CURRENT RIDE & EVENT SCHEDULE
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JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2012
By Rod Doty, VP- Rides (Newcomers welcome- helmets required!)
NOTE: Be sure to download route slips before coming to the ride start. Non-members, please click here to download, print and sign our waiver,
JANUARY SCHEDULE
Sunday, January 1 – 7:00 a.m. 2012 KICK OFF CENTURY (100 miles - 3100 feet) This is our 10th year scheduling this ride on New Year’s Day (and I think a few of us rode it unofficially a few years prior to that) so that qualifies as a tradition. My original thinking when I started this tradition was that if you can ride a century on the first day of the year, you are ready for a great year of cycling. Personally, it hasn’t always turned out that way, but it’s still a good idea. So let’s give it a try. Today is pretty easy as centuries go – just up the coast to Ventura and return. No support or sag, but none needed. No hills bigger than the ones along PCH. And really, if a century is beyond your ability right now, you could always go part way and turn around. January 1st is a fairly quiet day on PCH – everyone is watching football or has a hangover. Kick the year off with a century and there is nothing you can’t do. START: MALIBU CIVIC CENTER. Take the Santa Monica Frwy west to the end and then PCH north to R on Webb Way and R on Civic Center Way.
Sunday, January 1 - 8:30 a.m. RING AROUND THE VALLEY (long 53, medium 47, shorter medium 35, short 19) New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday this year. Normally, the century above and the Rose Parade ride are the only rides we run on New Year’s Day, but the Parade is actually tomorrow this year and I know that not everyone is up for a century, so, I thought I would schedule another regular ride for today. Nothing too strenuous (since you have chosen not to do the century) and nothing too far away. I looked through my list of rides and this looked perfect. A leisurely tour around the San Fernando Valley starting from the Zoo lot. The long and medium make a large circle around the valley (sort of counter-clockwise) with the long going as far as Cal State Northridge and the medium only going to Balboa. The shorter medium route cuts the loop a bit shorter, but otherwise follows the main medium. The short simply heads over to view the mural in the Tujunga Wash. Actually, all routes pass by the mural as part of their loop. So if you can’t kick the year off with a century, you can at least start it with a nice ride. START: Los Angeles Zoo parking lot at the north end. From Ventura (134) Frwy or Golden State Frwy (5), exit near Griffith Park at any exit marked by signs to the Zoo or to the Autry Museum. Follow signs into the park and to the Zoo lot. We will be meeting at the NORTH end by the “Camel” sign. Don't confuse us with other groups which sometimes start here.
Monday, January 2 - 7:00 a.m. ROSE PARADE RIDE (14 miles) The Rose Parade on January 2nd? Yep. By tradition, Pasadena does not hold the parade (or game) on Sunday, so every few years, it is moved to the 2nd on Monday. This is great. I’m almost always out doing the century on January 1st and can’t see the parade (in person or on TV). Even if you didn’t do the century yesterday, many of you probably had other New Years Day plans. So now we will all have a chance to see the parade this year. This is really the best way to see it. No traffic hassles getting in and out of Pasadena and a chance to preview the floats before you actually see them coming down Colorado Blvd. It’s a ride anyone can do. An easy 7 miles to the parade – a rest of a few hours – and then an easy 7 miles back. We are often joined by riders from the San Fernando Club and from Orange County, so you should have company. I believe New Years Day won’t fall on a Sunday again until 2018, so make the best of this opportunity this year. START: ALHAMBRA PARK. From San Bernardino Frwy (I-10), off & North on Freemont, R - Alhambra Rd, R - Raymond to Park.
Sunday, January 8 - 8:30 a.m. CAL POLY BY GOLLY (Long 65 - 3300 feet, Medium 46 - 2600 feet, Short 28) A favorite ride of mine and it seems like we ride it almost every year, but somehow we skipped last year. It also seems like we often ride this one in January. I suppose an inland route makes sense in the winter. Today we head to David Nakai’s alma mater , Cal Poly. David will get nostalgic as he remembers those carefree college days. Boola - boola. It may not be a trip down memory lane for the rest of us, but we can enjoy seeing the sheep and pigs usually found grazing near the entrance to the campus. The long and medium stay together over to the college and then on to Puddingstone reservoir where there is never much going on this time of year (Raging Waters is closed). The long splits off at this point to do a loop taking them over Carbon Canyon and Brea Canyon while the medium heads more directly back to the start. The short takes a fairly direct route to the college and back. So come on out and celebrate homecoming with David (if he makes the ride). Seems we never ride to my alma mater (USC). Why is that? START: PUENTE HILLS MALL in Industry. From the Pomona Frwy (60), off and south on Azusa Avenue. L - on Colima and L into Mall Parking lot. We park on top of the rise near Colima (away from Mall buildings) and immediately across from Shabaram County Park.
