64 mi, 4,266 ft, Hollywood Gravel - Ride Leader : Bob Kellogg

We'll get an early start at 8AM from Manhattan Pier and head up Ballona Creek.  We'll do some urban riding then start our climbing in Runyon Canyon.  Bike are only allowed on the paved "trails" but at least there won't be any cars.  Then we detour over to the Trebek Open Space for a downhill dirt mile.  Then it's around the Hollywood reservoir and up to the Hollywood Sign incorporating some dirt and more closed roads.  After we take all the pictures, we take a shortcut towards the Observatory on a wide, smooth fire road where bikes are not allowed.  This shouldn't be a problem on an October Thursday, but you never know.  We then take a scenic route to the Observatory via more closed roads, then make our way back home.  This mixed surface route is what gravel bikes are made for, but a strong rider can do it on a mountain bike.  You can cut out some road miles by starting in Culver City or even Hollywood.  Please coordinate with the ride leader if you plan to start somewhere other than MB Pier.