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This post is coming in late, because we didn’t finish our ride until late today. We saw some spooky shit on our ride. If you look closely, you can see Kyle in there and maybe the dude pushing his bike up, carrying the compound bow and arrows too. It was really wild, but we didn’t stick around to find out what he was up to.
Hopefully, everyone is having a good All Hallow’s Eve!
Last night, as part of the Rapha Rides series, a group of cyclists rode from the Rapha Santa Monica store to Golden Saddle Cyclery for a super chill “photography” ride up to the Helipad in Griffith Park to watch the sun set over this golden city. Half were in plain clothes and half were kitted out, but all enjoyed some beverages. Towards the end, Kyle requested for help in picking up the area’s trash, prompting everyone to pitch in. Because you can’t take photos when the area has trash all over it… Check out a few more below!
Southern California has been an October oven, with temperatures hanging out in the 90’s and 100’s for months now. Last week, we had enough and organized a group shred sess on Mount Piños, our favorite, yet not so frequented trail network about an hour and some change from Golden Saddle Cyclery. The drive isn’t bad either when you factor in the fact that everyone is going the opposite direction on Interstate 5. We sent out a text thread and gauged interest. Cache, one of the shop mechanics at GSC wanted in, as did Kyle, Serena, Colin, Matt from Mount Wilson Bicycling Association, and myself.
Truthfully I was a little worried about this ride. You climb about 3,000′ in 10 miles and it’s straight up with no change in grade. I hadn’t ridden since South Africa, save for a few grocery store runs, on a lower saddle, across flat terrain. While I was concerned, I’m not one to sit around and wait for the recommended four weeks of recovery, especially since I hadn’t felt pain in over a week. The human body is strange like that. It’s like a tea kettle, only whistling when it’s hot. I had been going hard leading up to South Africa, a bit of “training” if you will, which consisted of mostly doing bigger riders on dirt and here in LA, that means lots of steep grades. After South Africa, it was so hot out that I couldn’t ride even if my body was in working order. There’s nothing more miserable for me, not being able to exercise at all, yet I found motivation in the distraction-free life of being forced to sit at the computer every waking moment. Regardless, it had been what felt like an eternity… Was I finally rested up?
Our friends at Mission Workshop have opened a new storefront in Los Angeles and would like to welcome everyone to come celebrate. If you’re planning on attending, make sure you RSVP at RowLA.
Metro Bike Mountains of Madness
Words by Carter Chappell
If you have been to LA recently maybe you have noticed the new Metro Bikes that launched last late year. They are essentially three-speed commuters by Trek that are built around a bombproof steel frame and held together by an army of tamper-proof bits. You cannot in any way take the tires off if you get a flat or do much outside of raising and lowering the seat to change the bikes fit in any way. It’s pretty much that last thing you would want to do any sort of long or hilly ride on.
Yes, those astute readers of this website will recognize this bike. Kyle photographed it at Grinduro Scotland already, along with the bikes of other builders. It was the only mountain bike in the bunch and it coincidentally won the People’s Choice award at Grinduro Scotland, which is why it’s here in California right now. Adeline makes Mercredi Bikes in the UK. Her torch time is usually spent on road and ‘cross bikes, but this mountain bike was her first, in terms of building and the first MTB she’s owned. A serious cyclocross racer, it didn’t take much for Adeline to adjust to racing this mountain bike at Grinduro, where she won. I’ve always been of the opinion that riding mountain bikes will enhance your ‘cross skills and she’s quickly finding that to be true.
Well, that’s something I never thought I’d see; Floyd Landis and Kyle from Golden Saddle riding a tandem. Last night, Floyd’s of Leadville were in town, so they wanted to throw a shindig at the bike shop including a ride in Griffith Park and free tacos by 100 Tacos. Floyd’s are out promoting their new CBD oil capsules that aid in sports recovery and can be sold online, legally.
This weekend has been fun. You do not disappoint, Los Angeles! See more shots from the ride below.
