The KIKI 53 LA RIVER RIDE!

Sunday we celebrated our friend Kiki's 53rd Birthday with a 53 Mile Bike Ride!

Kiki arrives at our meeting spot in Vernon

We had talked about doing a ride along the bike path from L.A. to Long Beach for over a year.  It was a conversation that popped up numerous times, and finally we planned to make it a reality!

Our group of five, (Kiki, Sylvia, Dave, Gerry and me) met in front of Maywood Elementary School, south of Los Angeles, just east of Vernon at 9:00 am on a cool and overcast Sunday morning.

Dave, Sylvia, Gerry, Mary, Kiki

We were excited!  It is less than a 1/2 mile from here to the bike path.

We were on the bike path for about 11 miles when we were joined by our friends Chuck and Eileen.  They live in Long Beach and had left their house at 9:00 am to ride up and meet us.  Our crew of 7 then pedaled to Long Beach.

Along the bike path near downtown Long Beach at about mile 20

We put our faith in Chuck to lead us on a scenic tour of Long Beach, in order to add the necessary 11 miles we figured we needed to tally up to our 53 mile target.  Chuck did not lead us astray, as he navigated us on a route which included the enclave of Naples. 

Chuck consults with us as we reach the turnaround of our extension

We picked up the pace as we headed in the direction of The Attic, a popular restaurant in downtown Long Beach which features outdoor patio dining - a very good idea when you want to keep your eyes on your bikes while you dine.

We pull up to the restaurant

where our friend Tamara has secured a table for our party of 8

We had worked up an appetite, and the Attic did not disappoint!  All of us enjoyed the delicious brunch and conversation as well as the long rest break after 32 miles in the saddle.  Most of us ordered egg dishes.  The Attic has an extensive and elaborate brunch menu.  My selection was "the Berkeley."  Gerry went with the Monte Christo.
 

Tamara and Kiki at the table as we patiently await our food

Post lunch, as we get ready to continue our journey.  

22 miles to go!  Chuck gave us directions back to the bike path.  No problem.  We were full of energy as we pedaled back north to L.A.  The tail wind was an extra bonus!

One final rest stop as we near our destination

We made it!  Official mileage according to my Cyclemeter App came in at 55.06 - so we got some bonus mileage, too.  Here is The 53 Mile Ride for the record.  It was very a blast!  I enjoyed the ride and the camaraderie.

Today, Monday, I wore my "race shirt" in celebration.

Tamara made these shirts for all the participants.