East Side Riders Bike Club Grand Opening

This past Labor Day weekend, I was fortunate enough to hang out at the East Side Bike Riders Club ribbon cutting for a couple of hours before family duties pulled me away. Nonetheless, I was able to take part of the atmosphere bringing another great cycling outlet to the city.

IMG_20150905_130510Like any grand opening, people were scurrying around making last second arrangements with everyone eager to lend a helping hand.

I got a quick tour of the overhauled facility from club President, Fred Buggs, before the crowds came in. They put a lot of blood, sweat and tears on the renovation and it showed. Everything was spick and span, and provided a comfortable work environment to focus on bikes.

Fred explained how the goal is to teach kids how to fix and sell bikes that could flourish into a skill while making some cash at the same time.

For the event, there was a great part of the cycling world making it out, both local and from every stretch of the city. The community work that John Jones and the East Side Bike Riders does not go unnoticed across Los Angeles. Located on Central Ave. a couple blocks north of the 105 Freeway, everyone knows what a great idea this bike club is and I imagine this is the start of something big.EastSideRiders02

Oh yes, there were bikes there as well. Custom bikes were pretty well represented and it was hard to take your eye off of Arturo Ramirez’s crafted wonder. You may get sucked in by the artistry, but looking closer, you notice it is a mechanical marvel. When he told me his bike had 105 gears, I first assumed he meant a Shimano 105 groupset. Nope. One hundred five total gears! Just looking at the drivetrain made my head spin.

Everyone should check out the new club and follow all things East Side Riders. Just imagine what LA would look like if we could have this level of cycling love across the city.

IMG_20150905_131133

 

IMG_20150905_130432