The Long Beach Cyclists board met March 9th

Bernadette McKeever is our first elected president. Congratulations Bernadette!

This past year, Long Beach Cyclists became a nonprofit California Public Benefit Corporation. This evening (March 9, 2010) we held our first board meeting and election. All paid members were invited to participate. We thank those who were present at tonight’s meeting, and also thank those who were not present yet who voted via e-mail. And we thank all of you who have supported Long Beach Cyclists through donations and membership forms, or as volunteers, or as participants in our many rides, events and activities.

Our other elected board officers include Travis Bos, who will serve as vice president, and Donald E. Moore, who will serve as secretary. Michael Bos was elected our board treasurer. The new board passed numerous motions that will help shape our future work. Back in the mid 1990s, Long Beach Cyclists functioned as an informal group. Recently we were incorporated with the State of California, and now we will submit proper paperwork to the federal government as we seek tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status.

Thanks are in order for the small group of friends who started Long Beach Cyclists about fifteen years ago, and thanks are also in order for the many, many individuals who have helped Long Beach Cyclists grow since then. Congratulations to all of us—you, too!

2 Comments

LBCyclists, March 10th 2010 | Tags: , ,
Posted in Current News, Featured

Wanted: Higher Standards for kid items

A few years ago I discovered that I fit into most “outdoor” kids clothing.  I would rummage through the racks at REI, Big 5 and Sports Chalet.   Back than, I was the lady in the kids section that you were jealous of.  Not because I had kids and was looking for cute zip-0ff pants for my toddler, but because I was paying half as much as you did in the adult section!

It was a good life until….

The dream came to an end.  I realized that the kids section wasn’t holding a torch to the high quality and well fitted adult section.  Now, when I walk into the store (head hung low) I head straight for the good stuff in the adult section. Why don’t they make the kids selection as amazing as adult clothes so that I can go back to paying second hand price for new stuff!

Leave it up to bikeportland.org to relate my story to bikes.

http://bikeportland.org/2009/12/08/need-a-transportation-bike-for-your-kid-good-options-are-out-there/

“He’s not careening down the side of a mountain — he is getting around by bike in Portland like many other civilized citizens do.”

1 Comment

bmckeever, February 17th 2010 | Tags: , ,
Posted in Bicycle equipment/gear, Featured

Cycling Long Beach in Style—The Tweed Ride

by Lee Tracy

“Where are you guys going?”  asked the lycra-clad road cyclist as the Cyclone Coaster bicycle riders pedaled through Belmont Shore side streets.

“Everywhere,” replied a cap-clad cyclist riding a vintage bicycle.

And while we didn’t go literally everywhere, we went around a lot of Long Beach, and in style.

Every month, Long Beach Cyclists has a great ride, and this month was no exception. We teamed up with the Cyclone Coaster for their first annual Mustache and Tweed Ride. Around 100 cyclists, many with classic vintage bicycles, enjoyed the beautiful sunny day. 

The ride started, as so many good things in Long Beach do, with good coffee, and great company, at Portfolios.

One reason that folks come from far and wide to the Coaster rides, which happen the first Sunday of each month,  is to enjoy the huge array of classic bicycles—many pre-World War II in vintage. 

Fittingly, the Ride began by cycling down to 1st, and then heading East through Bluff Park, passing houses as old as many of the bicycles.

One needn’t dress to the nines to enjoy a good bicycle ride—you can wear most any clothing and cycle— but on a Mustache and Tweed ride, we’re reminded how perfectly well-dressed ladies and gentlemen and cycling go together. 

After riding through the backstreets of Belmont Shore, we headed down the Long Beach Bike path, where the dozens and dozens of cyclists formed a winding snake that slithered down the beach.

By the Belmont Pier we took a break and enjoyed the scenery and conversation.

Back on the bike path, we encountered a section still flooded from the previous day’s thunderstorm—the brave souls pedaled through, while the rest of us rode around it. 

Not all the riders were human—two dogs accompanied their human companions on the ride. This one had the best eyewear on the ride. By far. Dogs love going along on bike rides – it’s easy to train them to ride in a basket, backpack or trailer. 

At last, we arrived at the Rainbow Harbor lighthouse.

