James Irvine II, Rancher, Philanthropist, and Cyclist?

[cyclingday]

I went out to Irvine Park to see the newly constructed Big Cat exhibit at the Orange County Zoo.
While there, I came across a nice bronze statue of County patriarch, James Irvine II.
His family had been granted this chunk of the New World, by the King of Spain.
Proof that it’s good to be at the right place, at the right time.
Here’s a few pictures of the majestic big cats.
I had no idea, that the Jaguar and Ocelot were native to parts of the desert southwest.

As fun as the Park and the Zoo were, my realization that the foundation of the park was by a man who had once ridden his bike from San Francisco to his ranch in Southern California, is what gave me the idea, to share this experience with my fellow cycling enthusiasts.
Here’s the bronze statue of James Irvine II that commemorates the founding of the park, and a bit of history on his legacy.

The city of Irvine, California is without a doubt, the most cycling friendly city in Southern California.

Every mile of road has an equal portion of designated bicycle right of way.
There have always been several very active cycling clubs in the city.
They’re pretty serious road riders, so I’ve never joined, but it’s always been in the back of my mind to do so.
There’s an old folks group, that I could probably fit in with.
But, even some of those guys are ex Pro’s and Olympic Champions.
So, I’m thinking I’ll just stick to my buddies with the 100 pound balloon tire relics.

Anyway, I just thought I’d share my experience with the Big Cats, and give thanks to, Rancher, Philanthropist, and Cyclist, James Irvine II, and how he and his bicycle helped shape this part of the World.

 

[onecatahula]

I nominate Marty, our Honorable Cabe Historian !
Do I hear a second ?

 

[J-wagon]

Also some super fun mtb trails park perimeter and Santiago Oaks adjacent

 

[Miq]

I nominate Marty, our Honorable Cabe Historian !
Do I hear a second ?

I love seeing all the research Marty has been doing lately. Cool stuff @cyclingday! Thanks for sharing it with us.

 

[DRCA]

Hmmmmmm surveying a ranch astride a velocipede..... Sounds like a stretch to me, well he may have had knotty tires. Me thinks the passing of time has confused the actual events.

 

[cyclingday]

Yeah, I thought the same thing.
I used to mountain bike on the old ranch roads, and rarely was the terrain flat enough to ride a fixed gear bike with a 1” diameter solid rubber tire.
But, I will give the guy credit for riding a high wheel, from San Francisco to Santa Ana.
That must have been a very difficult task in old, 1889 California.

 

[cyclingday]

Some nice accolades from this morning’s newspaper.

May 26th 2023