O.C. Cyclists Work Up an Appetite, Then Do Lunch

Rarely mentioned in the same breath, eating and exercise seem to have been banished to opposite ends of the social spectrum. One group, however, proves on a regular basis that the two activities are not mutually exclusive.

Orange County Wheelmen, the county’s biggest bicycle club, has a number of regular ride-and-eat events in the evenings and mornings. One of the longer-running (about 10 years now) morning events is the Wednesday lunch brunch, leaving at 9:30 a.m. each week from Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley.

Rides are generally from 35 to 50 miles round trip, but occasionally the group will go 100 miles, including yesterday’s trot to Lake Elsinore. Most destinations are not so ambitious. Long Beach, Brea and Yorba Linda are popular spots, given the range of food stops and quality of ride.

“We usually go to a coffee shop or a restaurant,” said ride leader Franz Friesenhan. The trips vary weekly, and Friesenhan prefers eateries with outdoor dining--so riders can watch their bikes.

An average of 15 to 25 riders take part in the Wednesday morning treks. Because of the weekday time, the ride attracts a wide age range, from young adults who work odd schedules to retirees. Some are in their 70s, but Friesenhan cautioned against assuming they can’t hold their own.

“We have young kids who can’t keep up with them,” said Friesenhan, 65 and retired after working inside a machine shop. “I’m enjoying the outdoors now.”

There are usually two groups of riders, divided by riding level, some taking a moderate pace (12 to 15 m.p.h.) and others moving at a faster clip (18 to 20 m.p.h.).

He also leads a ride-and-eat event each Friday, leaving at 9 a.m. from Deerfield Park in Irvine and usually going to Dana Point, but this group generally moves at a quicker clip (even the slower riders keep a pace of 15 to 18 m.p.h.).

Saturday marks the 14th running of the Los Alamitos 10K/5K Run and 5K Health Walk. All told, the event drew almost 2,000 runners and walkers last year. The 5K run begins at 8 a.m., the 5K walk at 8:05 a.m. and the 10K run at 8:45 a.m. Race-day registration opens at 6:30 a.m.

Cost for the running events is $17 with T-shirt, $13 without. There is only one option for walk entry: $7 (T-shirt included). The event will begin and end at the Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Center, 10911 Oak St. Information: (310) 430-1073.

What: Wednesday Lunch Brunch bicycle ride.

When: Every Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.

Where: Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley.

Whereabouts: From the San Diego (405) Freeway, exit at Brookhurst Street and go north. At Heil Avenue, turn left into the park entrance and park near the tennis courts.

Wherewithal: Free (take money for restaurant meal).

Where to call: (714) 968-7619.