Wind on the way back is a given. Worth it for the descent on the other side. Stop at Mozza for coffee. Great group ride energy.
Climb Observatory, roll down Zoo Drive, hit the Verdugo descent. Not too crowded on weekday mornings. Trail mix of road and fire road.
Cranking along the cliffs with the Pacific on your right. Smooth pavement, light traffic on weekdays. Coffee at Portuguese Bend before heading back.
Flattest route in the area. Perfect for a steady pace group ride or your first big solo effort. Concrete path, no cars, shaded in sections.
Marina del Rey to Torrance and back via the Strand. Flat and fast. Good distance builder before tackling something bigger. Watch for pedestrians on weekends.
One of the classic LA climbs. Steady grade, good pavement until the fire road section. Sweeping switchbacks on the way down. End at Rock Store for a burger.