![\"\"](\"https:\/\/la-criticalmass.org\/media\/2026\/02\/los-angeles-critical-mass-january-2026-koreatown1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nBy 7:29 PM, the crowd had swelled into the thousands. <\/em><\/strong>What began as a steady stream of early arrivals became a tidal wave of riders stretching down the boulevard. For many, this was more than a ride\u2014it was a reunion, a tradition, and a statement of presence in a city that often forgets its cyclists. The ride route started off with Lisa in the lead vehicle, guiding the masses north on Western toward 6th Street. As the ride made a left onto 6th, swarms of cyclists and participants engulfed the entire intersection. The scale was staggering: by the time the front of the ride was way passed Wilton Pl on 6th, the masses of participants was still leaving Western and 6th. It was a glorious sight\u2014thousands moving as one, stretching across multiple city blocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Support vehicles illuminated the back end of the ride at Western and 6th, marking the tail with bright safety lights as they followed the route to Lucerne, where the ride made a right turn. From there, the group entered Larchmont<\/u><\/a> and Hancock Park<\/u><\/a>, neighborhoods known for their historic landmarks, tree\u2011lined streets, and some of the most beautiful mansions in Los Angeles<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ride continued with a left turn onto Melrose Avenue<\/u><\/a> as the masses headed toward West Hollywood<\/u><\/a>. Once the group reached La Brea and made a right, the anticipation grew. The final left turn onto Santa Monica Boulevard<\/u><\/a> unleashed a wave of excitement. As we left our first break and continued west on Santa Monica Blvd, the energy shifted. As we headed west, Santa Monica Blvd opened into a glowing corridor of culture, history, and international presence. A few blocks earlier, we had passed the Los Angeles LGBT Center\u2019s West Hollywood campus<\/u><\/a> \u2014 a landmark of identity, resilience, and community that anchors the eastern stretch of the boulevard. Now, moving deeper into the Westside, we entered the section known for its cluster of international consulates and diplomatic offices. Flags from nations such as France, Colombia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and others lined the surrounding blocks, a vivid reminder of the global community rooted in Los Angeles. Riding through this diplomatic and cultural corridor at night \u2014 thousands strong, lights flashing, wheels humming \u2014 felt symbolic. A global avenue filled with riders from every background, moving together as one. Off to the south, the iconic Century City Towers rose above the district \u2014 1960s skyscrapers born from the old Fox backlot, their mirrored faces scattering our lights as we continued west.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we pushed west, Santa Monica Blvd opened into a glowing corridor of culture, history, and international presence \u2014 a stretch of the city that feels alive even at night. As the incline began, the shift was immediate. Pedals tightened. Breathing deepened. Conversations faded into focused silence. The laughter didn\u2019t disappear \u2014 it transformed into determination. Century City is stunning at night, but its hills can be unforgiving on a bike. By the time we were in Westwood, we had already passed a string of landmarks stretching from Beverly Hills through Century City \u2014 each one lighting the way as thousands of riders moved west. And then, rising above everything ahead of us, came one of the most striking sights on the route: the Los Angeles California Temple<\/u><\/a>. Its illuminated spire dominated the skyline, a massive silhouette against the night. Completed in 1956 and once the largest LDS temple in the world, it stands as a monument to the post\u2011war boom that shaped modern Los Angeles. Even in the dark, its white stone and sweeping grounds were impossible to miss as the entire mass streamed past, carrying us closer to the long\u2011awaited return to UCLA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From Santa Monica Blvd, we made a quick right turn past Veterans Ave, rolling by the Jack in the Box before making another right onto Greenfield Ave. This was the easiest street in the area for the final climb toward UCLA\u2014a route our executive team had carefully selected after multiple pre\u2011rides. We took January\u2019s 2026 ride through this neighborhood specifically to avoid the steep, punishing incline on Westwood and Veteran Ave. Greenfield offered a smoother, more manageable ascent for thousands of riders moving together. Westwood Village<\/u><\/a> itself is a historic 1920s\u2011era district built in Mediterranean Revival style. Home to the Fox Village Theater<\/u><\/a> and