Publication Date: April 28, 2007 | Series: Bicycling
The geography of Southern California is as infinitely varied as its population. From the serenity of coastal beaches to the majestic San Gabriel Mountains and the tight canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains, Los Angeles is a cyclist’s paradise. The vistas are spectacular, the terrain fun to ride and the sights include some of Hollywood’s best-known landmarks.
Bicycling Los Angeles County takes riders on 40 different rides throughout Southern California’s most popular destination. Also detailed for avid roadies are some of Los Angeles’ most popular group rides - for those who want a more challenging and social outing.
Patrick Brady has been photographing and writing about cycling for more than 15 years. He has served as an editor of Bicycle Guide and is the publisher of Asphalt Magazine.
Palos Verdes Estates is one of the most affluent communities in Los Angeles County …and it shows. The homes here are unfailingly gorgeous with architectural features to capitalize on their truly million-dollar views. And because beautiful homes demand equally beautiful lawns, you’ll see an incredible array of flora. The area’s mild climate means that you’ll see three or four varieties of lavender, plus hydrangea, California poppies, bougainvillea, bird of paradise, many different roses and more. This is one climb worth taking it easy on and looking around. Via Del Monte is a lightly traveled residential street and features a wide shoulder for much of the climb. Your best views initially will be on your right. Between a few of the homes you’ll be able to see the beach extending from Torrance through Redondo and Hermosa Beaches up to Manhattan Beach. On clear days you’ll be able to see across the bay to the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu. Shortly after the climb’s only switchback, the gradient will gently roll off to a flat approximately 200 yards long. The north side of the street features a steep hillside and is devoid of homes; this is the perfect spot to pull over and take one of the best views in the area. To the northeast you’ll see the San Gabriel Mountains, while to northwest you’ll take in a much better view of the Santa Monica Mountains and the coastline of Malibu clear to Point Dume.
Patrick Brady grew up riding bikes like every kid in America. And like every kid in America, he stopped riding the moment he got his driver's license; after all, dating and bicycles aren't a good fit. Some six years would pass before he swung a leg over a friend's touring bike and within a block he was asking himself why he had ever stopped doing something that was so much fun.
He purchased a serious touring bike, then a mountain bike and eventually a handmade, steel road racing bike. He bought every magazine about cycling he could find and read book after book as he learned the sport's many ins and outs.
Eventually, Patrick was spending so much time in bike shops it made sense to get a job in one. That began an involvement with the bike industry that has lasted more than 20 years.
While pursuing a masters in English at UMASS Amherst, he began freelancing for some regional cycling publications. He penned pieces that ran in Dirt Rag and The Ride before landing some assignments with VeloNews and eventually Outside Magazine's web site.
Eventually, he badgered his way into a position with Bicycle Guide, the very magazine that had inspired his desire to write about the thrill of cycling. That ride didn't last as long as he had hoped; the magazine was folded while he was on assignment at the Tour de France. As Kurt Vonnegut might have said, so it goes.
His next move was to launch a super-premium cycling magazine, called Asphalt. It was the sport's first real lifestyle magazine aimed at roadies, and its influence can still be seen in the editorial and design of magazines like Peloton, Paved and Road.
Thanks to the power of the Internet, Patrick crossed paths with the acquisitions editor for Menasha Ridge Press in 2006. The relationship led to his 2007 book "Bicycling Los Angeles County." The book contains 40 different routes for riders of virtually every ability, but what really set the book apart from other titles was the fact that it contained detailed information on a half-dozen different group rides in Los Angeles. By providing solid route information on challenging group rides, it has helped many riders head out with the peloton with the assurance that they won't get lost even if they are dropped.
Also in 2006, a friend invited Patrick to contribute to a cycling blog he had launched, called Belgium Knee Warmers. Posting under the pseudonym Padraig, he and the blog's owner, Radio Freddy quickly built a large and loyal following. At Radio Freddy's suggestion, Patrick launched a new blog in 2009 called Red Kite Prayer. It features content familiar to followers of BKW, but publishes on a steadier, more frequent basis.
As a result of Patrick's work on both BKW and RKP, he has accumulated many freelance credits. He serves as a contributing editor to Peloton Magazine and is a frequent contributor to Road Bike Action. He also contributes to VeloNews, Paved and an industry publication called Bicycle Retailer and Industry News.
His latest project is the book "The No Drop Zone, Everything You Need to Know About the Peloton, Your Gear and Riding Strong." The genesis of the book occurred more than 10 years ago as Patrick wrote articles aimed at new riders and realized that there wasn't a book that collected everything a dedicated roadie needed to know. Nearly three years in the making, "The No Drop Zone" is the product of more than 20 years' experience in the industry.
Throughout his career, Patrick has ridden with the dedication that comes with addiction. He has raced from Vermont to California and toured mountain roads in the Rockies, Alps, Pyrenees and more. He rides most days of the week and on weekends he can be found on group rides, usually either in the Palos Verdes Peninsula or the canyon roads of the Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu. He says he hopes that heaven has roads like Malibu.
This review is from: Bicycling Los Angeles County: A Guide to Great Road Bike Rides (Paperback)
It's ok. Too many of the "rides" are "star home tours" or bike paths that are pretty obvious (like Santa Monica bike path) and could be found online. Also, a substantial number of the rides are on surface streets within dense parts of Los Angeles ("sights of downtown", "Hollywood landmarks"). It lists Santa Fe Dam but neglects to mention how dangerously hot it can be for part of the year and only gives a passing "isn't known for its crystal clear air" instead of mentioning it as a serious potential health hazard.
I also find it irresponsible that they list the Rose Bowl ride with no mention of the charged atmosphere surrounding it on the weekends (and conflicts with law enforcement). Ditto for Mandeville Canyon. I'd certainly want to know these things if I weren't an experienced Los Angeles rider. It seems more important than pages of addresses (mostly ex-addresses) of stars.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Bicycling Los Angeles County: A Guide to Great Road Bike Rides (Paperback)
As the author of Bicycling Los Angeles County, I'd like to point out that at the time of the publication of the book, the "charged atmosphere" of the Rose Bowl Ride had not yet risen. There have always been conflicts between group rides and traffic, but the situation at the Rose Bowl wasn't tense when I was writing the book. Similarly, as a rider who rode Mandeville Canyon the day Dr. Thompson assaulted Ron Peterson and Christian Stoehr (and later covered the trial for VeloNews) I can say the book didn't include anything about that incident because it was already in bookstores.
I respect that every book will be criticized, but I do hope that readers won't ding a book for not mentioning events that occurred after the book was in print.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Bicycling Los Angeles County: A Guide to Great Road Bike Rides (Paperback)
This is an excellent product for those who like to discover new routes (and drive to get there). I am a beginner cyclist so, I was able to find a couple good routes near my house.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
![[Start the discussion]](http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/communities/discussion_boards/start-new-discussion-sec._V192250339_.gif){kind=small}
