Some vow to make CicLAvia a tradition

After riding her trusty lavender Cannondale 10-speed from San Francisco to Los Angeles for the 2008 AIDS Ride, Fabiola Sanchez thought CicLAvia would be a breeze.

She and her two children drove to Union Station from their home in Norwalk and started west before her tire blew out in front of the LAPD headquarters on 1st Street.

“I went from one station to another,� she joked, after trying two repair stands before ending up at DTLA Bikes store on Broadway.

Lines of bicycles and their owners filled the shop’s aisles where overwhelmed employees did their best to keep everyone moving.

Sunday was Sanchez’s second CicLAvia event, a tradition she said she intends to continue with her kids.

“It’s a nice way for us to spend time together and see the city in a different way,� she said.

Philippe Lewicki said he also wanted to get out and enjoy the day with his two young daughters, Alice, 10, and Domitille, 6.

He said he was a little concerned for their safety because of the big crowds but “statistically we’re better off on our bikes than in our cars.�

Alice was more worried about keeping hydrated.

“I would only do this again if it’s not as hot,� she told her dad.

Domitille agreed.

“This is making my hair sweaty,� she said.

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