January 2017

Sunday, January 1, 2017 (Happy New Year!) – 8:00 am – Palos Verdes Outer Loop
For those who (a) aren’t suffering from a hangover or (b) looking for a cure, we will take an easy cruise around the PV peninsula. South through Playa del Rey, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beaches to Palos Verdes. Short ride turns back at Malaga Cove. Long ride continues up past golf course to Palos Verdes Drive North and rides south before turning right on Western to complete the loop back to Palos Verdes Drives South & West. Stop for snacks at Catalina Coffee in Redondo Beach on the way back. About 60 miles with a few smallish climbs.

Sunday, January 8, 2017 – 8:00 am – Malibu Canyon to Rock Store Hill
Up the coast on PCH to Malibu Canyon. After a quick stop at Cross Creek, up Malibu Canyon and continue on Los Virgenes, (optional loop: through Lost Hills = left on Lost Hills Rd., left on Agoura Rd., and left on Cornell Rd. past Paramount Ranch) then west on Mulholland, around Malibu Lake (pit stop at Peter Strauss Ranch if needed).  Grind up Rock Store Hill and fly down Kanan to PCH. Stop at Malibu Seafood or Reel Inn for lunch on the way back down the coast.  A strenuous 70ish miles.

Sunday, January 15, 2017 – 8:30 am – Lake Casitas to Santa Barbara (Out of Town Ride)
Since this recent out-ot-towner was cancelled, we’ll try again. Drive Highway 101 north to Ventura and exit on California. Turn right on California to the top of the hill. Turn right then left into driveway and park behind City Hall/Court House. Allow about 1:15 driving time from Santa Monica. Meet at 8:15am for an 8:30 am start. Ride through Ventura before climbing up to Lake Casitas. Ride around the spectacular north end of the lake before climbing up and over toward the coast. Also, we add the usual side route over Gobernador Canyon Road, just because we like the name. Continue north through Carpinteria and on to Santa Barbara for lunch at what used to be the Beachbreak Cafe on State St. Zip back to Ventura via the coast. 68 miles with a few big climbs.

Sunday, January 22, 2017 – 8:00 am – Sierra Madre — RAINED OUT!

Sunday, January 29, 2017 – 8:00 am – Mulholland – Encinal or Kanan Dume Return
Through Santa Monica, and up the coast on PCH. The short route turns around at the gas station just past Malibu Lagoon for a flat 30 miles. The long ride continues on PCH just past Leo Carillo to Mulholland, then up the scenic highway. We can jog over to the top of Encinal via Decker, then descend back down to PCH on Encinal or, alternatively, continue on Mullholland to Kanan Dume for that descent to PCH. Stop at the Pavilion’s plaza, Malibu Seafood, or Reel Inn for lunch. About 70 miles, with one long uphill section.

February 2017

Super Bowl Sunday, February 5, 2017 – 8:00 am – PV Drive Clockwise
South through Playa del Rey, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beaches to Palos Verdes. Short ride turns back at Malaga Cove for those planning to catch the game. Long ride continues up past the golf course to Palos Verdes Drive North and rides south before turning right and climbing up Palos Verdes Drive East and down to the coast and back via Palos Verdes Drives South & West. Stop for brunch at Catalina Coffee in Redondo Beach on the way back. 56 miles with one long climb.

Sunday, February 12, 2017 – 8:00 am – Chatsworth Reservoir
Over Sepulveda to Burbank Boulevard, Victory, and up DeSoto to Devonshire. Around the Reservoir and stop for brunch at Pedaler’s Fork in Calabasas. Return over Old Topanga Canyon to PCH. Moderately hilly 61 miles.

