AAA Standards, R2D2 and Deep Fried Twinkies
After breakfast, I headed to Napa Valley to ride at Skyline Park, which could be described as Napa's equivalent to Nosehill park (but with more interesting trails for mountain bikes). The weather was gorgeous and the trails were a lot of fun. Each day so far has presented me with a distinctly different kind of riding. I rode only a few hours today before exhausting all of the trails. Rather than doing repeats, I decided to relax a bit and hit the beach. My initial destination was Pacifica, because it was close to the airport. But, I was having too much fun driving (I can't believe I just said that) to call it a day. What a beautiful state - I started the day in the beautiful Sierras, rode some great trails in wine country, and now I was cruising along miles and miles of beautiful coastline. I cranked up the Cali beats (Red Hot Chili Peppers) until my ipod ran out of juice and then turned on the radio. The Clash's 'should I stay or should I go' came on - and I couldn't help but wonder the same.
I elected to 'stay' in Santa Cruz - at least for tonight. I didn't want to leave myself with too much of a drive tomorrow, and I had a hunch there was some mountain biking in the area (Santa Cruz bikes?). I grabbed a room at the econo lodge. I didn't need anything fancy; hotel rooms for one can really add up. The sign said AAA approved - how bad could it be? From what I can tell, all you need to acheive AAA endorsement is a derelict swimming pool, an overweight, heavily tattooed, chain smoking property manager, and a free continental breakfast.
I walked around town for a couple of hours. It was an interesting contrast to everything I've seen in the last couple of days. For example, Erik might want to consider coming here for a week of Spanish immersion and mountain biking.
Highlights from my walk included: a big crowd of people salsa dancing in the middle of the boardwalk, a USPS mailbox painted like R2D2, and watching hundreds of people blow money on rides, games and junkfood at the permanent carnival on the beach (do deep fried twinkies really seem like a good idea?).
I seem to be having troubles posting pictures, so I will have to update these posts when I get home.
I elected to 'stay' in Santa Cruz - at least for tonight. I didn't want to leave myself with too much of a drive tomorrow, and I had a hunch there was some mountain biking in the area (Santa Cruz bikes?). I grabbed a room at the econo lodge. I didn't need anything fancy; hotel rooms for one can really add up. The sign said AAA approved - how bad could it be? From what I can tell, all you need to acheive AAA endorsement is a derelict swimming pool, an overweight, heavily tattooed, chain smoking property manager, and a free continental breakfast.
I walked around town for a couple of hours. It was an interesting contrast to everything I've seen in the last couple of days. For example, Erik might want to consider coming here for a week of Spanish immersion and mountain biking.
Highlights from my walk included: a big crowd of people salsa dancing in the middle of the boardwalk, a USPS mailbox painted like R2D2, and watching hundreds of people blow money on rides, games and junkfood at the permanent carnival on the beach (do deep fried twinkies really seem like a good idea?).
I seem to be having troubles posting pictures, so I will have to update these posts when I get home.
posted by tori at
10:48 PM
2 Comments:
happy easter..... your weekend has been a lot of 'up, down and around town' - with some real characters to make it memorable. the mountains await your test ride when you can fit it in.
First paragraph, line 10. You spelled 'call' wrong. :o)
tisk tisk.
I can't wait to try my mtb again!.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home