The lighthouse was a perfect place for a break, with gorgeous views of the Queen Mary and the downtown Long Beach skyline.

At last, we found ourselves at the Pike in Alamitos Beach, where many riders enjoyed a great lunch to end the ride. Every month’s Long Beach Cyclist’s ride is a new adventure, and you never know where you’ll end up. But rest assured, you’ll have lots of fun with great people.

You can see more photos of the February 2010 Tweed Ride in Long Beach, California, organized by Long Beach Cyclists and Cyclone Coaster. Check out the photos by Lee Tracy posted at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yoshiyahu262/.

Also, check out the photos by Michael Bos at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46493017@N04/4342352351/in/set-72157623261435211/

2 Comments

LBCyclists, February 13th 2010 | Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Featured, Rides

Long Beach Cyclists Historical Ride and Picnic

Day trips on bicycle are easy and fun. Recently, Bernadette coordinated the recent ‘historical highlights’ tour and picnic. Travis dubbed it the P.A.L.B.I.F. Ride—(pack a lunch because it’s fun). We met up at Portfolio Coffee House on Junipero and Fourth.

The Drake Park neighborhood (Willmore City Historic District) is one of the oldest in Long Beach.

Docents from Long Beach Heritage awaited us at the Bembridge House near Drake Park. The Bembridge House was built in the early 1900s.

We made sure we didn’t scuff up the old, restored wooden floors.

A typewriter of sorts, that only types numbers.

Carlos is a cyclist and a pianist. He was given permission to play a tune on the old piano.

After the Bembridge House tour, we cycled north along the LA River trail. In places the river is very pretty. Decades ago, before levies were built to make the Los Angeles River run straight, all lowland areas were subject to seasonal flooding. The Bembridge House and other houses in Drake Park were built on high ground. The Bembridge House looked out over lowland areas that were considered ‘mud flats.’  Areas that were once ‘mud flats’ are now residential neighborhoods.

We get a great view of the Metro Blue Line as it crosses the river.

The river also includes a beautiful area where water can soak into the earth, to replenish our aquafers. You can see egrets, ducks and other wildlife here.

We enjoyed a rest, and picnic lunch, in a small park just off the river bike trail.

Many Long Beach Cyclists rides are for the entire family.

We cycled to Rancho Los Cerritos, which goes back to the first half of the 1800s—long before this area became known as Long Beach. You will want to visit Rancho Los Cerritos to learn about early California history. There were no bicycles in the early days… and of course no motor vehicles. Imagine how nice and quiet it was around here. 

Rancho Los Cerritos was home to various families over many, many decades. Can we guess when this horse-shaped tricycle was new?  Note that one operated this tricycle by hand, not with one’s legs. The hand pedals connect to a chain that runs to the rear axle.

A group photo in the Rancho Los Cerritos garden.

Long Beach Cyclists organizes or participates in group rides and other fun events throughout the year. Click EVENTS at the top of the longbeachcyclists.com web page to see our calendar of upcoming activities.

If you wish to see more photos of the Historic Highlights Ride and Picnic, which took place on January 10, 2010, additional photos by Michael Bos and Jacob Dickinson have been posted on Flickr. For Bos’ photos, go to:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46493017@N04/sets/72157623267925108/

Additional photos by ride participant Jacob Dickinson are now posted at:

http://flickr.com/gp/jjldickinson/m2g76j

Happy cycling, Michael Bos / lbcyclists@gmail.com

3 Comments

MichaelB, January 23rd 2010 | Tags: , ,
Posted in Featured, Rides

Compton Creek—Local Bicycle Adventure

Each month, Long Beach Cyclists organizes or participates in a ride worth highlighting. You will want to join us on an upcoming ride. 

Recently, Long Beach Cyclists and students from CSULB toured Compton Creek. There is much to discover and learn about the local watershed. Urban drains and curbs channel water towards the Los Angeles River. Water that first trickles into curb drains in the city ultimately finds its way to the bay at Long Beach. 

01 ComptonCreek MetroBlueLine Bos158

Light rail Metro trains (the Blue Line) connecting Long Beach to Los Angeles pass over Compton Creek many times each hour. It’s a pretty sight. How many of us have explored Compton Creek up close?

