folder fanatic

Our second Ciclavia has concluded yesterday. I am afraid I don’t have photos of this one. I was (except for brief breaks) on my bike the whole time. As for interest and actual attendance goes, it was bigger and better this time around. But there were noticeable differences too. There was a lack of the spontaneity-like the oil protest & parade-and some artistic expression-sidewalk chalk drawings-and colorful expressionist-the woman that was dressed up as a angel proclaiming the end of the world-that were a hallmark of the October one. I simply saw a bit too many more people that were not very, well, good handling bikes in a crowded situation of a bike only experience. Nothing against this as I am always glad to see more people taking up cycling even if only for a day. I just don’t like to constantly dodge bikes instead of cars (it appeared to be a trade off here in a way). You can still be just as injured with a bike crashing into you as a car in some important ways.

Another concern that must be addressed is the jamming of both people and bikes, plus the usual crowded non cycling passengers that packed everywhere that had space. I had problems with my tiny Brompton folding bike all folded up exiting the train. Just imagine someone (which was most cyclists there) with regular sized non-folding bikes.

But there were some unexpected highlights that I experienced during my ride on Sunday. I seemed to enjoy my early morning ride to the bike shop to pick up some chain lubricant. There were few cars out and fewer cyclists to worry about. The bike shop was a madhouse with people rushing about fussing over bike rentals, bike accessories, and other bike concerns. But the highpoint of the day was my start at Little Tokyo.

I went to the Downtown gathering of dignitaries in Little Tokyo/Arts district-which included Lance Armstrong. After the speeches were concluded, I positioned myself to ride with the general very large group that the dignitaries were going to ride with and pointed my bike in that direction. I was somewhat ahead of them (as I am very slow in speed even on the Brompton) plus I have a bad little habit of talking loud to myself when I ride alone. I exclaimed, “I finally am able to live my dream of riding with Lance Armstrong.” I though that he was way behind me when I said this. It turned out that he was right behind me and heard everything. He passed me and said, “You are living your dream.” Then he and his group (which included the mayor and other local politicians) sprinted ahead of me and disappeared in the civic center after a couple of blocks. I caught up very briefly with them around Olive Ave. But of course they proved way too fast to keep up-along with the extra fast road bikes and fixie bikes abound.

Will I attend the next one? We shall see.....

https://abclocal.go.com/kabc/video?id=8064115

https://abclocal.go.com/kabc/video?id=7717245

https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/04/10/bikes-take-over-la-for-2nd-annual-ciclavia/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYSdEpLlArk

Video Camera Perched On Helmet Viewpoint:
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/the-scene/events/Fritz_s_CicLAvia_HelmetCam_Los_Angeles-119417624.html

Lance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnsMziRYt6k

https://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ciclavia-20110411,0,3875654.story

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8V3yV0rq2_0

https://www.latimes.com/theguide/events-and-festivals/la-et-guidefeature7-20110407,0,4788740.story

Ekdog

I suppose you could be but, if I had to choose, I think I'd opt for the former.

alicestrong

Very cool Lance story!

One of my highlights was running into somebody on a folding bike that I only knew before from an online forum!

Roody

I wouldn't have let Lance drop me.

Seriously, it sounds like new friends were made and it was a cool day.

Hippiebrian

Still bummed that I had to work, but if I'm off, I'm definately taking the blue line to the next one!

folder fanatic

Whatever causes injury and damage to yourself, others or the bikes is something I like to avoid if at all possible.

Blush thank you very much. I really enjoyed being out and about that day. Though I am a bit concerned about my endurance not being up to what it should be (no, Lance passing me up does not count toward it). So, this is something I will do about (a physical exam) before the next Ciclavia. Another good thing that came out of that day besides meeting you in person.

That's great! Another participant to enjoy the day with. I am sure you will not be disappointed in the least.