generations of UCLA<\/u><\/a> student life, it has long been a hub of nightlife, film premieres, and campus culture. The moment we pulled into our main break area, the atmosphere transformed into something unforgettable. Thousands of riders filled the corner across from UCLA, creating a scene that felt part festival, part reunion, and part celebration of everything LA Critical Mass stands for. Chargel, one of our proud sponsors, was out in full force. <\/em><\/strong>From the very start of the ride at Western and Wilshire all the way to UCLA, Chargel<\/u><\/a> was being sampled, enjoyed, and appreciated by riders who needed that extra boost. Smiles spread quickly as participants started sipping the Chargel energy gel packs\u2014many were introduced to the fact that they\u2019re caffeine\u2011free and loved that there was no crash afterward. Our VP, Jojo, moved through the crowd handing out the delicious gel packs to anyone interested or simply curious, talking with participants, checking in on riders, and celebrating everyone who pushed through this month\u2019s challenging route. Riders were smiling, energized, and grateful\u2014Chargel truly helped fueled the night. More than a few riders even asked Jojo where they could buy Chargel<\/u><\/a> for themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In\u2011N\u2011Out<\/u><\/a> was a true epic delight for many. After the long ride and the climb into Westwood, countless riders had worked up a serious appetite, and the smell of fresh burgers and fries drifting through the air was irresistible. Riders lined up, grabbed food, and enjoyed a well\u2011earned moment of comfort before the final stretch of the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The location of the break was perfect. The UCLA campus stood directly in front of us, glowing under the night sky. To our right, the In\u2011N\u2011Out was alive with students and late\u2011night diners. Taco vendors lined the sidewalks, grills sizzling as riders grabbed snacks, water, and a moment to recharge. Nearby restaurants added to the energy, blending seamlessly with the mass of cyclists. Our main break gave us about an hour and a half\u2014plenty of time for riders to recharge, refuel, hydrate, and gather themselves before the journey back. When it was time to roll out, the energy was calm but confident. We were heading back to our HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We made our way passing through Westwood Village, a historic district that has shaped UCLA student life for nearly a century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The masses rolled past the Hammer Museum<\/u><\/a>, a major cultural institution representing LA\u2019s artistic and intellectual heart. Once we reached Wilshire Blvd, the hardest work was behind us. The road opened into a long, gradual downhill all the way back to HQ at Western and Wilshire. And this wasn\u2019t just any stretch of road\u2014Wilshire is one of the most historic boulevards in Los Angeles, and riding it at night felt like gliding through a living museum. The first ride of the year was coming to a close, and the feeling was unmistakable:
This month\u2019s route carried special meaning. For the first time in nearly 15 years, LA Critical Mass returned to UCLA<\/u><\/a>. <\/em>The campus, long absent from our monthly routes, welcomed a new generation of riders who had never experienced the iconic climb or the electric feeling of rolling through Westwood<\/u><\/a> as one unified movement.
At the corner of Wilshire Blvd and Western Ave, President Lisa of LA Critical Mass pulled up to the front of the crowd to brief the riders. Her message was clear, grounded, and rooted in the values that have kept this ride alive for more than two decades:
Respect the streets.<\/strong>
Respect the communities we pass through.<\/strong>
Respect each other.<\/strong>
She reminded everyone of the ride rules, the importance of staying together, and the responsibility we carry when thousands move as one through the city.
With that, the first ride of the year launched\u2014smooth, joyful, and powerful. The weather cooperated, the energy was high, and the return to UCLA felt like a homecoming long overdue.
Last month\u2019s ride wasn\u2019t just a strong start to 2026. It was a reminder of what LA Critical Mass represents: community, visibility, and the simple joy of taking over the streets on two wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA Ride Route That Lit Up the City<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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As soon as wheels hit Santa Monica Blvd, the ride roared with laughter, cheers, and pure Friday\u2011night joy. Thousands of participants lit up the boulevard with lights, music, and the kind of collective energy that makes people stop in their tracks.
