Racing in Los Angeles

    Angelenos never like to do things in a small way. Although we have a marathon and even the Long Beach Grand Prix, some here just have to be a little different. Take for example these two annual events, a block long bicycle ride and a 62 mile ski trip.

    The Fargo Street hillclimb. For thirty years now members of the L.A.Wheelmen, a street bicycle club, have sponsored a race up Fargo street near Downtown Los Angeles. Open to the public the race is only one block long. However, that block is up a 33% grade steeper than any hill in San Francisco. Although many attempt the hill only a few complete it, with a few masochists taking multiple trips up the incline. Those that conquer the promontory, receive a badge for their efforts and winners have ranged in age from nine years to riders in their seventies.

 

   

 

    Another off beat and punishing race is the annual Long Beach to Catalina Ski race. Those familiar with the old Bing Crosby song will know that Catalina is an Island off the coast of Los Angeles "only twenty six miles away". The race is round trip, equaling 62 statute miles and has been run for the past 55 years.. Like the hill climb this race is not for the weak at heart. Donning massive custom water skis and dry suits, competitors jump into the cold Pacific Ocean behind mammoth cigarette class racing boats. The currant record is one hour 52 seconds, with an average speed of over 60 miles per hour. This race also attracts the young and old and has a special senior division, dominated with characters like 80 year old "Banana Bob", who has entered the race every year of it's existence. If you notice in the accompanying photos, the Operators of the racing boats are wearing crash helmets. That must instill a lot of confidence in the skiers behind them.

   Our hats are off to these offbeat heroes, typical of many in Los Angeles, they march to the beat of a different drummer.