Southern California - Places to ride

Hey Everyone,

I am taking up biking in the very near future. Just wondering where are some cool places to go for the novice rider. I plan on getting a hybrid type bike for the main purpose to relax and exercise.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Foobs :thumb:

I've never been, but I hear around the Rose Bowl there's a loop of some kind. Not sure exactly where though.

There is the beach-front bike path. Pick it up anywhere from Pacific Palasades to Venice Beach. It does a slightly confusing jog around Marina Del Rey. It then continues south from El Segundo / Playa Del Rey, all the way almost to Palos Verdes.

Novices usually ride from Santa Monica to Venice Beach and back. From Santa Monica to the place on the path where it leaves the beach to jog around Marina Del Rey (the south end of Venice Beach), it's about a ten mile round trip, if I'm not mistaken. Take your time and enjoy.

For those looking for some real mileage, following it from Pacific Palasades to Palos Verdes and back is about 50 miles round trip. I usually start at home in the valley, and go over either Topanga Canyon or Sepulveda Pass, to the beach, and follow it down south and back.

If you like hills, you can bike Topanga Canyon, though you should probably work your way up to that if you're just starting out. It's not a beginner's route.

In the Valley there's the Sepulveda Bason park (Lake Balboa Park). The standard loop is about 4.85 miles. You can get to it using the Orange Line bikeway.

Just today I was thinking of riding to Pasadena sometime soon. I'll follow-up here when I've found a good route from the Valley.

Out your front door. Down the street, then turn left, right, or straight through the next intersection, depending. Repeat until tired, then go home.

Really!

You can go to the Rose Bowl and do laps, just be careful of walkers, cars, clueless cyclists, etc. If you want to ride without cars, go to the San Gabriel River Trail. You can get on it in Duarte and go to Seal Beach.
If you ride on any beach path, don't try to go fast and be very alert for anything. I would advise against it.

Angeles Crest Highway. Head North.

Angeles Crest Highway. Head North.

He's a beginner and will be on a hybrid, think flat and easy to start. BTW, where have you been? Haven't seen you on a ride for a long time. I'm doing the L.A. Wheelmen 4 counties ride next month, I think you would love it.

I'm not sure if TJ even knows what it's like to be new and slow.

From South Pas, take Arroyo Blvd north past the beautiful Arroyo Seco and it will take you right to the Rose Bowl. From there, do a lap or more and then head home. Beautiful riding just outside your front door.

Don't spend a lot on a hybrid. Find out what kind of ride you like and buy a specific bike later.

Angeles Crest Highway. Head North.


Lol, I'm with big john on that one. I just did B.Te/ AF / Angeles Crest Hwy loop the other day and man there is nothing out there. I'm just glad there was some kind of fire station at the top to get water. Ain't a 7-11 for miles.

where have you been? Haven't seen you on a ride for a long time. I'm doing the L.A. Wheelmen 4 counties ride next month, I think you would love it.

I make it out for a couple of hours here and there. I went stright up Mt. Baldy with Jason last Sunday. But I've been kinda busy with work and family, so I haven't done too many large, all day group rides lately.

I am considering that Oct. 25th Wheelmen ride.

I just signed up for a century ride in Goleta on Oct. 11th. I haven't ridden in that area, so I'm really looking forward to it.

I am considering that Oct. 25th Wheelmen ride.



Maybe we'll see you there.

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I will give some of them a try this weekend. I ended up getting a GT Transeo 1.0 for a little under 500 bucks. It's a comfortable bike but I was a little discouraged when the reflectors on my pedals fell off on my first ride...

Anyways, thanks again everyone and I'll post some feedback whenever I make it back lol.

Peas,

Foobs :thumb:

Don't worry about the pedal reflectors. Mine fell off after 1 ride too. I think it has to do with the plastic clips used for the design.

Have fun! :D

yeah man, the design for the plug is ridiculous.