NoHo Station to Orcutt Ranch

Dust Off Your Saddle & Roll to The Ranch

A bike ride to start gearing our legs for CicLAvia (https://www.meetup.com/hiking-196/events/48858882/) and to enjoy the San Fernando Valley from a different perspective. Plus it's fun being outside! The route is mostly on the Orange Line Bike Path and "The Ranch" (Orcutt Ranch, L.A. Historic-Cultural Monument # 31) is the halfway point. However, riders can stop and turnaround at any time. There are also twelve Metro locations along the bike path where you can hop on a bus -bike on rack- and relax until the starting point. You don't have to pedal back but it will cost $1.50 for the ride. So lube the chain, adjust the brakes, & dust off the saddle, let's roll!

The average speed will be 7 to 10 mph on the straights & flats and faster (12+ mph) from The Ranch down to the bike path. There are several start and stop options so the bike ride is suitable for Beginner, Intermediate, & Advance riders. Some ride suggestions are below the Metro Locations section. Typically the longer you pedal the more difficult the ride. The entire Out-&-Back ride it will be almost 40-miles!

Route: The route is fairly flat, only about 400 feet of total elevation gain/loss and most of the gain is from the Canoga Station to The Ranch. Click Here for Route Map visual

Note that from the NoHo Station there is a 2-mile ride on the Chandler Blvd bike lane to the bike path and after the Canoga Station the route runs along the streets & there is a small section that does not have a bike lane. We will ride single file and not run red lights. We'll slow it down if necessary -safety first- and make our way northwest to the Sherman Way bike lane, the Fallbrook Ave bike lane, and the final push on the Roscoe Blvd. bike lane.

Rest Points: Balboa Park (9 miles), Orcutt Ranch (20 miles), and Balboa Park (30 miles). There are bathrooms and water at the points. At Orcutt Ranch we'll stop for a snack/lunch break & to explore the grounds.

The Metro Locations (12) - Canoga Station last & first stop (http://www.metro.net/around/rail/orange-line/)

Suggestions:
Beginner - NoHo Station to (?) Ride untill you can & turn back or take the bus
Route: Chandler Blvd bike lane, Orange Line Bike Path (Out-&-Back)

Intermediate - NoHo Station to Balboa Park rest point (9 miles). Ride back or bus.
Route: Chandler Blvd bike lane & Orange Line Bike Path (Out-&-Back, 18-mils total)

Advance - NoHo to The Ranch and back, 40-miles!
Route: Chandler Blvd bike lane, Orange Line Bike Path, and Fallbrook Ave, Sherman Way, & Roscoe Blvd bike lanes (Out-&-Back)

Meet up Time & Location:
8:50 AM & ROLL at 9:00 AM (sooner if all RSVPs arrive) NoHo Metro Station - NW corner Lankershim Blvd & Chandler Blvd
Parking on Chandler & other nearby streets; check posted signs. Metro parking lot.

Recommend:

• Comfy bike, helmet, spare tube, small pump
• Water: 1 to 5 liters (depends on option, can refill)
• Lightweight layers, wind breaker jacket, etc.
• Check Orcutt Ranch weather forecast- Lunch & snacks (depends on option)
• Sunscreen, sunglasses
• Extra socks & t-shirt
• Bike lights: rear & front (likely don't need)
• Small camera, cell phone
• $1.50 for the bus ride

IMPORTANT:
Please ensure that you are in good health before participating in a high intensity activity like this one. My function as an assistant organizer is only to organize the hikes and I assume absolutely no responsibility for you or your guests. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and made your guests aware of the risks, dangers, and hazards associated with any outdoor activity, and you accept, and fully assume all such risks, dangers, and hazards, and further agree to release, and discharge the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and event hosts of this Meetup Group from, and against any, and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities.