September 29, 2011

Weekend Sherpa

For a riverside bike ride that combines art, industrial grit, coffeehouse charm, and no cars (!), saddle up for a 19-mile round-trip roll on the most scenic portion of the Ventura River Trail. The paved bike and walking path—supported by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy—runs along the former Ventura and Ojai Valley railroad, paralleling the Ventura River much of the time. Eclectic surroundings include rotating oil derricks and intermittent bronze sculptures like a poinsettia and a brown pelican. Ride the most scenic part by starting at Foster Park, 6 miles north of downtown Ventura. Head east, pedaling inland toward Los Padres National Forest. Dense sycamore and oak trees give some shade to the winding path. In less than a mile the trail diverts north, disappearing behind rural housing and shielding views of Highway 33. Near the 2-mile mark, pass through an oak grove and then cross a low-lying cement-and-railroad-tie bridge where a creek meets the Ventura River. The trail snakes across the seasonally dry riverbed and past equestrian trails. Bask in full views of the Red and Sulphur mountains. At about 8 miles, the trail sneaks back toward the highway on the approach to Ojai. The end point is grassy Libby Park, where you can also access downtown Ojai. Returning the way you came, put some buzz into your bike ride at the adobe-style Full of Beans Coffeehouse, right along the route. Kick back on their spacious garden patio and refuel with a milkshake and freshly baked pastries. Sweet ride!

TIP: Ventura Bike Depot (239 West Main Street in Ventura near the Highway 33 overpass) has bike rentals for $24 for half a day or rates by the hour.

May 15, 2011

View the Outdoor Observer article.

November 5, 2008

With new bike display fixtures, many bikes for sale, BMX added and a point of sale bar code register, we can now capture our loyal customers who have been returning time and time again due to our excellent turn around time on repairs, fair pricing, accessories, parts and rentals.

If you want to purchase a slightly used high grade bike with a warrantee and service to back it up, come in and see how we can help you become a cyclist or support the people who just want to do more commuting via bicycle. We have a lovely new bag line from Holland, plenty of baskets, rear racks and bike specific bungees.

If you like Road, Mountain, BMX or beach cruiser style bicycles, come in a check out the new Ventura Bike Depot store and meet our friendly staff. You will be glad you did!

May 2003

A sunset bike ride up Main Street in Ventura will be held Saturday, May 29, to celebrate the first anniversary of Ventura Bike Depot, the latest bicycle business started by Ms. Shelley Sund who launched the festive Italian quadricycles upon the Santa Barbara Boardwalk with her first bike-rental business, Cycles 4 Rent, in 1984. Sund will lead a beach-cruiser ride from her 1938 Chevrolet pickup displaying a vintage Western Flyer.

Sund sold Cycles 4 Rent after setting her sights on Ventura County’s bicycle escapes. No longer the overseer of six locations spanning Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, Sund enjoys being sole mechanic and manager of this cornerstone shop at Main and Julian streets, between the Ojai and Beach bike paths. Reminiscent of mom and pop stores in bigger cities where people invent any excuse to drop by and shoot the breeze, this mom of two-year-old, Brendan, is glad to dispense bike maintenance tips, give a quick tune up and adjust the helmut straps for the little ones while she continues spreading her motto, “Live life in the bike lane.”

Sund will be happy to rent a beach cruiser to anyone who would like to participate in the sunset ride, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., beginning at the Depot. Beach cruiser reservations in advance are recommended due to a limited supply. Refreshments will be served before the ride. Please contact Ventura Bike Depot at 652-2100 for more information about joining this anniversary trek up Main.