Sunday, February 19, 2017 – 8:00 am – Sepulveda – Stradella – New Topanga Return
Up Sepulveda to Moraga and then wind our way through scenic Bel Air, up the steps of Stradella to Mulholland Drive. The short ride returns to the Westside via Sepulveda. The long ride continues on Mulholland over the San Diego Fwy to Encino Hills Drive for a steep descent into the Valley. From Hayvenhurst, continue to wind our way over Carl’s secret commuter route to Valley Vista, Wells, and Dumetz to Topanga Canyon. Take a break at the Starbucks, and then climb New Topanga over and down to PCH. The short route is 30 hilly miles. The long route is 50 more hilly miles, 4000 feet of climbing, maximum grade about 15%.

Sunday, February 26, 2017 – 8:30 am – Lake Casitas to Santa Barbara (Out of Town Ride…Third Try!)
Since this recent out-ot-towner was cancelled, we’ll try again. Drive Highway 101 north to Ventura and exit on California. Turn right on California to the top of the hill. Turn right then left into driveway and park behind City Hall/Court House. Allow about 1:15 driving time from Santa Monica. Meet at 8:15am for an 8:30 am start. Ride through Ventura before climbing up to Lake Casitas. Ride around the spectacular north end of the lake before climbing up and over toward the coast. Also, we add the usual side route over Gobernador Canyon Road, just because we like the name. Continue north through Carpinteria and on to Santa Barbara for lunch at what used to be the Beachbreak Cafe on State St. Zip back to Ventura via the coast. 68 miles with a few big climbs.

March 2017

Sunday, March 5, 2017 – 8:00 am – Nichols Canyon (Traditional)
Through Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Hollywood, and up Nichols Canyon. East on Mulholland to Barham, Forest Lawn, and Griffith Park. Brunch stop at Priscilla’s or Paty’s in Toluca Lake. Return through the Valley via Riverside, Valley Vista, and over Sepulveda, to jog through the VA to San Vicente to Ocean Avenue and Palisades Park in Santa Monica. A fairly hilly 51 miles.

Sunday, March 12, 2017 – 8:00 am – Sierra Madre (Second Try)
Down Venice Blvd. to downtown LA. Up Figueroa and over through Chinatown and on to the palatial manors of South Pasadena. Through Huntington Park and San Marino, then continue up the hill past the race track to Sierra Madre. Back along Orange Grove and Colorado Blvds and into the San Fernando Valley. Take a lunch break at Golden Road Brewery, then through the Valley on our usual route along Riverside Drive to Sherman Oaks, then up and over Sepulveda Pass to the Westside.  Except for Sepulveda, a flat 74 miles.

Sunday, March 19, 2017 – 8:00 am – Palos Verdes Loop (Counter Clockwise)
South through Playa del Rey, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beaches to Palos Verdes. Short ride turns back at Malaga Cove. Long ride continues along Palos Verdes Drive South to the “switchbacks” (Palos Verdes Drive East). Climb to the top of the hill and regroup at Marymount College, then continue down PV Drive East to PV Drive North. Lunch at Catalina Coffee in Redondo. A moderately hilly 56 miles.

Sunday, March 26, 2017 – 8:00 am – Topanga to Fernwood, Down Stunt
Up Topanga to Fernwood. Then a winding, wooded ascent through this bucolic Topanga neighborhood up to the Saddle Peak, Stunt, Schueren junction. Normally, we would go over to and down Piuma, but not today! Instead we enjoy the rapid smooth descent down Stunt and take Mulholland back to Old Topanga, up over the top and back down to the coast. Totals about 47 miles of scenic up and down riding.

April 2017

Sunday, April 2, 2017 – 8:00 am – Beverly Glen
Through West LA to Olympic. Turn north at Beverly Glen and take a winding, varied, and scenic tour all the way up to the top at Mulholland. Short ride turns left and returns via Mulholland and Sepulveda. Long ride turns right and takes Mulholland to Cahuenga Pass, then up and over on Barham Blvd., past Forest Lawn and Travel Town before turning back through Toluca Lake for a brunch stop at Paty’s or Pricilla’s. Return via Moorpark and Sepulveda Pass. 55 miles. Moderate climbing.

