{"id":8933,"date":"2026-06-17T18:09:05","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T18:09:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/la-criticalmass.org\/?p=8933"},"modified":"2026-06-17T19:10:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T19:10:43","slug":"may-2026-ride-the-night-we-rode-into-glendale-for-the-first-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/la-criticalmass.org\/may-2026-ride-the-night-we-rode-into-glendale-for-the-first-time\/","title":{"rendered":"May 2026 Ride: The Night We Rode Into Glendale for the First Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The May 2026 LA Critical Mass ride brought together thousands of cyclists<\/strong> for one of the most significant nights in our movement\u2019s history. <\/h1>\n\n\n\n

As Lisa addressed the crowd at Western and Wilshire \u2014 joined by volunteers, sponsors, and our loyal friends the Litriderz<\/strong> who ride with us every month \u2014 the intersection filled with energy. A large bike club from Las Vegas<\/strong> arrived with dozens of cyclists, while riders from London Critical Mass<\/strong>, New York Critical Mass<\/strong>, and Texas Critical Mass<\/strong> came to connect, enjoy our ride, and experience firsthand how we lead the largest community bicycle ride in the United States. With daylight still stretching across Koreatown, the mass rolled out toward a route that would take us into Glendale for the first time in LA Critical Mass history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Chargel Fuels the Start of Every Ride<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Before every LA Critical Mass ride begins, our VP Jojo<\/strong> visits the corner of Western & Wilshire<\/strong>, greeting cyclists as they arrive and handing out Chargel energy gel sample packs<\/strong>. It has become a signature part of the LA Critical Mass experience \u2014 a moment where cyclists gather, chat, and fuel up before rolling out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chargel\u2019s non\u2011caffeine, carb\u2011loaded gel packs<\/strong> give cyclists a clean, steady boost without the crash, making them a favorite among both new riders and long\u2011time participants. Jojo doesn\u2019t just hand them out at the start \u2014 he also passes them out again at our main break<\/strong>, making sure anyone who wants that extra push has it. The bright fruit flavors, the easy sip\u2011and\u2011go design, and the energy they provide have become part of the rhythm of the ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolling Out Through Koreatown in Daylight<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The mass rolled out from Western & Wilshire while it was still bright outside. The early\u2011evening sun lit up Koreatown\u2019s neon signs, historic theaters, and mid\u2011century storefronts as thousands of cyclists<\/strong> filled Western Avenue<\/strong> in a solid wave of movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We headed north on Western<\/strong>, then made a right onto 6th Street<\/strong>, officially beginning the night\u2019s carefully engineered route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Navigating the Koreatown Grid: A Route Designed for Safety<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

To keep thousands safe from Friday evening traffic, the route moved through Koreatown\u2019s quieter residential streets \u2014 a network lined with 1920s courtyard apartments, historic churches, and long\u2011standing neighborhood businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From 6th Street, the mass made a quick left onto Serrano Avenue<\/strong>, then continued to 3rd Street<\/strong>, where we turned right. The ride then flowed into a left on Hobart Boulevard<\/strong>, followed by a right on 2nd Street<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We continued with a left onto Kingsley Drive<\/strong>, taking us to Beverly Boulevard<\/strong>, one of LA\u2019s oldest east\u2011west arteries. From there, we turned left onto North Heliotrope Drive<\/strong>, entering the edge of East Hollywood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This entire sequence \u2014 Serrano, Hobart, Kingsley, Heliotrope \u2014 was chosen to minimize elevation, avoid major traffic corridors, and keep the mass protected. Even though the climb toward Los Feliz was inevitable, this route offered the safest and most efficient path north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Passing Los Angeles City College: A Historic East Hollywood Landmark<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

As the mass moved up Heliotrope, we passed Los Angeles City College (LACC)<\/strong> \u2014 one of the most historically significant campuses in the city. Founded in 1929<\/strong> on the former site of the original UCLA campus, LACC has served as a cultural and educational anchor for nearly a century. Its palm\u2011lined walkways, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, and open quad have appeared in countless films, television shows, and music videos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A Launchpad for Icons<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

LACC\u2019s alumni list reads like a Hollywood Walk of Fame roster. Some of the most influential actors, musicians, and cultural figures in American history began their journeys here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Actors & Performers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n