All - thanks so much for the suggestions! Sorry about my late response, I've been on the road all week. I leave tomorrow for LA and will ride on Tuesday the 24th. rallison - thanks for the great suggestions - your pics look fabulous. Unfortunately that's a bit far for me & I don't know of any rentals out there, Mt. Baldy may be for another trip. I just called Helen's in Santa Monica & reserved a bike for Tuesday - I'll most likely head up to Topanga and will explore some routes in the next couple of days. Looking forward to it!

Bob