Folding Bikes - 2010 SoCal Folder ride

Are any of the socal foldies still on here? FF? V6? Anyone?

In any case, I'm planning for a March ride on the beach. Starting point is the El Segundo Electric bike/Brompton shop, then we can pootle on the beach bike path for as long as people can stand. I was thinking bike up to Santa Monica but that may be too far. I'm kinda leery of putting a set route of Xmiles up the coast, because different people have different riding staminas, but if we just follow the bike path people can turn back as needed, and there are bus routes along the way if people get tired or something conks out on our bikes or whatever.

Tentative date is either Saturday, March 27 (my birthday!) or Sunday, March 28, depending on how many people can make either date.

Soooo--if any socal foldies are still here--discuss.:)

I'd be up for a ride! Either date works for me.

We should be down here in Ventura during that time period. Will check with the family's social scheduler - aka: my wife.

Hey, we'd get to ride along a different beach!

sounds interesting. keep us posted!

I'm in. Prefer Sunday, 3/28.

Hello Nekohime,

I think I will be up to keeping up with others by then. I was given the green light by my medical practitioner to ride again (see http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?616106-Just-Curious-Does-Temporary-Switch-Back-To-Dviving-A-Rental-Car-Makes-You-A-Traitor (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?616106-Just-Curious-Does-Temporary-Switch-Back-To-Dviving-A-Rental-Car-Makes-You-A-Traitor)) and am feeling a bit frisky and looking for challenges. Will check up here from time to time to see finalization of your bike ride's date and times. Although I think Saturday is a best day to ride.

Ok! I think Sunday is looking a little bit better, but I'll wait for other people to chime in with their preferences.

I'd be interested in riding Saturday.

Is there a shop in that area with lots of folders to test ride? Maybe I'll just buy one while I'm there (I live in the Dallas, Texas area).

Is there a shop in that area with lots of folders to test ride? Maybe I'll just buy one while I'm there (I live in the Dallas, Texas area).
Electric Cyclery in Laguna Beach carries Montague, Dahon, Bike Friday and Strida. Electric Bikes LA in El Segundo sells Brompton.

Electric Cyclery in Laguna Beach carries Montague, Dahon, Bike Friday and Strida. Electric Bikes LA in El Segundo sells Brompton.




We're starting from the one in El Segundo...they have bromptons and electric folding bikes (forgot what brand they are, I'll call the shop up to ask and report back here).

Is there a shop in that area with lots of folders to test ride? Maybe I'll just buy one while I'm there (I live in the Dallas, Texas area).


There's a good one farther south in Laguna Beach, Bikefold, isn't there - or is that the one that closed? I get out to southern Cal every now and then, but unfortunately usually without my little Swift. I wanted to ogle some more Bike Fridays, though.

There's a good one farther south in Laguna Beach, Bikefold, isn't there - or is that the one that closed? I get out to southern Cal every now and then, but unfortunately usually without my little Swift. I wanted to ogle some more Bike Fridays, though.
Not closed. Expanding actually. Got my Tikit from them recently. Bikefold = Electric Cyclery -- see http://bikefold.com/.

Electric Bikes LA in El Segundo CA has the following bikes-both folding, full size electric-& e-skateboards listed on their Website. Some are only available at the store, others can be shipped:
http://www.electricbikesla.com (http://www.electricbikesla.com/)/

EZEE
GIANT
BROMPTON
XOOTR FOLDER (Only Available At Their Store)
XOOTR SCOOTERS (Only Available At Their Store)
E-GLIDE ELECTRIC SKATEBOARDS (Only Available At Their Store)

By the way, Nekohime. If you're plan on visiting the store during the bike ride, they are closed on Sunday as posted on their Website:

Hours
Tues & Wed: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Thurs & Fri: 11:00AM - 6:00PM
Sat: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Sun & Mon: CLOSED

I was in a little store on a side street a couple of years ago. Not far from the beach. Not sure which town, Carlsbad I think. They mostly had electric bikes,but the lady there was very friendly and let me take out a Bike Friday Pocket Rocket, I think it was, and ride it for as long as I wanted. I liked it a lot, even better than my Swift, but I wanted to try out some other BF models - but I think that little store was closed last summer, but then i could be wrong since I don't even remember where I was, duh.

