*NOTE: I've recently expressed my new-found enthusiasm for cycling, for example here and here. This ride pre-dates that enthusiasm. :)
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On this morning, I had planned to piggy back several rides together. All three loops intersected, so after 23 miles on the South Bay Bike Path, already described here, I stopped back at Dimitri (my car).
The stop was brief, but long enough for my bike to be knocked over by a stiff ocean breeze. I leaned the bike against the car while I checked my route directions. Wind blew. Bike keeled over. Stupid #1.
And because I wanted to be in contention for the 'Jerk of the Week' award, I bumped the car next to mine with Dimitri's door when I leaped out to my bike's rescue. [Really. What was I thinking? It wasn't exactly like I was gonna change anything at that point. Bike had already succumbed to gravity.] Stupid #2.
The car door bump was very light and didn't appear to do any damage (yes, I checked), but I still felt like a jerk. Even better? The owner was still sitting in the car, talking on the phone. Next thing I know, he's getting out of the car.
My brain: I TOLD YOU CYCLING WAS DANGEROUS.
Me: I'm not even on the bike. Shut up.
My brain: YES BUT YOU'RE ABOUT TO BECOME A VICTIM OF PARKING LOT RAGE.
Me: No damage.
My brain: HE'S BIGGER THAN YOU.
Me: Shut up.
He checked his car and didn't find any damage. I apologized profusely. He was as nice as could be expected. Once he was satisfied that his car was OK, I quickly and sheepishly jumped onto my bike, and hightailed it out of there.
Two Stupids in two minutes is a bit high, even for me. Still, I didn't really see any of this as foreshadowing of what was to come. That was either Stupid #3, or plain old optimism. Without further ado, let's get to the details:
Date: 7/31/2012
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On this morning, I had planned to piggy back several rides together. All three loops intersected, so after 23 miles on the South Bay Bike Path, already described here, I stopped back at Dimitri (my car).
The stop was brief, but long enough for my bike to be knocked over by a stiff ocean breeze. I leaned the bike against the car while I checked my route directions. Wind blew. Bike keeled over. Stupid #1.
And because I wanted to be in contention for the 'Jerk of the Week' award, I bumped the car next to mine with Dimitri's door when I leaped out to my bike's rescue. [Really. What was I thinking? It wasn't exactly like I was gonna change anything at that point. Bike had already succumbed to gravity.] Stupid #2.
The car door bump was very light and didn't appear to do any damage (yes, I checked), but I still felt like a jerk. Even better? The owner was still sitting in the car, talking on the phone. Next thing I know, he's getting out of the car.
My brain: I TOLD YOU CYCLING WAS DANGEROUS.
Me: I'm not even on the bike. Shut up.
My brain: YES BUT YOU'RE ABOUT TO BECOME A VICTIM OF PARKING LOT RAGE.
Me: No damage.
My brain: HE'S BIGGER THAN YOU.
Me: Shut up.
He checked his car and didn't find any damage. I apologized profusely. He was as nice as could be expected. Once he was satisfied that his car was OK, I quickly and sheepishly jumped onto my bike, and hightailed it out of there.
Two Stupids in two minutes is a bit high, even for me. Still, I didn't really see any of this as foreshadowing of what was to come. That was either Stupid #3, or plain old optimism. Without further ado, let's get to the details:
Date: 7/31/2012
Time: 1 PM
Weather: 75F, Overcast
Route: Start at Ballona Creek Bridge/Enter South Bay Bike Path/L Trolley/L Pacific/Cross Ballona Creek Bridge/R on Ballona Creek Bike Path/L at gate/R Fiji/L on bike path/Cross Admiralty/Cross Washington/Join bike lane/Turn around at Venice Fishing Pier/R Pacific/L Via Marina/R Washington/R on bike path/R Mindanao/Loop Marina parking lot/R on bike path/ R Fiji/Follow roundabout/R onto Ballona Creek Bike Trail/Cross Ballona Creek Bridge
This route is from Where to Bike LA, Ride #28, except I started at the Ballona Creek Bridge, rather than Venice Fishing Pier. Click here to see the Garmin data from my ride.
This route is from Where to Bike LA, Ride #28, except I started at the Ballona Creek Bridge, rather than Venice Fishing Pier. Click here to see the Garmin data from my ride.