Los Angeles is no stranger when it comes to wildfires, even in the short time I’ve lived here and while most of the fires over the years have been in the San Gabriel mountains, I never expected to have a fire ravage my favorite place to ride, the Verdugo Mountains. You’ve probably heard of these mountains before, we post a lot of photos here on the site from their peaks, fireroads and singletrack. To give you some perspective, the dirt roads are 7 miles from my front door, with the first saddle being exactly 10 miles. The peak, at least on the road, tops out at 3,100′ and it’s a long, steep way up, with climbs averaging between 10 and 18%.
For those of you who have been missing the Cub House, well, their new location is just about ready to be opened. The new locale is just a few blocks from their old spot but has wayyyyy more space and that means more goods. Be sure to catch the opening party on Friday, along with rides happening Saturday and Sunday, leaving from the Cub House and Golden Saddle. Saturday’s ride is co-supported by 100 Tacos and Floyd’s of Leadville, so expect tons of entertainment.
This is the ninth layout of the Radavist 2017 Calendar, entitled “Sunset Sprints” Shot with a Canon 1DXmkii and a 100-400mm lens in Silver Lake, Los Angeles.
“As the summer sizzles away and we’re greeted with the autumn #lightbro, down here in LA, it doesn’t look like the heat is giving up anytime soon…”
For a high-res JPG, suitable for print and desktop wallpaper*, right click and save link as – The Radavist 2017 Calendar – September. Please, this photo is for personal use only!
(*set background to white and center for optimal coverage)
The mobile background this month is from Point Reyes National Seashore Click here to download September’s Mobile Wallpaper.
This whole collection looks incredible! See more at SWRVE’s Kickstarter and be sure to back this killer deal.
Track bikes in the city can turn any ride into a completely new experience and perhaps that’s what Jimmy was looking for when he built up his new All-City Big Block. That and an excuse to put all his balleur parts he’d been hoarding on a new bike. Why wouldn’t he? These frames are beautiful with their sparkle paint job and street-friendly geometry. The velo hip will note the special edition Phil Wood splatter track hubs, the Sim Works Caroline stem, White Industries pedals, Sugino outboard bottom-bracket cranks with a RWB AARN chainring and a super rare grey suede Selle Flite saddle. To be completely honest, when I saw this bike all built up at Golden Saddle Cyclery, where Jimmy is the manager, I couldn’t believe how well it turned out. The best part is, Jimmy actually rides this beaut too! Well, sometimes, anyway.
Keep crankin’, Jimmy!
After a successful pop-up in Venice, Rapha has opened a more permanent establishment, just blocks from the Pacific Ocean and a short pedal from the mountains and hills. Head over to Rapha to read more information on the new Los Angeles Clubhouse.
Our good friend Aimee talks about living and riding a bike in Los Angeles. Aimee is the best and as you’re reading this now, she’s riding up a mountain to view the eclipse with a group of girls. Keep killing it, Aimee!
Not since Rem Koolhaas have I heard a better explanation for what Los Angeles is. Nice one, Geoff!
Hey, LA! See ya there?
Mick from 100 Tacos‘ Eddy Merckx Pista has some lovely beausage. After the seat stay cap cracked, he had it repaired and rather than paint-matching the raw steel, he let it oxidize, giving this bike lots of character. While this isn’t a complete photoset, I think these photos capture this bike wonderfully. Killer ride, Mick!
As part of the Cub House’s closing weekend (don’t worry, they’ve got a new space in the works,) Sean from Team Dream and myself organized a night ride in Cherry Canyon. A pleasant mix of dirt roads and singletrack made for a fun-filled two hour ride and as the sun set over the mountains, we all turned on our riding lights to make it even more interesting. I’m not sure if this will be a regular happening, but we’re gonna try to make it at least a monthly occasion. Head on over to the Cub House today, at 11am for a closing weekend sale, with a party beginning at 6pm. Details are in the “Related” sidebar on the left.
