Los Angeles Spring Riv Ride!

[Armand Kizirian]

Hi everyone, 

I've been wanting to put together a pleasant day on some Rivendell's for those of us in the Los Angeles area. I think the last one was Ted's put on in 2024, which many of us, including me, thoroughly enjoyed! I encourage this to be a collaborative undertaking. If you have strong thoughts, suggestions, or alternatives to the info below, chime in! 

When

• Saturday, April 4th, meet 7:30-45AM, roll 8:00AM. May be good timing for availability with the Easter holiday on Sunday?
• Other options include the two Sundays that follow, April 12th or the 19th. 
• Let us know what options work best for you!

Where

• I'd love to switch things up and have this be on the Westside!
  • Thinking a mixed terrain loop into the Santa Monica's and back. We will start somewhere in Santa Monica, wind our way up Mandeville canyon, hop on some dirt to the Nike Missile Site for some spectacular views, and have a lively descent down Sullivan ridge back to the city. 
  • There will be some steep bits on dirt to the Nike Site, but they very short sections that can easily be walked. Otherwise most of the climbing is gentle. Having low gears is recommended (<20 gear inches). 
• Approximately 25-30 miles, 2000-2300ft of climbing. Mixed terrain, maybe 30-40% on smooth fire roads (minimum 35mm tires suggested, ideally 40mm or more, slicks are fine). 
• Pace will be in Rivendell fashion of course. No rushing allowed, no drops, all the stops we desire for things worthy of our attention, and frequently re-gathering.
• I'd really love for this to be as inclusive as possible, if you have hesitations on your ability to join this ride, let us know!

Starting Point? Ending point?

• I'm sad to say I can't think of a Rivendell-esque bike shop west of the 405 to start at. Does anyone have suggestions? Worst case scenario we can meet on my street.
• We can include some leisurely miles to a coffee shop before we start the climb, should we desire. Best to pack a lunch, I'm thinking we can eat at either the Nike missile site, or under the big Oak tree on Sullivan (view photo reference below)
  • Depending on how timing goes, perhaps it will make sense to have lunch elsewhere in the city. 

To entice you all with a photo the last time I rode this route: 



Armand!
Santa Monica, CA

[Keith Paugh]

I’m in. 

I’d love to help in any way too.

k.

On Feb 15, 2026, at 7:58 PM, Armand Kizirian <kiziria...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi everyone, 

<B0B8B360-9716-404B-9839-0A42332D6732_1_105_c.jpeg>

Armand!
Santa Monica, CA

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[Tony Lockhart]

Armand, thanks for initiating this. Count me in!

Is this the general idea for a bike route? See screenshot below:

[P W]

A westside classic route!

This seems like a lovely idea.

I’m heading North that weekend, but there’s a chance not until the Sunday. If so, I will try to make this!

As for bike shops… none would be open that hour anyway, so maybe best to plan the meetup at a coffee spot that is?

P. W.

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(917) 514-2207

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On Feb 16, 2026, at 7:28 AM, Tony Lockhart <alockh...@gmail.com> wrote:

Armand, thanks for initiating this. Count me in!

Is this the general idea for a bike route? See screenshot below:

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/568e847f-e1e8-4bd0-8b28-99a4b84a8d60n%40googlegroups.com.

[Ted Durant]

On Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 9:58:25 PM UTC-6 Armand Kizirian wrote:

When

• Saturday, April 4th, meet 7:30-45AM, roll 8:00AM. May be good timing for availability with the Easter holiday on Sunday?
• Other options include the two Sundays that follow, April 12th or the 19th. 
• Let us know what options work best for you

I might not be rolling into LA in time to do a ride on the 4th; the 12th or 19th would be better for me.

Route suggestions have been looking great!

Ted Durant

Milwaukee, WI USA 

[Ethan K]

I'm in,  any of the dates work for me. That route really brings back memories--broke my collarbone riding down Sullivan Canyon, circa 1994 (on a purple Specialized Rockhopper).

-_Eitan

[Patrick Moore]

I'm no longer in LA, but I recall riding this park with my brother over 25 years ago or so, riding there from his house on Keeshen Drive, altogether a very nice ride indeed. I forget what I rode, something borrowed from my brother, but we're close enough in size that I can get by on his bikes by lowering the saddle by 1-1.5". I recall the very, very steep pavement approach to the park through a residential neighborhood, and the wild downhill on the return through that same neighborhood at great speed, all the while fearing that someone would suddenly pull out of a driveway. I also recall my brother, much more confident in his descending skills, taking a steep, blind downhill dirt lefthander at high speed on the inside, suddenly coming face to face with an oncoming rider, and saving the situation with a violent swerve to the right, magnificently controlling the back wheel as it slid out. He used to beat full-susp mountain bikes (but late '90s/earyl augts tech) on his 23 mm tire Merlin road bike, tho' he did dent a wheel once.

Does anyone ride in the Malibu State Park? Do they let riders in there? I went to college across the street (Las Virgines Road).

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Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

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[Franky Guzman]

I'm in! Hopefully, my AHH will be ready to ride by then! 

On Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 8:31:41 PM UTC-8 keith...@gmail.com wrote:

[Jerry Lynn]

Count on me joining in on this event!

Jerry Lynn

Imperial Beach, CA

[Armand Kizirian]

So pleased to hear there is so much interest already! 

Date Considerations - So far April 4th won't work for Ted and P.W., any objections to April 11th or 12th to get them in on it? 

Roll Call List - Me, Tony, Keith, Franky, Jerry. Pending: Ted, Philip. If you're curious to join, chime in! 

@Tony - Route looks about right. I'm gonna take a slightly different trail from Mandeville to the Nike site that bypasses some steeper grades. I'm also scouting more particular routes in the city both getting to Mandeville and leaving Sycamore, that runs through some special scenic neighborhoods. I'll make a RidewithGPS route when the time comes! 

As far as meetup location, WestLA Bicycle is a fairly new shop that opened up a few months ago, but they are by the Venice Pier toward the end of Washington Blvd by the beach. A bit far from highways/trails for those driving in, but they are the only shop I've found in the area that carries more of the "alt" brands that are akin with Rivendell and non-mainstream bike brands. On the plus side, although it will add some miles, I doubt many will complain about starting and ending the ride along the beach. Can explore the shop at the end of the ride when they are open with plenty of options to grab a bite in walking distance. A pending option! Will confirm with time. 

@Patrick - The trailhead you're thinking of is probably Westridge! https://maps.app.goo.gl/NEm18nKsQfwEPWsTA . Malibu creek state park is very much open to cyclists, and always a pleasure to ride/walk/hike through. Would be great to ride there but that is quite the day-long ride. Perhaps for a 2-day overnighter in the future. 

[Keith Paugh]

11th is good. 12th not as good.

k.

On Feb 21, 2026, at 8:52 AM, Armand Kizirian <kiziria...@gmail.com> wrote:

So pleased to hear there is so much interest already! 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/930f3041-47ef-4348-aec9-50f067020ddbn%40googlegroups.com.