I was in a little store on a side street a couple of years ago. Not far from the beach. Not sure which town, Carlsbad I think. They mostly had electric bikes,but the lady there was very friendly and let me take out a Bike Friday Pocket Rocket, I think it was, and ride it for as long as I wanted. I liked it a lot, even better than my Swift, but I wanted to try out some other BF models - but I think that little store was closed last summer, but then i could be wrong since I don't even remember where I was, duh.

Don't be too hard on yourself, Werewolf. You seem to describe the former Oceanside's Electric/Folding bikes store-closed down about a year ago. See: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?506573-Oceanside-Folding-Electric-Bike-Shop-Closing&highlight=Closing+Bike+Shop+In+Oceanside (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?506573-Oceanside-Folding-Electric-Bike-Shop-Closing&highlight=Closing+Bike+Shop+In+Oceanside) I bought my Brompton from them back in 2005. It appears that the original main store-Electric Bikes Northwest/Folding Bikes West- in Seattle has withdrew mostly back to the Seattle area now due to the economic downturn.

Thanks, FF. Yes, that was the place. Oceanside. Very nice people too. The last post on your thread said it might be reopening in San Diego. Anything further on that?

Not directly. This page-http://electricvehiclesnw.com/main/2010.htm (http://electricvehiclesnw.com/main/2010.htm)- hints that sales for their e-bikes is far lower than Europe because of several factors (i.e. North America is recreation orientated considered cycling a "fun weekend play activity", Europe is commuter orientated "a need to get around"). So their profit is not as glowing as their counterparts in Europe. I not saying it won't happen, but the demand is still not up to pre-recession levels quite yet-just like most other businesses.

Ah, since the shop is closed on Sundays, Saturday, March 27 it is. So, final details are:

Date: March 27, 2010
Time: meet at 10am, ride off 10:30am
Location: Electric Bikes LA
221 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245

I'll be updating the website (in my sig) soon with these details.

I'll be getting to LA a week before this, so me and my little Dahon may be joining!

I'll be in Downey; for what I saw I could hop on the Green Line from Norwalk or Lakewood all the way to El Segundo. Is this doable or would there be any problems? Anything I should know? I've never been to LA before so I'm not sure how the mass transit works there.

It is very much doable. You can enter the train at it's first stop in Norwalk. Make sure that you pay your fare via the Tap Card (recommended) or a ticket as fare payment is strictly enforced and you can pay $250 dollars if you are cited. Then stay on the train all the way over to El Segundo. You exit at the Mariposa/Nash station. Then you can ride through the very nice area of El Segundo to the bike shop. If you need additional help in getting there, please feel free to private mail me or Nekohime (she is our bike ride's organizer). I will e-mail you links to maps and other suggestions as I am sure she can too.

Thanks! I should be able to get there with that info, but I'll definitely PM you if I have any questions.

What's the policy for folding bikes on the trains? Will I need to bag it?

I would carry a soft cloth bag or slipcover when you use the train. While most people ride with their "naked" bikes on trains here, I prefer to cover my bikes as to avoid marking passengers, the train's cabin, or even myself accidently with the tires and/or the chain. And you never know you might use other forms of transit (i.e. bus/taxi) while out with the bike. The bag or slipcover prevents someone with authority (Metro Sheriffs and white shirt civilian security) to exercise "bike prejudice" against you or the bike and might possibly even tell you to disembark the train or drivers not allow you to use the bus, taxi or the like before you are ready if your bike is visible. I always carry a bag for any of my bikes anytime I am out with one just to "instantly" turn my bike into luggage.

The actual formal policy of Metro is to allow folding or fold-up bikes on board either the train or the bus's interior at all times, though.