Onlookers froze in amazement, taking pictures and recording videos as the masses engulfed West Hollywood. Once we reached the main part of West Hollywood\u2014where the nightclubs, restaurants and major attractions, LA Critical Mass took over the major attractions with the glorious sight of all our participants.
We were headed to Beverly Hills<\/u><\/a>, where Beverly Hills PD<\/u><\/a> were waiting for us and where we were going to take our first break. Our first break gives everyone enough time to catch up, take a bathroom break and get some hydration before heading out to our main break. Our first break time ranges from 20\u201330 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Journey Into Century City<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
The ride continued past the elegant storefronts marking the Beverly Hills gateway<\/u><\/a>, a world\u2011famous symbol of luxury and Hollywood<\/u><\/a> mythology. The iconic Beverly Hills Sign<\/u><\/a> and manicured gardens<\/u><\/a> have appeared in countless films, making this stretch instantly recognizable. Rolling through it felt like entering a postcard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we pushed west, Santa Monica Blvd carried us past the residential towers that line the edge of Century City<\/u><\/a>, their windows catching the glow of the ride as we moved in unison. Further along the boulevard, the mass rode just north of the historic Fox Studios lot<\/u><\/a> \u2014 a cornerstone of nearly a century of film history. From classic Hollywood productions to modern blockbusters, the studio\u2019s presence anchors this part of Los Angeles, and even from a distance, riding thousands strong through the Westside\u2019s film district added another layer of LA\u2019s story to the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Climb Into Westwood: A Challenge Met With Pure Determination<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Everyone could feel it: the anticipation, the curiosity, that quiet buzz that always settles over the group right before a climb. Our riders never know the full route, but anyone familiar with Los Angeles terrain could sense what was coming. Century City and Westwood rises above the flat stretches of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, and the approach is a long, steady ascent you can feel in your legs before you even see it.
But this wasn\u2019t just any climb. This was our long\u2011awaited return to UCLA after nearly 15 years.<\/em>
Our executive team spent weeks preparing for this moment \u2014 pre\u2011rides, scouting missions, and route tests to find the smoothest gradients, the safest lines, and the most forgiving inclines. This part of the city is known for its rolling hills and sudden elevation changes, and we wanted every rider \u2014 first\u2011timers and veterans alike \u2014 to take on the challenge together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Block by block, the climb built. Santa Monica Blvd stretched ahead like a glowing ribbon under the streetlights, and the mass moved as one steady, powerful wave. Riders encouraged each other. Some pushed through the burn. Others locked into their rhythm. Our support vehicles held formation, lighting the way and keeping everyone safe.
The true climb began as we passed Beverly Glen Blvd. Lisa led the ride to the top, stopping as needed \u2014 a practice we use to ensure we never leave gaps. Keeping the group tight protects our riders from motorists trying to cut through or ride within the mass.
And then, the moment everyone waits for: the crest.
Once the last riders reached the top, the energy shifted again. We were thousands strong, rolling into a downhill that felt like pure reward. The breeze, the speed, the shared momentum \u2014 it was electric.
Even at night, Santa Monica Blvd revealed its landmarks and history as we descended. The city felt wide open, alive, and ours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nThe UCLA Approach<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Once we reached Ohio Ave, we made another quick right, followed by a left onto Veteran Ave, where the road finally leveled out. The relief was immediate. After the long climb through Century City and Westwood\u2019s rolling terrain, this straightened stretch of Veteran felt like a gift.
As we approached Wilshire, the excitement in the crowd was unmistakable. Riders cheered, bells rang, and conversations erupted with anticipation. Many participants already knew exactly what this meant. Crossing Wilshire was the signal everyone had been waiting for\u2014it was all UCLA from here.
