THE 6th ANNUAL LOS ANGELES RIVER RIDE
TOOK PLACE SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2006
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| About the Los Angeles River Ride |
| The ride is an annual event since 2000 and its goal is to raise public awareness of the Los Angeles River and the Bike Coalition's efforts to make all of L.A. County a safe and enjoyable place to bicycle. (continued below)
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One Participant's Experience |
| I was up early on the day of the 6th Annual River Ride. I could barely sleep the night before, overwhelmed with feelings of anticipation and excitement. This was going to be my fourth River Ride and I was planning on doing the whole thing -- from Griffith Park to Long Beach and back.
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The day was overcast and although the forecast hinted at possible showers I was undeterred. I arrived before registration had begun and had a chance to chat with other riders and although there was a light mist I knew it was going to be a perfect day to ride. The cloud cover was going to make the ride back, at the height of the day, temperate and pleasant.
As the start of the ride neared and we listened to the final announcements, the atmosphere amongst the riders was electric and joyous. We all couldn't wait to get going. There was the count down and we were off.
There's nothing like traversing the city by bicycle and I love the River Ride because it takes me on a path that I wouldn't devise on my own. I get to see the LA River and no it's not just a concrete trench. When I told people in advance about the River Ride they smirked as if I might as well just cruise through litter strewn alleys. But that's not the LA River! As in past River Rides, I'm surprised at the beauty and wildlife encountered on the way. You never see this stuff from a car.
As I rode along, passing and being passed by other riders, nodding hello and sometimes engaging in brief conversations, I began to fantasize about how great it would be if all of us in Los Angeles biked as our primary means of transportation. Not only would the air be cleaner but we'd all be interacting as opposed to our solitary, insular journeys in tin boxes. I suppose the general good spirits and feeling of camaraderie engendered by the event helped in this pedal dream.
The River Ride this year was awesome. Everybody that I interacted with was having a great time and I can't wait until next year's ride. And, to anybody who's reading this, I can't encourage you enough to do the River Ride and support the LACBC. Don't have a bike? Get one - it'll make you healthier and happier.
- Matthew Hoffman
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| RIVER RIDE START/FINISH PHOTOS |
Photos courtesy of Karl Clinger of Clinger and Mia photography.
Click on the photos to view larger versions. |
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Following photos provided by Jennifer Gill.
Click on the photos to view larger versions, some with captions.
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MARKING THE ROUTE - The Day Before
Following photos provided by Jennifer Gill.
Click on the photos to view larger versions, some with captions. |
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THE RIDE
Following photos provided by Jennifer Gill.
Click on the photos to view larger versions, some with captions. |
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About the Los Angeles River Ride (continued) |
The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition is working to ensure the completion of the entire LA River Bikeway - from the San Fernando Valley to Long Beach. The proceeds from the rides enable the Coalition to continue its river advocacy work.
The river ride is fully supported with four pit stops for the long rides. Each year LACBC expects 1500 plus riders participating in the four available rides.
- I Mile Kid's Ride — A short ride, entirely within the parking lot area of Griffith Park.
- 15 Mile Family Ride — Griffith Park to the Los Angeles River Center and return.
- 45 Mile Park to Playa Ride — Griffith Park to BikeStation, Long Beach, 35 miles, and return via the Blue Line & Red Line to LA (Union Station), then bike last 10 miles back to Griffith Park.
- 70 Mile Park to Playa Ride — Griffith Park to BikeStation, Long Beach, and return.
Each rider receives a T-shirt and goodie bag.
There is a registration fee.
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LACBC River Ride Public Service Announcement
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Check out the LACBC PSA, distributed to the media, announcing the 6th Annual River Ride. You'll need Windows Media Player (WMP). Mac Safari 1.0.3 (or above) and Windows Internet Explorer should, by clicking on the below link, automatically open WMP and play the PSA. Otherwise, download the PSA file (1.4 MB) and open it with WMP. Broadband connection recommended.
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