What's the policy for folding bikes on the trains? Will I need to bag it?
Folding bikes are allowed at any time. You won't need to bag it. See http://www.metro.net/riding_metro/bikes/images/BTWD_workshop_2006_0418.pdf. (http://www.metro.net/riding_metro/bikes/images/BTWD_workshop_2006_0418.pdf)

I agree with you, GeorgePaul. But be sure to read rules #4 & #5 on page 8 of that PDF. I travel with Metro with the trains almost daily. I learn that if your bike becomes "luggage" in it's own bag or slipcover, you are not subject to those limiting bike rules-and possible problems thereof. All is left to worry about is not to block the aisles. Another plus is when I carry the bike on board the bus, I leave a space for a full size non-folding bike on the front rack. And the bus driver does not have to wait for me to load/unload the bike, saving him/her precious minutes on his/her's schedule. That is a real plus for folding or fold-up bikes!

Thanks guys. I've taken my bike into subways, light rail systems and taxis, and into pubs and restaurants, and never had a problem with it not being bagged. I don't actually own a bag. That said, I am considering getting one for the very same reason that folder fanatic mentions: making it luggage and not a bike. I'll keep my eyes open for a good cheap one (I heard that the Ikea bags work wonders) but I won't stress it in the meantime.

Hi hi, sorry I haven't been back to check here, as I've been busy with my stupid cat who got into a fight and needed stitches. Bah. The past few days have been a nightmare of being scratched when feeding him his medicine, chasing the cat when he manages to sneak out so he doesn't get even more messed up, and trying to keep him amused indoors, since he was an outdoor kitty (am discussing with the other cat-owned individuals whether we should make him a full indoor kitty). :notamused:


Anyway, for those of you who are definitely gonna be riding on March 27, please chime in here so I can get a rough head count. I'm gonna put up the official sign-up form, maps, and full details of the ride on the website by this Saturday or Sunday.

Thanks guys. I've taken my bike into subways, light rail systems and taxis, and into pubs and restaurants, and never had a problem with it not being bagged. I don't actually own a bag. That said, I am considering getting one for the very same reason that folder fanatic mentions: making it luggage and not a bike. I'll keep my eyes open for a good cheap one (I heard that the Ikea bags work wonders) but I won't stress it in the meantime.

I find that my brompton never gets denied access to any bus or train, but my other folders do get denied access to buses sometimes (never get denied access to trains/subway, folded or unfolded). It really depends on the bus operator.

I find that my brompton never gets denied access to any bus or train, but my other folders do get denied access to buses sometimes (never get denied access to trains/subway, folded or unfolded). It really depends on the bus operator.

y u have a mezzo on ur sig?

@nekohime: I'm planning to ride on March 27.

Ah, that's just the best-looking line art for folding bikes, so I have it there. I own a brommie though.

@nekohime: I'm planning to ride, though it's kinda of subject to how far along I am with my final project for my masters, which is due 4/19.

Add two more RSVP's for the ride!

My girlfriend and I are looking forward to it. We just got her a 2006 Dahon Speed TR to go with my 2008. Yay!

Hi hi, sorry I haven't been back to check here, as I've been busy with my stupid cat who got into a fight and needed stitches. Bah. The past few days have been a nightmare of being scratched when feeding him his medicine, chasing the cat when he manages to sneak out so he doesn't get even more messed up, and trying to keep him amused indoors, since he was an outdoor kitty (am discussing with the other cat-owned individuals whether we should make him a full indoor kitty). :notamused:


Anyway, for those of you who are definitely gonna be riding on March 27, please chime in here so I can get a rough head count. I'm gonna put up the official sign-up form, maps, and full details of the ride on the website by this Saturday or Sunday.

I am planning to attend unless something unforeseen occurs between now and then. Your cat reminds me of the "cat clan" of mine. The females are easy to keep in (except for Trixie, who loves to sneak out). The males were allowed out up until recently. I now "train" (if that is the right word for cat behavior) everyone to stay indoors. Our ancient oldest male cat allowed outside, Chestnut, died of FIP & Feline Leukemia recently-estimated at 15 or more years old. Fighting behavior is common in even altered (neutered) males. So just by keeping in the rest of the clan probably will expand their long lives even longer just by avoiding other strange cats, not to mention Veterinarian bills. So don't be shy about keeping your adventurous kitty from roaming. There is really nothing good that comes out of being outside. Just ask Chestnut.