Sunday, April 9, 2017 – 8:00 am – Latigo Canyon
Through Santa Monica, and up PCH to Malibu. The short route will turn around at Cross Creek in Malibu return to Santa Monica for brunch. 30 flat fast miles. The long ride proceeds up Latigo Canyon for a very scenic and long climb. Bring plenty of water and a snack for the top. At Kanan Dume Road we will take a fast descent to the coast and return on PCH for lunch at the Reel Inn or Malibu Seafood.

Sunday, April 16, 2017 – 8:00 am – Palos Verdes Summit
Through Playa Del Rey, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beaches to Palos Verdes. From Malaga Cove, climb to the crest of the peninsula via Via Del Monte, Monte Malaga, Silver Spur, and Crenshaw. Back down Hawthorne and around PV Drive West, with a scenic detour via Via Coronel through the PV foothills in search of peacocks. Lunch at Catalina Coffee in Redondo Beach on the way back. A relatively hilly 49 miles with an annoyingly steep section on Silver Spur.

Sunday, April 23, 2017 – 8:00 am – Seal Beach
Back in the day, this was the Hamburger Henry’s Ride, but with the demise of that establishment several years ago, we extended a few miles to lunch at River’s End in Seal Beach. Head south through the beach cities to Redondo Beach. Take Torrance Blvd across PCH and head southeast through Lomita, Harbor City, and Wilmington. Pick up the LA River Bike Path and cycle south to downtown Long Beach and follow coastline through Belmont Shores, Alamitos Bay to the end of the San Gabriel River Bike Trail. Brunch at River’s End. Return on PCH to Vermont to PV North. A flat ride  of 75 miles. Short route riders go to the Malaga Cove fountain and back..

Sunday, April 30, 2017 – 8:00 am – Malibu Canyon to Rock Store Hill
Up the coast on PCH to Malibu Canyon. After a quick stop at Cross Creek, up Malibu Canyon and continue on Los Virgenes, (optional loop: through Lost Hills = left on Lost Hills Rd., left on Agoura Rd., and left on Cornell Rd. past Paramount Ranch) then west on Mulholland, around Malibu Lake (pit stop at Peter Strauss Ranch if needed).  Grind up Rock Store Hill and fly down Kanan to PCH. Stop at Malibu Seafood or Reel Inn for lunch on the way back down the coast.  A strenuous 70ish miles.

Sunday, May 14, 2017 – 8:00 am – Sepulveda – Stradella – New Topanga Return
Up Sepulveda to Moraga and then wind our way through scenic Bel Air, up the steps of Stradella to Mulholland Drive. The short ride returns to the Westside via Sepulveda. The long ride continues on Mulholland over the San Diego Fwy to Encino Hills Drive for a steep descent into the Valley. From Hayvenhurst, continue to wind our way over Carl’s secret commuter route to Valley Vista, Wells, and Dumetz to Topanga Canyon. Take a break at the Starbucks, and then climb New Topanga over and down to PCH. The short route is 30 hilly miles. The long route is 50 more hilly miles, 4000 feet of climbing, maximum grade about 15%.

Sunday, May 21, 2017 – 8:00 am – Up Mulholland, Down Encinal
Through Santa Monica, and up the coast on PCH. The short route turns around at the gas station just past Malibu Lagoon (Cross Creek) for a flat 30 miles. The long ride continues on PCH just past Leo Carillo to Mulholland, then up the scenic highway. We can jog over to the top of Encinal via Decker, then descend back down to PCH on Encinal or, alternatively, continue on Mullholland to Kanan Dume for that descent to PCH. Stop at the Pavilion’s plaza, Malibu Seafood, or Reel Inn for lunch. About 70 miles, with one long uphill section.

Sunday, May 28, 2017 (Happy Memorial Day!) – 7:30 am – Palos Verdes Outer Loop
An easy cruise around the PV peninsula. South through Playa del Rey, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beaches to Palos Verdes. Short ride turns back at Malaga Cove. Long ride continues up past golf course to Palos Verdes Drive North and rides south before turning right on Western to complete the loop back to Palos Verdes Drives South & West. Stop for snacks at Catalina Coffee in Redondo Beach on the way back. About 60 miles with a few smallish climbs.

