A gentleman’s guide to LA’s best block party

Bring your two-wheeler.

August 6, 2015 9:00 am

CicLAvia returns this Sunday with its road-blocking, pedal-happy, sun-soaked mayhem. There will be unicycles. Table-cycles. Tricycles. All manner of cycle. Here are some tips to help you make the most of it.

The Ride

CicLAvia goes down this Sunday from 9am-4pm. Washington Blvd. in Culver City to Venice Blvd. in Venice (map) will be closed to cars and lined with entertainment (including live stop-motion videos made by Cirque du Soleil) and food trucks.

The History

CicLAvia’s Neighborhood Guide outlines all the historical landmarks you can take in while pedaling. In your correspondent’s humble opinion, biking is hands down best way to get acquainted with a city. Keep an eye out for La Ballona School, one of L.A.’s oldest buildings (built in 1865), and Hal Roach’s studios, the erstwhile home to Laurel and Hardy.

The Shades

Count on the sun shining. Pick up a pair of Explorers from the recent collab between Salt and Aether. The lenses are polarized, photochromatic (meaning they filter light automatically) and scratch-proof.

The Lock

Bicycle thievery is no joke in Venice. Thick chains can still be snipped. U Locks can’t. Kryptonite’s Kryptolok is 13mm of hardened steel and wide enough for most frames.

The Après

After the ride, head over to Simmzy’s new Venice Beach location. They’re pouring cold pints and grilling burgers so juicy they’ll set you back five napkins minimum.


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