memoryloot

I recently started following @motogpblog on Twitter and he had announced a contest which we were to reply to him for a chance to win a free download of “Faster“, the movie. Even though I have the movie, I wanted to see if I would ever win anything so random and decided to respond. As a result, I won!

I decided to do a few things as part of my adventure for this beautiful Los Angeles Saturday. I pedaled up to my favorite train stop in South Pasadena and took the North bound train towards Pasadena. It was my first time riding the Gold Line up to the last stop in Sierra Madre. From there I made my way down 4 stories of car parking and rode over to Harbor Freight, Pasadena location. For those who don’t know what Harbor Freight is, it’s a store where you can find all sorts of miscellaneous tools and items you wouldn’t find at your local hardware store or even at an auto parts store. It was great because they had so many tools for all sorts of things.

I then cruised over to Sears across the street and bought a 15mm wrench. I finally used a gift card that had $0.94 of credit! One less card to carry. I made my way out of Sears and took the train to the Bike Oven. At the Oven, I had some time to work on my bike. I had to tighten up the chain ring bolts and rewrapped my handlebar. By time everything was over it was 5PM. Me and one of the volunteers decided to go get smoothies in Chinatown. We rode our bikes from Highland Park area and chilled out and chatted for about 30 minutes and went our separate ways.

I took the Gold Line and then transferred to the Red Line and got off Hollywood and Vine. From there I proceeded to the theatre that was having the 2008 Bicycle Film Festival. I was greeted by Mr. Rollers, a very well known photographer for the Midnight Ridazz. He offered to valet my bike and so I allowed.

First time getting my bicycle valeted and I don’t mind it at all, unlike car valets. I waited in line until 7:30 rolled around and we all finally got to see some movies about bicycles. It was inspiring. When we got out, the line for the next program was long! I wanted to stay back and catch this last showing but I was hungry and tired so I bolted out to the train station.

The train was crowded with families who spent their day at Universal Studios and were heading back home. I know because they were holding souvenirs. I got off at the Civic Center stop hoping to catch a bus and try using the bike racks in front of a bus for the first time. I waited almost an hour and no bus came so I got fed up and road home from Downtown LA to Alhambra. Fueled by popcorn, a smoothie, and a power bar from earlier in the day, my head was pounding as I made my 7 mile journey at 11PM. I quickly stopped by Yoshinoya and picked up a chicken bowl with a cup of water. A well deserved meal that eased the headache and my sore legs.

Not bad for a 19 mile day (according to my cyclometer).

Who’s the virgin group rida here? That would be me. Last Saturday, I participated in my first bicycle group ride. It’s funny because I’ve done lots of group rides on the motorcycle but never on the bicycle. Definitely different to say the least.

Every 2nd Saturday of the month, there is a Spoke(n) Art Ride that is put on by Josef @ the Bike Oven. This month’s ride also had the dual benefit of helping some folks raise money to go to the Burning Man. Our ride started at the normal place in Highland Park at the corner of York and Figueroa. I was first to arrive and chilled out w/some local homeless people. Then a couple named Liz and Rob shows up on their bike. Got to chit-chat for a couple minutes with them until people started flowing in from various location. We had all sorts of folks from your hipster fixie rider to your yuppie riders decked out with bags, helmets, and nice bikes. We even had a guy hauling with a stereo trailer to provide a ride sound track.

Josef shows up late and had to make a run back to the Oven to deliver some cases of wine. He’s got a real nice cargo bike. I’ll have to take pictures of that when I see it next time. This delayed allowed more people to join us. By the time he got back, we were about 50+ strong. There were some familiar faces in the sea of bikers who I recognized from the Oven. We eventually made our way up to Eagle Rock on Figueroa. I don’t remember any of the names of the art locations but I do remember the ride. It was the most amazing feeling in the world to be on a bicycle with a pack of other bicycles occupying an entire lane of the road. Cars were not honking, they were patient and curious while they slowly cruised by us. We were constantly stopped by drivers asking who we are. During the ride I got to mingle with strangers and acquaintances alike by either slowing down or speeding up in the pack to catch up to someone. Wherever we ended up, we basically ate every “free” snacks and wine that was left out for us. Talk about vultures.

We rode through Colorado Blvd in Eagle Rock and headed south on Eagle Rock Blvd to York. Made a left to Avenue 50 and the went straight down Avenue 50 to Marmion Way. We eventually made it back on Figueroa to chill out at the Bike Oven. We made it through 5 art exhibits in total accident free. The after party was kinda lame so me and a group of other riders who lives near S. Pasadena decided to take the train back to S. Pasadena. We tried looking for food but all the places in So Pas was closed. Eventually it was just me and another person named Efren who also lived near me. We ended up eating at a Chinese Cafe restaurant called “Cafe Spot” since he said he knew the owner there. It turns out Efren was a councilman of the city of Alhambra. Very nice gentleman and very genuine in his efforts to make the city a better place. It was nice to bike somewhere local with someone else but myself.

By the time I got home, it was 1 AM. Total mileage was about 20 miles for the night. I was beat! Unfortunately I had to wake up early to go to the beach. Needless to say, I was knocked out by Sunday night. I’m still tired and need some time to rest up and sleep today. As for future rides, I’m going to make it a priority to make out to at least 1 ride a month. I can see how this can be addictive.

As of July 3rd, 2008, I am without a motorcycle. My beloved Yamaha R6 is now in the hands of a new owner. It was a great ride for the past 5 years and I’m definitely going to miss it. Mark my word that I’ll be back on a motorcycle in the future. Most likely after I own a home or a couple of homes. But for now, it’ll just be me, my car, and my 3 bikes.