Note: I decided to start the event 30 minutes later to make it easier for people to get there in time. It will already be dark when we start anyway so not much reason to start earlier.

Join us for a great evening training ride in scenic Griffith Park starting from Fern Dell Dr./Los Feliz Blvd. This ride is perfect as a shorter training ride as it has a little bit of everything, some nice views, a few great climbs/down hills, some rolling hills, and a nice flat section. Much of the ride is also completely without car traffic.

Training Concept:
Since we are all at a different ability levels it is unlikely that we'll be able to stay in a single group all the time, especially on the climbs. I will designate a number of locations along the route where we will stop, catch our breath, and re-group. Most of these will be at junctions/turn offs to avoid that anyone gets lost.

I'd like to incorporate some interval training where everyone pushes themselves a bit during certain segments of the ride, as well as, some group ride training practicing pace-lining (drafting/rotation), hand signals and other group riding techniques.

Difficulty: Intermediate road biking (and up).
This ride is not appropriate for beginner level riders and you need to be well conditioned already. There is a usually good deal of climbing including some steep hills. Ability is very relative but as a gauge of sorts I'd say you should be able to keep an average speed of about 17 mph on the flats with no wind. If you are unsure of your abilities please attend the "Newcomer's" version of the ride first. It's typically posted on the first Tuesday night of each month.

Note: "Road biking" is a bicycle terminology easily misinterpreted leading many to mistakenly believe it's referring to any kind of bicycling on pavement in general. "Speed biking" would have been a more accurate term.

Type of bike needed:
This intended as a "road biking" ride so a road (racing) bike is advisable although if you are a strong rider you may be able to keep up on a fast hybrid or XC mountain bike.

The Plan:
We'll meet by the bear statue at the intersection of Fern Dell Dr. and Los Feliz Blvd. at about 6:45 PM. Please get there early. It usually takes 10-15 minutes just to get ready. We'll start riding as soon as everyone who signed up are there and ready or at 7:00 PM sharp.

As there are many riding options we will change up the route from week to week for more variety. The plan is to make an easier ride the first Tuesday of the month and a more challenging one the last Tuesday of the month.

Note: High probability of rain will cancel the ride (please check to see if ride is still on before attending).

Distance & Elevation Gain:
About 20 - 30 miles and about 1,500- 2,500 ft or so cumulative elevation gain/loss depending on ride option.

Time Required:
About 2 - 2 ½ hours or so.

Light:
For mid-summer rides you may not need lights but for the rest of the year you will definitely need a light. I bought the following light which seems pretty good and  is actually a very good deal as these type of lights are often several hundred dollars: Magicshine 1000 Lumens Lightset.

Note: The basic AA battery LED type bike lights won't do. Their output is typically less than 50 lumens which is practically useless for seeing in the dark while riding, especially at high speed. They are only good for making you visible to cars. I'd say you need a light with at least 400-500 lumens to ride safely in the dark.

Directions:
Click here for Google directions to the meeting spot.

Parking:
You may not park on Fern Dell Dr. after sundown or on Los Feliz Blvd before 7 PM. However, you may park on the residential side streets across Los Feliz Blvd. like N. Oxford Ave., N. Serrano Ave, or N. Hobart Blvd.

Consider Train:
Our meeting spot is only ½ mile from the Hollywood & Western station on the Red line so depending on where you work/live this might be a great option to get there. Trains go every 10 minutes or so. This is how I get to and from work and I love not having to deal with traffic. Simply head north on Western and around the turn and you are there.

No Shows:
It is inconsiderate to the leader and anyone on the waiting list to RSVP and not show up, therefore I am registering no-shows. For this event you need to change your RSVP to "No" minimum 30 minutes before the start of the event. If you have multiple no-shows on your record you may not be admitted to events where there are people on the waiting list.

IMPORTANT:
Please ensure that you are in good health before participating and understand that there is risk involved in road biking and group rides. You can get hurt. As an event organizer I assume absolutely no responsibility for you. I am simply a "ride buddy", nothing more. If you choose to participate, you assume all responsibility for yourself and your equipment and agree not to hold me or our Meetup group liable in any way. Also, please adhere to the following:

• Always wear a helmet when biking. This is mandatory, no exceptions.
• Make sure your bike is in good working condition, with the tires properly inflated (110-120 psi for road bikes) and the chain lubricated prior to the ride.
• Bring at least one spare tube, energy bars/food and enough water.
• If you have toolkit, pump/co2, or first aid kit, bring them.
• Learn and use standard hand signals for group rides.
• Be courteous and considerate to pedestrians/hikers, equestrians, other riders, and drivers.
• For night rides I recommend wearing bright clothing with reflective markers and have a blinking tail light.