Pair of Bike Rides Show Off Downtown Neighborhoods

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Those interested in getting out and about on two wheels should take note of a pair of bike rides that explore Downtown neighborhoods.

Councilman Tom LaBonge kicks things off this evening, and Pershing Square follows up with a Sunday ride that is a part of the park's Neighbor-Day Weekend. While Downtown's a great spot to ride all year round, these two rides give a chance for riders to get familiar with the streets in a group setting.

LaBonge, who led a similar ride in August, hosts a ride that starts at City Hall before heading to the Los Angeles State Historic Park, Boyle Heights, the 6th street bridge and the Financial District. It gets underway at 6pm this evening. All riders are asked to wear helmets. LaBonge will be hosting weekly rides through July 22.

Pershing Square's Discovery Bike Ride takes place on Sunday morning, June 28, at 9:30am. The 10-mile route explores South Park, the Financial District, Arts District, Fashion District and Historic Core. It even includes a pass by Downtown's absurdly cool ship-shaped Coca-Cola bottling plant.

If you feel you need a little extra warm-up to go 10 miles, there will be a free yoga warm-up at 9am.

I highly recommend the Pershing Square route -- I actually put it together based on parts of Downtown that I love to ride (though I'll actually be out of town and miss the ride).