nekohime

That's two votes for 8/31 ride...three if you count me, but I don't care either way--I'm organizing this, so I'm gonna ride whichever date you guys choose. Oh, and the ride will start at Union Station again--then we take the Gold line to Sierra Madre, then we start riding to wherever.

Yes, I figure around the Rose Bowl is fine, since this is a casual ride anyway. But wait, 15mi is a bit too long in the summer heat (for me anyway), even if we do set out at 8am. Options would be to shorten the ride by using the gold line instead of some spots, or setting out earlier, 7am maybe. And yes, sunblock! Water! I am not responsible for you guys if you get heat stroke...

About bike parking, the last ride, we just locked them to the bike racks outside the restaurant we went to. If there are racks, then we don't all have to bring our bikes in--those who are comfortable leaving them outside can do so, and those who don't can bring them in. Less clutter that way.

folder fanatic

I know this area very well. One of the things I do not recommend is separation from the bikes. This is a area is very prone to bike theft (one of the reasons of me switching to folding bikes over any other bike type). I already lost 2 bikes around there-prefolding bike era. So either we keep the bikes with us or make arrangements with the bike shop next door to keep them locked inside the shop. But let me talk to the restaurant's owners first. One of the nice things about smaller folding bikes (even the 20" Kents and the Dahons) is the ability of these bikes to be bagged and tucked underneath the table like the bike pictured here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/world-o...7594325178229/

I took this picture at another Chinese Restaurant-complete with linen tablecloth & napkins!

Even locking with a heavy U-lock does not stop these desperate people around here. They strip parts of the bikes, vandalize what they cannot take completely away, or simply try to smash the lock. Trust me, you will be going through a "hot" area of Los Angeles. People who live around here learn to watch their backs-or someone will take advantage of you or the situation.

v6v6v6

Sunday is fine for me.

We can shorten it.

nekohime

Don't wanna wake up earlier?

Ok, so which part of the route would we take out?

v6v6v6

https://veloroutes.org/bikemaps/?route=15640

This route stays on the east side of Pasadena and is 8.6 miles. As you may have noticed, I'm trying to make use of Sierra Madre Blvd. (part of the Rose Parade route) and New York Dr. because they're nice and wide. BTW, there's a LBS called Open Road Bicycle Shop at the corner of Colorado and Sierra Madre Blvd. we could probably coordinate our event with (whatever that may entail).

We can also do the Rose Bowl side instead--I'll post a route for this soon (or someone else can make a suggestion).

Note: Here's Pasadena's Bike Route Map for 2008.
Note: Here are search results for routes through Pasadena on MapMyRide.com.

CaptainSpalding

Does that mean I can come out of "lurk" mode?

nekohime

Yep yep.

folder fanatic

I do not want to put a damper on the ride, but are you aware of the potential problems that can crop up? We probably do not have a "SAG" wagon to pick up people that experience problems out there. How about sticking close to the train station whenever possible. After about 9 am on a August/September day I do not care to push my luck with cycling or other exertion activities-especially against the terrain of Pasadena/Altadena area. It is very nice other times of the year. But the smog problem is very pronounced during hot spells-not so good for people with known or even unknown heart or respiratory conditions . I rode through many parts of Pasadena/Aletadena areas including the routes listed on those maps. I like the routes, although some parts cross known crime and/or gang trouble spots and I prefer to avoid them whenever possible. I have learned over the years not to ask for trouble-especially since my own access to backups/rescue no longer exist.

I tend and like to group together points of interest (i.e. the restaurant and the bike shop) because of these above things in mind. Both establishments are within easy biking even walking distance-at 0.8 relatively flat miles-from the train stop according to Google Maps. During the middle part of the day it will be passable as far as dealing with traffic or people trouble. I know it is not very exciting but here it is.

v6v6v6

Smog, gangs, hilly terrain, points of non-interest--my routes are just asking for trouble! But seriously, I don't want to put anyone in danger or make this ride more than it is... just a casual get-together with other SoCal folders. Wherever we go, I look forward to meeting everyone (especially if you own something other than a Dahon!)

mulleady

I'll make a guest appearance if the fee is right

CaptainSpalding

I've been giving this some thought. I love the idea of a Pasadena ride. But in the context of this and future SoCal Folder rides, it may be the right ride at the wrong time. If I put myself into the "organizer" mindset, I'm not just thinking about this ride, but the next one. And where will that be? We'll have done Pasadena and the S.F. Valley. What's next. Somewhere coastal, maybe? Metro Green Line to Manhattan Beach? And on that ride we'll all be whining about how cold it is in the morning in December at the beach. Just as some of us are worried now about how hot it will be in Pasadena in August.

