One of the best things about riding a bike around LA is the ability to shoot down the little side streets that you’d otherwise never consider taking. Earlier this year, I discovered the glory of Kingsley as a scenic north-south route with cute Craftsmans and wide tree-lined asphalt. And as I snapped my head to the right, I noticed this little shrine tucked between two houses. I was so enamored with it, I couldn’t help but stop and take a photo of my discovery.
It’s funny how landmarks change when you switch your mode of transportation. When I rode through the area this morning, I was sure to take a detour down the street to pay the shrine a visit. (And sure enough, it was adorably twisted up in tinsel for the holidays.) I figure I’ve stopped by this shrine a dozen or so times since I found it—sometimes I actually reroute my rides so I can go by it. Now there are places like this all over the city for me: A hidden Victorian that I always visit when I’m nearby, a secret tunnel I love taking under the 101, or a particular street I’ll ride in May when I know it’s covered in jacaranda confetti. There really is no such thing as a direct route anymore when there’s so much to see along the way.
