Joining the Roadie Hangout - Kinda...

[denmother]

Originally Posted by dubjay

I Any suggestions for other rides that avoid cars?

Paths

• Arroyo Seco bicycle path
• Azusa River bicycle path
• Ballona Creek bicycle path
• Bolsa Chica bicycle path (includes Huntington Beach)
• Browns Canyon Wash bicycle path
• California Aqueduct bikeway
• Coyote Creek bicycle path
• Culver Boulevard Median bicycle path
• Duarte bicycle path
• Hermosa Valley Green Belt path
• L.A. River bicycle path
• La Mirada bicycle path
• Lario bicycle path
• Legg Lake bicycle path
• Long Beach bicycle path
• Long Beach Green Belt path
• Metro Orange Line bicycle path
• Mount Lowe Railroad Trail
• Puddingstone Reservoir bicycle path
• Rio Hondo bicycle path
• San Diego Creek bicycle path
• San Gabriel River bicycle path
• Santa Ana River bicycle path
• Santa Clara River Trail
• Santa Monica bicycle path
• Sepulveda Dam bicycle path
• The Strand (South Bay bicycle path)
• Thompson Creek bicycle path
• Watts Towers Crescent Greenway
• West Los Angeles Veloway
• Yorba Linda bicycle path

[Sweetpea]

Dubjay,

Once a week I force myself to ride San Joaquin Hills Road from where it starts at the Back Bay (where the cars park) to the top of Ridge Park/El Moro. With your bike, you could continue on into El Moro. I usually turn around and go back the same way but sometimes I go down Newport Coast. On the inland side you can go home via the Shady Canyon bike path, on the ocean side you can explore the Crystal Cove bike path which has beautiful views and some off road sections that your bike will like.

BTW, I ride the sidewalk the entire way. It's away from the exhaust, it's shaded, it's wide, and it has killer views. There are actually signs that say that it's O.K. to ride on the sidewalk. I imagine there are roadies that think less of me but, does it matter?

[Impy]

congrats on your cross bike! I have a cross biek as well that I use as a quasi road bike and I love it. I commute long distances on it, i have done centuries on it, etc. It's great!

[OffRoadie]

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

BTW, I ride the sidewalk the entire way. It's away from the exhaust, it's shaded, it's wide, and it has killer views. There are actually signs that say that it's O.K. to ride on the sidewalk. I imagine there are roadies that think less of me but, does it matter?

Yes, it does, for many reasons. Sometimes it's OK to ride on the sidewalk, but any speed over 10 mph you should be on the road.

[Sweetpea]

Originally Posted by OffRoadie

Yes, it does, for many reasons. Sometimes it's OK to ride on the sidewalk, but any speed over 10 mph you should be on the road.

Oh man, the day I ride up those hills at more than 10 miles per hour will be the best (and probably last) day of my life.

[Wrecker]

Riding up Ridge Park at any speed is a feat in itself.

[foofighter]

i run mtn bike shoes and some old shimano 747's on mine no problemo...lets me keep my dirt roots

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by OffRoadie

I feel that road provides the endurance basis for all of my riding.

It just doesn't help when it comes to descending stairs.

[MTBMaven]

Way to go with the CX bike. I really want one too.

Go lycra, you will actually look like a kook out there on the road in baggies. On the trails do what's comfortable. I will warn you, you just might start wearing lycra only on the trail. Sometimes on long rides it's hard to put the baggies back on. The lycras just feel so fast.

As for car, you just need to get used to them. Avoiding them and being scared of riding next to them will limit your riding options and make you more in danger when riding with them. Get out there and take up the whole lane if you feel like you need the room. It's your legal right so take it. If you give a car half an inch they will take it. Don't give them the chance. Don't be a dick about it just be safe. You will need to be defensive and aggressive at the same time. Ride with some more experienced road riders a few times to see how they handle themselves in traffic. After a while you too will be blowing red lighs and shooting lanes. It's great fun out on the roads. I love riding in heavy traffic. Great way to get a rush on the road bike.

[tkblazer]

Originally Posted by MTBMaven

As for car, you just need to get used to them. Avoiding them and being scared of riding next to them will limit your riding options and make you more in danger when riding with them. Get out there and take up the whole lane if you feel like you need the room. It's your legal right so take it. If you give a car half an inch they will take it. Don't give them the chance. Don't be a dick about it just be safe. You will need to be defensive and aggressive at the same time. Ride with some more experienced road riders a few times to see how they handle themselves in traffic. After a while you too will be blowing red lighs and shooting lanes. It's great fun out on the roads. I love riding in heavy traffic. Great way to get a rush on the road bike.

brian makes a good point.. yesterday i stuck to the bike lanes when one was available.. in the spots without bike lanes (along sunflower by south coast plaza) i just took the lane and made sure i could be seen. if you are off to the side a driver may or may not see you..

hit me up when you wanna do a road ride, i would like to cruise around OC

[dubjay]

Thanks for the suggestions everybody. I've put in about 100 miles on the new bike this past week so far.

I've been mostly riding around Irvine/Newport and even made my way through the Peter's Canyon fireroads twice so far. The ride is more compliant in the dirt than I had thought it would be. In the sand, it's a little sketchy, and I'm still a little afraid to lean into the corners.

I have ordered another set of wheels (Neuvation) that I will be throwing some road slicks on for when I won't be venturing into any dirt.

I've been shopping for some lycra too....

[tkblazer]

you holding out on us wey... you up for ssart on sat or sunday? also let me know how you like those wheels..

[Pho'dUp]

Originally Posted by tkblazer

you holding out on us wey... you up for ssart on sat or sunday? also let me know how you like those wheels..

You'd better be ready for the early roll call Nam.

[tkblazer]

Originally Posted by Pho'dUp

You'd better be ready for the early roll call Nam.

[tkblazer]

sunday is gonna hurt...