I know it's moving backwards in our planning, but it seems to me that each route has a best time of year. And if we look ahead and consider this event as ongoing, it's only logical that we should ride each route at its best time. Beach in summer, inland in winter, etc.

All that said, I'm happy to show up anywhere, any time. Sorry if this throws a monkey wrench into the works.

folder fanatic

Most of your routes are fine-except for some parts of it. The Sierra Madre Bl. part is fine. I usually choose to take the bus myself from the Memorial Park Train station east to that part of Pasadena, whether I am on the bike or not. Using a folding bike allows me to pick and choose what is in my own best interests without infringing on other's rights or space on buses or even the train. I guess you have zeroed in on the real underlying spirit of this meeting, V6. We need to get together just to socialize in a positive personal way that even the Internet cannot convey-upfront and personal. I simply am being the thoughtful person I am whether professionally or personally. The bikes are secondary means of connection to points of interest-not terribly important in of themselves. It is the users/owners are the important ones. I rather err on "babying" too much than seeing someone suffer something that can be prevented with some forethought.

The mild "cold" we experience here in Southern California is usually just a inconvienence to riders-unless it is accomplied with pouring rain. Even the beach cities might experience some freak heat wave. As I stated before, I am not trying to put a damper on anyone's idea of a good ride. I just don't want to be out in the midday heat-especially the Pineapple Express's version of added humidity at that time of the year. We all are free agents when it comes to choice. I am not saying not to-just a reminder that we all are not created equal when it comes to endurance or give alerts to troublespots I am aware of or limit riding around in those areas. If the group decides to go or do something I feel that it is not in my best interest, I can decline or modify my own actions. After all, I am a big girl now. While I do some of my riding at the beach areas during the summer, that does not stop me from using the trains/buses to get there from my overheated house in the East side of L.A.-or anywhere else around my neighborhood or local cities like Pasadena.

Who knows what the weather will be at the end of August? I am just asking that we all be flexible and remember the next guy/girl who may not be able to take it and might be too shy to speak up. I guess it is still the Social Worker in me to plan accordenly.

CaptainSpalding

Well, nobody knows, but sufficient statistics have been compiled that for the purposes of planning a cycling event we can make a pretty decent guess.

From Weather.com:
A graph on the page I linked to above indicates that the average daily high temperature for Pasadena in August is 91°F.

What do you mean by flexible?

Because if by flexibility you mean that if someone on the ride is having a hard time then we all stop and wait while that person hydrates in the shade, and then we all usher him/her to the bus stop to wait for the next bus, I'm totally with you on that. On an organized event like this there should be a no-rider-left-behind-policy. And whether that policy existed or not, I would personally make sure that no one was left behind in distress as a matter of common courtesy.

If, on the other hand, by flexibility you mean that if it looks like the ride day is going to be "really hot" then we should hear suggestions about moving the ride to the following weekend when it might be cooler, or move the time and venue of the ride from Pasadena in the morning to Manhattan Beach in the evening, I'd say that's unreasonable. Most of us will be building our schedule around the details of this ride, and it would be improper to change the details at the last minute.

All this, of course, IMHO.

Hey, Spalding. What's with the gray? Excellent question. If typing in all-caps can be interpreted as shouting, why not have grayed type represent whispering? When I have something sort of angry sounding to say, but I don't want to sound angry, I whisper it. I want it to be said, but I don't want to upset anyone. It's my little way of being passive aggressive. I'm glad we had this little chat. Cheers!

nekohime

Well, I'm thinking since we're leaving earlier than last time, we can avoid most of the heat. It doesn't start to get really hot until around 11ish, and we'll most probably be at the restaurant by then. Meet time for this one is 8am, we'll be on the train by 8:30, in Pasadena by 9, and riding from about 9-10:30ish.

