I currently live in San Diego and really like the active triathlon culture down here. The town is a little not my style though, too many frat boys and it isn’t a true international city. Was thinking to move up to LA where the connection to intl business culture was stronger. Any thoughts on life as a multisport enthusiast in LA? What are the best areas to live in and what is access to good cycling like? I work from home mostly so commuting isn’t an issue, looking to rent in the $1500/mo range. Thoughts?
Do a search for Pasadena and/or Montrose in ST----plenty of discussions on the merits of living/training here vs anywhere else in LA.
x 2 on what mopdahl said!
The cycling culture is pretty solid in the Pasadena area. Look at Sierra Madre as a possible place to relocate. Centrally located in LA area, easy access to freeway system, access to Metro Rail (can take bikes on Metro Rail), great small (artist) town. Not sure on the rental situation.
Saturday - Choices
- Montrose Ride (Starts in Montrose, through South Pasadena, across to Glendora, back through Azuza, Duarte, Monrovia, Arcadia with a stop at the top of hill in Sierra Madre where the ride breaks up! This is a great ride.
- Pasadena Triathlon Club - Various routes (Sometimes to the Long Beach and back; sometimes they follow the Montrose Route; sometimes go up GMR (Glendora Mountain Road) to Mt. Baldy (great climbing ride)
Sunday - Numerous recovery ride options with clubs or solo
Monday - Rest Day (?)…I don’t know of any organized rides up in Pasadena area, but LA Tri (See Below) might have something.
Tuesday - Rose Bowl Ride (many of the same guys from Montrose Ride)
Wednesday Night - Pasadena Triathlon Club Brick gathers at the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center
Thursday - Rose Bowl Ride (many of the same guys from Montrolse Ride)
Friday Night - Pasadena Triathlon Club does a “Time Trial” Ride. Not sure how organized.
Also Los Angeles Triathlon Club is huge (800 to 1000 in the club?) …I’m not sure of their riding or workout options, but they are so big you could definitely find someone to workout at your level. They seem to congregate over on the West Side of Los Angeles.
Bicycle Shops in Pasadena and surrounding area (Arcadia, Monrovia, San Marino) equal at least eight (8). Incycle is probably the largest(?).
And only about 30 minutes away from the Encino Velodrome.
Can’t beat the cycling/running/swimming on the west side–Santa Monica, W LA. Lots of hilly cycling routes going up from PCH north toward Malibu; same for MTB in Santa Monica mountains. Hilly running also big in the mountains. Great outdoor pools plus the ocean to swim in. A training paradise, pretty much.
If you do move up to LA, Make sure you pick out your gang colors. Red or Blue.
LA is nice, Born and raised there for 20yrs. Then got the hell out. But a sweet place.
Pasadena is a great suggestion.
Thanks for all the posts. I will definitely be doing some research on this topic over the next few months, maybe try to show up for a few group rides. Another fact to consider, I don’t commute but work from home. How would that change advice on this topic?