June

Sunday, June 4, 2017 – 7:30 am – Chatsworth Reservoir
Over Sepulveda to Burbank Boulevard, Victory, and up DeSoto to Devonshire. Around the Reservoir and stop for brunch at Pedaler’s Fork in Calabasas. Return over Old Topanga Canyon to PCH. Moderately hilly 61 miles.

Sunday, June 11, 2017 – Out of Towner, Mt. Wilson
Meet at 8:30 at Arroyo Seco Park in South Pasadena. Take the Pasadena Fwy, off at Bridewell, under freeway, right on Hough, right on San Pasqual to parking lot. The ride is 40 or 58 (HILLY!) miles, depending on whether we ride to the top. Allow 45-55 minutes driving time from the West Side.

Sunday, June 18, 2017 – Piuma
Kinda the Fernwood ride backwards and harder. Up PCH to Malibu at which point the short-course riders go back from Cross Creek. Up Malibu to Piuma and then up this tough little 5 mile climb. Drop down to Schueren, turn left, and then up to the junction with Saddle Peak and Stunt. Take Saddle Peak back through Fernwood and down to Topanga for an optional coffee/croissant stop at Mimosa Cafe. Back on Topanga to PCH and back home. 50 miles that you will feel.

July 2, 2017 – 7:30 am – PV Cloclwise
South through Playa del Rey, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beaches to Palos Verdes. Short ride turns back at Malaga Cove. Long ride continues up past the golf course to Palos Verdes Drive North and rides south before turning right and climbing up Palos Verdes Drive East and down to the coast and back via Palos Verdes Drives South & West. Stop for brunch at Catalina Coffee in Redondo Beach on the way back. 56 miles with one long climb.

July 9, 2017 – 7:30 am – The Westside Three (or Two or Four) Canyons Ride
A tour of the Westside canyons above Sunset. Palisades Highlands, Amalfi, and Mandeville. We used to do Tigertail as well, but for years, everyone has wimped out after Mandeville for a total of 46 hilly miles. Bring a low gear for Palisades Highlands which gets very steep for the top mile and one half.  We used to do the start of Sullivan Fire Trail, but the road has gotten so bad that now we just go up Alta Mura, a semi-private dead end (shush!) And finally, bring your good behavior for manic motorists on Mandeville.

Sunday, July 16, 2017 = 7:30 am – Beverly Glen
Through West LA to Olympic. Turn north at Beverly Glen and take a winding, varied, and scenic tour all the way up to the top at Mulholland. Short ride turns left and returns via Mulholland and Sepulveda. Long ride turns right and takes Mulholland to Cahuenga Pass, then up and over on Barham Blvd., past Forest Lawn and Travel Town before turning back through Toluca Lake for a brunch stop at Paty’s or Pricilla’s. Return via Moorpark and Sepulveda Pass. 55 miles. Moderate climbing.

Sunday, July 23, 2017 – 7:30 am – Topanga to Fernwood, Down Stunt
Up Topanga to Fernwood. Then a winding, wooded ascent through this bucolic Topanga neighborhood up to the Saddle Peak, Stunt, Schueren junction. Normally, we would go over to and down Piuma, but not today! Instead we enjoy the rapid smooth descent down Stunt and take Mulholland back to Old Topanga, up over the top and back down to the coast. Totals, about 47 miles of scenic up and down riding.

Sunday, July 30, 2017 – 7:30 am – San Pedro
South through beach cities to Palos Verdes. The short ride turns around at Malaga Cove and returns, perhaps stopping at Catalina Coffee in Redondo Beach. Our long ride proceeds around the peninsula on PV Drives West and South to San Pedro. We stop for brunch in San Pedro or continue on via Gaffey and PV Drive North and stop at Catalina Coffee. The short route is 36 and fairly flat miles. The long route is 59 mildly hilly miles.

