 Long Beach is a happening place for many types of cyclists. A popular place to see some interesting bicycles is at Portfolio Coffeehouse, on Fourth Street at Junipero. (hoo-nee-pe-raw)
Members of Long Beach Cyclists have stopped at Portfolio on their way to other places many times. One of the Car-Free Friday events (the one with Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal) was staged there. And the Cyclone Coaster bicycle club meets there each month.
At a Cyclone Coaster gathering, you’ll see retro bicycles that are old and rusty, and others that are prettier now than the day they were built.
Most retro bicycles aren’t geared for climbing Signal Hill, but they can be a dream to drive through the flatter stretches of Long Beach.
The purpose of getting together is to set out on yet another ride. Where will these old bicycles be driven today?
During the Cyclone Coaster ride earlier this month, two or three dozen cyclists first headed south towards Bixby Park. Where did they go from there? You could join them on their next ride. The Cyclone Coaster club isn’t about racing down the street. It’s about taking your time—enjoying city streets that are made to order for gentle pedaling. And it’s about getting some of the folks they pass to turn heads, to look back with a smile, saying, “Wow! What pretty bicycles!“
Check out the Cyclone Coaster web page to find out where and when they’ll be riding next. You can e-mail the club at cyclone.coaster@yahoo.com.
