Although we were fortunate enough to have bicycles available to use at our accommodation we rather foolishly didn’t spot a) the bicycle pump or b) the two really nice beach cruisers at the second rental place until a couple of days after we had decided…Read More

Although we were fortunate enough to have bicycles available to use at our accommodation we rather foolishly didn’t spot a) the bicycle pump or b) the two really nice beach cruisers at the second rental place until a couple of days after we had decided to rent bikes for our first foray out to Venice Beach. So my first suggestion (if you’re renting an apartment or house in the area) would be to do a thorough search in the garage for bikes and a device to blow up the tyres before you resort to renting from Fun Bunns. The name might be amusing, but the state of some their bikes is not.

We walked into Fun Bunns (1116 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 Tel: 310 372 8500) and picked up two beach cruisers fairly easily, although not after discounting one specimen with a well rusted chain. They rent by the hour, or by the day the cost is $20 per person.

The Strand is a paved path that stretches from Redondo Beach in the south to Santa Monica pier and beyond. For the most part, there is one path that runs alongside the beachfront homes for pedestrians and a second, lower path dedicated to cyclists that winds through the flat sands. With the exception of a short stretch of road riding near Marina Del Rey (just before Venice Beach), the ride is completely off road, very safe and affords almost uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean waves and horizon.

Starting at Manhattan Beach, it is about 12 miles (one way) to Santa Monica pier. However, it is a very flat and each journey. The only effort required of any rider is around Marina del Rey. The path splits from its ocean side route and heads inland and around the marina. The paths are well sign posted so reaching Venice Beach on the other side was very easy. In fact the trip was almost too easy. I was convinced that at some point I was going to plough headfirst into the sand or miss a key turning. I was enjoying myself so much, basking in the still warm rays of the December sun and exerting such minimal effort that I had to remind myself more than once to keep my eyes on the path that unfurled in front of me without end.

The other joy about this bike ride is that the path is peppered with toilets and water fountains, so it doesn’t even matter if you forget a water bottle or get caught short. About the only think you do have to be mindful of is where the trail crosses a road or pedestrian path.

We took our time and arrived in Venice Beach after a couple of hours. It’s worth dismounting and walking through the colourful strip of shops, cafes and curiousities. It is quite crowded here so you have to be a bit more mindful of fellow cyclists and other wheeled folk.

We stopped in Venice Beach for an iced yogurt (coconut is a good option) and to check out the crowded bars and variety of dogs being walked. This is a good area to stop and eat if you need to. We had already filled up on a Noah bagel in Manhattan Beach and the heat kept our hunger at bay.

We continued up the path a little further until we reach Santa Monica pier. We dismounted again and wheeled the bikes to the end of the wooden pier, passing a few fairground rides, shops, cafes, bizarre street entertainers (one was a guy wearing a gorilla head and doing some weak dance moves to some old techno tunes). I’m not sure if I would recommend stopping here to eat, unless you’re particularly into fairground style food.

If you have the time, Santa Monica has an attractive, pedestrianised shopping area. We didn’t venture into it on this trip but did on a later day but without the bikes. Instead we turned back and pedaled back to Marina del Rey. The stretch between Marina del Rey and Manhattan Beach is quite quiet and passes under the flight path of jets taking off from Los Angeles International Airport. Asides from the plane noise, this part of the trail was the quietest we experienced. There are fewer riders and it is a much more relaxing path to ride. The row of big (and mostly bad taste) homes stretch out at the top of the beach as the waves of the Pacific crash away on the deserted sand plateau below.

On another day we ventured south to Redondo Beach. Just over three miles from Manhattan, the ride to Hermosa and Redondo Beaches is perhaps less relaxing than that to Venice Beach. The path is a lot busier and much of it is shared with pedestrians. However it is a much shorter and easier trail and perhaps a good one to start out on if you only have an hour or two to spare (to Venice Beach and back you will want to allow at least 4-5 hours).

The ride to Hermosa Beach takes very little time. If you’re looking for a livelier and younger crowd, Hermosa is the place to come. The bars were packed along the main strip and while most people were seated inside the bars, their voices carried in noise clouds up and down Pier Avenue.

After lunch at La Playita, we continued on to Redondo Beach. We probably could have rejoined the beach point somewhere but instead we stopped at the marina before heading back. Here we were rewarded with a sighting of dolphins arcing in between the waves. We watched them for a while before heading back to Manhattan Beach to watch the sun set with a cold beer. Close