Short Bike Rides in and around Los Angeles, 2nd

Rating:
Summary: Bad routes - obvious the author is unfamiliar with the areaa
Review: Having lived in LA for 5 yrs I bought this bookin hopes of seeing more than my own neighborhood.Unfortuately I was very worried about the routes chosen - suggesting riding down Sunset Blvd. borders on criminal negligence. The book also suggests riding down WIlshire Blvd. to the beach in Santa Monica despite that fact the Wilshire is a busy 4 lane commerical road with nothing but strip malls, while only 1 block south is a bike path through a tree lined neighborhood

Rating:
Summary: A treasure trove of fascinating facts
Review: Short Bike Rides in and around Los Angeles is an absorbing book to read whether or not you are not going to do the rides. I found that each page is full of interesting history, geography, and explanations about what to see in different areas of the city, from Griffith Park to Hollywood to Santa Monica to Santa Clarita. I discovered the origins and meanings of street and city names which I'd always wondered about. As a cyclist and a member of the San Fernando Valley Bicycle Club, I have done many of the rides described in the book. They are scenic, safe on weekends, and enjoyable for both beginning and intermediate cyclists. The maps and routes are easy to read and right on target. I recommend this book for any rider who wants to try a bit of bicycle touring while learning fascinating facts about Los Angeles and vicinity. If you are not ready to ride, read it just for fun.