Mike King

Tour of Long Beach Bike Ride

I'll give this info up front, for those interested: 

If you're registered (or soon will be) for the ride next Saturday 5/14, here's the scoop on picking up your bib number and goody bag: 

Friday, May 13 from 10am-8pm 

• AVIA Hotel, 285 Bay Street, Long Beach. . 
• Parking is available in the Pike parking lot and will be validated at the AVIA and local restaurants. 
• Feel free to pick up your bibs and then join the Bike Festival activities that will run on Friday evening along 1st St. starting at 6pm.
• Carbo Load dinners at participating downtown restaurants.

Saturday, May 14 from 6:30am-7:30am
• At the starting area at Marina Green Park & Shoreline Drive..

Like a dolt, I was expecting an email notice telling me where and when to pick up the stuff, but it was right there on the website. Click Event Details, then FAQs at  http://www.visitlongbeach.com/TourLongBeach/

This is a really nice ride and I highly recommend it. The 31 mile route is flat and fun and easy, though chances are there'll be some dreaded headwinds in the latter part of the course. We rode last year (see photo of starting area at Marina Green Park) but only made it half way because Kim got a flat and my feeble attempt to fix it fell short (the glue in the patch kit was old and dried out. I swear, your Honor). So she hung out at Heartwell Park and read a book on her Android phone while I sped home to get the car. All worked out fine. The lesson learned here is: bring a spare tube. And an Android device.