August

Sunday, August 6, 2017 – 7:30 am – PCH to the Rock
Long, slow, distance – Up PCH through Malibu, by Zuma, past Trancas to the Rock at Pt. Mugu, then back. A relatively flat 80 miles. Lunch at Malibu Seafood, Reel Inn, or Pt. Dume Plaza.

Sunday, August 13, 2017 – 7:30 am – Benedict Canyon
Cruise through Beverly Hills to Benedict Canyon, and climb up to Mulholland. Turn back to Sepulveda Blvd. for 30 slightly hilly miles, or head east on Mulholland to Griffith Park, for 57 moderately hilly miles. Stop at Paty’s in Toluca Lake for the long ride, or a coffee break on the Westside for the short ride. 53 moderately hilly miles.

Sunday, August 20, 2017 –7:30 am – Malibu Canyon to Rock Store Hill
Up the coast on PCH to Malibu Canyon. After a quick stop at Cross Creek, up Malibu Canyon and continue on Los Virgenes, (optional loop: through Lost Hills = left on Lost Hills Rd., left on Agoura Rd., and left on Cornell Rd. past Paramount Ranch) then west on Mulholland, around Malibu Lake (pit stop at Peter Strauss Ranch if needed).  Grind up Rock Store Hill and fly down Kanan to PCH. Stop at Malibu Seafood or Reel Inn for lunch on the way back down the coast.  A strenuous 70ish miles.

Sunday, August 27, 2017 – 7:30 am – Palos Verdes Summit
Through Playa Del Rey, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beaches to Palos Verdes. From Malaga Cove, climb to the crest of the peninsula via Via Del Monte, Monte Malaga, Silver Spur, and Crenshaw. Back down Hawthorne and around PV Drive West, with a scenic detour via Via Coronel through the PV foothills in search of peacocks. Lunch at Catalina Coffee in Redondo Beach on the way back. A relatively hilly 49 miles with an annoyingly steep section on Silver Spur.

Sunday, September 03, 2017 – 8:00 am – Sepulveda Topanga Loop
Take Sepulveda to the Valley out to Burbank Blvd. Then west to Reseda, back across Ventura to Wells, then west to Topanga. Quick stop at Starbucks on Dumetz, then up to Mulholland, over to Old Topanga, up to the summit and then down through one of the most beautiful canyons in LA county. Return on PCH. 46 miles.

Sunday, September 10, 2017 – 8:00 am – Nichols Canyon
Through Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Hollywood, and up Nichols Canyon. East on Mulholland to Barham, Forest Lawn, and Griffith Park. Brunch stop at Priscilla’s or Paty’s in Toluca Lake. Return through the Valley via Riverside, Moorpark, Valley Vista, and over Sepulveda, to jog through the VA to San Vicente to Ocean Avenue and Palisades Park in Santa Monica. A fairly hilly 51 miles.

Sunday, September 17, 2017 – 8:00 am – Malibu, Mulholland, and Topanga
Cruise up PCH to Malibu for a quick break at Cross Creek. The short ride returns from here. The rest of us will continue up Malibu Canyon then east on Mulholland Highway to enjoy the gentle rollers back to Old Topanga. Up and down Old Topanga and Topanga and back to the coast, then zip back to MDR. The optional lunch stop diverts down Old Topanga from Mulholland to Label’s Table or Pedaler’s Fork in Calabassas. Short and full rides are about 31 and 50 miles.

Sunday, September 24, 2017 – 8:00 am – Chatsworth Reservoir
Over Sepulveda to Burbank Boulevard, Victory, and up DeSoto to Devonshire. Around the Reservoir and stop for brunch at Label’s Table in Calabasas. Return over Old Topanga Canyon to PCH. Moderately hilly 61 miles.

