Need OC Riding and Bike Shop Help for Visit

Hubby and I are visiting OC and South Bay beginning of next month (November). I'm doing some research for hubby on biking stuff 'cause he's super busy.

Laguna Beach will be our home base for the time we're in your area. Hubby wants to rent a road bike so he can ride on his own Fri-Sun. while I'm in a workshop. Although he's a Cat 2 road racer, he doesn't really want to do the fast rides this time of year, but probably looking for moderate paced rides or something like that. I won't be riding on this trip, btw. So many bike shops in the area and I've checked out so many...What are some good ones to rent from?

Also, wondered what may be some good rides that leave the Laguna Beach area on a Thurs.-Sun.? I think I checked out the Orange County Wheelmen website, but wondered if there's anything else to consider since I'm not from the area LOL.

And, will be in various towns along the coast to visit the rest of the week and wondered what are the especially cool bike shops to check out. We both are into mtn. biking, road cycling (race both) and BMX. There are a plethora of shops so wondered what's cool to see as far as high-end, unique, etc. (Going to Laguna Beach, San Juan Capo, Dana Point, Huntington Beach, Hermosa Beach, Venice, Santa Monica, Malibu and possibly other cities nearby, etc.).

I realize it may not be possible to list bike shops on this thread 'cause it may be considered commercial in nature, so perhaps, maybe personal message me if in doubt (Hope this is okay, moderators :)

Appreciative of any help you may have for me...My head and eyes hurt looking over the Internet for so many hrs. LOL

Bear hugs, L

Santa Monica has two really good shops: Helen's Cycles carries a lot of high end bikes like Colnago, Pinarello, Seven, Cervelo, Look, Orbea, in addition to the more common Treks and Cannondales. They also have stores in Manhattan Beach and Arcadia, but those stores are tiny in comparison. Cynergy Cycles just opened a beautiful new store in SM also, carrying only Specialized and Bianchi.

While in town, you might also want to check out the Los Angeles Velodrome in Carson. They rent track bikes and give lessons -- sounds like fun!
http://lavelodrome.org/training.htm

Oh, and almost forgot... don't forget to purchase a copy of:
http://www.amazon.ca/Bicycle-Rides-L.../dp/0961915137
I believe there is an OC version as well, but I'm not sure.

Definitely have your husnad contact Patrick at Laguna Beach Cycling. Patrick should be able to hook him with something and would even be willing to take husband out for a ride. Also try Hank at Edge Cycles in Laguna Niguel.

If you guys need ride suggestions check out the website for BCI (Bike Club of Irvine) at bikeirvine.org. Check rides. Many route slips are listed plus you can come ride with BCI on the weekends. Great ride from Laguna is down the Coast to either San Juan Capistrano or San Clemente and back or ride down to Carlsbad and take the train back. Also ride up the Coast to Newport Coast and then go inlandto Santiago Canyon and back to Laguna via Laguna Canyon. If you need a route slip let me know.



Bike shops to check out (all in Orange County):

Laguna Beach Cycling
The Edge
The Path
Rock 'n Road - Mission Viejo
Sand Canyon Cyclery
Surf City Cycles