Ride to MDR During the Ballona Creek Beach Bash Ride Saturday

By Kelly Hartog

Thanks to sponsorship by Metro,  and led by C.I.C.L.E., with the organization Walk ‘n Rollers, a summer ride along the mural-speckled Ballona Creek Bike Path from Culver City to Marina del Rey this Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

The path is a fully protected bicycle path making it an ideal opportunity to ride a longer distance without cars whizzing by.

The ride will make stops at Overland and Centinela avenues to learn about the Creek and the watershed. These stops will also serve as alternative starting points for participants who would like a shorter ride, arriving at 11:20 a.m. and 11:45 a.m., respectively.  

Participants will learn about points of interest to explore when they reach Marina del Rey and will be given one hour to spend at the beach for lunch, a picnic, or to take a dip in the water. The event encourages cyclists to pack up their bike baskets with food, sunscreen, beach gear and water.

As with all C.I.C.L.E. rides, this ride is family-friendly, leisurely paced and will return to the starting point. C.I.C.L.E. rides are fully supported and led by trained Ride Leaders and volunteers. This ride is approximately 14 miles with alternative starting points for shorter route options.

“We love hosting community rides,” said Walk ‘n Roll founder, Jim Shanman. “Group rides demonstrate how easy and fun cycling in your community can be. With the added support of a group, riders develop confidence and have more fun than trying to explore the route on their own.” 

When:  Sat. June 29

Time: Meet at 10:30 am, ride leaves promptly at 11:00 am

The ride will return to the starting point by 2pm

Alternative starting point at Overland Avenue at Ballona Creek Bike Path: 11:20 a.m.

Alternative starting point at Centinela Avene at Ballona Creek Bike Path: 11:45 a.m.

Where: La Cienega/Jefferson Expo Line Station

Accessible by Metro Expo Line and Metro buses 38, 105 and 217. Plan your trip at metro.net.

What to bring: Bring water, snack and a bicycle in good working order. This ride is FREE and open to anyone, but all participants should be able to ride a bike safely with the ability to brake, change gears, and balance while stopping and starting. All participants under 18 MUST wear a helmet and be escorted by a parent or guardian. Children under age 8 should be on a tag-a-long, bike trailer, tandem, or other safe child-carrying device to participate in the ride.