Bike Bucolic

Horses are still a common mode of transport in Cornell near Agoura Hills, but there's another popular means for getting around this landscape filled with ranches, wineries, and preening peacocks roaming freely. Cyclists prize the area for its golden beauty and tough hill climbs. For a scenic roll with some cardio challenges and a tasty reward, do a 13.5-mile bike loop that starts and finishes at the Old Place, a saloon-style restaurant that's been around for generations (celebrities like Steve McQueen frequented the place in the 70s). From the Old Place you'll pedal southeast on Mulholland Drive and turn left on Cornell Road, where brown hills and towering oaks dominate the countryside. Cornell Road hits Kanan Road; go left. After 3 miles on Kanan, the pavement begins to steadily incline: you'll be working those legs for another 3 miles, gaining 1,000 feet in elevation. Take a breather at Rocky Oaks Park and stroll around the park's pond, surrounded by hillside vineyards. Back in the saddle, it's all downhill. Go east on Mulholland Drive to return to the Old Place, a former post-office building dating to the 19th century. Service at the bar—a 30-foot piece of wood salvaged from a Virginia City saloon—is first come, first served. Order one of their classics, like bone-in ribeye, or come for breakfast and fill up on blue cornmeal flapjacks. Cornell comforts.

This is a 13.5-mile (round-trip) bike ride. Here is a map of the route. The Old Place Restaurant, (818) 706-9001, is located at 29983 Mulholland Hwy. in Agoura Hills. The restaurant is open for dinner from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Thursdays through Sundays; on Saturdays and Sundays, breakfast is served from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The restaurant is small, and it's advised to refer to their website for seating and reservation info.