Being a Big Wheel Is Easy in the Southland

Thanks to vastly improved technology, today’s bikes are miles ahead of yesteryear’s steel clunkers in the comfort-and-fun department.

The soothing hum of the wheels, the fresh air and exercise are sufficient enticements for most people to get into the saddle. But there’s one more that’s hard to ignore: Southern California has fabulous places to ride. From the mountains to the sea, the land is crisscrossed with bike trails and roads appealing to a vast range of personalities and lifestyles.

If you’re an urban dweller who thrives on the high-powered aura of L.A., take a spin down Wilshire Boulevard some Saturday. Starting at MacArthur Park, cruise past the grand architectural landmarks of Mid-Wilshire, the glitter of the Miracle Mile and the glamour of the Golden Triangle in Beverly Hills.

For the full L.A. experience, ride all the way to Santa Monica and catch your breath in the ocean air before taking the 15-mile return trip. Remember, it’s flat.

Many of us, of course, yearn to break free of the city on weekends. A little-known biking paradise that is only a short drive for millions of people is at the northeast corner of the interchange of interstates 10 and 210, in Bonelli Regional Park.

The tangled wilderness, flocks of birds and lapping waters of Puddingstone reservoir make you feel like you’re a million miles from urban clutter. The park has excellent picnic facilities, so take the kids.

If giving your glutes and lungs a workout is what you like best, scenic Mulholland Drive is waiting for you. At least you can marvel at the panoramic views while taking the frequent rest breaks you’ll need.

Another option is to hop the ferry to Santa Catalina Island and ply the sloping streets of Avalon for a serious workout in charming surroundings.

Are you a tourist at heart but don’t like to push too hard on the pedals? Long Beach is a good place to go. There’s a flat path hugging the water that’s made just for sightseeing. It passes the Queen Mary, the new Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village and Belmont Shore. On the return leg, venture a few blocks inland to Pine Avenue. Take in the emerging trendiness of downtown, which is dotted with some fascinating old buildings.

Perhaps you like languid daylong rides. The 40-mile Santa Ana River Bikeway is one of the longest paths in Southern California. And it’s off-road, so there’s no traffic to fight. It extends from the river’s mouth, between Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa, to just south of the Chino Hills. The bikeway meanders through a changing terrain of residential neighborhoods and nature preserves.

For those who like to meet new people, there are Southern California clubs to fit every interest and riding level. A good all-around club is L.A. Wheelmen (yes, women are welcome). It has rides all over Southern California and for people of all riding abilities.

If you’re into racing or enjoy large, organized rides, there’s a Web site listing them by date at https://www.raceplace.come/cbike.html.

Two more useful Web sites are https:/www.Bikelane.com, for general biking information, and https://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/1357, which gives descriptions (with maps) of bike rides in Los Angeles and Orange counties.