recs for cycling routes in So Cal?

[Bluetree]

^^^ I was recommending those to the "experienced" BF... the training rides are not for beginners. ;-)

The PV Loop is fairly easy to do if you keep a reasonable pace. Clockwise is a bit easier than counter-clockwise. If you're wary about the switchbacks, the out-and-back route along PV South Drive is quite nice. Just remember to pay attention to road rules, always ride in a straight line and watch out for other riders (no stopping in the middle of the path, no u-turns, no weaving, etc). I noticed when I ride with people from out-of-state, they are sometimes not used to the volume of cycling traffic, especially on the weekends.

P.S.
One more thing... avoid riding Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) between Santa Monica and the L.A. Harbor if you can, which is most of its length thru L.A. County. It's been labelled as a "bike route" on some sites/books but with a few exceptions, there are safer, better alternatives.

[tangentgirl]

You are right on with mapmyride.com - there are a lot of good South Bay based rides there. Search under Redondo Beach and they will come up.

Also, if you are doing a strand ride, watch out for:

• Drunk people
• Walkers
• Strollers
• Joggers
• Skaters
• Police in Redondo Beach where it says Walk Bike*
• Little kids not looking
• Grownups not looking
• Dogs
• Drunk people with walkers
• Drunk people with strollers
• Drunk people on beach cruisers

The strand is fun, and you can ride from Redondo Beach up through the South Bay, cut across the Marina into Venice and into Santa Monica. However, for the reasons above, I call it the Gauntlet.

*They'll ticket cyclists in the walk area, but ignore walkers in the "bike only" area.

[tangentgirl]

Speaking of cops, the po-po in Palos Verdes are also fond of giving cyclists tickets for not stopping at stop signs or lights. Be warned.

[bhashiguchi]

sweet, thanks everyone!

I was out there last summer and rode the strand on a rented beach cruiser (fun, but ow!), so I understand the gauntlet aspect. I was thinking that might be a good first ride before we attempt the PV loop and other more hilly rides. BF can probably handle it as he goes out with his semi-pro buddies in Colorado, but I'm still new so we'll just have to take it a little slower and it will definitely be a fun challenge for me!