Lowrider Lifestyle Part 2 – Hanging Out on Whittier Blvd
Editor’s Note: This is part two of our six-part Fuel Curve series on the Lowrider lifestyle in Southern California. Author Mike Harrington spent one summer in different regions of the Los Angeles basin capturing the sights and sounds of Lowriding cars, culture, and the men and women who live the life. This is their story.
Photos by Mike Harrington
Birds have been known do it, Dolphins have too, prairie dogs do it, and most especially people do it. Of all the creatures that creep crawl, and hop on planet earth, human beings are without a doubt the most social of them all. We like to spend time with each other; we want to see what the other guy is doing, we want to admire others, and be admired by others. No man is an island unto himself. It matters very little the culture, the continent, or the century in which mankind lives; we seek each other out, it is in our DNA, it is who we are, and what we do, we are social creatures.
Gatherings and happenings are not always so formal. Lowriders gather for impromptu photo sessions at gas stations, restaurants and of course, parks.
Chillin’, kickin’ it, lounging, hittin’ the Boulevard, bombing around, say it a thousand different ways, whatever the terminology, it’s all hanging out. “Hanging out” some of the best moments of our lives are lived in places we have hung out. Best friends are met hanging out; wives or girlfriends are met hanging out, and not to mention it is just plain fun. After work, or on the weekends, most of look forward to when we can let off a little steam it’s the good stuff life is made of.
After work, or on the weekends, most of us look forward to letting off a little steam. This part of our series is dedicated to hanging out in Elysian Park, Whittier Blvd, and East LA.
One of the favorite picnic places of many Los Angeles Lowriders is Elysian/Echo Park. Nestled right next to Dodger Stadium, Elysian Park has been a favored gathering spot for car clubs of all types since the early 1960s.
“It ain’t where you from, it’s how you come”. “Original Ridaz” club president shows off his tattoo, it is more than just a hobby; it is a way of life.
Not everybody that is into Lowriding is a member of a club. This group of solo riders posing for this picture are friends, but not a club.
The grand prize, if there is one, should go to this guy and his Monte Carlo with some serious hang time. Look at that rear bumper folding nearly in half. Being the coolest kid on the block does come with a price, as we will see in a few photos down.
The century old palm trees in Elysian park are the perfect southern California back drop for a get together, and even better when the Bombs get together.
Members of “The Council” car club taking a smoke break.
This youngster is likely a 3rd generation member of the East LA car club “The “Amigos. Many of the long established clubs have proven they have staying power, by mentoring the younger guys and teaching them how to customize their cars also.
Even though most lowrider vehicle owners are male, it is not limited to just men. The ladies are an integral part of the lifestyle too and maintain their own rides just like the guys.
The century-old palm trees in Elysian Park are the perfect Southern California backdrop for a get-together, and even better when the Bombs get together.
The heaviest hitter that evening was the ’88 Monte Carlo that was spotted earlier at Elysian Park. Although, being the coolest kid on the block does come with a price. Shortly after all the high-wheeled hops, a BOOOM was heard. Most people thought it was a fender bender. Nope, it looks like ball joints or some other part of the suspension gave out.
These young guns, though not old enough to drive, participate in the shows by showing off their customized bicycles. Having a seat to sit on while watching the Aztec dancers helps too.
Every side street and parking lot were filled with Lowriders watching other Lowriders drive by. These beautiful Bombs are parked while their owners walk around checking out the other riders.
After the sun dropped beyond the horizon, the cruising, and the music went on into the night. Making the rounds, heading east or heading west down Whittier Blvd, it didn’t matter much, the cool night air was filled with the sounds of straight six Chevy engines and music.
Not every vehicle stayed on the Boulevard that night. When it got good and properly dark, many people made their way towards the drive-in theater.
At the Vineland Drive Inn theatre, the Lowriders came rolling in by the hundreds. It is a sight not often seen nowadays, a drive in theatre filled with stylish classic rides, visually it was almost like a trip back in time.
Read Lowrider Lifestyle Part 1 HERE!
More Lowrider Lifestyle Stories
Lowrider Lifestyle Part 1 – Raising the Bar on Chrome and Banana Seats