Saturday, January 14 - 7:00 p.m. to ? LA WHEELMEN HOLIDAY PARTY. This is the club’s annual holiday party, which we now hold AFTER the holidays to avoid conflicts with other events and the general holiday hustle and bustle. Wheelmen members have all received invitations by e-mail; be sure you’re responded affirmatively!
Sunday, January 15 - 8:30 a.m. WANDERING TO WHITTIER (Long 58 - 2000 feet, Medium 52, Shorter Medium 37, Short 34) The “wandering” part of the title means we don’t head directly to Whittier. Instead, all routes start with a large loop north to Sierra Madre before heading towards Whittier. The long makes a loop around and over the hills while the medium makes a more direct approach before meeting for lunch in Whittier. The shorter medium doesn't make it to Whittier but does go as far as Whittier Narrows. The three routes all have similar returns on river trails. The short doesn't really head for Whittier, but does go to the north end of the San Gabriel River and returns through the Santa Fe Dam area. One unusual feature of these routes is that, despite riding the Whittier area, none of them go over Turnbull. Along the way, I’m sure we will look for a toilet stop and before lunch, be sure to look at the trees, some of which may still have green leaves. So, let’s recap the plan – for all but short ride, it’s john, green leafs and Whittier. START: ALHAMBRA PARK. From San Bernardino Frwy (I-10), off & North on Freemont, R - Alhambra Rd, R - Raymond to Park.
Sunday, January 15, 9:00 a.m. NEWCOMER RIDE It’s the new year and maybe you have made a resolution to finally get out and ride your bike more this year. But where do you ride? Who can you ride with? The beach bike path is OK for a while, but it gets boring. CLUB RIDING IS THE ANSWER. A club provides you with proven routes all over the city and knowledgeable cycling companions who already know the ropes of urban group cycling. But maybe you don’t know how to get started riding with a club. What’s the protocol? What are the rules? THIS RIDE IS FOR YOU. A short ride with a patient leader will introduce the fun of club or group riding. Join us for this once-a-month event. START: THE "CORNER", Olympic Blvd, 1 block west of La Cienega in Beverly Hills. From the Santa Monica Frwy (10), off & north La Cienega 1½ miles, L - Olympic 1 block to R- Le Doux.
Thursday, January 19, 7:30 p.m. GOOSENECK & BUSI-NESS MEETING Meeting night directions: call: 310‑391‑3978.
Saturday, January 21 - 7:30 a.m. JANUS SEQUENTIAL CENTURIES - DAY ONE (100 miles - 5000 feet) It’s been a while since I have given this explanation, so here it is again. Janus was a Roman God for whom January is named. He is typically portrayed as two-faced – one looking to the past and one looking to the future, making him a good symbol of the new year. In his honor, each January we hold two back to back centuries with each doing the same route, but in opposite directions – backwards and forwards – like Janus. It may seem a little odd, but we have been doing it for over 20 years now. To be honest, most people only ride one or the other day, but occasionally someone will ride both days – a real accomplishment. Today’s route is the clockwise version which means we start from Thousand Oaks with the trip over Erbes to Moorpark, then over Grimes to Santa Paula and then over Dennison Grade to Ojai. Then it’s down to Ventura for a swing through Oxnard and on to the final climb of the day – Potrero. Although both routes have the same amount of climbing and distance, today’s route is usually considered the more difficult because you climb Potrero (a very steep hill) near the end of the ride. See below for the reverse ride. It is usually very cold at the start, so come prepared. START: CROWLEY HOUSE PARK in THOUSAND OAKS. From Ventura Frwy (101), off & north on Hampshire Rd, L - Thousand Oaks Blvd (at T) for ½ mile, L - Oakview and L - Pleasant Way to Park.
Sunday, January 22 - 7:30 a.m. JANUS SEQUENTIAL CENTURIES - DAY TWO (100 miles - 5000 feet) See above for background on these centuries. Today is the clockwise route. It’s the reverse of yesterday so it starts with the downhill on Potrero. Then it’s on to Ventura and up to Ojai, over to Santa Paula, Moorpark and back. Although more of the climbing is in the 2nd half of the ride today, it tends to be less steep than day one. The start location is the same as day one – see above.