02 AKenefick explains LA watershed Bos013

Alex Kenefick is passionate about the L.A. River watershed. Kenefick is the Lower Los Angeles River and Compton Creek Watershed Coordinator—an expert about local watershed issues. And he is an avid cyclist as well. What a great combination!  Here, Kenefick describes how river water that flows into Long Beach Harbor starts upstream as mere puddles… trickles… rain run off. Upstream Compton Creek has been boxed into a concrete channel for many decades.

03 Metro Cyclists 103rdStStation Bos985

To get to the general area where Compton Creek has its humble origins, a group of Long Beach Cyclists and CSULB students took the Metro Blue Line light rail to 103rd Street Station. Bicycle travel on the Metro is fast, inexpensive, trouble free.

04 AKenefick explains L.A. watershed Bos992

We have already acknowledged that Alex Kenefick knows a lot about the watershed that feeds the L.A. River. And we already said he is an avid cyclist. In truth… he is even more than that. Alex Kenefick used to serve as president of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition.

05 AKenefick community gardens Bos027

Alex Kenefick pointed out interesting aspects of the creek and surrounding neighborhoods. Each quarter mile has its own, distinctive character. Upstream, the creek is tucked behind houses and buildings. Kenefick is knowledgeable and enthusiastic;  he cycled with us to various places where we could view the creek and learn more about the watershed.

06 Compton family enjoys bike trail Bos066

A bit downstream, there is a bike trail adjacent to the creek. The area is pleasant and quiet. There’s a pocket park and other surprises. Here, a grandfather strolls with his grandchildren.

07 ComptonCreek bike trail Bos043

Following a creek downstream makes for cycling at an easy, downstream pace. Life is good.

08 Cliff's Compton AlondraBlvd Bos075

Lunch break at at 408 W. Alondra Blvd. Cliff’s is “home of the original twenty-two inch Texas-style cliff-hanger burrito”… which means… a meal as big as Texas!

09 AKenefick and Cliff's burrito Bos086

Is it humanely possible for one man to eat a Cliff’s twenty-two inch burrito in one sitting?

10 Compton Creek at ArtesiaBlvd Bos131

Compton Creek at Artesia Blvd. begins to open up wide. There are ducks and much vegetation. We had seen earlier that the creek upstream is squeezed tightly between tall, concrete walls. Here the creek seems to want to break free.

11 train tracks to ComptonCreek Bos140

Someday, a continuous bike trail along Compton Creek may run its entire distance without gaps. For now, the cyclist has to connect a few dots. It is likely this stretch will be improved for cyclists in the future. On the other hand, years from now we’ll probably cherish the memory of cycling along these railroad tracks!

12 AKenefick talks about ComptonCreek Bos167

There is a wide, smooth, signed bike route that runs adjacent to Compton Creek south of Artesia Blvd. Who else already knows about this lovely stretch?  We observed that with minimal infrastructure adaptation, the Del Amo station of the Metro could someday become a stop that includes a nature center, walking paths, easy access to tumbling creek water and a good view of egrets and other river birds. 

13 ComptonCreek beneath 710 overpass Bos175

The bike route ends. What might we discover if we walk our bicycles beneath the 710 overpass and cycle beyond that?

14 ComptonCreek meets LA River Bos181

This is great fun!  Compton Creek now feeds into the L.A. River. We’re close to Long Beach… and we can enjoy it from a new perspective.

15 AKenefick KFlaherty LA River Bos201

Now we have reached the L.A. River. From here we can cycle home. We extend thanks to Alex Kenefick and Kevin Flaherty for organizing this enjoyable, educational cycling excursion.

Slideshow by Michael Bos. There are more photos on Flickr at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46493017@N04/sets/72157623199255828/

Contact us at lbcyclists@gmail.com. Keep your eye on longbeachcyclists.com for announcements of upcoming rides in and around Long Beach, California.

4 Comments

MichaelB, January 11th 2010 | Tags: ,
Posted in Featured, Rides

BikeTalk, on radio station KPFK-FM, December 29th

BikeTalk can be heard any time by scrolling through the KPFK Pacifica Radio Audio Archives of recent, previously-aired programs and clicking BikeTalk.

