Los Angeles for Work... What to do

[Sasha18]

I will be in LA next week for work - mon-fri. Unfortunately, I didn't get my stuff together in time, so I won't have a bike with me. I'm staying in Culver City/Venice with family. I have a car. I will be at USC, UCLA, the City Archives, and Fullerton for most of my time. I'm not interested in disneyland. Any suggestions about:

-Bike shops
-Places to run
-Possibilities to rent a bike. I'm not planning to bring my clothes and shoes, but I could change my mind. The rides around Malibu must be awesome.
-Beer?

Other thoughts are good too.
Thanks

[Sasha18]

Oh yeah, I heard there's someplace with a lot of NJS fixies and bling. Not necessarily my sort of thing, but it sounded interesting. Anyone know where that's at?

[sbornia]

You can spend an easy afternoon this way:

1. Drive to Manhattan Beach.
2. Run along the strand, south towards Hermosa Beach.
3. Stop for food and a cold beer.
4. Enjoy the scenery. It'll be like Bay Watch.

[Vancouverdave]

LA doesn't have a rep for this, but the Rancho Park/Westwood area is great for walking. Leave the car down on Pico and walk up into Westwood Village.
Near there, the three miles of San Vicente Blvd. from Brentwood into Santa Monica have a wide grassy median, and used to be a runners' haven. Probably still is.

[mosca]

Fullerton has a nice redeveloped downtown area if you decide to go out there. I can recommend these:

http://www.theoldeship.com/ Good British pub vibe.

http://www.myspace.com/thecontinentalroom Fairly tolerable for an OC hipster hangout.

And Bill Ron's Bikes is worth a stop if you're in the Redondo Beach area (note limited hours though): http://www.billronbikes.com/

Also maybe check what's happening at the LA velodrome. It's worth a look even if it's just a practice session.

[Bud_E]

LA doesn't have a rep for this, but the Rancho Park/Westwood area is great for walking. Leave the car down on Pico and walk up into Westwood Village.
Near there, the three miles of San Vicente Blvd. from Brentwood into Santa Monica have a wide grassy median, and used to be a runners' haven. Probably still is.

+1 On running the San Vicente median.

-1 On walking from Pico to Westwood Village.

Main Street and the strand in Venice is cool for walking around.

You might find this site (http://www.mybikesite.com/socal/index.htm) helpful.

[97CSI]

http://www.getty.edu/about/contact_us.html
&
http://www.lacma.org/art/ExhibCurrent.aspx

[swoop]

http://www.orange20bikes.com/

[Jeff N.]

I'd just hang out in Venice. It's like stepping back to 1967. Just rent a beach cruiser, hit some bars, check out where Jim Morrison hung out, etc. Lots of hippie-types strumming guitars, burning incense, trippin'. Peace, brother. Jeff N.

[Sasha18]

Thanks, these are helpful. Orange bikes is what I was thinkin' of. I will definitely get a walk on the beach in venice in during my stay. I didn't know what to expect of fullerton, suburbs and college I guess.

Velodrome. I hadn't thought of that. If I felt comfortable on a track, that would be a good way to get a workout. Nearly all tracks have rental bikes.

I'll give the median a shot. I've run around UCLA before. It was nice.

Any other suggestions for interesting bike shops?

[SoCalSteve]

You can spend an easy afternoon this way:

1. Drive to Manhattan Beach.
2. Run along the strand, south towards Hermosa Beach.
3. Stop for food and a cold beer.
4. Enjoy the scenery. It'll be like Bay Watch.

I ride there almost daily and yes, it is like Bay Watch, only better...

PM me if you want to ride. Depending on your size, I may have a bike for you.

Steve

[Tom Byrnes]

Sasha19,

Lots of good suggestions.

Depending on your size, I may be able to get you on a bike.

I live very close to Culver City/Venice.

Send me a PM with your info.

Tom

[swoop]

yeah.... how tall are you?

[Sasha18]

I ride a 54 or 55. I brought my shorts and jersey, but I forgot to bring shoes. Actually, I've been meaning to buy a new pair of mtn shoes, so maybe I'll do that on this trip.

[bcm119]

If you're into beer, LA is a bit of a wasteland. The best selection I've found is at Fathers Office in Santa Monica, on Montana Ave between 10th and 11th. Its a very good beer bar, and for LA its friggin outstanding.

[Kirk Pacenti]

For Breakfast: http://www.swingersdiner.com/

Swingers French toast can’t be beat… though it may give you a heart attack!