October

Sunday, October 01, 2017 – 8:00 am – Palos Verdes Loop (Clockwise)
South through Playa del Rey, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beaches to Palos Verdes. Short ride turns back at Malaga Cove. Long ride continues up past the golf course to Palos Verdes Drive North and rides south before turning right and climbing up Palos Verdes Drive East and down to the coast and back via Palos Verdes Drives South & West. Stop for brunch at Catalina Coffee in Redondo Beach on the way back. 56 miles with one long climb.

Sunday, October 08, 2017 – Out of Town Ride?
IF not decision by those riding, then…

Sunday, October 08, 2017 – 8:00 am – Latigo Canyon/Kanan Dume
Through Santa Monica, and up PCH to Malibu. The short route will turn around at the Shell station just past Malibu lagoon and return to Santa Monica for brunch. 30 flat fast miles. The long ride proceeds up Latigo Canyon for a very scenic and long climb. Bring plenty of water and a snack for the top. At Kanan Dume Road we will take a fast descent to the coast and return on PCH for lunch at Pt Dume Plaza or Malibu Seafood.

Sunday, October 15, 2017 – 8:00 am – Beverly Glen
Through West LA to Olympic. Turn north at Beverly Glen and take a winding, varied, and scenic tour all the way up to the top at Mulholland. Short ride turns left and returns via Mulholland and Sepulveda. Long ride turns right and takes Mulholland to Cahuenga Pass, then up and over on Barham Blvd., past Forest Lawn and Travel Town before turning back through Toluca Lake for a brunch stop at Paty’s. Return via Moorpark and Sepulveda Pass. 55 miles. Moderate climbing.

Sunday, October 22, 2017 – 8:00 am – Palos Verdes Loop (Counter Clockwise)
South through Playa del Rey, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beaches to Palos Verdes. Short ride turns back at Malaga Cove. Long ride continues along Palos Verdes Drive South to the “”switchbacks”” (Palos Verdes Drive East). Climb to the top of the hill and regroup at Marymount College, then continue down PV Drive East to PV Drive North. Lunch at Catalina Coffee in Redondo. A moderately hilly 56 miles.

Sunday, October 29, 2017 – 8:00 am – Sierra Madre
Down Venice Blvd. to downtown LA. Up Figueroa and over through Chinatown and on to the palatial manors of South Pasadena. Through Huntington Park and San Marino before stopping for brunch in at Rob’s Grill in Los Alamitos. Continue up the hill past the race track to Sierra Madre, then back along part of the Rose Bowl Parade route. Return through the San Fernando Valley and the Sepulveda Pass. Except for Sepulveda, a flat 74 miles.

November

Sunday, November 05, 2017 – 8:00 am – Topanga to Frenwood, Down Stunt
Up Topanga to Fernwood. Then a winding, wooded ascent through this bucolic Topanga neighborhood up to the Saddle Peak, Stunt, Schueren junction. Normally, we would go over to and down Piuma, but not today! Instead we enjoy the rapid smooth descent down Stunt and take Mulholland back to Old Topanga, up over the top and back down to the coast. Totals about 47 miles of scenic up and down riding.

Sunday, Nov 12 — 8:00 am — Nichols Canyon (With ‘W’ Variation?)
The usual route to Nichols Canyon, and if people are willing, left turn onto Willow Glen to Woodstock to Woodrow Wilson, and up the Wall to Mulholland.  Either continue on Woodrow Wilson or Mulholland, down to and across Cahuenga. Then up Wonder View to Lake Hollywood. From here, we either to around the lake, climb up to the Hollywood sign, and back down Beachwood through Hollywood, or out to Griffith Park and back the usual way from there.

Sunday, Nov 19 — 8:00 am — Westside Three (or Two or Four) Canyons Ride
A tour of the Westside canyons above Sunset. Palisades Highlands, Amalfi, and Mandeville. We used to do Tigertail as well, but for years, everyone has wimped out after Mandeville for a total of 46 hilly miles. Bring a low gear for Palisades Highlands which gets very steep for the top mile and one half.  Continue on Sunset to Amalfi and up Alta Mura, a semi-private dead end (shush!). And finally, bring your good behavior for manic motorists on Mandeville.

