Arroyo Seco Via

No, you can register on the morning of the ride at the two starting points, Hahamongna and the LA State Historical Park near Chinatown and the Arroyo Seco Confluence. There is an extra fee for late registration. Registration will begin that morning at 8:00 am. TOP

How long is Arroyo Seco Via? Is it a round trip?

The ride is about 11 miles between the two nodes at Hahamongna Watershed Park in Pasadena and the Los Angeles State Historical Park near downtown Los Angeles for a round trip of 22 miles, if you want to go both ways.

For most of the two-way route, the riders will be close to the Gold Line train, which accomodates bikes and riders, so if you get tired or want to vist on of the cultural highlights of the Arroyo Seco on the return trip, it will still be easy to get back to your starting point. TOP

Can I still take the Gold Line (Metro)?

There are Gold Line transit stations relatively close to the route, so you can take the Gold Line train on the return trip or if you get tired. There is a Gold Line train station at Chinatown and another at Memorial Park in Pasadena, the starting point. Bikes are allowed on the train. The fare is $1.50. TOP

What is the route of Arroyo Seco Via?

A route sheet will be given to all riders on the morning of the event. A preliminary route map will be posted soon. TOP

How long does it take to ride Arroyo Seco Via?

Fit riders will complete each leg of the Via in 30-60 minutes. Families with kids (and those of us who enjoy a leisurely bike cruise) should expect a 3-4 hour ride. TOP

Is the course difficult? Is the route all on city streets?

The ride will be primarily on city streets. A two mile portion will be on the bike path in the Arroyo Seco stream in Northeast Los Angeles. The ride toward downtown is generally an easy gradual downhill slope. Riding up to Hahamongna and Pasadena from Los Angeles isn't hard either with a gentle 3% grade. There are no difficult hills. There are some street crossings where caution must be used because of traffic. TOP

Is this the first Arroyo Seco Via?

This ride, or variations of it, has been a favorite of local riders for many years. The Arroyo Seco Foundation has sponsored the Tour de Arroyo in 2009 and 2010 and Arroyo Ciclavia in 2012. Arroyo Seco Via builds on the excitement and energy of CicLAvia and goes both ways for the first time. The goal of Arroyo Seco Via is to promote the feasibility of this route for a major bikeway that will allow bicyclists to travel between Pasadena and Los Angeles for fun and commuting. TOP

Is Arroyo Seco Via a race?

The Arroyo Seco Via is not a race. We will not compute your time or offer prizes to fast riders. Your only competition is yourself, and safety is the highest priority. TOP

If I sign up and can't ride that day, do I get my money back?

Refunds will be granted to registrants who cancel 48 hours before the start of the event. TOP

How old do I have to be to ride Arroyo Seco Via?

All riders must be over 12 years old. All riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. TOP

What kind of bike should I use for Arroyo Seco Via?

Any bike in good condition should be acceptable for the ride. There are no "off-road" conditions, so fat tires are not necessary. TOP

Will streets be closed for Arroyo Seco Via?

No. Bicyclists must follow all the rules of the road, including obeying traffic signals, sharing the road with cars, yielding to pedestrians, etc. All riders must use common sense and obey traffic rules. Safety is the top priority. TOP

How many rest stops are there?

There will be one rest stop on the ride. TOP

What if I get tired and can't finish the ride?

The ride is generally close to the Gold Line route so riders who lack endurance can catch a ride back on the train with proper faire. TOP

Should I get my bike tuned up before Arroyo Seco Via?

If your bike needs major repairs, we encourage you to take it to a professional bike shop prior to the ride. Make sure your bike is ready before the day of the ride. We will have some technical support available. They can fix and tune minor items, but not major ones. TOP

Do I need to wear a helmet on Arroyo Seco Via?

Yes - you must wear a helmet on Arroyo Seco Via. Not only are helmets a good measure to keep you safe from head injuries, but they are required by the insurer of the ride. No riders will be allowed to participate without a helmet. TOP

How much does it cost to ride Arroyo Seco Via?

General admission is $40 before event day. The event day fee is $50.00 per rider. A family may register for $100. If you may want to take the Metro, be sure to bring enough for your Metro fare. A one-way ticket is $1.50. TOP

Where does money raised by Arroyo Seco Via go?

Money raised by Arroyo Seco Via goes to the Arroyo Seco Foundation - a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring and promoting the Arroyo Seco and its watershed. Proceeds will be used to promote the Arroyo Seco Greenway, which will include bike and pedestrian trails and other recreational enhancements. The Arroyo Seco Foundation is now working with local cities and other agencies to make the Greenway and the Bikeway a reality. TOP

Is the Arroyo Seco all concrete? Isn't it just a storm drain?

The Arroyo Seco is a river and a major tributary of the Los Angeles River. While there is usually a gentle stream flowing there, it is capable a carrying great storms and floods. The early pueblo Los Angeles was sited where it is to get out of the way of the periodic floods that would occur at the Confluence where the Arroyo Seco meets the LA River.

The Arroyo Seco Foundation has been working with local cities, state and federal agencies to restore the natural character of the Arroyo Seco river as much as possible. We have introduced the native Arroyo Chub fish back into the stream in Pasadena near the Rose Bowl, planted trees and restored habitat along its banks, and staged numerous events to education local residents about the Arroyo and celebrate it as our a great natural treasure.

You'll get a sense of the beauty and power of the Arroyo on this ride. We'll parrallel the canyon for most of this ride and even dip into it for the stretch of the ride that will occur in the actual streambed of the Arroyo Seco River. You'll see how feasible and fun a bike path along the Arroyo is.

The Los Angeles River is also undergoing a revitalization, and the Arroyo Seco is a key part of that. Plans have been adopted to transform the once-neglected river into a vital natural resource in the heart of the City. Community and environmental groups have planted thousands of trees, created new mini-parks and public art, and much more is on the way. Come and see for yourself the revitalized Arroyo Seco and Los Angeles River. TOP

What can I do to help Arroyo Seco Via?

We need volunteers to staff our rest stops, setup, do course marking, cheer riders on along the course, etc. Volunteers are especially needed the day of the ride, but also the day before, and the week before. Volunteer shifts are as short as two hours. All volunteers receive a Arroyo Seco Via T-shirt and refreshments. To volunteer, contact the Arroyo Seo Foundation at volunteer@arroyoseco.org. TOP