Hello La Grange Community,
There is something for everyone in your June La Voix including new committees to join, race report for the La Grange/ LaFabrica Development Team with a save the date for the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix (!) member article/ recap on the Whisky Tango Fondo, recaps on the rescheduled April LG50, May LG50 rides and tandem workshops, more ways to give back, a last chance for input on the PCH Master Plan update plus, a concise summary of minutes from our May board meeting.
Warmly,
Renée Fox, La Voix Editor
P.S. Have something else cycling-related you think would be interesting or beneficial to our members? Submit here to be considered for an upcoming newsletter.
Letter from the President
Hello La Grangers,
It often surprises the novice that teamwork plays such a large part in cycling with specialists to help keep the group moving forward. LaGrange is no different in that the club is at its best when we are working together. So, the board has made it possible for you as members to join the team helping our club move forward by establishing committees to handle manageable tasks. Each Committee will be headed by a board member tasked with creating promotional posts and calls to action for that committee’s efforts.
We are excited to welcome you, dear member, to join one or more of the committees below! With your participation in these and LG events, you will get the most from your membership and our community will be more vibrant and rewarding. Contribute your energy and particular strengths to a committee and enjoy the comradery that La Grange is built upon.
Membership/Volunteering
Work with other committees to attract, retain and engage members with a focus on volunteering. This committee will answer most in-bound questions about the club.
Sponsorship
Seek out and contract with sponsors for the club that would either indirectly benefit membership via cash contributions and product or directly to members via discounts with the emphasis being on the former. This committee will maintain relationships with and drive and return value for those sponsors to encourage renewal.
Social
Plan social events including the annual summer LG Picnic, November Banquet and at least one happy hour a quarter. Coordinate and creatively optimize pre-ride refreshments and post ride events such as Caffe Luxe coffee before and informal gatherings at SMBW after LG50 rides.
Systems and Technology
Manage databases, websites, apps and communications tools the club uses to properly function, setting up systems for transition of board members and maintaining a calendar.
Community Involvement
Represent La Grange within the larger cycling community to make sure LG is heard on such issues as cycling safety and road access. As an extension until one is selected, this committee may seek out and propose one or more charitable causes that align with the club's mission, value and character that would bring additional benefits to the club and it's members.
Details on how to sign up for these committees will be sent shortly via email and the LG Whats App group.
Vive La Grange,
Larry
Racing News
La Grange/ LaFábrica Development Race Team Report
by Sean Kiernan
At the Boulevard Road race, Ryan and Tristan finished 3 and 4 in the Juniors category, and Chase came in 10th in the Cat 4 ride.
Aidan Knierim competed in both Boulevard and the Triton Crit where he got upgrade points. He also competed at the Chula Vista 2 day omnium.
Ultimately, Aidan received confirmation of his upgrade to cat 2 after a strong 6 weeks of finishes. Congratulations Aidan!
The La Grange Development team is being recognized, due to their consistently strong performance and their new vibrant Rudy Project helmets!
The team is looking to attract additional members next year for both cat 3 and 2 so if you or someone you know is interested please reach out to Aldo Jimenez.
Come out and cheer on the La Grange/ LaFábrica Development Race Team!!
As the race season comes towards a close, join your fellow club members to cheer on our development race team at the historic Manhattan Beach Grand Prix, a great race for spectating. Come find us at the LG van/ tent where snacks and beverages will be available for folks who attend.
Sunday July 13 6am-6pm Manhattan Beach Grand Prix
7:30 am Cat 4 race starts with Chase, Tristan, and Ryan
1:00 pm Pro 1/2 state Crit championship with Aidan
Whiskey Tango Fondo 2025 Recap
By Kimon ioannides and Brian Perkins
A few hours north of Los Angeles, tucked between the Sierra and Inyo Mountains, the Whiskey Tango Fondo delivered a stunning gravel adventure through the Owens Valley.
Our mornings began just before dawn at the base of the valley. Kimon quietly climbed out of a tiny campervan parked off Onion Valley Road, trying not to wake his partner and dog, both still asleep. Fresh snow stretched down from 14,000-foot peaks into the foothills, glowing at the edge of the course as the sky shifted from black to blue. A short coast into town felt crisp and quiet, just cold enough to wake up, but no more.
Brian’s morning was a different kind of scramble. A thin layer of frost coated his windshield, and understandably, an ice scraper hadn’t made the spring packing list. Still, cyclists are a resourceful bunch. It wouldn’t be the last moment of collective improvisation.
For Kimon, the early miles moved quickly. Gradually climbing Onion Valley Road, an 1800s mining route once meant to become a trans-Sierra pass, the peloton thinned as our core temperatures rose. He passed his just-awake partner and campervan right as he realized he was overdressed, missing the chance to drop layers. Breathless chatter faded as we turned hard onto the first dirt of the day, skipping the tempting spaghetti switchbacks further up but knowing alpine climbs lay ahead on Whitney Portal Road, just beneath the tallest mountain in the Lower 48. A short stream crossing brought a jolt of thrill and a reminder of the valley’s fraught relationship with LA’s water supply.