Sunday, January 22 - 9:00 a.m. WILL ROGERS PARK (medium 35 – 2200 ft, short 28) As on January 1st, we recognize that not everyone is going to be out doing the Janus Centuries yesterday or today. So here’s a much easier alternative from the “Corner” for the rest of you. There are only medium and short routes today (which works out well since long riders will probably be doing the century. Both routes head to the polo grounds at Will Rodgers Park where they often are actually playing polo. You can watch the horseys run up and down the field for a while. The medium takes a slightly more circuitous route there and a little extra loop on the way back, but both routes meet up at the park and for lunch in Santa Monica. Actually, I’m not sure if there a season for polo. We used to ride this one the day after the Grand Tour (when long riders were probably too tired to ride) and they were often playing polo then, but maybe not in January. START: THE "CORNER", Olympic Blvd, 1 block west of La Cienega in Beverly Hills. From the Santa Monica Frwy (10), off & north La Cienega 1½ miles, L - Olympic 1 block to R- Le Doux.
Sunday, January 29 - 8:30 a.m. PASADENA PASSION (Long 61 ‑ 2300 ft, Medium 49- 1900 ft., Short 31) If you are a close reader of the Gooseneck, you are saying to yourself “Didn’t I just read this ride description a couple of months ago?” Good eye! This was scheduled only last November, but it got rained out that day. A couple of us who really enjoy these routes were sorry we couldn’t ride it that day. Rather than wait a year and a half for it’s turn to come up again, we decided to re-schedule it right away. So here it is again – the same description from November: These are very nice rides without any major climbs. All travel the communities of the San Gabriel Valley – the longer the route, the more of them we pass through. Both long and medium routes head east along the northern edge of the valley to San Dimas and Puddingstone Lake. The medium then heads back while the long continues further east before circling back on a more southerly route through the valley. The short stays close to the start and tours only Arcadia, San Marino and Pasadena. As I usually note, the long route travels through 17 different cities. Astute riders like you will be able to keep a mental list and check it against the list included with the route sheet. Rain is always a possibility in January, so you may be reading this again in May. START: PASADENA HIGH SCHOOL near the intersection of Orange Grove and Sierra Madre Blvds. From the Foothill Frwy (210), off & north on Sierra Madre Blvd to school on left.
FEBRUARY SCHEDULE
Sunday, February 5 - 8:30 a.m. SEA TO TOWERS (Long 49 & 1900 ft. of gain, medium 37, short 23) These routes were put together a few years ago by David Nakai to tour Watts Towers State Historic Park. This year David has arranged to combine our ride with the LACBC’s monthly Sunday Funday ride. (www.la‑bike.org/sundayfunday). They will be joining us at the start or at some point along the way. David may also invite a couple of other clubs to join us. So you won’t want to miss this outing. Both long and medium head to the Watt’s towers, but the long takes a trip through Baldwin Hills (both going and returning) with some surprisingly steep hills. The medium skips most of that. Unfortunately, the short doesn’t make it to the towers – in fact, I’m not sure there is any great incentive for doing the short. If you have never seen the Watts Towers, this is the way to go. Join us. START: DOCK 52 IN MARINA DEL REY. Take Marina Frwy west all the way to end, L on Lincoln, R on Fiji Way to parking lot for Dock 52.
Saturday, February 11 - 7:30 a.m. BEACHES TO BREA CANYON CENTURY (99 miles & 2900 feet) This is our century of the month for February. The days are still relatively short, but this route does a lot of riding on bike trails which are relatively fast since they are traffic free and there are no stop signs. Also, at only about 3000 feet of climbing, it’s not very hilly. It starts by heading down to Long Beach and rides the Long Beach Bike trail and then up the Coyote Creek bike trail about 9 miles. We work our way over to Brea and ride up Brea Canyon before the downhill on Pathfinder and then hitting East Road and West Road. There is some more bike trail riding on the way back and a long stretch on Del Amo Blvd. There are some ups and downs (including a short but sweet climb on 190th St.) But most of the climbing is spread throughout the ride and is usually not very steep. So come out and give it a whirl. START: POLLYWOG PARK in Manhattan Beach. From San Diego Frwy off and West on Manhattan Beach Blvd (Inglewood Blvd Exit). Go 1.4 miles to park. Park near brown house on Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Sunday, February 12 - 8:30 a.m. SOUTH BAY SURPRISE (Long 69 - 1200 feet, Medium 43, Short 29) It’s President Lincoln’s actually birthday today (as opposed to when we celebrate it on President’s Day) so let’s have a “Surprise” party. Valentine’s Day is in two days and maybe you want to “Surprise” your loved one with a nice bicycle ride. Why don’t some of you who never show up at club rides come out today and “surprise” the rest of us. Today can be full of surprises. The long route takes us to Knott’s Berry Farm where you can get their famous chicken lunch (which is surprisingly good) without actually going into the park. After lunch, the route heads back through Long Beach using the Long Beach Bike trail and the LA River trail for a portion of the route. The medium and short both start out with the long, but each cuts back through Long Beach at an earlier spot. These routes are all fairly flat and actually that was the original “surprise” on this ride. The routes were created by Ralph Boethling, who was famous for creating hilly rides, so it was a surprise when he created this one. So come out for a surprisingly good time. START: Paradise Park in Torrance. From San Diego Frwy (405), off & South on Hawthorne 3.5 miles. R - Torrance Blvd 0.5 mile, L - Anza one block, R - Lee to Park. We usually park on the West side of the park by the school.