Distance: 11.3 miles
Time: 50 min
Avg Pace: 13.5 mph
Ride Description: The ride started well enough, covering part of the South Bay Bike Path that I'd just ridden, but I'm a stickler for completeness, so I rode it again. Early in the ride, I noticed my rear brake was rubbing a bit, so I paused to fiddle with it. I adjusted the relative tension in both sides of the brake (using the tiny screws on the sides of my caliper brakes), and made sure the brake lines were moving freely. The problem seemed to get better, and the rubbing stopped.
I crossed the bridge and set out on the Ballona Creek Bike Path for a short time, before turning into Marina del Rey, another SoCal beachside community. I hopped on another (apparently unnamed) bike path, and crossed 2 small and 2 major roads in less than 2 miles. Slow down, stop, look, pedal, repeat. Grrr...
Overall, this part of the ride was choppy and disconnected. I got lost when the bike path turned into a parking lot. I dismounted to cross at a cross walk (no cross street, but the bike lane was on the other side). You get the idea. This would be OK if I were looking for a flat, easy vacation ride around the area, but as someone looking to really ride, the stop-and-go was pretty annoying. But I tried to settle in and enjoy the experience instead.
Finally, I joined a road with a bike lane for the final 1.5 miles to the Marina del Rey pier, which was pleasant but rather boring, as SoCal Piers go:
This is how it looked in the other direction (typical SoCal beachside):
This ride was a lollipop, and second half of the 'pop' was significantly more scenic and fun than the first:
I enjoyed the few miles on this section, before getting back on the annoying road-crossing bike path. This time, I was doubly peeved because my rear brake was still rubbing, despite some stop-light attempts at adjustment. Uncool, brake - uncool. I tried another quick adjustment, to no avail. So when I got to Burton Chace Park (follow Garmin link above to see map), I removed some gear...
...and flipped the bike over:
I peered oh-so-closely at that rear brake caliper:
I should note that this brake has often given me trouble, but usually with some gentle adjustment, I can find a "non-rubbing" sweet spot. But on this particular day, none of my usual tricks worked. As the wheel turned, one caliper would rub for about half of the rotation.
I thought and thought about this, and it didn't make much sense: How could it only rub for half a rotation? I spun the wheel and watched it turn. I thought it looked a little funny, a little wobbly (even though the quick-release was firmly fastened). After about 10 minutes of exasperated ineffectiveness, I decided to call it a day.
I rode back the last 3 miles with a rubbing brake, grumbling the whole way. I loaded the bike into the car and posed for some pouting photos:
And with that, I cancelled the third ride I'd planned for the day. It was time to go home for a mechanical check. Boo.
I crossed the bridge and set out on the Ballona Creek Bike Path for a short time, before turning into Marina del Rey, another SoCal beachside community. I hopped on another (apparently unnamed) bike path, and crossed 2 small and 2 major roads in less than 2 miles. Slow down, stop, look, pedal, repeat. Grrr...
Overall, this part of the ride was choppy and disconnected. I got lost when the bike path turned into a parking lot. I dismounted to cross at a cross walk (no cross street, but the bike lane was on the other side). You get the idea. This would be OK if I were looking for a flat, easy vacation ride around the area, but as someone looking to really ride, the stop-and-go was pretty annoying. But I tried to settle in and enjoy the experience instead.
Finally, I joined a road with a bike lane for the final 1.5 miles to the Marina del Rey pier, which was pleasant but rather boring, as SoCal Piers go:
 |
| Yeah, OK. The beach. A pier. But it was rather annoying to get to and my rear brake was starting to rub again, so I was cranky and unimpressed. |
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| Parking kiosk, a few small eateries, a hotel, and cars. |
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| The roads were quiet, the ocean was near, and there were some unique houses. |
 |
| Step 1: Take off All The Things... |
...and flipped the bike over:
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| Step #2: Prep bike for examination... |
I peered oh-so-closely at that rear brake caliper:
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| Step #3: Wail ineffectively, "WHHHHYYYY?????" |
I should note that this brake has often given me trouble, but usually with some gentle adjustment, I can find a "non-rubbing" sweet spot. But on this particular day, none of my usual tricks worked. As the wheel turned, one caliper would rub for about half of the rotation.
