Finally got a day to myself to spend riding to some of the places I enjoy. So I put in my earbuds, got some Jamiroquai going (because this is THE only urban riding music) and headed out.
I like to ride out to the L.A. Harbor area. There’s always lots to see with ships being loaded and going in and out of the harbor, and plenty of history too. I spent my childhood in this area, so I guess it means something to me.
Above the harbor in San Pedro is Angels Gate Park. This is the site of the Korean Friendship Bell, and overlooks the ocean around the mouth of the harbor. It’s probably one of the closest spots to view Catalina Island very clearly. Unfortunately it was overcast on the cost today, so no panoramic views but you can see Catalina’s outline. I grab a sandwich from a shop nearby, sit on the bluff in the park and watch the world go by.
From the park, I head just a bit up the coast to Palos Verdes and over the hill on a twisty road with a few scenic turnouts where you get some great views when it’s not cloudy. When I was a kid, my folks bought a dry cleaning shop near here that catered to the very rich people in this neighborhood.
Heading downtown, I like to explore new things, and one of the most exciting things going on is the Space Shuttle Endeavor, which has recently been placed vertically in launch position with rocket boosters and external fuel tank and is having a new museum built around it. Mrs. G and I watched the Endeavor roll through the city to the science museum when it first arrived, and we watched the big orange fuel tank roll through as well a few years ago, so this is very cool, and I had to check on the progress.
Then, rode to the Bike Shed, my favorite place to go to after a day working at the museum to chat with other riders, look at custom bikes on display like this radically modified Enfield Hunter, grab a coffee or lunch, and check out overpriced tshirts and other merchandise.
Finally, coming back to my neighborhood, I stopped at my all time favorite new taco place for lunch. Can’t really see the sign, but it’s the place behind that dark Subaru.
Now I need to walk off a very fattening burrito.
