point in your life. I am in the same boat as my sister passed on ten weeks ago. I know that she is off doing positive things with herself and meeting new faces. Never consider your fathers passing as a loss but as a gain. People are here with us for reasons from which we gain knowledge, love and compassion. I do believe they are not with us now because they are helping to prepare a grand life for us all in the future.
Be strong and ride on! Make your father proud as I will do for my sister.
I will be doing the fun ride on Sunday. I am looking forward to it. I just hope that it is not hot.
I'm so sorry about your sister. Grief is hard. I hope you are surrounded with a lot of support, it really helps. Family, friends, co-workers and neighbors have been so wonderfully loving and supportive.
Look for my pink helmet (see avatar). Which route did you choose?
Luwin1026
04-29-08, 10:30 PM
I'll take a roll call at the end of the week... I hope you will decide to go.
We love Joe's place. That albondigas soup was fantastic. We took some chicken noodle soup to my mom's and she said it was great. Joe's Place will become a regular stop for us. Would love to see your photos.
I had printed out the entry from your blog to show them, and Joe was completely ecstatic and he remembers you guys fondly. "That couple was so nice!" . . . :o The chicken noodle on Monday is absolutely delicious. I also like the chowder on Fridays - absolutely love that place. If I do the ride this Sunday, hopefully will run into you guys!
I had printed out the entry from your blog to show them, and Joe was completely ecstatic and he remembers you guys fondly. "That couple was so nice!" . . . :o The chicken noodle on Monday is absolutely delicious. I also like the chowder on Fridays - absolutely love that place. If I do the ride this Sunday, hopefully will run into you guys!
:) So cool... thanks for showing him. Can't wait to go back again. They serve the albondigas soup on Saturdays, it's a must-try..... YUM-O, very flavorful and delicious. He treated us like special guests that day.
Look for me in the pink helmet (see avatar).... how will I know you? Which ride will you be in?
Luwin1026
04-30-08, 09:21 PM
Look for me in the pink helmet (see avatar).... how will I know you? Which ride will you be in?
I'm probably going to give the advanced ride a shot. I'll wear the black/red SoCal jersey!
travelmama
05-02-08, 03:41 PM
I will be wearing a red sugoi tank top with number 573 on the back. I will be riding with the herd as I am not feeling so daring to ride with the advance riders this weekend.
ClanLee
05-02-08, 04:51 PM
I've signed up for the advance ride. If I can't keep up, I'll fall back to the rec ride. I'll be wearing my Flash Gordon jersey. Hope to see you guys there.
Yen -- pink helmet, red/black 50+ (forum) jersey w/white sleeves, shocking green vest, #851
Mr. Yen (my hubby) -- red/black 50+ jersey, #852
travelmama -- red sugoi tank top, #573
ClanLee -- Flash Gordon jersey
Luwin1026 -- black/red SoCal jersey
Did I miss anyone???
Luwin1026
05-03-08, 05:53 PM
I'm out for this one - daughter's sick, so I'm going to stay home with her instead of having grandma come over. Have a great, safe time, guys and gals!
vBulletin® v3.7.3, Copyright ©2000-2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.