As a long time lover of California and soon to be graduate of college, it was the daring and adventurous side of me that decided this was THE summer to do it: To move to Los Angeles and pursue my passions. While procrastinating studying finals, I researched anything and everything there was to know about the Los Angeles area including where I may want to intern, where I want to eat, where I want to visit and even what concerts and festivals I hope to attend. My entire life I’ve always been one for adventure, trying new things, and meeting new people and over the years my passion for adventure, travel and tourism has grown. I read travel magazines, researched online, read blogs and articles and finally I found the exact place I wanted to intern: Bikes and Hikes LA.
Finals accomplished, I packed my bags and traveled from my stomping grounds of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to the glamourous Los Angeles, California. I was immediately struck by the beauty of the city, the people, and the landscape. But my biggest concern remained: How on Earth I was going to learn to navigate this magnificent, and broadly spread out city in only two months? Granted, I was used to the bustling, honking, LOUD and crowded streets of Chicago, but this place was 100% new to me.
I gave myself a few days to get settled in but LA had a different idea in mind. Instead, I got INCREDIBLY lost in the endless traffic, unfamiliar roads and fancy cars of LA. I thought I had got myself in over my head, but focused on my excitement to start my first day as an Intern at Bikes and Hikes LA. The weekend flew by, and on Monday I was ready. I was so happy to finally be in the real world, applying my Tourism Management degree to the tourism and eco-tourism of the top Tourist destination of LA instead of to books, exams and endless essays. As my first day wrapped up, I was encouraged to bike home instead of nag one of my four roommates for a ride. I took on the challenge, just like I would any other challenge, and hopped on one of Bikes and Hikes LA hybrid bicycles.
Nerves aside, my ride home turned out to be so easy to navigate, and a great work out! I never had any issues with crossing busy roads because of the
convenient cross walks located all over LA, and the bike lanes provided me with my own secure lane the entire way home. I felt safe and proud of myself for not being lazy, plus the bike was incredibly comfortable! The next day, I took an extra 30 minutes in the morning to explore and get my heart pumping before work. I can honestly say in just a few days of biking, I really have a great feel for the area. I have not gotten lost like I did that dreaded first day, and I enjoy taking my time to explore this new place I call home. I could never picture myself doing this in Chicago!
I plan to continue my bike adventures and other LA Tours, every day expanding my bike routes and my knowledge of the City of Angels. I thank Bikes and Hikes LA for the opportunity to explore the city the right way, everyday on a bike, creating my own LA Tours and helping my efforts to make this place home although my stay here is short. I have my Hollywood hiking tour through Bikes and Hikes LA planned for my weekend, where I am excited to see the city in yet another incredible way. I encourage you to make a change today, and get LA Tours by Bikes and Hikes LA. LA Tours help you see a new side of this city, whether you call it home or if you are visiting on vacation! Maybe I will see you next to me in the bike lane soon!
BIKES AND HIKES L.A. offers the best LA Tours. We have two locations in Los Angeles, our flagship store in the heart of West Hollywood and our 2nd location on the Walk Of Fame in Hollywood. We are the #1 eco-friendly tour operator in Los Angeles and are the first full-service bike/hike tour company promoting an eco-friendly, healthy way to enjoy all the glory Los Angeles has to offer.
• For the Body, Mind, and Planet. Experience LA, don’t just drive past it. We offer the best LA Tours.
• Exploring Los Angeles with Bikes And Hikes LA is the ultimate green sightseeing experience. Pedal power gets your body in motion and reduces your carbon footprint. Come experience the best LA Tours in the city.