Riding from LA union to Long Beach
Thread started by
David Innes at 02.4.09 - 11:16 pm
This weekend I plan on taking the train from santa clartia to LA Union and then riding from there to Long Beach to see a friend. Every person I seem to tell this to flips a bitch and tells me how I will have to ride through dangerous areas and that its a horrible idea. I just wanted to see what you guys think and ask if any of you have done this ride. Or if you suggest a different route. Thanks!
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You can do it if you want, but you could also take the blue line to long beach.
kryxtanicole02.4.09 - 11:19 pm
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yeeah I JUST did that actually. made it back alive. I wouldn't have gone alone though thats for sure
la duderina02.4.09 - 11:19 pm
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Caturday did that ride two weeks ago. Take the L.A. River bike path.
pretzels02.4.09 - 11:21 pm
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I rode from the Blue line to OC- same sketch sketch neighborhoods. But drivers in Compton were more considerate than the ones in Brea, and the street I was on was better paved there too. freaking strange.
I'd recommend taking the LA river path as well- you won't get lost on strange streets, since there are only two ways to go. It's also a nice ride, just watch out for the sketchy sorts that lurk under bridges if you're riding alone.
danya02.4.09 - 11:28 pm
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yeah the river path will take you straight there. you're tripping. daytime. nothing to worry about.
_iJunes02.4.09 - 11:29 pm
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Taking the path is SUCH a good idea! I didnt even think of that. I just have to figure out how to get from LA union to the path, which wont be too hard to imagine. Thanks again.
David Innes02.4.09 - 11:33 pm
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Seems like the question pops up often, here again is my route with notes with directions from Bicycle Kitchen to the path. If you are riding down from Union station, I suggest DO NOT, take Alemada south until south of Washington. Shit tons of tore the F up streets with old rails from who knows what decade that aren't even connected to anywhere and at funky angles. The LA to SD ride recently had 3 crashes in the first couple miles because no one listened to my suggestion Alemeda was a terrible idea until Washington (it was wet making the tracks super sketchy to ride over, zero traction, oil water and steel). Maybe take central instead.
The part in the middle of the river path that used to be really unclear about switching sides has since been made more obvious now with signage. It's a chill ride and in the day time there is nothing to worry about, and night time isn't really that bad either in a small group.
View Larger Map
GarySe7en02.5.09 - 12:30 am
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I do it all the time, If you are riding at night do NOT take the bike path. It's safer in the streets of south central watts and Compton, make your way to Atlantic or Long Beach Blvd south that's my route. It's an interesting ride for sure, I've literally riding through two gang fights at night. Compton is safe, they have bike lanes and the roads are smooth, and the drivers are courteous, even at night.
dannyzuko02.5.09 - 1:37 am
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caturday metric century.
Gav02.5.09 - 8:24 am
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You should ride from Santa Clarita to Union, then take the train.
$.02
parlorbikes02.5.09 - 9:31 am
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why are so many people scared of south central-compton-long beach? it really isnt that scary.bike path is easy and fine in the day.
long beach blvd. is smooth and well lit and yes people in cars are way more curteous than other parts of town.alot of poor people ride in those neiborhoods and they really dont care about another rider zipping thru town.
just avoid wearing blue[crips] or red[bloods] shirts.oh and dont throw down any gang signs.
robert stanfield02.5.09 - 10:12 am
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Personally I feel like the Ballona creek bike path through Culver City and Marina Del Rey is more sketch than the LA River Path. I love riding the LA river, I just wish it was little less convoluted to get on the southern portion. If they could bridge the downtown gap to connect North and South, that would be amazing.
GarySe7en02.5.09 - 10:36 am
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DON'T DO IT!!
It's a trap! LB is a scary fuckin place!!! And don't get me started on Compton!
User102.5.09 - 10:45 am
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you have to carry a 38 in torrance, all that shit goes down in the hood holmes
theladiesman02.5.09 - 10:46 am
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okay...Alemeda is pretty bumpy and tracky, but it isn't bad enough to forgo taking the most direct route.
And, Vernon is empty at night...no problems there and smooth streets.
I've been on this direct path from downtown (and back) countless times, and I have never had a problem....even on the path, in the middle of the night.
This is my opinion....we can and should make a point of riding where we want to ride, when we want to ride.
I will post a detailed route slip for that area, If anyone would like. Every Dark Century has gone through there...and most on Alemeda into Vernon....to the path. Let me know.
tern02.5.09 - 10:46 am
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I love riding the LA river path to long beach. Its a great ride and youll love the headwinds when you get close to the ocean.
As with riding anywhere in LA, Bring an extra tube/patch kit.
thegodofthor02.5.09 - 10:51 am
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I took 9th street into downtown to alameda to Vernon I think. then left onto the bike path there. During the day should be a breeze. Bring a bright light if you're going at night.
Vernon is creepy as shit at night
la duderina02.5.09 - 10:51 am
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Dude, do you guys even listen to rap? Every song is about LB or Compton.
Nuff said!
User102.5.09 - 10:51 am
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headline" USER1 REPS HIS HOOD!
tern02.5.09 - 10:54 am
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duderina...you left a couple of turns out from Alemeda to the bike path...but, I feel like Vernon is awesome at night. NOBODY lives there, so there is no (or little) havoc.
tern02.5.09 - 10:58 am
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okay...let me see...finding rout slips...hold on...
tern02.5.09 - 10:59 am
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nevermind...look it up on google maps. I'm on an island. Have fun.
tern02.5.09 - 11:15 am
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haha gav you think caturday is long now, wait till the summer when metric goes full on imperial +
_iJunes02.5.09 - 11:47 am
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man, you are breaking new ground, ijunes....
tern02.5.09 - 12:01 pm
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have a nice time on your rides..heheh.
tern02.5.09 - 12:02 pm
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Man you guys are brave! My bike is riddled with bullets riding through LB and Compton.
Never again!
User102.5.09 - 12:09 pm
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