Best way to cross LA River...
Thread started by
soulbarn at 09.8.08 - 9:27 am
For a project I'm working on and for the sanity of those who don't wish to be buzzed into the concrete channel below...
What's the best bridge to ride from East LA into downtown, and why?
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I mean I cross the Olympic bridge when I dont want too much of a hill challenge. Washington is pretty much a flat ride into downtown, but too far to off just too avoid hills.
Whittier is cool ridiing into downtown but narrow streets and too many close calls. you can ride the sidewalk but be ready to brake when you reach the bottom, there is no corner bike ramp.
But all in all, I love the 7th street bridge, hardly any traffic any time of day. I speed down the hill and look foward to cranking up the bridge. Its not a big climb so that I am not huffing and puffing at the top, but good enough to get my heart a'pumping.
DeKadenzy09.8.08 - 11:17 am
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Having had a hand in the creation of the infamous IAALMAF "Ten Bridges" ride of last year that traversed every viaduct from Washington Boulevard to North Broadway, my favorite bridge for getting across the river would have to be 6th Street. Cesar Chavez would probably be second, with 4th Street and Olympic being tied for 3rd. 7th's also not bad, especially east to west.
My least favorite would be the 1st Street Bridge. The ongoing Gold Line work with its dangerously angled rails make it very bike-unfriendly.
Long live L.A.'s Bridge King: Merrill Butler!
Agent Orange09.8.08 - 12:09 pm
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I think I meant 6th st bridge (the one between whittier/olympic)
DeKadenzy09.8.08 - 1:29 pm
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anywhere. just looking for input on people's routes and also experiences on the bridges. which are safest, scariest, etc.
soulbarn09.8.08 - 2:51 pm
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Watch out for expansion gaps on those bridges. Whittier has one right between the yellow lines that gobbles front wheels quick.
frumble09.8.08 - 3:05 pm
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4th street is chill, traffic dies out around soto st.
avoid the whittier/6th st bridge, I almost always fear when I'm on that one... 720metro.... narrow lanes, hardly enough room for a bike and a car together.
I'm telling you bomb down 7th street and crank up bridge!!!!!! hardly any traffic.
s boyle ave/7th street
DeKadenzy09.8.08 - 3:11 pm
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I prefer taking the 7th street bridge. 4th street would be my second choice.
Cancerchick:
East LA is east of the LA river.
libra77709.8.08 - 5:14 pm
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Whittier is sketchy with traffic and some hills, but I love it.
I only use Washington when traveling from Montebello out to the Westside.
bentstrider09.8.08 - 5:17 pm
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Best way to cross LA River...
....NAKED, OF COURSE.
eddieboyinla09.8.08 - 6:08 pm
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I need a tour of the LA river...had no idea there were so many bridges
cancerchick09.8.08 - 6:13 pm
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Bring back the LA river bridge ride!
I really enjoyed that one.
Mook09.8.08 - 10:12 pm
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It will return; there's even talk of making it an annual event.
Stay tuned.
mr rollers09.8.08 - 10:20 pm
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I like the 6th st bridge. Yes Mook!! How about combining two of IAALMAF's rides... the Serenity Now: An L.A. River ODDysey Ride and the 10 bridges ride... that would be epic!!! Imagine... starting south and working our way N. on the river path (cause it's closer to my place =). Then... just lying down on the side of the river on the Glendale Narrows on a warm summer night... listening to the water and looking up at the stars... if possible. Would be nice.
digablesoul09.8.08 - 10:23 pm
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