Hop On
WEB-EXCLUSIVE: Let National Bike Month motivate you to get back in shape and save on some gas in the process.
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| League of American Bicyclists bikeleague.org OCTA Bike to Work Week octa.net/btw_home.aspx Street Skills 101 ocbike.org/irvine-bicycle-classes |
The League of American Bicyclists first designated May as National Bike Month in 1956 in hopes of encouraging people to buy bicycles. Today it has evolved into a nationwide campaign to promote the sport of cycling, whether competitive or recreational.
In conjunction with National Bike Month, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is offering $25 gift vouchers to Jax Bicycle Center in Irvine for individuals who pledge to ride their bicycles to work at least once during Bike to Work Week (May 17-21, 2010). If you only plan on biking to work once, try riding during Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 21. Also on May 21, cyclists can participate in the OCTA Bike Rally. Starting at 8 a.m., cyclists can ride from Orange Metrolink Station to OCTA headquarters with OCTA CEO Will Kempton.
For new riders (ages 14+) who want to learn more about bicycle safety, an instructor certified by the League of American Bicyclists holds monthly classes at Jax Bicycle Center (Street Skills 101, 949.492.5737). The two-day class includes nine hours of instruction, including five hours on a bike.
If you already ride regularly but wish your city were more bike-friendly, join up with People for Bikes, an initiative started by the Bikes Belong Coalition. People for Bikes aims to collect a million pledges to let the federal government know that bicyclists everywhere support improving biking conditions and infrastructure. They also act as a hub to spread the word about local events.
The message of National Bike Month is clear: In the words of Queen, “Get on your bikes and ride!”
In a county with so many beautiful places to ride, it’s hard to decide where to start. Who better to guide us than representatives from some of Orange County’s many cycling clubs?
Bicycling Club of Irvine :: bikeirvine.org
The Bicycling Club of Irvine (BCI) was founded in 1981. President Laurie Ostrow has been riding for nine years and Ride Coordinator Brian Rebold has been riding for over five. New riders (whether or not they decide to become members of the club) are welcome to join the Bicycling Club of Irvine every weekend at 9 a.m. at Deerfield Park in Irvine.
Orange County Rebel Riders :: ocrebels.com
Jess Guaderrama founded the Orange County Rebel Riders in 1995 and has been riding for 28 years. Anyone is welcome to join the Rebel Riders on a ride; check their Web site for routes, times and meeting places.
Orange County Wheelmen :: ocw.org
The Orange County Wheelmen cycling club was founded in 1970. President Michael Lee has been riding for over 20 years. New riders are welcome to join the Orange County Wheelmen anytime, whether through the Web site, at general meetings or at ride starts.
Team VeloSport :: teamvelosport.com
Team VeloSport was founded in 2002 and has grown to about 550 active members (from ages 10 to 82), one-third of which are racers. President Damien Hickman has been riding for 26 years. Interested riders can join by downloading membership forms from the Web site or by going into a Rock N’ Road Cyclery location in Orange County.
Best Routes for New Cyclists
Laurie Ostrow: Irvine’s San Diego Creek Trail or Huntington’s Santa Ana River Trail
Jess Guaderrama: “The bike trail from Windrow Park [in] Irvine to Newport Beach… is safe and free of cars.” Michael Lee: Anywhere in Irvine, because of Irvine’s “flat roads, bike lanes and bicycle-friendly community.”
Damien Hickman: “For mountain biking, one of my favorite places is Aliso Woods park. There are many trails for all levels.”
Most Scenic Routes
Laurie Ostrow: “Santiago Canyon is beautiful [and] in a rustic, sparsely-populated area… [with] 15 miles of rolling hills.”
Brian Rebold: Newport Coast Drive because of its “stunning ocean views.”
Jess Guaderrama: Santiago Canyon and Laguna Canyon both have gorgeous scenery.
Michael Lee: Pacific Coast Highway is famous for its great views of the ocean.
Damien Hickman: “Riding the mountain bike path through Aliso Woods up to 'Top of the World'… It’s a great view looking down into Laguna Canyon and out at the ocean and coastline once you arrive at the summit area.”
Best Charity Rides
Jess Guaderrama: “The Tour de Orange County starts in Costa Mesa… [and] benefits abused and neglected kids.”
Damien Hickman: “The MS150 ride [Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour for multiple sclerosis] starts in OC and heads south to San Diego... It’s really well-organized and a favorite of many riders in Southern California.”
My Favorite Route
Brian Rebold: "The Newport Back Bay Bike Trail for pushing it on sustained power and sprint trails.”
Jess Guaderrama: “Riding down to Laguna Canyon to Pacific Coast Highway, [heading] north on PCH in Corona Del Mar [to] Balboa… then crossing on the ferry [and] heading back into Irvine via Lower Back Bay. It’s always beautiful and relaxing along the coast.”
Damien Hickman: “One of my favorites is riding at El Moro [Canyon] on my mountain bike.”
Most Bicycle-Friendly City in Orange County
All Cyclists Asked: Irvine because of the city's abundance of bike lanes, the thoughtful planning of paths and sensor loop sensitivity.
