Chicks riding the beach route - the real story

by Chris Carrier

Three chicks rode the 38-mile route for the 2^nd Annual Beach Babe rally.  Pat, Suzanne and Chris signed up for this event to test their mettle and enjoy the morning air along the Pacific Coast, from Long Beach to Huntington Beach and back.

This event was advertised as SoCals only all women beach ride. The event organizers said it sold out and while actual numbers have not been posted, the event was well attended and had some high points and challenges.  The event was launching from a hotel near the Queen Mary.  It took a little effort to find the place and secure parking, but once we all rode to the event, the minor inconveniences were forgotten.

Women on bikes, costumes, and general glee were in abundance on Sunday morning!  There were women of all shapes, sizes ages and levels of silliness.  Many rode in costumes, ranging from the colorfully creative to the wonderfully whacky.  One group rode with blue wings on their backs and plastic tiaras atop their bike helmets!  Another group wore grass skirts and included pink flamingos as their bike companions.  Most just came to ride, but were probably inspired to consider a costume for the next year.

Parts of the ride were along designated bike paths and parts included riding with traffic.  The first rest stop was at the 9^th mile and this gave those who wanted a shorter ride a chance to fuel up and turn around.  Most riders pushed on after snapping up on melon and orange juice.  We rode through Seal Beach, Sunset Beach and finally reached the bike path that runs along the Pacific Ocean, towards the Huntington Beach pier.

 A summer Sunday morning along the beach is a popular destination choice for many folks and riding along the shared paths proved challenging. Good citizenship skills come in handy when trying to share the road with dogs, kids and guys riding those big beach bike cruisers, who always seem to want to weave large curves, just as you are trying to pass them.  Finally the second stop was achieved and we all sat down for a quick sandwich, more fruit and water! This was our halfway point and we made quick work of our lunch, so that our muscles would not cool down too much.

Staying hydrated and keeping calories coming in proves to be the key to a successful long ride.  A handful of almonds just won’t get the job done. Eating quality carbs and protein to fuel muscles, made the trip back to Long Beach possible.

 The event organizers were very thorough in proving signs along the whole route and we all commented on the appreciation of that fact.  While we had route sheets, it was easier to follow the other riders and signs! 

Of course, no ride is complete without a little bushwhacking.  Somehow we lost the route, and the beloved signs were nowhere to be seen. Brave riders charged on and we rode together, friends and strangers, until we reconnected with the approved route.

As we each rode into the parking lot, and past the event photographers, we were serenaded with a live band!  After 38 miles of bike riding, a wonderful lunch was presented and we all ate with abandonment.  Nothing like a hearty bike ride to whet the appetite!  Vendors came around and visited the tables, raffles were drawn (Pat WON!) and bikes began to disappear, as women ended their event. We all admired each other’s bikes, including a very cool vintage Schwinn La Tour circa 1970.  

As only my second paid bike event, I found the Beach Babe ride to be a fun way to expand my skills and experience.  It’s great to have a chance to be a part of something big and enjoy the big group experience.  I do wish the organizers had given out water bottles!