Written by, Brian K.

As the sun played hide and seek with the low level clouds hovering over the Southland, a group of MA members gathered in the parking lot of Venice Beach for District Six’s first scheduled bicycle ride on September 21st.

Packing lunches and water bottles, the riders pumped up their tires, strapped on helmets and waited for the signal for the ride to begin.

Then six riders in all with one child in tow departed for the white sands and tanned sights of Manhattan Beach (two others enjoyed their own ride, having misinterpreted the directions to the meeting place).

Negotiating the perilous traffic of Washington Blvd., the group cut southward through the Marina de Rey boat slips, and then rode parallel along the wetlands of Playa del Rey. Along the way, they made numerous rest stops, taking the opportunity to get to know each other better; sharing their strength, experience and hope on all matters of bicycle riding and the latest “in” gear; and catching their breath while trying to understand the elusive spiritual principles of exercise. 

Nearing the border of Manhattan Beach, the group of riders took in a shore-side concert at the Edison refinery, and graciously accepted free orange juice from the employees.

Then after making the stated goal of reaching “Manhattan Beach or Bust,” the group turned about and quickly sped to the Marina’s Fisherman’s Village (a few of us forgot to pack lunches). There the group lunched on pizza and salads, and co-mingled with the other bicycle riders and Japanese tourists. 

Fully rested and feeling serene, we departed for Venice, and completed the trip – a total of 18.75 miles – in under three hours, plus an hour out for lunch. Along the way, we suffered no injuries, and lost only two bicycle chains in the process.

Everyone reported having a great time, and all plan to “keep coming back” for future rides.

Published in A New Leaf – October 1991