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I’ve been a member of SingularCity for a little over a year now and I have greatly enjoyed many of the events, none more so than the bicycling events, so I was really looking forward to the Harvest Moon bike ride. My anticipation almost ended in disaster! While checking the inflation on my tires I heard an odd snap. When I went to load my bike, it wouldn’t roll and when I looked down I saw 4 spokes broken and the rim twisted up like a pretzel. AAUUUGGH! What to do??!!

 I called some of the bike rental places in Marina del Rey, but of course, since it was after 5 p.m., they were all closed. Running out of options, I called Helen’s Cycles in Santa Monica (where I bought my bike originally) and they had a road bike in my size! With no time to spare, I was off to pick up my “Cadillac” and was on my way.

We met up outside the El Torito just as the sun approached the horizon and the moon had yet to rise. The group that came for the ride showed up on a variety of bikes, an antique one-speed, a mountain bike, hybrid bikes and of course, my high-end road bike that weighed about two pounds and seemed to pedal itself.

 As we started off, we found we had the bike path to ourselves, no rollerbladers to compete with, no kamikaze bikers to be aware of and no inattentive pedestrians to dodge. BLISS! As the sun set, the landscape took on an ethereal quality. There was a slight chill in the air and it was so still. It was easy to imagine we’d literally “escaped from L.A.”

 As we passed Playa del Rey on the other side of LAX, the occasional jet liner taking off for destinations unknown hinted of exotic destinations. The empty volleyball courts, gorgeous beachfront mansions and end-of-the-summer bonfire celebrations on the beach added to the whimsy. We all began to wonder if we had slipped through the looking glass and gone on vacation! The stark contrast to the usual bustling beach side crowd was amazing.

 We finally pulled up to the Hermosa pier. The square facing the pier is filled with eclectic shops, bars and eateries and was hopping with people out for a good time. The bright neon lights and funky facades brought to mind small destination resorts. We settled into a table on Hennessy’s rooftop patio overlooking the beach for some beer and comfort food.

 It was tempting to just let the world move on without us, it was so beautiful, but we knew we had to “keep it together” for the ride back. After an enjoyable interlude, we mounted up to head back. By this time, the harvest moon was up and there was a warm, moist breeze coming in off the ocean. The surf was calm, just enough to let you know it was out there, and the surreal glow across the sand was amazing.

 As we got closer to our starting point, we had mixed feelings. We didn’t want the night to end, but fatigue was starting to creep up on us. The clean air and faerie like surroundings kept us buoyed, and thoughts of margaritas at the end didn’t hurt either, but unfortunately, we arrived too late for last call! ;-) Still, all in all, good friends, good food, and a magical moonlight ride made this the best SingularCity activity I’ve been on yet!

From a friend, I thought it was funny. Thanks MM

What a great trip for the active Singular! Hiking, Biking and Kayaking through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world! I've got mine booked and I think there are still a few spots open (last I checked) But you need to book right away to insure that your trail permits are approved. Because of the endangered ecosystem, travel is very regulated and visits to Machu Picchu may be suspended in the near future altogether! Come on folks, this is the chance of a lifetime! To visit the remains of the Inca civilizations through the jungles and mountains of south america!  It's not a vacation, it's an ADVENTURE!