I thought and thought about this, and it didn't make much sense: How could it only rub for half a rotation? I spun the wheel and watched it turn. I thought it looked a little funny, a little wobbly (even though the quick-release was firmly fastened). After about 10 minutes of exasperated ineffectiveness, I decided to call it a day.
I rode back the last 3 miles with a rubbing brake, grumbling the whole way. I loaded the bike into the car and posed for some pouting photos:
 |
| No more riding for us today. |
Interesting Happenings:
1. Have you ever walked your bike into a beach bathroom? This felt totally normal to me. I mean, if it were a baby, you'd surely expect that I roll the stroller in, right? So what's wrong with me rolling my bike in?? There was plenty of space, so I blithely ignored the odd looks. [By the way, if you ride a beach path in LA, you will always have a bathroom nearby. This is awesome.]
2. During my time in the bikes lanes in Marina del Rey, I witnessed several manuevers made by 'vacation cyclists' who had no idea how to handle themselves or their rented bikes in traffic. Seeing cyclists do dumb things bothers me as both a motorist and a cyclist. Cyclists who behave badly (whether intentionally or out of ignorance) endanger themselves and the other nearby cyclists - or the next cyclist that a pissed off driver encounters.
I do wish that the bike rental companies would at least attempt to equip their renters with a few basic safety tips. For example: "If you're going to ride in the bike lane, act like a car (follow lights, not walk signs)".
Cyclists: Please know the rules, and follow them!
3. I consoled my post-ride self with lunch at a local hangout: Tanner's Coffee Company, where I enjoyed a sandwich (mediocre), coffee (good), and some post-ride surfing (of the internet variety). Not a bad spot to stop if you're riding down here.
1. Have you ever walked your bike into a beach bathroom? This felt totally normal to me. I mean, if it were a baby, you'd surely expect that I roll the stroller in, right? So what's wrong with me rolling my bike in?? There was plenty of space, so I blithely ignored the odd looks. [By the way, if you ride a beach path in LA, you will always have a bathroom nearby. This is awesome.]
2. During my time in the bikes lanes in Marina del Rey, I witnessed several manuevers made by 'vacation cyclists' who had no idea how to handle themselves or their rented bikes in traffic. Seeing cyclists do dumb things bothers me as both a motorist and a cyclist. Cyclists who behave badly (whether intentionally or out of ignorance) endanger themselves and the other nearby cyclists - or the next cyclist that a pissed off driver encounters.
I do wish that the bike rental companies would at least attempt to equip their renters with a few basic safety tips. For example: "If you're going to ride in the bike lane, act like a car (follow lights, not walk signs)".
Cyclists: Please know the rules, and follow them!
3. I consoled my post-ride self with lunch at a local hangout: Tanner's Coffee Company, where I enjoyed a sandwich (mediocre), coffee (good), and some post-ride surfing (of the internet variety). Not a bad spot to stop if you're riding down here.
Lessons Learned:
1. Holly, would you put some paper towels in the car already?!?! This bike maintenance is a messy business, and LA lacks abundant fallen leaves that can double as towels in an emergency.
2. Along similar lines - Holly, please only purchase dark-colored cycling tops in the future. Grease stains will be far less visible.
3. The sun is strong, even when it's cloudy. Holly, please remember this from your lifeguarding days. Hello, shorts tan.
1. Holly, would you put some paper towels in the car already?!?! This bike maintenance is a messy business, and LA lacks abundant fallen leaves that can double as towels in an emergency.
2. Along similar lines - Holly, please only purchase dark-colored cycling tops in the future. Grease stains will be far less visible.
3. The sun is strong, even when it's cloudy. Holly, please remember this from your lifeguarding days. Hello, shorts tan.
Lingering Questions:
1. What gives, bike brakes? These shenanigans are totally not cool. And why are you only rubbing half the time? I'm starting to wonder if my wheel isn't true anymore. This seems consistent with the symptoms. I'll have to do some research when I get home. Thank goodness for the interwebs...
1. What gives, bike brakes? These shenanigans are totally not cool. And why are you only rubbing half the time? I'm starting to wonder if my wheel isn't true anymore. This seems consistent with the symptoms. I'll have to do some research when I get home. Thank goodness for the interwebs...
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