Tune in Tuesday evening, December 29, 11pm, for the first live broadcast of BikeTalk on KPFK, 90.7 FM. Bike culture, politics, technology, sport and friendliness. BikeTalk has been a weekly internet show for several months already, and Tuesday evening will be its first on-air broadcast.

KPFK 90.7fm logo

 

 

 

 

BikeTalk celebrates bike rides, bicycle collectives, activists, artists, commuters, enthusiasts, professional cyclists, inventors and repairers, and, of course, the bicycle itself as an alternative human-powered mode of transportation. Hosted by Nick Richert and guests, including Jim C of Orange 20 Bikes, Steve Bowers, and Jim Bledsoe and Eric Potter of Bicycle Kitchen.

The first live broadcast is Tuesday evening, December 29, 11pm. You can hear BikeTalk live every Saturday, 10am-Noon, at www.killradio.org. And you can download all nineteen previously recorded shows at www.kpfk.org. Click Programs at the top of the page, then click Audio Archives, and scroll for BikeTalk. Or click List of Programs, All Programs in the left margin to find the BikeTalk general description and contact information. Click on Program Highlights this week to see the announcement and details about the December 29th broadcast.

1 Comment

MichaelB, December 28th 2009 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Advocacy, Bicycle equipment/gear, Current News, Education, Featured

Dec 2 meeting at JAX Bicycles was productive and fun

Long Beach Cyclists met at Jax Bicycles on Bellflower Blvd Wednesday evening, December 2nd. Thank you, Jax Bicycles. And thanks to the 30-some people who were present. Our next monthly meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan 6th.

Much that is of interest to the cycling community will take place before then, of course. There is the Compton Creek Ride, Metro Audits, the Cyclone Coaster vintage bike ride, bike polo, various holiday events, a Bike-In Movie, and more. Check out the calendar by clicking EVENTS at the top of this page.

A highlight of the December 2nd meeting was talking with Russ and Laura—friends who have been living on their bicycles since August. They call their adventure “path less pedaled”  www.pathlesspedaled.com and so far have cycled as far north as the Seattle area of Washington State. Imagine all the amazing countryside and the many interesting people they have met so far. They meet many, many people who love and live cycling. What is it like to live on your bicycle rather than in a house or in an apartment?  Where will Russ and Laura go after visiting us here in Long Beach?  Because Russ is an excellent photographer, we were treated to an exciting presentation. Russ and Laura also shared observations about cyclists and the cycling climate observed in other cities.

During the December 2nd meeting, we participated in a brief advocacy activity aimed at helping Long Beach become more bike friendly. Also, we talked about options for the shirts we will soon have for Long Beach Cyclists members. Now that Long Beach Cyclists has a tax ID number and is this close to 501(c)3 non profit legal status, we are staged to do great things in the year 2010. If you aren’t a member yet, consider joining us. There’s still time to qualify as a Founding Member.

After the meeting, a large number of us cycled home—for many of us a cross-town  trip—at an hour when city streets were calming, the air was brisk because it is early December, and the night was well lit because of an almost full moon. We created a long, mostly single-file parade of twinkling bike lights, laughter and conversation among friends. It doesn’t get much better than this!

No Comments

bmckeever, December 1st 2009 | Tags: , , ,
Posted in Advocacy, Education, Event, Featured

Long Beach Cyclists December Ride

CYCLE WITH US ALONG COMPTON CREEK ON DECEMBER 6TH

Join us for a fun, educational bike ride along one of the tributaries of the Los Angeles River. Alex Kenefick, a representative from the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers Watershed Council and President of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC) http://la-bike.org will be our tour guide.  While cycling with new friends, Alex will share with us valuable insights about Compton Creek and the watershed that drains into our beaches. There will be time for some good eats, too.

We will meet Alex on Sunday, December 6th at 11:00 AM near the Blue Line Metro station (103rd Street Street Kenneth Hahn Station). You can take your bicycle aboard the Blue Line to get there. The Blue Line leaves downtown Long Beach frequently, and takes about 30 minutes to travel north to the Kenneth Hahn Metro Station where we will meet up.

