WHO WE ARE
When you ride with us, you are supporting a woman-owned business and the preservation of one of the oldest buildings in Frogtown featuring multiple artists in residence.
WHO WE WERE
We at Ryd acknowledge the land we stand on was originally inhabited by a thriving Tongva community who used the river for water, fish, and life. The river is the reason Los Angeles is here. Their village, Yaanga, survived until the early 1800s, though it was moved several times after the Spanish occupation, finally being razed to the ground in 1847 under orders from City Council.
Our building was built in 1915, and moved to its present site in the 1930s. It was common for buildings to be moved around back then as land became more valuable.
In doing our research, we at Ryd were shocked to learn the Gabrielino Shoshone (Tongva) tribe has not been recognized by the federal government primarily because of the land values in Los Angeles.
We at Ryd decry this purposeful oversight and urge you to sign the petition to federally recognize the Gabrielino Shoshone nation
WHO WE WANT TO BE
Ryd aims to be a safe place in the community for fun, adventure, health and healing. We stand as a bridge between old and new, and aspire to be a mitigating factor against gentrification. The river first brought joy to the future owner as a kid visiting for the summer; 45 years later it still does, but so much has changed along its banks. We want everyone to feel included, especially long time residents who have seen rents and the cost of living skyrocket. We don't want to turn anyone away; if you’re from here and need a break, please ask about our local rates. Inspired by the kaamaina system of Hawai’i where locals are also frequently priced out by tourist pricing, don’t worry, we got you.
RAYO AND PYRO
Less than six months after Ryd was launched came a worldwide pandemic of epic proportions last seen shortly after the building was built in 1915.
You may remember a lot of unknown factors leading to widespread fear and anxiety back then, no?
We all needed some comfort and protection, so when the artist Rayo asked if he may paint a mural of the Virgin of Guadalupe, our answer was a resounding YES.
Rayo is featured in the LA Graffiti Black Book published by the Getty Museum, as is Mike Pyro, who painted our sign. Their work is both in the Getty permanent collection.