Sunday, February 12, 9:00 a.m. NEWCOMER RIDE In case you missed our first Newcomer Ride of the year last month, here’s another chance before the year gets too old. Get started with club riding now and you can still have a full year of cycling fun. This ride is designed to get you started in club or group riding. Maybe you don’t know where to ride or what group riding protocol is – this ride has the answers. It’s a short ride with a patient leader which will introduce the fun of club riding and answer all your questions. Join us for this once-a-month event. START: THE "CORNER", Olympic Blvd, 1 block west of La Cienega in Beverly Hills. From the Santa Monica Frwy (10), off & north La Cienega 1½ miles, L - Olympic 1 block to R- Le Doux.
Thursday, February 16 - 7:30 p.m. GOOSENECK & BUSINESS MEETING. Meeting night directions: (310) 641-7719.
Sunday, February 19 - 9:00 a.m. CORNER CAPER - PHASE II (Long 62, Medium50 - 2400 feet, Short 32) Last week actually was Lincoln’s birthday, but we officially celebrate it tomorrow on President’s day. (Washington’s actually birthday is on Wednesday). That has nothing to do with today’s ride that I can think of, but we might try to think patriotic thoughts as we ride along today. In the spirit of honesty (for which both Lincoln and Washington are known) I’ll say right here, these are not the best routes we have. They’re not bad, but there’s nothing special. The long and medium go out to the valley (over Benedict Cyn) and head east. They travel through Griffith Park to the Eagle Rock area and the long makes an extra loop up to the Rose Bowl area before rejoining the medium riders for the return along Mulholland and down Franklin Cyn. As is often the case, the short route doesn’t go to the valley. Instead it is half of an old route we used to run called Movie Star Madness. This route is so old, we’re pretty sure none of the stars listed on the route still live in the houses indicated (many aren’t even alive). But it’s an interesting ride anyway. Even if these aren’t our best routes, I can honestly say that if you join us and we all ride together, we can still have a very nice time. START: THE “CORNER”, Olympic Blvd, 1 block west of La Cienega in Beverly Hills. From the Santa Monica Frwy (10), off & north La Cienega 1½ miles, L - Olympic 1 block to R - Le Doux.
Sunday, February 26, 8:30 a.m. SANTA FE DAM (Long 53 - 2300 ft., Medium 45, Short 38) I’ve always wanted to take that drive that goes right across the top of Hoover Dam, but as neat as that might be, the dam is only about a quarter of a mile long. That’s nothing compared to riding the rim of the Santa Fe Dam which is about 2 miles long. I don’t even know if they would let bikes on the Hoover Dam, but on the Santa Fe Dam, it’s ONLY bikes (and joggers). So why drive all the way out to Nevada/Arizona when we can have a better dam riding experience right here. All routes today head over to the San Gabriel River bike path and head up to the dam. There we ride the crest and then go through some of the wilderness area on the other side. The short splits off for a fairly direct return. The medium and long continue together over to Pasadena where you have a choice of lunch spots from Carl's to a Thai restaurant. After lunch, the mediums head straight back to the start while the longs zip up to the top of Lake Street before returning. That’s a pretty good extra climb for the long riders, but you don’t have to decide until lunch, so why not take both route slips. Of course at the Santa Fe Dam, there are no guided tours, no power plant and no Lake Mead, but it is the rainy season here, so there actually might be some water behind the dam Worth taking a look anyway. START: BARNES PARK in MONTEREY PARK. From San Bernardino Frwy (I-10), off & south on Garfield, R - Newmark, L - McPherrin to the Park. Early arrival is suggested in order to find a parking space before park users take them all.
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