To arrive at the Kenneth Hahn station on time, a group of us will meet first at the Long Beach Transit Mall at Pine/1st St. at 10:00 AM. Our train leaves sharply at 10:16, so arrive with enough time to get your tickets!

After cycling through Dominguez Gap Parkland along the L.A. River, Alex will return to Los Angeles, while most of us will then cycle south along the L.A. River back to downtown Long Beach, heading for home.

Contents of the tour:

Headwaters of Compton Creek

Central Avenue CRA riverwalk concept

Imperial/Central

Carver Park

Washington ES

Municipal Bike Trail (existing)

Compton SH Outdoor Classroom

Cliff’s Texas-Style Tacos for a creek-side snack (vegetarians, please bring your own food)

Richland Farms Equestrian Neighborhood

Gateway Center Gap Area

County Bike Trail (existing)

Confluence with LA River Gap Area

Dominguez Gap Parkland on LA River

Contact person = Kevin Flaherty (knf100@gmail.com), phone 415 994-4637.

Hope to see you Sunday the 6th!

No Comments

bmckeever, November 30th 2009 | Tags: , ,
Posted in Education, Event, Featured, Past News, Rides

Lunch Breaks for Cyclists (the first Friday of every month)

 

091204 BikeFridays LunchBreak logo

Friday, January 5th, support local bike-friendly businesses.

On the first Friday of every month, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, many Long Beach cafés and restaurants offer lower prices to customers who show up on a bicycle and dine in. Discounts of up to 20% excluding alcohol. To participate, we are asked to show our helmet or bike lock key.

Presently, 25 local eateries are listed on the BikeLongBeach dot org web site as participants in this initiative. They are:  Z Pizza, Utopia, Sura Korean BBQ, Supermex (on 1st), Springbok Bar & Grill, Sipology, Portfolio Coffeehouse LLC, Pho America, Pizza Pi, Open Sesame, Number Nine, La Muse East Village Cafe, Johnny Rockets, It’s a Grind Coffee House (on Pine), Georges Greek Café (on Pine), The Funnel House, Fresh Foods Cafe, Crema de la Crepes, Creama Café, Cisco Burger, Buono’s Authentic Pizzeria, At Last Cafe, Ashley’s Bar & Grill, Alondra Hot Wings and Alegría Cocina Latina.

091129 LunchBreak ParticipantsList

Click on the thumbnail Lunch Breaks PARTICIPANTS LIST to the right to see the list of current participants for addresses, web sites and discount particulars.

Did you have lunch at one of the listed eateries on Friday, December 4th?  I had lunch and coffee (and read my paperback) at ‘At Last Cafe’ on Orange near Broadway. The food was great, and my outdoor table beneath a tree was perfect for some pleasure reading time. The first Friday of January with be the 1st. No restaurants will be open on that day, so… the next ‘Lunch Breaks for Cyclists’ first Friday will be February 5th.

Lunch Breaks for Cyclists is part of the Car-Free Fridays initiative coordinated by the City of Long Beach (as promoted by BikeLongBeach dot org) in which all people are encouraged to bike to work, one day per month at the very least.

091204 FirstFridays HungryCyclistsWelcomeHere

No Comments

MichaelB, November 29th 2009 | Tags: , , ,
Posted in Featured

LB Cyclist Profile: Bernard!

Today, Bernard (LB Cyclone Coaster Founder www.cyclonecoaster.com) is off to…

The Tweed, Moxie & Mustache Ride!

IMG00360-20091121-1110low res Tweed Ride

A reunion of wool, bare knees, slanted caps and facial hair – the Tweed, Moxie & Mustache Ride awaits you on Saturday, November 21st, hosted by C.I.C.L.E. Chaps and dames will enjoy this cheeky ride through the Art Deco highlights of Downtown Los Angeles.

Uniting at Union Station as the those in the 1920’s would have, we will ride in our finest garb through the oldest streets of our fine city and arrive at Royal Claytons English Pub, a gin mill of sorts, to have some whoopee and award prizes to our contest superlatives.

2 Comments

bmckeever, November 21st 2009 | Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Event, Featured, Rides
« Older Posts