Dry conditions predicted for first 2012 So Cal ride in the South Bay

Saturday, the 2nd Annual Presidents Day Weekend Ride carves up the beaches of Southern California’s South Bay — namely Torrance, Redondo, Hermosa and Manhattan — on a day that’s expected to be cool, dry and mostly cloudy. That’s crucial, because the first Presidents Ride almost never happened.

In February, 2011, rain-soaked beaches and cloudy skies foretold of a dreary day and unfavorable weather conditions for the inaugural event, also known as the PDR.

“It’s hard to forget the stress and worry of having to possibly cancel a ride,” remembers Irene Tice, Trikke trainer with SouthBay Trikke (sponsors of the PDR along with TrikkeWorld). “Luckily, it worked out in our favor and we had a great ride.”

That’s because the skies let up, carving conditions improved, and PDR 1 —  which all morning had been on-again, off-again — was on.

“We had also scheduled a weenie roast after the ride, so trying to coordinate everything was a challenge,” says Irene, the mother of two sons, who’s also known as Ms. SouthBay Trikke, “but we work so well as a team and our riders are such wonderful people. The weenie roast turned out great. It was worth it!”

This year, wet weather won’t be a problem, say forecasters. That’s a good thing, seeing as how Saturday's ride is the first in 2012 in the South Bay, a place that’s seen its share of those “crazy things on three wheels” along its coast in the last three years (think three years of Trikke & Treat).

“With our festive and lively group, we’re sure to make another memorable impression,” says Irene, who also has some tips for staying comfortable during cooler weather, such as what’s predicted for PDR 2 (high 50's circa start time).

“It’s usually a good idea to wear layers when riding. That way, when you warm up, you can take something off; and when you cool down, you can put something back on. This is when a KKargo Net comes in handy! It gives you a place to secure those layers.”

Irene is also encouraging riders to consider incorporating the theme of Presidents Ride into the colors of those layers:

“We're asking riders to don red, white and blue, and since our group loves to dress up and and have fun, you can bet it's going to be a festive ride!”

Go here to visit the Facebook event page for the Presidents Ride.