(July 4, 2008) -- A large crowd assembled at the Granada Boat Launch shortly before 10 a.m. to take part in the 2nd annual "Great American 4th of July Bike Parade."

It was the latest in an annual series of LB events created, organized and brought to frution by LB internet and marketing whiz Justin Rudd (visible at photo center).

Adults and kidlets registered and received pin-on numbers. Judges (including Vice Mayor Bonnie Lowenthal and City Manager Pat West) evaluated entries for "originality, creativity, spectator appeal and display of red, white and blue."

Among the participants, champion professional cyclist Tony Cruz (part of the U.S. Olympic team (with Lance Armstrong) in Sydney, Australia) seen with City Manager Pat West. In the coming months, Mr. Cruz will be working with City Hall on the city's emerging Bicycle Master Plan.

3rd dist. Councilman Gary DeLong brought his daughter along for the ride. (He lights up when he talks about her.) We shot them from a distance...

...and Michelle Molina captured this father/daughter portrait (beautiful). (LBReport.com asked Councilman earlier if it was OK to use a photo of his daughter and he said yes.)

Photo credit: Michelle Molina

A red, white and blue bicycle built for three.

This young lady's sign says, "Someday a girl will be President." (Her Mom was pleased that we took the shot.)

Riders rode about a mile eastward along the bike path and along the Marina channel, then pedaled back on an undeniably perfect LB day.

As riders returned, LB Police Chief Anthony Batts congratulated participants and wished them a joyous 4th of July. Vice Mayor Lowenthal, an event judge, brought the list of winners announced by Mr. Rudd.