Los Angeles Master Thread

[Yehoshua]

Santa Monica and Venice are not really quiet. Though the bike path is not so busy.

The only thing with the Venice part of the path is that it's really windy and full of sand, making it slow-going and more dangerous.

[Marco Polo]

The only thing with the Venice part of the path is that it's really windy and full of sand, making it slow-going and more dangerous.

True, though i don't think they are looking for a speed trail. It is a nice trail to go at your own pace and stop to see the "excitement" of the Venice performers.

[MC]

True, though i don't think they are looking for a speed trail. It is a nice trail to go at your own pace and stop to see the "excitement" of the Venice performers.

Agreed. Once you get past Santa Monica you have more of an option to speed up. There you also have some quieter spots although it can be a challenge to figure out what to do with the bikes while you enjoy the beach.

[Yehoshua]

True, though i don't think they are looking for a speed trail. It is a nice trail to go at your own pace and stop to see the "excitement" of the Venice performers.

If that's what you're after, fine. If you want to see a nice area, pretty houses, have a bike-only path (there's a separate pedestrian path), and be in a generally less crowded area, rent bikes at the Hermosa Beach Cyclery and bike north. See the map a few posts back.

[Yehoshua]

Agreed. Once you get past Santa Monica you have more of an option to speed up. There you also have some quieter spots although it can be a challenge to figure out what to do with the bikes while you enjoy the beach.

Most companies will give you locks if you request them so you can lock up your bikes at one of the many bike racks located along the path.

[lunatic]

Wow thanks. If I keep going on the path (either North or south) will I get to any quiet not busy spots?

[lunatic]

Sorry, I am reading on my phone did not see the rest of the posts

[Yehoshua]

Wow thanks. If I keep going on the path (either North or south) will I get to any quiet not busy spots?

Also, just FYI the El Segundo stretch just south of the Marina is pretty dead in terms of scenery, but Dockweiler beach is nice. They even have fire pits if you want to light a bonfire and a few RV parks right on the water.

[lunatic]

What is the parking situation? Is there any place near these beaches to park free or cheap

[Yehoshua]

What is the parking situation? Is there any place near these beaches to park free or cheap

Yes to both depending on which beach you want to go to and how far you're willing to walk.

[CS1]

Also, just FYI the El Segundo stretch just south of the Marina is pretty dead in terms of scenery, but Dockweiler beach is nice. They even have fire pits if you want to light a bonfire and a few RV parks right on the water.

a bonfire? Really?  Do they have a nighttime closing time?

[Yehoshua]

a bonfire? Really?  Do they have a nighttime closing time?

I'm not sure of closing times. I'm sure you can find information online.

[MC]

It's supposed to actually rain this weekend. Cue all the LAers to drag out their coats, boots, umbrellas etc from where they've been collecting dust these past months.

[Yehoshua]

It's supposed to actually rain this weekend. Cue all the LAers to drag out their coats, boots, umbrellas etc from where they've been collecting dust these past months.

I understand your jest, but in all seriousness, driving right at the beginning of a storm like this (after not having serious rain for a few months) is dangerous.  All the oil that drips out of cars will be floating on top of the water and make it very slick for a few hours. Expect much more traffic and many accidents.

[MC]

I understand your jest, but in all seriousness, driving right at the beginning of a storm like this (after not having serious rain for a few months) is dangerous.  All the oil that drips out of cars will be floating on top of the water and make it very slick for a few hours. Expect much more traffic and many accidents.

I know I took my drive test the morning of the first rain of the year. It's no fun.

[Yehoshua]

I know I took my drive test the morning of the first rain of the year. It's no fun.

Did they make it easier for you because of it? I have friends who took their driving tests in a snow storm and they didn't have to parallel park.

[MC]

Did they make it easier for you because of it? I have friends who took their driving tests in a snow storm and they didn't have to parallel park.

I wish, I actually failed that one. But in California we don't have to parallel park on the test anyways (thank goodness!)

[Yehoshua]

I wish, I actually failed that one. But in California we don't have to parallel park on the test anyways (thank goodness!)

That's why many people go to Arleta for their tests; it's the easiest DMV around.

But in California we don't have to parallel park on the test anyways (thank goodness!)

I'm well aware, but backing up in a straight line without hitting the curb is also hard .

[MC]

I stupidly went to Culver City.

[Cholentfresser]

That's why many people go to Arleta for their tests; it's the easiest DMV around.

+1 That's where I went.

I'm well aware, but backing up in a straight line without hitting the curb is also hard .

You can backup as slow as you want, and you can check your side mirror as often as you want. it aint too difficult.