Rose Parade Bike Ride 14 easy miles

Last year there was no Rose Parade which was the first time there was no parade since World War II. But this year it’s back and I imagine a lot of people are anxious to see it again.

It should be as great as ever, unless the flowers on the floats are imported and are stuck on a ship in the harbor. Since the parade is back, so is our annual ride to view it. It is a great way to see it. The colors are more vibrant and the sounds are clearer than on TV. And there is a spirit in the air which simply does not come through on TV.

Riding to the parade is the best way to get there. No battling the traffic either before or after the parade. Simply drive to Alhambra and it’s just a short easy 7 mile bike ride away. So if you have never seen the parade in person, you really should.

Not only do you get to see the parade, but the route takes you down Orange Grove Avenue where the floats all line up prior to the parade and you get to preview the floats up close and personal.

Take a selfie with any float that strikes your fancy. Even the thousands of other people watching the parade in person along the route can’t do that. So, if you have never been to the parade, I don’t see how you can pass this up. The ride is incredibly easy. It’s a fairly flat 7 miles followed by a rest of a couple of hours as you watch the parade and then an easy 7 miles back.

Yes, this ride starts very early and it would probably be cold in the morning but seeing the Rose Parade by bike easily counts as a bucket list event. Well worth setting the alarm early on New Year's day.

We meet at Alhambra park where there is plenty of free parking and no crowds. Traffic will be light to non-existent so the drive or ride to the start should be easy as well.

We will make this a leisurely slow-mid pace ride to the start of the parade (no-drop). Once we are at the parade, you have the option to split up and/or stay a safe distance from the mass of humanity lined up on Colorado Blvd.

It starts by heading directly over to Orange Grove Blvd where the floats line up before the parade starts. This portion of the route is gently up hill. After viewing the floats along Orange Grove, we head east parallel to the parade route to our viewing location not far from the Pasadena City College.

After viewing the parade, we head back to Alhambra by a fairly direct route with an optional stop for a break. As you can see by the profile, you climb gradually up to the parade route but the remainder of the ride is mostly downhill. At only 14 miles with a long break in the middle, this is a very easy ride and should be within the capabilities of any cyclist wishing to view the parade.

The New Year Day forecast for Pasadena will be a typical Rose Parade day with lots of sun, an early morning low around 38˚ and a high of 60˚.

This is a self supported ride. Make sure your bike is in good working condition; in the event of a serious mechanical breakdown be prepared to phone a friend or Uber. Helmets are mandatory and bring a spare innertube in case of flats.

This ride is hosted by the Los Angeles Wheelmen - http://www.lawheelmen.org/holiday-ride-long/

Route Info - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35047348

Restrooms - Available at Alhambra Park

Ebike? - OK if it is Class 1 or 3 and you keep a pace consistent with the group.

Guests? - OK - Bring them along or better yet ask them to sign up.

Questions? - Post in the comments section.

Check back for updates before the event date.