Thursday, Nov 23 — Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Sunday, Nov 26 — 8:00 am — San Pedro
South through beach cities to Palos Verdes. The short ride turns around at Malaga Cove and returns. The long ride proceeds around the peninsula on PV Drives West and South to San Pedro. (Watch out at the stop sign on Paseo Del Mar!) Continue on via Gaffey and PV Drive North and stop at Catalina Coffee.  The short route is 36 and fairly flat miles.  The long route is 59 less flat miles.

Sunday, Dec 3 — 8:00 am — Up Encinal and Down Decker
Out on PCH to Malibu or Trancas for the short ride. Full ride continues up Encinal Canyon and comes back down on Decker Canyon. Great views on the descent, but watch your speed on the tight curves. Back on PCH.

Sunday, Dec 10 — 8:00 am — Stradella – New Topanga
Up Sepulveda to Moraga and then wind our way through scenic Bel Air, up the steps of Stradella to Mulholland Drive.  The short ride returns to the Westside via Sepulveda. The long ride continues on Mulholland over the San Diego Fwy to Encino Hills Drive for a steep descent into the Valley. From Hayvenhurst, continue to wind our way over Carl’s secret commuter route to Valley Vista, Wells, and Dumetz to Topanga Canyon. Take a break at the Starbucks, and then take New Topanga up, over, and down to PCH. The short route is 30 hilly miles. The long route is 50 more hilly miles.

Sunday, Dec 17 — 8:00 am — Mugu Rock (or TBD Out-of-Town Ride?)
Up PCH through Malibu, by Zuma, past Trancas to the Rock at Pt. Mugu, then back. A relatively flat 80 miles. Lunch at Malibu Seafood, Reel Inn, or Pt. Dume Plaza.

Sunday, Dec 24 — 8:00 am — Palos Verdes Drives Clockwise
South through Playa del Rey, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beaches to Palos Verdes. Short ride turns back at Malaga Cove.  Long ride continues up past the golf course to PV Drive North and then right on PV Drive East for the longest climb of the ride.  Extra points for going to the domes at the top of Crest. Then down to the coast and back via PV Drives South & West. Stop for a break at Catalina Coffee in Redondo Beach on the way back. 56 miles with one extended climb.

Monday, Dec 25 —  Merry Christmas!!!

Sunday, Dec 31 —  8:00 am — Topanga – Sepulveda
PCH to Topanga and then Old or New Topanga to Dumetz in the valley. Back through the valley on Dumetz, Wells, Valley Vista, and Ventura. Break at the Corner Bakery and then back over Sepulveda to the Westside. About 45 miles.

Monday, Jan 1 — Happy New Year 2018!!!

Sunday, Jan 7 — 8:00 am — Benedict Canyon to Griffith Park
Saunter through Beverly Hills to Benedict Canyon, and climb up to Mulholland. Turn back to Sepulveda for 30 slightly hilly miles, or head east on Mulholland to Griffith Park, for 59 slightly hillier miles.  Stop for a break at Priscilla’s or Paty’s in Toluca Lake for the long ride. Back through the valley on Riverside to Sepulveda.

Sunday, Jan 14 — 8:00 am — Malibu, Mulholland, and Topanga
Cruise up PCH to Malibu for a quick break.  Lazy and out-of-shape riders can go home from here.  The rest will continue up Malibu Canyon to Mulholland Highway and enjoy the gentle rollers back to Old Topanga.  Up and down Old Topanga, down the rest of Topanga to the coast, and then zip back to Santa Monica and Venice.  Lunch for whoever wants it at Reel Inn or on the Westside.  Short and full rides are about 31 and 50 miles.

Monday, Jan 15 — Martin Luther King Day!!!

