Taking Over LA On Two Wheels
Riding fast is Sean Martin’s passion, a thrill that lights him up like a kid at play. The 31-year-old cyclist began his two-wheeled journey over a decade ago on a BMX, but today, he feels “one” with his fixed-gear bike as he tears through the streets of Los Angeles. Unlike traditional bicycles, a fixie has no freewheel, meaning the pedals are always in motion when the bike is moving. “It’s about control,” Sean explains, emphasizing the precision and awareness needed to navigate LA’s chaotic streets. For him, the connection to his bike is profound—a seamless blend of human and machine that sharpens his senses and fuels his love for riding.
Years ago, Sean moved from Seattle to Los Angeles and found the city’s cycling culture surprisingly sparse. He was accustomed to a thriving scene with frequent events, but in LA, only a handful of bike messengers organized occasional races. During a training ride around Griffith Park, inspiration struck: “This route could be a race!” Sean’s first event, The Lord of Griffith, became an iconic fixed-gear climbing race in LA, earning a reputation for its epic intensity. Sean didn’t stop there, organizing more races like Stairway to Heaven and launching Take Over LA, a blog he co-created with friend Joseph Lobato to celebrate cycling and more. By 2010, Sean’s dedication had landed him in To Live and Ride in LA, a documentary chronicling the city’s fixie culture. From street races to critical mass rides, Sean has helped build a vibrant subculture in a city where cars reign supreme, proving that cyclists have a rightful place on LA’s roads.