[bones]

I took my first ride over La Tuna, Honolulu, and Chevy Chase today, and I really did enjoy it right up to near the end there. Nice climb up, nice bagel at Goldsteins (thanks merider for the idea) and a really beautiful descent down Chevy Chase, right up to the last curve before the road straightens out on it's way back into the city. Fortunately, the road is wide there, and I was far to the right, as a small black sportscar actually came around the corner in a HIGH SPEED 4 WHEEL DRIFT, well over the center line and missing me by about 10 feet. First I was terrified, then surprised, and then just out and out P!$$ed! Surprised, because I had seen maybe 15 other riders going both ways on that same road in the last few minutes.
Does this happen often, or even occasionally, in the canyon roads above Burbank/Glendale? If so, why do so many people ride there? Does anyone know a quieter road with similar amount of climb and miles?

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[huboon]

I've been up and down Chevy Chase many many times and never saw anything like you describe. I do sometimes get a little frightened on La Tuna, though -- especially the sections with no shoulder.

I went up Little Tujunga today. It's 10 miles from my doorstep in Burbank to the beginning of Little T Cyn Rd. There's usually very little traffic after the first few miles of rollers. In the top two miles before Dillon Divide I was passed by only two cars, although one was some ******bag in a new Mercedes apparently trying to impress his passenger. But even he gave me plenty of space.

[herbm]

I have never seen that...but have seen some speeders fying around those S-curves...so now I go left at Figeroua and then right down Linda Vista...seems a bit safer...

[jpconrad]

I've never seen it, either and I've been up and down Chevy a lot. I would think it's not too common and wouldn't worry about it.

[vertical bob]

I have been building a house on Inverness St. off Chevy Chase and everyday for a couple of weeks at 10:30am a car would come up there racing and drifting around the tight corners. This is really a lawless society we live in, makes me sad.

[bones]

Thanks for the reports guys, and I'll try little T next. Perhaps I'll save Chevy Chase for when I can get there early enough in the morning to beat the "traffic".

[ggallin]

what??? people drive fast and erratic when they think no one is around? this is unheard of.

[bones]

This guy was doing better than 60mph in a 35, and all 4 wheels were skidding. A little extreme in my opinion. A cop would have arrested the guy on the spot. There are far better places to do that than a residential neighborhood.

[urbanknight]

I ride Chevy Chase almost weekly and I have yet to have that problem. La Tuna is actually the concerning street to me, but even there I just get passed a little closer than I'd like.

btw did you happen to see someone in a light blue Liquid Fitness kit with a white helmet and white bike wave at you (I wave at everybody unless I can't take a hand off the bars)? I descended Chevy Chase from Figueroa around 9am and climbed Chevy Chase from Descanso to Figueroa around 10.

[endoverendo]

I'd have been pissed off as well. When were you there? I was on a group ride up CC and stopped at Goldsteins Bagles too.

[MTBMaven]

I ride Chevy from Linda Vista to Fig once or twice a week. I have never seen anyone driving like that but have seen burn out marks in the turn outs. Looks like drifter types going in circles.

Almost got hit one night by a driver who pulled out right in front of me. I got my revenge two turns up the road as she was getting out of her car. I shot her...ha just kidding. No I actually let her know she almost hit me and there was no way she could have not seen me because I shined my light right in her car so she could see me.

All in all though those hills are really safe and relatively devoid of traffic. If you want some really killer climbs look on the map for Emerald Isles Dr., Camino San Rafael, and Ridge Dr. See my Virtual Earth Collection, look at the Camino Loop. http://maps.live.com/?v=2&encType=1&cid=8458ABA3B9F5DCAE!140 (http://maps.live.com/?v=2&encType=1&cid=8458ABA3B9F5DCAE%21140)

[curiouskid55]

Usually trying to figure out how to pass cars on Chevy .

[bones]

Urbanknight: I got a late start up La Tuna and, after a bagel, went by there around 12 noon.
Endoverendo: I probably saw you at Goldsteins, I was alone on a (gasp!) 'bent.
MTBMaven: Thanks for the routes!

It's encouraging that people don't usually contend with insane drivers, I'll give it another try but earlier in the AM.

[urbanknight]

What's it like descending a twisty road on a recumbent?

[bones]

A lot of fun! The one I have is more of a cruiser than a racer, a long wheelbase, so I keep it under 25 or 30, I just don't trust that I'll be able to stop for a car backing out of a driveway.
Climbing is the real trick, since I can't stand up it's all legs. I'm slow, but persistent, therefore usually a lone rider.