November’s Critical Mass became the motherlode of all rides—28 miles of endurance, community, and celebration across metro Los Angeles.
Spanning 28 miles across metro Los Angeles, November’s Critical Mass became the motherlode of all rides—an unforgettable blend of endurance, community, and celebration. Beginning at Wilshire & Western, riders pushed forward with purpose, heading first to Burbank Town Center and then onward to Universal Studios, transforming the city’s streets into a rolling festival of lights, laughter, and solidarity.
November 2025 Los Angeles Critical Mass – Wilshire & Western Meetup
At 6:30 PM, our participants started converging at the iconic corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue, the heart of Koreatown. The intersection glowed under the neon signs and streetlights, while bikes lined up in every direction. Music, laughter, and the steady rhythm of freewheels fill the night air as the crowd grew. Waiting for 7:29 PM, anticipation peaked—the lights of hundreds of bicycles flickered like a constellation ready to move, while the masses waited for Lisa and to surge onto Western, to transform the boulevard into a living river of participants.
At 7:29 PM, this month’s ride began with Lisa addressing all participants.
She spoke about the rules, the route, and the spirit of the evening, setting the tone for what would become a memorable journey.
We also had the pleasure of welcoming our legal representative, Richard Pourgol—better known as The Amigo. Richard introduced himself and connected with riders, reinforcing our commitment to community and advocacy.
Stay tuned for an upcoming video featuring Lisa and Richard in the next webcast episode of Voices of the Ride.
Setting Out from HQ
Departing from HQ at Western and Wilshire Koreatown, we embarked on new ride route never attempted before. This month’s objective was to plan a route as flat as possible, and our logistics team spent months carefully mapping the flattest streets to ensure accessibility for all riders. The journey carried us through East Hollywood, where we passed Los Angeles City College, the Church of Scientology, and into Los Feliz.
The streets buzzed with evening life—neon signs flickering, the aroma of street tacos drifting from corner stands, and the chatter of pedestrians mixing with the steady rhythm of wheels on pavement. It was the perfect prologue to the miles ahead.
The Route & Elevation Challenge
From there, riders pushed through steady elevation gains as we made our way to and past Griffith Park and onto San Fernando Boulevard to the Burbank Town Center. The highlight for many was the stretch along the L.A. River bike path near Griffith Park—smooth pavement, scenic views, and the cool November air made it unforgettable.
That section of the ride offered breathtaking views of that area, framed by the steady flow of the 5 Freeway running alongside the path. As cars crept through traffic, drivers and passengers alike turned their heads in awe, watching the spectacle unfold. The sound of wheels humming against concrete, the clack of skateboards, and the whir of e-scooters blended into a rhythm that carried us forward, while laughter, music, and cheers echoed under overpasses.
The sight of masses of cyclists, inline skaters, and e-scooter riders moving together in one continuous wave was nothing short of mesmerizing. For a moment, the freeway and the bike path became parallel worlds—one stuck in gridlock, the other alive with motion, freedom, and community.
Burbank Town Center– The Halfway Point & Experience
The Burbank Town Center wasn’t just another stop along the route—it was the main break area and the official halfway point of the ride. After pushing through the elevation gains to and past Griffith Park, riders arrived to find the streets alive with holiday storefronts, glowing lights, and the buzz of shoppers along San Fernando Boulevard.
Here, the ride transformed into something spectacular. Hundreds of participants filled the streets, and the energy was amplified by the crowds of tourists and locals shopping along and on the boulevard. Nearly a dozen city blocks glowed with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and storefront displays that made the Town Center feel like a holiday stage set.
The air was alive with music spilling from shops, the scent of roasted coffee and street food drifting through the cool night, and the chatter of families weaving in and out of stores. Shoppers paused mid-purchase, children tugged at parents to stop and watch, and visitors lifted phones high to capture the breathtaking sight of Critical Mass in full motion.
The rides main break gave riders a chance to rest, hydrate, and regroup—sharing stories, laughter, and encouragement. The soundscape was a blend of bells, cheers, and the rhythmic hum of wheels, punctuated by the joy of community connection. For a moment, the ride became part of the city’s celebration—a living parade woven into the fabric of Burbank.