Sunday, Jan 21 — 8:00 am — Palos Verdes Summit Crest Route
Through Playa Del Rey, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beaches to Palos Verdes. From Malaga Cove, climb to the crest of the peninsula via Via Del Monte, Monte Malaga, Silver Spur, and Crenshaw. Back down Hawthorne and around PV Drive West, with a scenic detour via Via Coronel through the PV foothills in search of peacocks. Lunch at Catalina Coffee in Redondo Beach on the way back. A relatively hilly 49 miles with an annoyingly steep section on Silver Spur.

Sunday, Jan 28 — 8:00 am — Chatsworth Reservoir
Over Sepulveda to Burbank Boulevard, Victory, and up DeSoto to Devonshire. Take Devonshire west to Valley Circle and follow round the Reservoir to Calabasas.  Optional stop for brunch at Pedaler’s Fork in Calabasas. Return over Old Topanga Canyon to PCH. Moderately hilly 61 miles.

Sunday, Feb 4 — 8:00 am — Latigo Canyon
Through Santa Monica, and up PCH to Malibu. The short route will turn around at Cross Creek in Malibu return to Santa Monica for 30 flat fast miles. The long ride proceeds up Latigo Canyon for a very scenic and long climb. At Kanan Dume Road we will take a fast descent to the coast and return on PCH for optional lunch at the Reel Inn or Malibu Seafood.

Sunday, Feb 11 — 8:00 am — Beverly Glen
Through West LA to Olympic. Turn north at Beverly Glen and take a winding, varied, and scenic tour all the way up to the top at Mulholland. Short ride turns left and returns via Mulholland and Sepulveda. Long ride turns right and takes Mulholland to Cahuenga Pass, then up and over on Barham Blvd., past Forest Lawn and Travel Town before turning back through Toluca Lake for a brunch stop at Paty’s. Return via Moorpark and Sepulveda Pass. 55 miles. Moderate climbing..

Sunday, Feb 18 — 8:00 am — Mt. Wilson from La Canada (Out of town)

— OR IF TOO COLD —

Sunday, Feb 18 — 8:00 am — PCH to the Rock
Long, slow, distance – Up PCH through Malibu, by Zuma, past Trancas to the Rock at Pt. Mugu, then back. A relatively flat 80 miles. Lunch at Reel Inn, Malibu Seafood or Pt. Dume Plaza..

(Saturday, Feb 24: Stagecoach Ride in Ocotillo, some MDRCC’ers attending)

Sunday, Feb 25 – 8:00 am – Palos Verdes Loop (Counter Clockwise)
South through Playa del Rey, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beaches to Palos Verdes. Short ride turns back at Malaga Cove. Long ride continues along Palos Verdes Drive South to the “switchbacks” (Palos Verdes Drive East). Climb to the top of the hill and regroup at Marymount College, then continue down PV Drive East to PV Drive North. Food stop at Roman Aroma in Redondo. A moderately hilly 56 miles.

Sunday, Mar 4 – 8:00 am – Malibu Canyon to Rock Store Hill
Up the coast on PCH to Malibu Canyon. After a quick stop at Cross Creek, up Malibu Canyon and continue on Los Virgenes, (optional loop: through Lost Hills = left on Lost Hills Rd., left on Agoura Rd., and left on Cornell Rd. past Paramount Ranch) then west on Mulholland, around Malibu Lake (pit stop at Peter Strauss Ranch if needed).  Grind up Rock Store Hill and fly down Kanan to PCH. Stop at Malibu Seafood or Reel Inn for lunch on the way back down the coast.  A strenuous 70ish miles.

Sunday, Mar 11 – 8:00 am – The Westside Three (or Two or Four) Canyons Ride
A tour of the Westside canyons above Sunset. Palisades Highlands, Amalfi, and Mandeville. We used to do Tigertail as well, but for years, everyone has wimped out after Mandeville for a total of 46 hilly miles. Bring a low gear for Palisades Highlands which gets very steep for the top mile and one half.  We used to do the start of Sullivan Fire Trail, but the road has gotten so bad that now we just go up Alta Mura, a semi-private dead end (shush!) And finally, bring your good behavior for manic motorists on Mandeville.

More to come…