See the Rose Parade the fun and easy way! No traffic hassles getting in and out of Pasadena and a chance to preview the floats up close before the parade starts. It's a ride that anyone can do as it is only 15 miles. Olympians Janet Evans, Allyson Felix, and Greg Louganis will be the grand marshals of this parade.
We will park at Alhambra Park, departing at 6:40AM and cycle 4 miles to the staging area where we see and smell the floats up close. When the parade starts at 8 AM, we then ride to a viewing spot, lock up our bikes and find a place to stand (be prepared to stand for 2 hours, but it's worth it!) When the parade is over, we jump on our bikes and pedal 5 miles away from the traffic and gridlock to lunch in Alhambra. Additional afternoon cycling is available for those desiring more mileage.
What to bring: we suggest you dress in layers, bring a backpack with change of shoes for watching the parade, extra gloves and/or jacket or hat, and a lock for your bike. Bathrooms and snacks are available near our viewing spot.
Directions from OC: 5 North for 30 miles to the 710 Freeway North (on the left exit toward Pasadena) Travel 4.4 miles, and exit onto W Valley Blvd. Turn right onto W Valley Blvd, traveling approx .6 miles to Fremont Ave. Turn left on Fremont Ave and travel 1.5 miles to Alhambra Rd. Turn right on Alhambra Rd, go about 5 blocks, then right on Raymond. Park there at Alhambra Park on the right (you will also see other bike clubs there) Approximate travel time from Irvine: 50 minutes
Carpooling: departing at 5:30AM from Jamboree & 5 Freeway is an option for those interested. We will meet promptly at 5:20AM at the Irvine Market Place: Lenscrafters, 13662 Jamboree Rd. It's the first driveway on the right (then you go right again, and right again; car would then be facing Jamboree) - the store faces the 5 and is the closest store to the 5 on the right. If you are planning on meeting us for carpooling, please provide your cell phone number to Penny (pennylp1@yahoo.com) in case we need to contact you that morning.
