100km Tribute Routes, Orientation, Registration Roaring Along

GLENDALE—One hundred kilometers with 100 participants on the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide is nearing fruition.

Over seventy people are already signed up as riders, trail angels, and walkers in the 100 km Tribute that will begin in less than two weeks, early Thanksgiving morning, November 27.

The walking route starts at Deukmejian Park [see map] in Glendale, with a brief sendoff program featuring local dignitaries. “We’ll go from Deukmejian into the Angeles National Forest and hike to the Clear Creek area to camp on the first night,” explained organizer Azad DerBedrosian. “On day two we’ll arrive at Valley Forge… Yes, the West Coast has one, too, not just Philadelphia,” he continued, smiling at the unusual name. “Day three will see us exiting the Forest into Altadena. On day four, we will walk through the San Gabriel Valley to the Montebello Genocide monument, to be joined by the riders.”

“On Sunday morning, Nov. 30, bicyclists and motorcyclists will gather in front of the St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church,” riding organizer Armen Hagobian filled in. “Our route [see map] takes us into the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood, Boyle Heights, and then to the monument. Along the way, we will stop at significant Armenian sites such as schools, churches (getting blessed at St. Peters in Van Nuys), and the Evergreen cemetery to pay our respect to Armenian Genocide Avenger Missak Torlakian.

Hikers will brave long days of hiking up mountains through sometimes rough and overgrown trails; riders will brave the sometimes hazardous streets of Los Angeles; all this is to solemnly honor the memory of the Genocide’s victims and raise funds to support publication of Research on Armenian Architecture’s 36-volume, comprehensive presentation of the architectural heritage stolen from those victims.

“It’s not too late to join us,” said Kevork Aposhian, host of an orientation program held Sunday. “Registration is easy. Just go to 100kmTribute.com.”

Anyone interested in participating or following developments about the Tribute is encouraged to visit 100kmtribute.com or check on Facebook. The organizers may be contacted as well: Armenian Hikers Association at armenianhikersassociationla@yahoo.com or on Facebook; Armenian Hiking Society; Armenian Cycling Association at ACA@armeniancycling.org; Hye Riders or call 818/434-5952.