Wow, that's really good time you made. 1:40 from Pasadena is just about the same time as driving ^

The temporary Overland entrance to Ballona Creek bike path is actually in the Faragut Elementary school right there behind the library. I forgot to mention that to you... you have to cut across the school yard. Maybe the gate was closed during school hours. Who knows. You should be alright going back that way from the bike path.

Yes, part of Venice is a little bit dicey but I think keeping it straight on Venice was better than switching to Pico and back. Pico does not have bike lane either so it's a toss up.

I'm catching the 4:50 pm AA flight to Vegas today... getting on my bike in about 30 minutes. Good day for a leisurely ride to LAX.