From Beverly Hills to Malibu: Cycling around LA 🇺🇸

Gideon Kleinman cofounded 10 Speed coffee in 2011 alongside Pedalers Fork, a mix-use bar, restaurant, and cycling shop. 10 Speed has since opened two more locations near some of the prime cycling routes on the edges of Los Angeles.

The overlap of cycling with coffee is recurring, as with Le Peloton in Paris, for instance, or simply the many Filter guides who have mentioned cycling across town to their coffee shop each morning.

In this Filter, Gideon, who has been a creator in both the F&B and cycling communities of Los Angeles for over a decade, offers his favorite things to eat, see, and do in LA.

*Gideon Kleinman cofounded 10 Speed, a dual bicycle shop and coffee shop, in Los Angeles in 2011. Photos courtesy of 10 Speed*

Filter: What do you do for fun around LA?

We love to go ride our bikes on the amazing roads and trails all around the city. There are both paved and dirt options that can take you anywhere from the mountains to the valleys to the ocean.

LA feels like home because it literally has everything you could ever need, from museums to celebrities to new restaurants, entertainment and tons of nature all at your fingertips. If you really wanted, on certain days you could be in the snow in the morning and in the ocean for sunset.

Filter: Do you have a favorite cycling route in LA?

Starting at our Calabasas location, climb Old Topanga to Fernwood Pacific, head over Saddle Peak Road, and descend Stunt Road down to Mulholland Highway. That's the best bang for your buck anywhere in the city.

Filter: What are your go-to museums, restaurants, and entertainment?

For museums: The Getty Museum—There is a beautiful view of the city and a great experience inside the galleries and on the grounds. MOCA Grand—has really interesting contemporary exhibits, and it's in Little Tokyo, so there are fun restaurants, shops, and bars.

For restaurants: Santa Monica Brew Works—Super fun and casual place to go with plenty of seating and great food. Gjelina—Higher-end dining on Abbot Kinney. Very cool neighborhood to walk around and the food is amazing. Din Thia Fung—There are a few locations in Los Angeles and all are good. If you haven't had soup dumplings you must seek them out.

For entertainment: Catch a game at Crypto.com Arena or Dodger Stadium. Lakers, Kings, and Dodger games are always fun. Walt Disney Concert Hall—It's an architecturally significant building and the programming is excellent. The Hollywood Bowl—Every famous band ever has performed here and it is a must if you are here during the season.

Filter: If a good friend came to visit, where would you be sure to take them?

The hike up to the Hollywood sign on a nice day is really cool. The view is amazing and I don't think that people realize that you can stand just feet above such a famous landmark. Checking out the beach communities is always a fun day.

Filter: What do you like to do to escape the city?

Head up to the Mount Wilson Observatory. It's an awesome drive/ride, and you can hike trails around the top. Bring a lunch and check out the car scene around Newcombs Ranch.

Filter: What touristy things in LA are worth the hype?

If you are gonna do some touristy stuff you may as well check out Beverly Hills and do a beach day in Malibu. While every city has expensive shops, there will always be only one Beverly Hills and you gotta see it once. If it's sunny and warm it's hard to beat the Malibu Country Mart for a sandwich and some beverages and then over to the beach.

Filter: Where are your favorite quiet corners there?

I love Franklin Canyon. It's a small reservoir and trail system right in the heart of the city.

Filter: What's another coffee shop around there that you really admire, and what about them stands out to you?

I like Blueys in Santa Monica. The spot is in a super funky art/industrial area that has a really relaxing vibe.

Filter: How did you end up in the LA coffee scene?

I am originally from Germany, but my family moved here when I was very young. I really got into coffee through cycling. The two are totally intertwined so it's hard to love one and not the other if you are a cyclist.

Filter: Can you share about your day-to-day at 10 Speed?

I run all over our locations, so I spend a good amount of time bouncing around and working to facilitate all of the big-picture items for all 4 businesses. My reward is getting to see people enjoying our spaces in all of their different ways.

Filter: If you could move to any place in the world just for the coffee scene, where would you move?

Lisbon, Portugal. The cafes are amazing, and you can't beat the riding and the weather. The people are super kind and laid back.

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10 Speed is a bike shop and coffee shop which operates 3 locations in the Los Angeles area.

Pedalers Fork / 10 Speed Coffee - Calabasas

10 Speed Coffee - Santa Monica

10 Speed Coffee - Sawtelle

Cycling routes

Starting at 10 Speed’s Calabasas location, climb Old Topanga to Fernwood Pacific, head over Saddle Peak Road, and descend Stunt Road down to Mulholland Highway

Food & Beverage

Santa Monica Brew Works

Gjelina