Meanwhile, Brian had defrosted both his windshield and his legs. His crew moved steadily, trading turns and choosing lines through long, sandy, sometimes washboarded descents. The group split and regrouped as they rolled through Movie Road in the Alabama Hills. Quiet stretches gave space to admire the twisting rock formations, familiar from westerns and SUV commercials, and maybe imagine them morphing into some kind of enormous, delicious pasty. Above it all, the sky deepened, the valley glowed, and the jagged peaks shed snow by the minute.
A few miles away, Kimon’s day settled into long solo efforts. Aid stations offered real carbs, not mirages, and smiles from volunteers and fellow riders felt just as welcome. On one loose, punchy climb, Kimon dropped his chain into the rear spokes. Event organizer Phil Gaimon happened to be nearby and helped dislodge it with a mix of force and finesse.
Despite showing up reasonably prepared (both of us on hardtail mountain bikes) our hands and wrists took nearly as much of a beating as our legs. Brian’s flat bar and Kimon’s drop bar setups each had their drawbacks. We also ran out of ways to stash discarded layers. Kimon’s jacket spent a stretch stuffed into his bibs like a kangaroo pouch.
At the finish, a generous pour of whiskey and a generously stuffed burrito, and, more importantly, wide, dusty grins. We’ll be back next year, with fewer layers and wider tires.
Club News
Save the Date for our June LG Happy Hour: June 19 at 6pm. Location and further details TBA.
May Tandem Captain Training Clinic with Wayfinder Family Services recap
LG members Sonya Chapnick and Colin Rasor were two of the nine tandem pairs to participate. Colin rode as a Captain with blind stoker Jose, and Sonya was a blind Stoker with Captain Ken. Thanks to all who came out and learned how to ride a tandem!
Interested in being a Tandem Captain? Email LG member Sonya Chapnick to receive updates and invitations to future events.
How Giving Back Helps us All
by Gina Baski
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the theme in 2025 is "Turn Awareness into Action". When individuals and communities take proactive steps to improve the well-being of others, they also experience a significant change in their own sense of purpose and well-being.
Giving and being in service is one of the most fundamental cornerstones to positive mental health, so please consider turning action into change. We have two great organizations that could use your donations or your time. If you have any specific questions and you run into Gina at the club, please ask!
Help LG Sponsor, TriFit Gather Bikes and Gear for Skid Row Running Club!
Founded in 2012 by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Craig Mitchell, the Skid Row Running Club (SKRR) works to involve the larger community in supporting its members in overcoming alcohol/drug abuse and achieving positive life goals through running. The club seeks to empower individuals in their journey through sobriety, running, cycling, and re-entering the workforce. In turn, SRRC club members develop a commitment to give back to others.
They are looking for donations of bikes and any gear for an upcoming event. If you have any cycling gear that is in good condition (bikes, tires, tubes, wheels), we are still accepting donations at TRIFIT. Please drop your items off anytime at the TRIFIT front desk.Your generous donations enable the Skid Row Running Club to thrive in our communities. We love these people, please know they are grateful! You can drop off gear at TRIFIT, for parkinge pull into 2401 Colorado, turn right, pull a ticket, and proceed to the visitor/valet parking area. Take the elevator to the first floor and you will see TRIFIT. We will validate so feel free to park anywhere on the first floor.
Learn more about the Skid Row Running Club, or make a donation to the club here.
SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition
This is an organization we volunteer at on weekends. The mission of SELAH is to build a community-led response to homelessness in Los Angeles that addresses the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors and activates an empowered coalition of participants, volunteers, and partners. SELAH provides basic services from birth certificates and IDs to laundry and lunches. They are in need of men's and women's sweatpants and men's sneakers. If you have any in good condition, please drop off your donations at the TRIFIT front desk.
Learn more about SELAH, what they are doing to make a difference, and volunteer opportunities.
Club Events Recap
April showers = Two May LG50’s
Griffith Park Observatory Led by Marco Fantone | Group B led by Dan Mitnick | SAG by Nigel Stewart and Dan Chapman
On Saturday May 3, rain date for our rescheduled April ride, the 50+ peloton rode to the Griffith Park Observatory and while they still encountered some damp conditions, it was a great day out for all. Marco skillfully led the group together through city traffic lights to a generous SAG at the base of trash truck hill, complete with restrooms. Photo album by Dan Mitnick here
Return to PCH Led by Larry Goodman and Marco Fantone | Group B led by Larry Goodman with help from Amanda Weinstock | SAG by Colin Rasor and Frank Whitelock
On Saturday, May 31 a large group of around 90 riders made a long awaited return to PCH riding to Trancas and back. It was a beautiful day to ride together, with marine layer giving way to sun on our way back to SMBW. The overall vibe was positive as riders looked past evidence of the fires to experience restorative views of the pacific most of us had never seen before. Photos by Dan Mitnick and Frank Whitelock, photo album by Dan Mitnick here
April Board Meeting Minutes
Amanda Beasley, La Grange Secretary, has done the work to provide a concise summary of our monthly board meeting minutes so you can stay engaged with club goings on. Click here to read and look for these each month in LaVoix!
