Tour de Arroyo

No, you can register on the morning of the ride at the Memorial Park starting point. There is an extra fee for late registration. Registration will begin that morning at 8:00 am. TOP

How long is the Tour de Arroyo? Is it a round trip?

The ride is 9.4 miles from Memorial Park to the LA River Historical Park and an similar distance for the return.

Riders may chose to return on the Gold Line train from Chinatown Station or to visit cultural highlights of the Arroyo Seco on the return trip. TOP

Can I still take the Metro?

You may take the Gold Line train on the return trip. There is a Gold Line train station at Chinatown and another at Memorial Park in Pasadena, the starting point. Bikes are allowed on the train. The fare is $1.50. TOP

What is the route of the Tour de Arroyo?

A route sheet will be given to all the morning of the event. A preliminary route map will be posted soon. TOP

How long does it take to ride the Tour de Arroyo?

Fast paced riders will complete the 10 miles to the Cornfields in under 45 minutes. Families with kids (and those of us who enjoy a leisurely bike cruise) should expect a 2-3 hour ride. TOP

Is the course difficult? Is the route all on city streets?

The ride will be primarily on city streets. A two mile portion will be on the bike path in the Arroyo Seco streams in Northeast Los Angeles. The ride is generally an easy gradual downhill slope. There are no difficult hills. There are some street crossings where caution should be used because of traffic. TOP

Is this the first Tour de Arroyo?

This ride, or variations of it, has been a favorite of local riders for many years. We hope to promote its feasibility for a major bikeway that will allow bicyclists to travel between Pasadena and Los Angeles. TOP

Is the Tour de Arroyo a race?

The Tour de Arroyo is not a race. We will not compute your time or offer prizes to fast riders. TOP

If I sign up and can't ride that day, do I get my money back?

No - your admission fee is non-refundable. TOP

How old do I have to be to ride the Tour de Arroyo?

All riders must be over 12 years old. All riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. TOP

What kind of bike should I use for the Tour de Arroyo?

Any bike in good condition should be acceptable for the ride. There are no "off-road" conditions, so fat tires are not necessary. TOP

Will streets be closed for the Tour de Arroyo?

No. Bicyclists must follow all the rules of the road, including obeying traffic signals, sharing the road with cars, yielding to pedestrians, etc. All riders must use common sense and obey traffic rules. TOP

How many rest stops are there?

There will be one rest stop on the ride. TOP

What if I get tired and can't finish the ride?

The ride is generally close to the Gold Line route so riders who lack endurance can catch a ride back on the train with proper faire. TOP

Should I get my bike tuned up before the Tour de Arroyo?

If your bike needs major repairs, we will encourage you to take it to a professional bike shop. We recommend that you make sure your bike is ready before the day of the ride. We will have some technical support available. They can fix and tune minor items, but not major ones. TOP

Do I need to wear a helmet on the Tour de Arroyo?

Yes - you must wear a helmet on the Tour de Arroyo. Not only are helmets a good measure to keep you safe from head injuries, but they are required by the insurer of the ride. No riders will be allowed to participate without a helmet. TOP

How much does it cost to ride the Tour de Arroyo?

General admission is $30 before September 18, 2011. The event day fee is $35.00 per rider. A family may register for $50. If you may wanto to take the Metro, be sure to bring enough for your Metro fare. A one-way ticket is $1.50 per boarding. Bring extra cash if you want to eat at the end of the ride. TOP

Where does money raised by the Tour de Arroyo go?

Money raised by the Tour de Arroyo goes to the Arroyo Seco Foundation - a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring and promoting the Arroyo Seco and its watershed. Proceeds will be used to promote the Arroyo Seco Greenway, which will include bike and pedestrian trails and other recreational enhancements. The Arroyo Seco Foundation is now working with local cities and other agencies to make the Greenway and the Bikeway a reality. TOP

Is the Arroyo Seco all concrete? Isn't it just a storm drain?

The Arroyo Seco is a river and a major tributary of the Los Angeles River. While there is usually a gentle stream flowing there, it is capable a carrying great storms and floods. The City of Los Angeles was actually located where it is to get out of the way of the periodic floods that would occur where the Arroyo Seco meets the LA River.

The Arroyo Seco Foundation has been working with local cities and state agencies to restore the natural character of the Arroyo Seco river as much as possible. We have recently succeeded in introducing the native Arroyo Chub fish back into the stream in Pasadena near the Rose Bowl.

You'll get a sense of the beauty and power of the Arroyo on this ride. We'll parrallel the canyon for all of this ride and even dip into it for the stretch of the ride that will occur in the actual streambed of the Arroyo Seco River.

The Los Angeles River is also undergoing a revitalization, and the Arroyo Seco is a key part of that. Plans have been adopted to transform the once-neglected river into a vital natural resource in the heart of the City. Community and environmental groups have planted thousands of trees, created new mini-parks and public art, and much more is on the way. Come and see for yourself the revitalized Arroyo Seco and Los Angeles River. TOP

What can I do to help the Tour de Arroyo?

We need volunteers to staff our rest stops, setup, do course marking, cheer riders on along the course, etc. Volunteers are especially needed the day of the ride, but also the day before, and the week before. Volunteer shifts are as short as 2 hours. All volunteers receive a Tour de Arroyo T-shirt and refreshments. To volunteer, contact the Arroyo Seo Foundation at volunteer@arroyoseco.org. TOP