As for the next ride, I was thinking OC, possibly SART (in the daytime, of course!!!!) because Yamcha says so.

folder fanatic

No, no I am not for shifting around times or dates for my own personal whims. It just that when I am out on any ride-or nothing to do with bikes-I always keep options open to me to change when things are not working out as I thought they should have. In translating to group activities, it is simply observing and changing behavior patterns for the benefit of all. Not running around with our heads cut off with no clear direction or idea to go on. I will continue to post my own opinions and maps whenever possible to give others that are not as familiar with the Pasadena general area, but the decisions are up to each participant-and the group as a whole. The last ride I was not able to go on because of unexpected health problems with elders. I have learned many things from the aged. Planning ahead yet remaining flexible to changing circumstances is one. Another is staying close to home as I will be with all of you on this ride.

All I ask is to post the time and date plus proposed bike routes here on-line as soon as it is decided on.

Fine by me. Even if I miss your meeting downtown or out in Pasadena (elderly people are unpredictable), I will be at the restaurant at 11 o'clock with one of the bikes (the restaurant opens then). The next ride is another one I look forward to. I have not visited Orange County in perhaps 20 years. Exploring it is something these bikes are really good for.

nekohime

Well, if no one else comes up with an alternate route (don't look at me--dunno about Pasadena!) we'll go with the shorter route of v6v6v6's. So it's Sunday, Aug 31, 8am at Union station, then up to sierra madre villa stn, then ride around rose bowl, then to Sun's. Yes?

v6v6v6

If it's too hot inland, we can always hit the beaches! I've always wanted to try out Ballona Creek. The ocean breeze sounds nice...

https://www.ballonacreek.org/maps/bikepath.shtml

folder fanatic

Great! Good plan! I went over to Sun's restaurant today and spoke to them about the possibility of hosting the get-together at the restaurant (complete with bikes inside). While I or nekohime has to place a formal reservation for one of the dining rooms at least a week or two before the date, they would like to know how many people-and bikes-are going to be there. I gave them a rough guess, but still start thinking about if you like to attend.

I will see about posting pictures of the dining rooms when I get a chance to.

nekohime

Ok guys, sorry I haven't gotten to this...so the date, time, and route are set, see the official events thread for that. I'll update the website soon so you guys can sign up.

nekohime

Hi guys, I edited the flyer, so please print out a bunch and spread them around town!

https://cp.freehostia.com/members/fi...ike+Flyer2.pdf

mulleady

Good luck with your ride guys. Some of us had a nice meeting at Hyde Park, London UK last Sunday and we cycled up by the canalside from a place called Regents Park. Hope the weather is nice for you on the day! Looking forward to pics in due course

nekohime

Ok, now the website is updated (FINALLY!!!) so you can go sign up. If you plan on going to lunch at Sun's, sign up at least a week before the ride.

edit: also, the above link for the flyer is wrong, here's the correct one

https://socal.folder.ride.googlepages...BikeFlyer2.pdf

carmat3

[quote=v6v6v6;7008906]If it's too hot inland, we can always hit the beaches! I've always wanted to try out Ballona Creek. The ocean breeze sounds nice...



Not a bad idea. I saw that thread on the bike shop that opened in El Segundo. We could always do the bike trail on the beach, and start at Temescal and PCH, and ride to Manhattan beach. We could eat somewhere there, but my choice would be panchos restaurant on Rosecrans. (nice place). Then ride into El Segundo to the shop, then eventually back. Im not saying this because is close to me, but because we will be on a bike path for the most part, and considerably safer.

Just a thought..

nekohime

Bump! Because the ride is coming up and y'all gotta sign up...

v6v6v6

Lookin forward to it! I just did a portion of the ride tonight.

BTW, I noticed your route description mentions the Rose Bowl but I think we decided to stay on the east side of Pasadena?

Oh, and the date still says April 19th!