Ah, a very mad poster from Seattle attempting to shame me and take me to task. And probably never even been in Los Angeles. So you can forget about standing on your soapbox and attempt anything beyond cute little occasional idealistic hippie-dippie posts. I saw those idiot hippies in action (yes I am that old) now completely screwed up whatever is decent left in American society with their huge (around 1/4 of the population) Baby Boom numbers and fantasies of self-greatness (thanks to their war weary Greatest Generation parents spoiling them so much). Besides, look down at my signature. Do you have a up and running free to all comers an periodically updated Website series for 5 years now that assist the global bike community (not just your physical residence or even bothered to visit mine)? Do you design and sew bike accessories? Or even know how to sew? Or put up with gang members on a daily basis and come out of it unscathed? If you bothered to take a look at my sites, you will find that I have been heavily promoting cycling as an serious option to the automobile. I carefully documented my views, experiences and bike upgrades and restorations on these sites. And yes, I have done and will probably continue to go to and support major bike events like our Ciclavia or selected bike festivals. And actually talk to people and promote folding bikes as a real alternative that can be also placed inside a car with you-something that is very important here in L.A.

I guess it is time I clarify that I am physically visiting 2 cities that proclaim they are so great and upbeat with cycling very soon. I am not posting actual dates or even bothering bringing a bike with me when I do. I don't want to cloud my viewpoints dragging the Brompton with me all over the place or hiring an tour guide-although I did bought my Brompton from Folding Bikes West which has it's only store left that is now in Seattle. I will stop at a few random bikes shops while I am at these places (I hate tourist traps attractions) plus use public transportation when it seems to be the best option. I decided to visit Seattle WA and Portland OR for a few days each and see for myself all the hoopla on how great these bike communities are supposed to be. The results will be definitely posted on my Websites series for sure and maybe here if it suits me. These observations might not what you want to hear or me posting it at all, but I am still going to make my major life change decisions based on my own experiences after I return. I pretty much completed my online and library offline research on these west coast bike communities for the most part.

I invite you to do the same and actually visit both the city and county of Los Angeles and experience it for yourself, bike or not. Stay away from Hollywood, the West side (beach communities for the rich and famous), Disneyland, and other tourist traps. Ride in the middle of gangland (s) either on a bike or on a tour bus, eat crap food from vendors, and stay in the motels located in these same places and you can make your own judgement.

If you actually met me in person, you will see someone who is not physically like she was years ago (Weekend Warrior no more) and would like to sometimes drive as she sometimes grows weary of all the idiots on the streets surrounding her residence and simply wants a major change in her life now. There are many, many more like me than the Weekend Warriors types like you probably fall under-be sure to read the stats again. Instead of just talking about it, I am going to do something about it as was always my habit.

My father lived in Seattle in 1935 for about a year (long before most anyone here was even born). He returned to Los Angeles as he told me Seattle is far to rainy & damp there. So I would like to visit where he lived there too (it was on some wharf which was either heavily remodeled or torn down over the years). Perhaps during one of those rainy (or even snowy) periods to get a better idea of how great it is supposed to be up there.

Thank you.