Linus Roadster from Venice Beach
I volunteered to work for free in a get-to-know-you week. My future employer thanked me with a few hundred dollars to buy a bike. I shopped for a fixie but found the single-speed, coaster-break Linus made it a style that I didn't already have at home.
I drew complements from the sidewalks as I rode bye. The standard beach cruiser had a ridiculous riding posture that made it impossible to stand-up to climb a hill.
The dealership was on Abbot Kinney Blvd a few blocks away from work. I left enough money in my account to ship the bike to Portland should the job evaporate, which it did, and now the bike brings back the feel of Southern California whenever I ride it.
From Venice Beach I would bus to downtown then train to Pasadena.
PAGE 33.9866225, -118.4656781 Home in Venice Beach
.
I skipped my usual vacation pedal of Bear Creek last year because the memory of the devastating fire was still too raw. This year I thought I'd ride a few miles. I found the recovery uplifting so rode most of the way to Medford.
I brought out my single-speed to enjoy the simplicity of that ride and see if I regain some of the strength of riding it regularly.