tyrion

The official site says you can't bring bikes in the fairgrounds, but they have bike racks to lock them up.

This could be relatively safe (with some sort of security close by), or it could be a thieves' paradise.

Anyone have any advice?

skidder

Lock it up. This is Southern California, you need to lock your bicycle if you're going to leave it anywhere for a while. Locks are cheaper than the value of almost every bicycle (figurative and actual), and more convenient than walking home.

TakingMyTime

Personally I think a lot of venues no matter what they're for should really introduce a secure, valet type bicycle parking/storage area so that people who want to ride their bikes to a venue could feel confident that their bikes are safe. I'm sure there are a lot of ways to ensure the integrity and security of our bikes.

TrojanHorse

I don't think the question is whether to lock it up, the question is whether to bring it at all.

I guess it depends on your bike and how sad you'd be if somebody made off with it. I don't let mine out of my sight unless it's in my garage. I wouldn't leave MY bike at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

And yeah, a valet storage would make too much sense.

79pmooney

Sure. I'd just adhere to two caveats: one - don't have the most attractive (to thieves) bike there and two - have a better lock than other better bikes. It's the old - you don't need to be able to outrun the bear, just your companion. I've left my workhorses early '80s frames with not very new parts not kept clean, fenders and racks locked with standard U-locks. If there's a newish Trek there, my bike is perfectly safe until it has been stolen. (And the Specialized and the Giant ...) A high ratio of lock quality to bike desirability relative to other bikes on the rack goes a very long ways.) Mafac Racers work much better than Dura Ace dual pivots (for keeping your bike parked on the rack).

Ben

tyrion

Of course I'm going to lock it. I'm wondering about the likelihood of it getting vandalized even if locked up.

bikeme

Cable locks are a joke unless you're sipping your drink right next to your bike. They are so easily cut. I use heavy Kryptonite chains but their use is limited to when I have my car to carry them. Everyone I know who has been ripped off when their bike was locked used a cable lock.

John E

Would I lock up my bike at the Del Mar Fair?

Peugeot UO-8 beater -- that's what it is for
The others -- no

diphthong

they used to have off site shuttles to/from the fair...i'm assuming they still do. might be best to take the trolley or the train to a shuttle stop.
there are a lot of people servicing/working the fair with down time here and there. wouldn't take much for someone to walk by, note a bike,
go back to their truck, dig out the appropriate tool, drive back and park in front of a bike (shielding the bike and themselves) between the crowds
and the truck. an enterprising thief could likely accomplish ripping and gripping a bike in 30 seconds and throw it in the back of their truck.
security ain't gonna be worried about a bike getting ripped off. my vote is to uber/lyft or do the trolley/train to the shuttle and back-no bike.

858.LeChonk.

I will lock it and put it inside my SUV haha. I’m not a big fan of driving to the fair. I usually park at Whole Foods Via de la Valle and take Uber.
It works for me as I don’t wander around for hours. Also, expect higher cost of food this time.

igorgroks

I'd take the coaster to Solana Beach and walk. It may be safe, but I wouldn't chance it.