'80s Movies: A Ride with the LA Explorers Club

July 28, 2019

'80s Movies: A Ride with the LA Explorers Club

We had rolled up to a stop in some bank parking lot on Mission, somewhere with Teen Wolf and Back to the Future behind us, and Halloween and Pretty in Pink still ahead of us. The Pharmacy with their olde time soda fountain was across the way, and boy did my mind return to some hot afternoons spent there. And those cold treats, I knew were inside, sounded... BOOM!

I can't be sure if "Doc" was relating some information about a set location at the time or not, but the sudden, instantaneous release of air from a quite large tire and the corresponding spray of sealant (maybe that is what that white stuff on my shirt is) redirected everyone's attention to that, now, disturbingly flattened rear tire. Too bad for that rider, because this latest tour by the LA Explorers Club (#LAExplorers) was a - sorry but I must say it - was a "blast."

The Los Angeles Explorers Club is a "collection of local cyclists who think LA is a rad place to live, bike and explore." Their rides often have a historical "bent" to them, or revolve around cultural landmarks in the city, and surrounding region - things that make Los Angeles unique. I am not sure their rides are always free adventures, but this one was, so that not even the heat of mid-day was going to deter anyone. Settings for 1980s Hollywood movies in the South Pasadena and Pasadena area was the theme, with visits to various houses (and sites) used during the filming of movies, like Pee Wee's Big Adventure, in addition to those mentioned above, and then other landmarks - Rose Bowl, Gamble House - as well.

There was trivia before and during the ride, with prizes thrown about, and... did I mention that the Los Angeles Explorers Club does their research; this was not a hastily cobbled together outing. It was clear that a lot of thought had gone into selecting the best, most interesting route, not to mention the details about the roles that each location played in the select films.

Los Angeles Explorers Club rides have reached my radar in the past, but there has always been some reason not to go. I was glad to have been convinced not to miss this one, and will most definitely be on the lookout for the next one. Seriously, if you are into riding, and exploring, and all the bits and pieces that make Los Angeles and surrounding cities what it / they are, check out the LA Explorers Club, and get yourself on their email list so that you don't miss out on the next one.

Thanks go out to the Club for the logistical efforts of putting the ride together and shepherding everyone safely along the route. Thanks to the Cub House (love that shop) for hosting the Gathering and post-ride party with food, beverages, karaoke, dance and costume contests.

Finally, the album of ride and party photos (including the few shown here, below).