Count me in!

Nekohime, do you actually have a Mezzo in addition to the Brompton? I never seen one in person, and I'm curious :)

Count me in!

Nekohime, do you actually have a Mezzo in addition to the Brompton? I never seen one in person, and I'm curious :)

Nope, don't have a mezzo. I have a Brompton M6L and a Kent Ultralite, and I used to have a Dahon Piccolo (got stolen :(). They're very interesting-looking bikes though, and I would love to have one.

Ok everyone, the website is upated! I was supposed to do it this morning, but the cat was being a little furry ball of anger.

Full details for the ride are here, (http://socalfolderride.freehostia.com/index_files/riderouteinfo.htm) and don't forget to sign up!

We are planning to come down from Ventura for the ride, and will be on our SoCA Bike Fridays (I've noted a lack of them on your previous rides).

Yesterday, we participated in Portland's "Worst Day of the Year Ride". It was wet at the start, but pretty nice the rest of the way. It was an 18 mile, essentially flat route with pretty close to the Organizer imposed limit of 3,500 riders. With donuts before the "controlled" start, lunch afterward (Vegetarian Chili or Soup) and three snack stops along the way, it was pretty much an eat-a-thon.

I've included some photos below. Costumes were optional, but plentiful. First shot is wife on her color coordinated Pocket 8. It was really the first chance we have had to ride our new Pocket 8 Fridays. The 1.75" tires seemed to make up for not having Thudbuster seat posts with the 1.35" tires on my NWT and her Crusoe. (We will bring this latter pair of bikes to the SoCA ride.

FYI: In 4th pic, wife is walking down rows of parked bikes looking for our BF's after lunch - if you look closely between the orange jackets you will see a 20" wheel - our bikes. We saw only two other folders during the ride - a Brompton and a Strida - usually see a few more, including other Fridays. Also, the cost of this ride was $30-$40 per rider, depending upon when and where you purchased your ticket.

Lou

Yay, some bike fridays! Looking forward to seeing you guys there!

I'll be riding my Bike Friday Tikit.

...and don't forget to sign up!

I tried the other day, but the form only allows for US locations :( . And now it seems like the site is down.

Either way, just confirming that I'm in!

I tried the other day, but the form only allows for US locations :( . And now it seems like the site is down.

Either way, just confirming that I'm in!

down? Wait lemme check...

edit: ooops, forgot to pay for the hosting, which was due yesterday. :o It should be coming back up soon.

Bumpity bump. For those who haven't signed up, the site is up and working again!

I just got a folding 20in. Cruzbike Quest. I will be there. Jack

defjack: Quite a bike!


nekohime: What is the current, prospective "body count" for the ride?

nekohime: What is the current, prospective "body count" for the ride?

So far, around 8 or 9 people, including me, which is about usual for the ride. Hope more people can come though!

I just got a folding 20in. Cruzbike Quest. I will be there. Jack

Wow! That's a nice looking bike. Is that the folding version? Cruzbike has come a long ways!

Sounds like a fun ride! Wish I were in SoCal. Would love to join in.



PS: Nekohime, whatever happened with your old Moulton Stowaway restoration? Curious minds want to know!!!

The Quest is folding and takes 451 or 26in wheels.I got the 451 and its much faster than the Downtube conversion I did. Jack

I just got a folding 20in. Cruzbike Quest. I will be there. Jack

That is a beautiful bike! I guess you can say it spans two different categories; recumbents, and folders. Have fun on your ride in So Cal.

Wow! That's a nice looking bike. Is that the folding version? Cruzbike has come a long ways!

Sounds like a fun ride! Wish I were in SoCal. Would love to join in.



PS: Nekohime, whatever happened with your old Moulton Stowaway restoration? Curious minds want to know!!!


Ah. That.:( Was supposed to do it last summer, but financial aid fell through and I had to pay for my classes on my own, depleting what was supposed to be the Moulton restoration fund. :cry: So now I have the frame and original parts stripped and cleaned of most of the rust, but I am still saving up for the some parts that I wanna update and possibly for the sandblasting and repainting of the frame from white to a light gold.