First, remember how beautiful last Saturday was, and then consider this:
From 11 o c’lock until 3 o’clock, with the yawning blue sky above and equally blue waters below, more than 60 bike riders rode in Tour de Ballona 2, an interpretive 11-mile round trip creek bike ride along the Ballona Creek Bike Path.
The Concerned Bicyclists of the Ballona Creek Bike Path (CBBC), with Ballona Creek Renaissance (BCR) assistance, organized this more comprehensive follow-up to the first Tour de aBallona on last Oct. 25.
[The accompanying photos may give you a flavor of what the energizing day was like.]
[img]320|exact|||no_popup[/img]
[img]321|exact|||no_popup[/img]
[img]322|exact|||no_popup[/img]
[img]323|exact|||no_popup[/img]
[img]324|exact|||no_popup[/img]
[img]325|exact|||no_popup[/img]
Meeting at 11 at Culver City Park, the riders divided into two groups to allow five stops along the way to learn more about the creek and trail.
At different locations, they heard speakers from Ballona Creek Renaissance, Culver City Public Works, Friends of Ballona Wetlands, the L.A. County Bicycle Coalition, LAPD-Pacific Division, Mar Vista Family Center, and Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority speak about such pertinent subjects as safety, water quality, flora, fauna, recent and pending improvements.
At ride's end, participants generally agreed that they had gained a heightened awareness of how we can help transform this recreation and commuter corridor into a more attractive, safe, and positive Westside asset.
"Ballona Creek, the good weather, the birds, and the informal group of caring adults and children really made for an enjoyable Saturday," said BCR President Jim Lamm.
"I particularly was impressed with the event organizers, Marie Massa and Damien Newton, and with the diverse array of speakers and riders."
For Mr. Lamm, the final stop — at Mar Vista Family Center at Slauson Avenue and Ballona Creek — provided not only a pleasant, tree-shaded oasis but also much hope for the future.
A newly constructed Youth Center opens in a ceremony on Saturday, March 14, at 10 a.m.
Meanwhile through other stakeholders, several bikeway improvement projects from Overland Avenue to McConnell Avenue, similar to the attractive mini-park at Centinela Avenue, have been designed. They are just awaiting the funds to be completed.
For more information on participation and future events, Mr. Lamm may be contacted at jim.lamm@ballonacreek.org
Also: 310.839.6896 or www.ballonacreek.org.