New Members
Please say hello to our new members who joined in May 2025 (you can find them in our Member Directory): W. Baumgart, D. Price, G. Edison, N. Spielberg and G Martins.
Welcome everyone, La Grange is proud to have you with us!
Existing Members: Please update your contact info!
Please take a moment to ensure your contact information is up to date. Visit https://www.lagrange.org/member-dashboard#myaccount to confirm that your phone number is current, and double check that your emergency contact name and phone number are accurate. This helps La Grange improve vendor access to membership verification and ensures that, in case of an emergency during a ride, a board member can quickly notify your emergency contact. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to us at membership@lagrange.org.
Cycling News
LG, Speak UP about the PCH Master Plan
La Grange believes that our club should be represented in the decisions made by CalTrans to redesign PCH with safety of pedestrians and cyclists in mind. Marco Fantone made it easy by writing a template for you, representing our collective concerns on this critical, regional cycling topic. Simply copy and paste Marco’s letter (below), revise so it reflects your own concerns, and submit your comments HERE by June 16, 2025.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) seeks public comment on the Draft Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Master Plan Feasibility Study, which focuses on approximately 21 miles of PCH in Malibu to identify transportation improvements that will address safety for all users, with an emphasis on supporting multimodal travel options for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as enhancing transit opportunities. Comments must be submitted by June 16, 2025.
Suggested Letter to Cal Trans Template
Greetings. Thank you for the time and thoughtfulness that has gone into this plan. My comments are specific to the needs of cyclists, like myself who regularly ride PCH from Santa Monica to Trancas and back. I have read in the study that there is a high preference for fully separated bike lanes and understand that in theory, this can be seen as the safest option for cyclists.
As the report mentioned, there is a finite amount of roadway between the ocean and the mountain side. The goal should be to maximize this space to its fullest potential. Adding any type of what is known in the cycling community as "road furniture" is hazardous. These could be bollards, poles or concrete separators;. all physical obstructions are more dangerous to cyclists than a vehicle passing by. Cyclists prefer and would be better served by their own space, clearly identified by a dedicated green-painted bike lane. Another important factor: pavement on the edges of the roadway where cyclists ride needs to be smooth. Any cracks, holes, debris, etc... will force riders out into the full lane of traffic. Right now, there are numerous stretches of PCH that are problematic. Smooth pavement on the edges will keep cyclists out of traffic lanes.
On PCH, most cyclists ride in packs, as few as a half dozen to as many as 80 because there is more visibility to motorists, hence safety, in numbers. Authors of this study need to understand this. Imagine a pack of cyclists being confined to a separated bike lane, no more than 6 feet wide. If separated lanes are implemented along parts of PCH, large cycling packs will choose to move into the full lane of vehicular traffic as a safer option.
When considering solutions for cycling safety on PCH, both practical and theoretical approaches should be examined. Practical solutions like dedicated bike lanes are more likely to be effective in improving cyclist safety. However, solutions that appear good in theory, including separated lanes with “road furniture”, may not offer adequate protection and could be dangerous in reality. Please consider these points and consult myself or other seasoned cyclists who regularly use PCH.
Thank you for reading.
Follow La Grange and Stay Informed!
Keep-up with LG Rides, News & more on our Social Channels
LG Club on Instagram
LG Race Team on Instagram
LG on Strava
LG on Facebook
LG exclusive What’s App community
Support Our Sponsors
“Lee Ziff is a true professional and stellar Realtor with in depth market knowledge, excellent negotiation skills and high integrity.”
“Lee is a consummate professional. He knows what he is doing and has deep knowledge of the real estate business.”
“As a real estate attorney, my standards for realtors are very high which is why I refer my friends and clients to Lee Ziff.”
THANK YOU to our sponsors!
ACTS Law, Personal Injury Lawyers
APEX Law, Real Estate and Business Litigation
Caffe Luxxe, Artisanal Coffee Roasters
Helen’s Cycles, Local Community Bike Shop
Lee Ziff, Real Estate
Pedal Mafia, Killer Cycling Apparel
Rudy Project, Italian-Made Helmets and Eyewear
The Feed, #1 Source for Performance Nutrition
TriFit LA, Fitness and Performance Center
4iiii Powermeters, Harness the Power
Santa Monica Brew Works, Santa Monica’s First and Only Brewery
