I'd like to get a weekly night ride started for all the Westsiders. To start, it would be a quick loop up Westridge and down Sullivan's. I'd like this ride to break up the week, so I'm thinking about Wednesday nights pedaling by 8pm. Perhaps a tasty beverage afterwards at a fine establishment... I'd like to use this thread to gauge interest as well as take feedback from those who are interested in this ride. So if you're interested in a weekly night ride in the SM's, drop a post and let's get this ball rolling. Concerns: Is it legal to night ride the Santa Monica's? We will need to be considerate to the residents (noise, changing clothes, light polution, etc) Carpool to have as few of cars as possible up in the residential neighborhood
I would definitely be down for an extra night ride. I ride that area a few times a week at night and would love to do a group ride. I am sure I know a few others who would join in. As far as your concerns all should be good. There is plenty of parking at the top of Westridge and as long as everyone is respectful there should not be problems with the residents (not sure about changing clothes). I ride past the rangers at the Nike station just about once a week and they smile and waive so I assume night riding is ok (not to mention there are a good amount of night riders in the area.) Something else that would be cool is if people on the valley side wanted to do the ride (thats me) there could be a group could start from this side. The "Westridge" group could meet up with the "Dirt Mulholland" group at the Nike tower. The ride could then progress from there with the merged group. This would help out with any traffic issues and add to the number of riders. Looking forward to this getting off the ground.
There is already a group that leave from Cynergy around 8pm on Wed. When I used to do night rides in Sullivan Canyon I saw so few people parked noise was never a problem.
As Nagaredama said, there is another Wednesday night Westside ride. However, it's a much bigger commitment time wise. I would be game for a shorter workout loop like what you're suggesting. Couple suggestions of my own: 1. If it's going to be a Westridge/Sullivan loop, then you might consider parking on Old Creek Road at the dirt pullout near the equestrian center. You won't be disturbing anyone down there, and you can finish off the ride by descending the "Horse Trail", which is the unmarked trail you see branching off as you go around the gate at the entrance to Sullivan Canyon. To get there from Sunset Blvd. you need to head west on Riviera Ranch Road, which is one block west of Mandeville Canyon. After turning onto Riviera Ranch Road, take your 2nd right onto Old Creek Road, continue a very short distance, and park in the obvious dirt parking area. Probably room for half a dozen cars there and overflow can park along the side of Old Creek Road. Total distance for the ride including the Horse Trail descent is probably 12 miles max. 2. As for "a tasty beverage afterwards at a fine establishment", Sonny McLean's at Wilshire and 26th fits the bill. Excellent beer selection and surprisingly good bar food.
I like all the feedback. Especially, maybe having some riders from the valley side meet up with us, parking near the horse stables and hitting Sonny's post ride. As for conflicting with the Cynergy ride, it's always nice to have options. If anyones game, I'm game to ride Wednesday. We rode last night and didn't see a soul and it wasn't nearly as cold as I was expecting.
Okay, who's in for this Wednesday night @ 8pm? For the first run, let's meet at Bayliss and Westridge. This will give us a few route options, but likely we will climb Westridge and descend the canyon. For future reference, what time works best for any of you interested? I have one vote for earlier.
If you guys climb Westridge I will meet you guys at the Nike Tower. If you start at 8, I will be at the Tower at 8:15 or 8:20. If anyone else wants to start from the Valley side let me know.
I have to attend an after-work thing this Wednesday, but if I can duck out early enough, I'll be there. @ Politi-Cal: Being that the group is starting down the hill at Bayliss/Westridge...even if we're rolling at exactly 8:00 PM, which is probably unlikely, I doubt anyone will reach the tower before 8:30 PM. I'm guessing 8:40 PM is actually more realistic. Perhaps you've already considered that, but I thought I should mention it.
I guess you are correct. If I can leave early (and no one wants to meet up on this side) I will just ride my bike from here to the Westridge trail head so I can start with the group @ 8:00. The extra saddle time would not kill me. If that does not work out (or if I have company) I will be at the tower between 8:30 and 8:40.
Hey J, not going to be able to make it out this week. Just for future reference, about how long would this ride be? Thanks.
That would depend on the chosen route and the speed of the group. The basic loop up Westridge and down Sullivan Canyon is about 10 miles. Can be done in an hour or less at a fairly quick pace, but being that this is a social group ride, I would bet on at least an hour and a half.
Bad news guys. I've been fighting a fever/flu like symptoms all night and my better judgment tells me I need rest tonight. JimN described my intended duration of this ride spot on. Likely 1 & 1/2 hours for Westridge to Sullivan's Canyon. Sorry for my last mInute bail.
Bummer, Mike. I hope you're feeling better by the weekend. I'm still planning to ride, so hopefully a few others will join in.
Since there is no takers coming from my side I will try and be at westridge and bayless by 8. If I am not there by 8 then start without me. I will ride down westridge fire road until I meet up with the group. I will be on a trek 29er and wearing orange. See whoever is riding tonight.
