Weekend riders build camaraderie

This new series explores activities residents can enjoy right here in the Conejo Valley




REFRESHING—Riders Cal Lee, Doug Marlin, Carol Lee, Allison Stein and Stephanie Marlin cool down with a cold beverage at Stonehaus after last week’s club ride, which was done in support of ALS research. DIANNE AVERY/Acorn Newspapers

REFRESHING—Riders Cal Lee, Doug Marlin, Carol Lee, Allison Stein and Stephanie Marlin cool down with a cold beverage at Stonehaus after last week’s club ride, which was done in support of ALS research. DIANNE AVERY/Acorn Newspapers

The Conejo Valley doesn’t have an official religion. But if it did, it might just be the church of the road bike.

Thousand Oaks maintains approximately 220 miles of bike lanes, and the tortuous canyon roads that wind through mountainous terrain toward Malibu create an abundance of opportunities for anyone gutsy enough to tackle them on two wheels. This landscape is so well suited for riding, it inspired the Amgen Tour of California.

Co-founded by cycling enthusiast and Westlake Village resident Jim Passantino, the race has been attracting the sport’s biggest stars to the Conejo Valley since 2006.

Passantino, a real-estate investor by trade, sold the Amgen Tour a few years ago, but he’s still an avid cyclist. The current outlet for his obsession is the Stonehaus Cycling Club, and you don’t have to be a world-class cyclist to enjoy a world-class ride.

“We live in an incredibly scenic part of the world. The Santa Monica Mountains are majestic and the best way to see the scenery is on a bike,” he said. “It’s stunning.”

Run by Passantino and friends, the coed club meets for a group ride nearly every Saturday at The Stonehaus in Westlake Village. All ability levels above absolute beginner are welcome. The only requirement is a road bike.

Riders choose between a 30- mile short ride and a 50-mile long ride.

TICKET TO RIDE—At right, the Stonehaus Cycling Club embarks on a local ride. The group meets at the Westlake Village eatery every Saturday morning and returns there for food and drinks afterward. Westlake resident Jim Passantino (center), co-founder of the Amgen Tour of California, is the cycling club’s organizer. Anyone with a road bike and a zest for fun is invited to join in. DIANNE AVERY/Acorn Newspapers

TICKET TO RIDE—At right, the Stonehaus Cycling Club embarks on a local ride. The group meets at the Westlake Village eatery every Saturday morning and returns there for food and drinks afterward. Westlake resident Jim Passantino (center), co-founder of the Amgen Tour of California, is the cycling club’s organizer. Anyone with a road bike and a zest for fun is invited to join in. DIANNE AVERY/Acorn Newspapers

There’s no need to be shy: Passantino said he loves to share his love of the sport with others.

“I’ve gotten a lot of people onto bikes over the years,” he said. “We put the Conejo Valley on the map when it comes to cycling.”

Expect anywhere from a dozen to more than 50 riders on a Saturday morning. Passantino said the variety of terrain and lack of traffic in the area together make for a perfect cycling course.

After spending the morning on two wheels, riders meet back at Stonehaus, which offers roasted coffee, pastries, gourmet European fare and more.

Best known for its wine, Stonehaus has flights ranging from sparkling wines and Champagne to Rhone varietals and cabernet sauvignon. Cheese and charcuterie plates make for perfect pairings. Craft beer and cordials are also available.

True vino enthusiasts can join the wine club at Stonehaus, which features selections from family-owned vineyards around the world.

And if you have too much fun at Stonehaus and don’t want to call an Uber, the Westlake Village Inn sits on the same property as the restaurant and winery.

“It’s a lot of fun once the ride’s over,” Passantino said.

If you don’t own a road bike, don’t fret. Bring your conventional bicycle to Stonehaus and enjoy the bike lanes along Agoura Road.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ stonehauscyclingclub or go to www.the-stonehaus.com.