I actually don't hate LA, I just tend to get bored of staying in one place for too long and want to move out. That being said, LA has its issues, but I could also think of worse places to be at. My biggest pro-LA argument I tell people is - with LA being so big, whatever it is you want, it IS somewhere in the city if you look hard enough.

Also I am near El Sereno / Alhambra which, I guess, is a bit different than from being in west Hollywood / Beverely hills and that area. I can see why, with tons of traffic and lights, regular biking being a pain there. In my part of town, I get wider roads and slightly less traffic at the price of much more uneven terrain (lots of hills) and pretty poor road quality in many parts.

Pasadena is by far my favorite part to bike at, and luckily I can get there in about 20mins... going uphill the whole time. But at least the return back is totally worth it