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50 MILE HALF CENTURY BIKE RIDE

-16TH ANNIVERSARY 50 MILE HALF CENTURY BIKE RIDE HIGHLIGHTS-

All routes are works in progress and there will be minor tweaks and improvements made before event date. *Please check back prior to event date.

 

50 Mile Half Century Bike Ride

We collected feedback from riders of past events and designed a better route with improved rest stops that are more cyclist friendly. The new route goes through Downtown LA,  The  LA River,  Glendale, Eagle Rock, Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, South Pasadena, El Sereno and Lincoln Heights.  We start in historic Chinatown with a backdrop of City Hall, ride pass Los Angeles State Historic Park, Autry Museum, LA Zoo, Travel Town, LA Equestrian Center, Bette Davis Park, Verdugo Mountains, JPL/NASA, Christmas Tree Lane, Eaton Canyon and much more. This is a fantastic way  to experience the sights, smells and diversity of Los Angeles County on 2 wheels with fellow cyclists, route signage, SAG support and 2 stocked/staffed rest stops. This is a mix of bike path, bike lanes and urban streets. 

Rest Stop Locations:

Rest Stop #1
Pecan Grove, Griffith Park, on Zoo Drive, just north of the Zoo parking lot.

Rest Stop #1.5
2291 Broadview Dr.
Glendale, CA 91208 (Corner of Broadway Dr. and Park Pl.)

Rest Stop #2
2691 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
(Parking lot being used is on the corner of Sierra Madre Blvd. and Paloma St.)

 

Link to the 50 Mile Half Century Bike Route

*2,200 ft, climb

    

 

-BIKE RIDE FAQs-

ARE E-BIKES ALLOWED?
Electric assisted bikes are welcomed at this event if they are Class 1 or 3 (no electric motorcycles) and you keep a pace consistent with the group.

WILL THERE BE A BAG CHECK SERVICE?
Yes. Free bag check-in will only be provided to registered Bike Ride participants on Saturday, February 24, 2024. Any items not claimed by 2:30 pm will be donated. Firecracker assumes no responsibility or liability for any lost and/or damaged items.

WHAT IS THE LATEST PACKET PICK-UP TIME?
It is recommended that participants arrive on-site as early as possible to avoid large crowds and long lines. Packet pick-up starts at 7 AM. Participants should plan to pick-up ride packets no later than 15 minutes before the start of the registered event to avoid delays, OR after the bike ride is complete.

CAN I PICK UP MY GOODIE BAG AFTER I FINISH THE RIDE?
Yes. T-shirt, finisher’s medal, and goodie bag will ONLY be available  AFTER the ride. 

WHAT IF I WANT TO CHANGE RIDES?
Event changes will incur a cost if the price of the event has increased or if the event changed to, is a different price.  You may change your event by logging into your account and making the change yourself. There are no refunds if you are changing to a less expensive event. For on-site changes, go to the SOLUTIONS booth near the registration site.

DO I NEED TO WEAR A HELMET?
Yes. Bike helmets are mandatory.

IS THERE AN ADDRESS I CAN USE FOR THE START/FINISH LINE?
The Start/Finish line is located near the pedestrian crosswalk located mid-block at 943 N. Broadway, Los Angeles  90012.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE RIDES?
Estimates:

20 mile ride:  1 1/2 – 2 1/2 hrs.
50 mile ride:  2 1/2 - 5 hrs.

WILL THERE BE BIKE MARSHALS ON ROUTE?
Yes, there will be monitors on both routes.

WHAT IF I HAVE EQUIPMENT TROUBLE AND NEED HELP?
A sweep truck will be available to help the rider or bring the rider to the nearest Metro station to return to Chinatown.

HOW IS THE ROUTE MARKED?
Turn arrows will be posted along the route at all turns for both the 18.8 mi and 50 mi rides.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF I AM STAYING ON THE ROUTE?
Review and download the online map and turn-by-turn route slip (when available) at the Firecracker website for reference. Check back often for last minute revisions.  While on the route, pay attention to directional arrow signage at key intersections. 

DO I HAVE TO MAINTAIN A MINIMUM SPEED?
Ride at a safe pace. This is not a race. A pace of 9 mph is sufficient for the 18.8 mi ride.  

WILL STREETS BE CLOSED TO VEHICLE TRAFFIC?
Parts of the route will be on public streets opened to vehicle traffic. Participants must adhere to traffic rules of the road. Be aware of other riders and surrounding vehicles. Ride safely.

WILL THERE BE REFRESHMENTS ON THE RIDE?
Yes,  there will be plenty of refreshments and drinks for all registered participants.  The 20 mi route will have one rest stop with refreshments and the 50 mile route will have two rest stops. At the finish, participants will receive a post-ride Carbo-Load meal. In addition, there may be booth vendors serving food and beverage samples.

WHAT WILL BE AT THE REST STOP?
Water, fruit, snacks, Gatorade, and porta potties.

WHAT IF MY BIKE BREAKS DOWN?
Participants should come prepared with basic bike tools, including spare tubes, pump, cartridges, etc. Ride monitors on bikes and/or vehicles will carry spare tubes and assist with any mechanical problems. If a rider cannot complete the ride for any reason, Firecracker will dispatch a sweep truck and bring the rider to a nearby Metro station to return to Chinatown. 

WHAT IF I GET LOST?
One can download a turn-by-turn route slip from the Firecracker website.  An emergency phone number will be available should a rider have equipment failure or need first aid.

WHAT IF I GET TOO TIRED TO COMPLETE THE RIDE?
The 20 mile ride is mostly flat with a few rolling hills (beginner to intermediate level).

The 50 mile ride features a challenging course (advanced riders recommended).

*If a rider cannot complete the ride for any reason, Firecracker will dispatch a sweep truck and drop the rider off at the nearest Metro station to return to Chinatown. 

WHAT IF I GET INJURED ON THE COURSE? IS EMERGENCY TREATMENT AVAILABLE?
An EMT vehicle and technicians will be available at the rest stops. In case of emergency, flag down a Bike Monitor on route who will call in for an EMT vehicle or sweep vehicle to help. If it is a serious injury, call 911.

WHERE IS THE FINISH LINE?
Follow directional signs into Chinatown Central Plaza, as the finish line is also where the ride starts.

WHAT SHOULD/CAN I DO AFTER COMPLETING THE RIDE?
Follow course signs. We will have a complimentary Bike Valet service. Participants can pick up their goodie bag and enjoy the complimentary Carbo-Load meal (must present race bib) and Firecracker Festival.

CAN I PARK MY BIKE AFTER THE RIDE?
There will be a complimentary Bike Valet service. To self-park, participants should bring a suitable bike restraint. Do not secure bike to a store front gate or to a stranger’s bike. Firecracker assumes no responsibility or liability for any lost and/or damaged bikes.

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