Newport/Balboa bike path

One of my favorite bike trails to ride when I get a chance is the Newport/Balboa bike path. This trek always takes me back in time to when I was younger and didn’t have a care, or a debt, in the world. Once I exit the 405 freeway and roll down the windows, I feel a calming lightness in the air. Everything and everyone seems to be moving at a slower, more relaxed place around here. It’s a peaceful break from the crowded, traffic and stressful congestion of LA County. After parking and unloading my bike, I stop to check out the scene. I see a lot of smiles as I watch the people carrying their towels and ice chests towards the beach. I see the serenity on the faces of the early morning surfers, finished with their session, walking back to their cars with their wetsuits zipped halfway down and their boards in their hands. As I set my playlist to old beach songs and put on my sun block I am already immersed in the sounds and smells of this ideal setting. Armed with my mp3 player and my beach cruiser, I prepare myself to ride through the sites, sounds, and nostalgia of my youth.
The trail starts at the border of Huntington and Newport beaches, where the Santa Ana River flows into the ocean. This area is one of the best surf spots in Southern California. The waves here are long and glassy, and there is never a time in the day where you cannot spot surfers riding. The beach here is nicknamed Dog Beach because it is the destination of many dog walkers in the area. The river creates a slow moving pool, where dogs and humans alike can enjoy a calming swim in the fresh water.
I head over the Santa Ana River and head down the path. To my right is a grassy area where people are riding their beach cruisers and surfers are toweling off. Just beyond them sit rows of beachfront homes that I wish I lived in. Just beyond them you can hear the crashing of huge waves onto the beach. To my left is Pacific Coast Highway. I can’t help but be distracted by the occasional Porsche, Ferrari, or Lamborghini that zooms by. I fight stopping at The Big Belly Deli, a superb deli across Pacific Coast Highway as I head down the concrete bike path.
When I get to 36th street, I can finally get onto the oceanfront bike path. The beach is now to my right, and the homes I wish I lived in are to my left. As I slowly cruise down the path, there is an array of people rollerblading, walking, and riding their bikes along this path. I can’t help but notice the friendliness of the people on the trail. Just about every person I pass smiles, nods, or says hello to me. The interaction with total strangers makes me feel special and puts me in a great mood. I realize that I have been riding with an unconscious smile on my face.
Soon I reach the shops at the Balboa Pier. It is here that I realize that my choice to ride my beach cruiser was a good idea. There are so many beach cruisers here it almost seems like a bike show. There are rows of beach cruisers on bike racks. I even spot surfers with their surf boards racked to the side of their beach cruisers. I feel like I fit in. I stop at Perry’s Pizza and order a slice. They have a window here, where bike riders and pedestrians can order food right on the path. I decide to take my slice and eat it on the pier. After finishing the pizza and heading south, I finally reach the end of the trail. The trail ends at the mouth of the Newport Harbor. This is where I slow down and start to walk my bike along as I survey all the activity. Here I can see the luxurious yachts sailing in and out of the harbor. To the south I can see the cliffs of Emerald Bay. The sight that catches my eye the most here is The Wedge. The Wedge is a part of the beach where the waves bounce off the jetty guarding Newport Bay. The redirecting of the waves create huge breaks, sending the water crashing directly onto the sand. These huge waves are too dangerous for surfers, but perfect for any thrill seeking body boarder. There is always a crowd of people watching the body boarders risk their lives for a good wave. Occasionally an unlucky boarder will get launched by a wave, directly onto the sand.
After watching the boarders for about half an hour, I realize its time to head back. It has been a relaxing, enjoyable ride and I am very glad I decided to come. I get a little excited when I realize that I get to do it one more time. I hop on my comfortable beach cruiser and start peddling. Maybe I’ll stop at The Big Belly Deli this time.