From this halfway mark, spirits lifted. The toughest miles were behind us, and the anticipation of the downhill rush ahead carried through the crowd. As we made our way toward Magnolia Boulevard, sidewalks erupted with smiles and waves, a reminder that Critical Mass isn’t just about the riders—it’s about the neighborhoods we pass through, the people we connect with, and the joy we bring to the city itself.
Accessibility & Options
This ride was strategically planned near major Metro and bus hubs, giving participants the option to head back via transit if the miles felt too heavy. Many took advantage of this, while others pressed on to complete the full journey.
Universal Studios / City & The Halfway Point
From Burbank, the ride carried us through Toluca Lake and past the historic Burbank Studios, adding a touch of Hollywood legacy to our journey. The streets here blended quiet residential stretches with the glow of studio lights, a reminder of the city’s deep ties to film and culture.
Rolling into Universal City, we arrived near one of the popular main entrances to Universal Studios Hollywood. The glowing marquees, bustling crowds, and energy of the area gave the ride a cinematic backdrop—like pedaling straight into the heart of Los Angeles entertainment. Riders paused briefly to regroup, sharing water, laughter, and encouragement before continuing toward Cahuenga Boulevard.
Near Universal Studios Boulevard on Cahuenga, we reached the halfway point of the ride. Spirits lifted as riders realized the hardest work was behind them. From that moment on, the route shifted into pure exhilaration.
The Downhill Rush
From the halfway point, it was all downhill. The descent carried us past the Hollywood Bowl, where the iconic arches stood illuminated against the night sky. Riders embraced the speed, leaning into the rush of cool air, bells ringing, and cheers echoing as the group streamed down Cahuenga.
The downhill stretch was fast, smooth, and liberating—wind rushing past, laughter carrying through the group, and the hum of countless wheels echoing down the boulevard. It felt like the perfect reward for the miles already conquered.
Hollywood Boulevard & The Chinese Mann Theatre
On the return leg, the ride briefly touched Hollywood Boulevard, where we passed by the legendary Chinese Mann Theatre. Its glowing façade and storied history gave the ride yet another cinematic backdrop, a reminder of Los Angeles’ place at the heart of global culture. Riders slowed for a moment to take in the sight, bells ringing and cameras flashing as the theatre’s iconic presence framed our passage.
Though much of Hollywood Boulevard was closed off, the group adapted seamlessly, redirecting toward Larchmont Village by Hancock Park.
Larchmont District by Hancock Park
On our way back to HQ, the ride flowed through the Larchmont district by Hancock Park, one of Los Angeles’ most renowned and historic neighborhoods. By the time we arrived, it was close to midnight, and the district had already closed for the evening. The tree‑lined streets, boutique shops, and timeless architecture stood in stillness, offering a striking contrast to the neon bustle of Hollywood Boulevard.
Even without crowds, Larchmont carried a quiet charm. The storefronts glowed faintly under streetlights, and the calm atmosphere gave riders a moment of reflection after the exhilaration of the downhill rush. Passing through Larchmont was a reminder of the diversity of Los Angeles: from cinematic landmarks to historic neighborhoods, each stretch of the ride carried its own character.
It was the perfect final touch before the group’s triumphant return to HQ.
The Champion Ride of 2025
This month’s ride wasn’t just another journey—it was the motherlode of all rides for 2025. We proudly consider it the Champion Ride, a culmination of everything Critical Mass has achieved this year.
In previous months, we had already tested our endurance with long treks to SoFi Stadium and the Santa Monica Pier. Those rides proved our strength, resilience, and unity as a community. Each mile was a lesson, each challenge a victory. And this month, all of that preparation came together.
The Champion Ride showed us that not only can we take on distance and elevation, but we can do so with joy, camaraderie, and the unstoppable energy that defines Critical Mass. Every participant passed the test with flying colors, turning this ride into a milestone that will be remembered for years to come.
Closing Thoughts
This month’s ride embodied what Critical Mass is all about: community, resilience, and joy on two wheels. Whether you rode the full 28 miles or joined for part of the journey, you were part of something bigger—an ever-growing movement that celebrates cycling culture in Los Angeles.
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