Natty, JPconrad provided me with the route for a ride from Griffith Park to the Rose Bowl and back that in my copious free time (yeah, right), I plan to post as a route for people to use in this area. He, some other members and I did the route in December and it's a good one (around 46 miles with 4,500 feet of climbing). You might want to try it since you are used to mountain biking and the climbs shouldn't be too drastic. Of course, you may be cursing me on Inverness up to Sacred Heart, but you'll love it once you get up there!