Here in Los Angeles, there seems to be a checkpoint race that takes the city by storm, but over the last five years, the LA Tourist Race has become the must-do race. Normally scavenger hunt races in LA take you through the busy streets of downtown, but not for this race. Instead, the goal is to get you out of the big city, taking participants deep into the mountains to places many didn’t know were accessible by bike.
The LA Tourist Race is fewer rules and more fun. It’s more of an if it rolls, then race it vibe. Aero bars probably won’t help, but if you want them, Mike and the team won’t stop you from rolling into the fun. No race license, just show up on whatever bike you have and go. Race it, ride it or just be part of the before and after party, it doesn’t matter.
LA Tourist Race is celebrating its fifth year, and this is the second one of the series. For race two, SoCal has finally gotten some much-needed rain and snow so the water crossings are ragging. While this has limited some of Mike’s favorite mountaintop peaks, we will likely still ride through a bit of snow and plenty of water. However, the recent rain has already scared many even though the overall distance is fairly short when compared to years in the past.
The race starts on March 11th at Let’s Ride Cyclery in Burbank, Ca, on Hollywood way between the Chandler bike path and Magnolia Blvd. Also about half a block from the famous Porto’s Bakery.
THE FORMAT
The race is a scavenger hunt style with four checkpoints. Since you can do the stops in any order, with the only real set rule being you must start and finish at the Let’s Ride Cyclery & LA Tourist HQ in Burbank. The race starts at 8 am on Saturday, March 11th, 2023.
THE ROUTE
TROY’S BIKE CHOICE
I have chosen a bike with a Lauf Grit fork, the new Lauf Siegla. A set of light but durable WTB CZR I23 wheels. Tires have not been chosen yet, but the Kenda Booster Pro tires in size 40mm should be a good all-around choice. For gears, a SRAM AXS XPLR 1x system. There is a 40t crankset matched with a 10-44t cassette.
As a backup in case it rains the entire night before the race, the XC mountain bike with larger 2.3 tires and more climbing-friendly gears might get called in. The mountain bike has a 32t chainring matched to a 10-50t SRAM AXS Eagle cassette. With the damp and steep climbs, the extra range might be the difference between riding and hiking certain sections. We will have to see what mother nature brings.
With so much water and the likelihood of having to shoulder the bike a lot, no frame bag this year. Temperatures will likely be in the 50s, but the shade and canyons will be in the low 40s, so a jacket or vest and arm warmers should be all we need. And some dry sock at the finish.
THE NEXT RACE
If you can’t make it to race #2, no worries. Race #3 redemption is always available. Registration is open and only $25. For more info head to latouristrace.com
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