June 2023

Gravel cycling rocks. Here are 11 spots around L.A. that get you biking freely in nature.

From LATimes.com

BRIAN E. CLARK

It isn’t always easy riding a bike around L.A. Streets weren’t designed with cyclists’ safety in mind and mountain biking trails can be intimidating for those not used to steep inclines.

That’s part of the reason why more people are heading to the dirt. They’re embracing gravel riding — sometimes known as grinding — which is something of a cross between road riding and mountain biking that takes place on unpaved roads and trails.

“When I first got a mountain bike, I crashed so much on the trails,” recalled Isabel King, who took up gravel riding during the pandemic and is now a gravel racer in L.A. “A gravel bike ride is a great compromise where you can travel at a slower speed but still get a good workout. You are away from cars and can ride many of the roads you’d do on a trail run.”

The activity has been around since the invention of bicycles, which date to the early 1800s when hardly any roads were paved, but its popularity has grown significantly in the last decade. In Southern California, there are thousands of miles of fire roads suitable for pedaling.

 

Read More

How To Achieve The Perfect Climbing Position On The Bik

Climbing can be a daunting task for many of us cyclists, but it doesn’t have to be. With the proper knowledge and body positioning, you can conquer any mountain. So, Manon dives into the essential elements of an efficient and powerful climbing position so you can tackle your next hill with ease.

CicLAvia—South LA presented by Metro June 18

CicLAvia—South LA

On Sunday, June 18, we’re opening up streets in South Los Angeles so you can jog, ride, bike, skate, run, walk, skateboard, spectate, and enjoy the route however you want. Our routes are welcoming to people of all ages and abilities!

CicLAvia—South LA is presented by Metro. This event will feature the 3rd annual Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair brought to you by Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration & Resource Fair is a free community event that uplifts the impact of Juneteenth and creates a space for redefining what freedom means today. This joyous event includes live performances, food trucks, activities, and access to community and county services. On-site record expungement, mental health services, support with tenant protection and more, will be available. All are welcomed to attend.

Learn More

Improvements for the Marvin Braude Beach Trail have reached the finish line

From MalibuTimes.com

By Samantha Bravo

Bicyclists can now safely cruise 22 miles along PCH between Will Rogers and Torrance County beaches

With the Marvin Braude Trail improvements, bicyclists now have 22 miles to ride along Pacific Coast Highway.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, County Public Works, and Beaches and Harbors held a ceremony on Wednesday, May 24, to celebrate the bike trail improvements at Marvin Braude Trail at Will Rogers Beach.

“This is a project years in the making and so many community members have let us know that, and that’s why we’ve been hard at work make this possible,” Horvath said. “Investing in infrastructure is what helps keep people safe, but also to make sure that people can enjoy the beach.”

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail is a 22-mile path that stretches along the Los Angeles County coastline, from Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades to Torrance County Beach in Torrance. The $6.5 million project connects the City of Santa Monica’s dedicated bikeway and pedestrian path through the City of Los Angeles to Will Rogers State Beach.

“The opening of this updated portion is just in time for a busy summer season,” Beaches and Harbor Director Gary Jones said. “The new pedestrian walkway will allow more people to safety travel from Will Rogers to many of our beaches.”

Photo by Andre Frueh on Unsplash

Read More