Passing Wilshire, we made a quick right onto Kinross Ave, heading straight toward Westwood Blvd<\/u><\/a>. The nighttime crowds in this area were almost entirely students, and the energy was electric. The sidewalks glowed with movement\u2014students laughing, filming, cheering, and reacting in real time as LA Critical Mass engulfed the village. The nightlife<\/u><\/a>, the neon, the campus buzz\u2014it all blended into a perfect backdrop for thousands of cyclists rolling through together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We were headed to our main break area.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Atmosphere at the Main Break<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Bike lights flickered across buildings, music echoed through the village, and the air buzzed with conversations, laughter, and the shared triumph of making it to UCLA after nearly 15 years.
This break wasn\u2019t just a pause\u2014it was a refueling station in every sense of the word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n
Despite the size of the gathering, everything felt calm, respectful, and organized. Riders spread out naturally, giving each other space while still sharing the collective joy of the moment. Some sat on curbs, others leaned against their bikes, and many simply stood in awe, taking in the sight of masses who had climbed, descended, and pushed together to reach this point.
Then UCLA Campus Police<\/u><\/a> arrived. They greeted Lisa warmly, and their reaction said everything\u2014they were amazed. Truly amazed. Seeing masses of riders filling the area with lights, music, and unity was a sight that even they weren\u2019t fully prepared for, despite knowing we were coming. Their presence was supportive and collaborative, reinforcing the respect between LA Critical Mass and the campus community.
The atmosphere was electric, joyful, and deeply meaningful. It was a moment of pride for every rider, every volunteer, every organizer, and every partner who helped make this ride possible. A moment that reminded everyone why LA Critical Mass continues to grow, continues to inspire, and continues to move this city\u2014one ride at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Final Stretch Back to HQ<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
We took our massive crowd down Westwood Blvd, past Wilshire, and back toward Santa Monica Blvd. The long, steep downhill from UCLA to Santa Monica Blvd was refreshing\u2014a cool rush of air, a moment of effortless speed, and a well\u2011earned reward after the climb into Westwood.
But everyone knew what still lay ahead. There was one more climb waiting for us on the way back to Beverly Hills.
Even so, our riders were ready. Many had eaten, hydrated, rested, and recharged with Chargel. Spirits were high. Legs were strong again. And while the final climb was a challenge, it was one that had to be conquered\u2014and it was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From there, the ride carried us past the Los Angeles County Museum of Art<\/u><\/a> (LACMA), the largest art museum in the western United States. Just beyond it, the unmistakable glow of the Urban Lights<\/u><\/a>\u2014Chris Burden\u2019s iconic forest of 202 restored vintage street lamps\u2014lit up the night and drew cheers from riders as we passed. The La Brea Tar Pits<\/u><\/a> came last, one of the world\u2019s most famous Ice Age fossil sites and a powerful reminder that Los Angeles\u2019 story began long before Hollywood.
Continuing down Wilshire, the mass passed the historic El Rey Theatre<\/u><\/a>, a 1936 Art Deco landmark and beloved live music venue.
Next came the Wilshire Ebell Theatre<\/u><\/a>, part of the historic Ebell women\u2019s club<\/u><\/a> founded in 1894, symbolizing women\u2019s leadership and civic engagement.
Finally, we passed the grand Wilshire Boulevard Temple<\/u><\/a>, one of the oldest Jewish congregations in the city, its Byzantine\u2011inspired dome representing deep cultural roots in Los Angeles.
By the time we approached Koreatown<\/u><\/a>, the lights grew brighter, the streets livelier, and the energy unmistakable. Restaurants, caf\u00e9s, and late\u2011night crowds lined the sidewalks as thousands of cyclists streamed through the heart of the city. Koreatown is one of the most vibrant, densely populated neighborhoods in the United States\u2014a cultural powerhouse known for nightlife, food, music, and community resilience.
The final stretch toward Western and Wilshire felt like a victory lap\u2014smooth, fast, and filled with pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We had done something extraordinary together\u2014and with the community\u2019s support, we\u2019ll continue doing it every last Friday of every month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n