Claremont, CA

Claremont calls itself the City of Trees and PhDs because of its quaint tree lined streets and the many residents with doctoral degrees who live there. It is the home of the Claremont Colleges and the Claremont Institute, which is a respected think tank. It is a residential community built around Claremont Village, which has many shops and restaurants. Money magazine once named Claremont as the 5th best place to live in the United States. That was the highest rating of any Califirnia town.

Wolfe's Market has been operating in on Route 66 in Claremont since 1917, and has been in its current location since 1935. As its sign says, it is not a supermarket, it's a Super Market. It is small, but upscale, with first rate produce, meats and deli products. There also is a good wine selection. If you are hungry, you can get a quick sandwich and eat it outside on their small deck.

Starting in Claremont, the ride west toward LA is more tree lined and less congested. There still are lots of traffic lights, but you can make good time through here, and the ride is much less frustrating than the previous 20 miles or so.