Victory Lap

Bike Ride Around the Rose Bowl

Many champions have been crowned at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. In 2015, the Tour of California will pick its winners here, too. The final stage of the Tour concludes with several speedy 3.1-mile laps around the stadium and Brookside Golf Course. Should be exciting, right? Don't let the competition have all the fun. Preview the Tour’s inspired finish on a 9-mile ride that includes the lionized loop and an adjoining scenic street. Approach the bowl on the same road as the pros, following bike-friendly Arroyo Boulevard past lovely homes that overlook the Arroyo Seco. Tall oaks arching overhead form a photo-worthy canopy. Pass below the Arroyo Seco Bridge, an elegant concrete span on Highway 134, and cruise down to the Rose Bowl. Get set and go on a loop around the stadium and the adjacent golf course on a paved biking and walking lane that borders the roads. Pedal past long green fairways and catch views of the San Gabriels as you make your lap. A short climb back up Arroyo Boulevard is rewarded with a fun, fast, and winding ride to the finish. Coming up roses!

Begin from San Pascual Park (960 San Pascual Ave. in Los Angeles). Take San Pascual Ave. northeast for 0.4 mile and bear left up Arroyo Blvd. Go north for 2.5 miles and turn left onto the bike trail that loops around the Rose Bowl. Bike back on Arroyo Blvd. to San Pascual Park. Use the Arroyo Seco Trail Guide

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Napa's Art of the Matter

    Downtown Napa uncorks more than just excellent wine. Art has firmly established itself along the walkways and parkways in the area, punctuated by an annual ArtWalk (year-round) and a temporary Lighted Art Festival.

    View
  2. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

    View
  3. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax.

    View
  4. Hike Artdoors

    Add a little color to your new year. This 3-mile loop through the Montalvo Arts Center mixes the beauty of the natural world with local artists’ creations.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Animal Encounters

    Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!

    View
  2. Sundialed

    Redding is home to one of the world’s most famous pedestrian-only bridges—the Sundial Bridge was created by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava (its sister bridges are in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Seville, Spain). The glass-deck bridge across the Sacramento River is a true sundial....

    View
  3. View from Keys View Joshua Tree

    Trio of Trails

    Get into Joshua Tree National Park Park early and hit the classic circuit of short trails before the crowds arrive. We also have some food and overnight recos.

    View
  4. White Tank Campground for Stargazing

    Heaven for star buffs: the best campground in Joshua Tree National Park for night-sky viewing, in a place named an International Dark Sky Park, with a full-on observatory just minutes away! White Tank Campground is at 3,800 feet in the eastern part of the park.

    View