By Karen Kefauver - Sentinel correspondent
Posted: 12/25/2009 01:30:03 AM PST
Link to Sentinel article
As 2009 speeds toward the finish line, it's time for reflection and planning for the year ahead for cyclists of all stripes.
Here in Spin City, I offer you food for thought about
your upcoming plans. Or, if you have had your fill of holiday calories
and are trying to lighten the load on your bicycle, get moving with one
of these four cycling-inspired plans:
Mark your calendars for international bike events in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties so you can be part of the action.
The biggest news of the year for regional cyclists is
the return of the Amgen Tour of California to Santa Cruz in 2010. Last
year was the first time the city was chosen to participate in the TOC.
Despite the torrential downpour, thousands of fans gathered to cheer the
world's top riders across the finish line on Front Street.
In 2010, the race will take place in May, instead of
February, with Stage 3 of the road race starting in San Francisco and
ending in Santa Cruz [location TBA] on May 18.
A few weeks earlier, cycling fans will flock to the
Sea Otter Classic. The world's biggest bicycle festival is gearing up to
celebrate its 20th year, April 15-18, at the Laguna Seca Recreation
Area.
Hundreds of locals participate, volunteer and watch
the races, which range from beginner to pro level in road biking,
mountain biking -- cross country, downhill, dual slalom, mountain cross,
short track, as well as trials and a jump contest. I have gone every
year since 1994 and think this one will be special.
Burn off some winter fat by shopping locally at the
great bike stores in Santa Cruz County. There are too many to list here.
I have been to most of them in order to spread my business around.
While you can often find cheaper deals online, support the folks who
dedicate their time and energy to helping cyclists in our community.
Consider buying your gear, bikes and accessories at their shops.
I still have to visit the newest shop which had its
grand opening earlier this month: Epicenter Cycling, located in Aptos
Station, at the entrance to Nisene Marks State Park.
If you have not visited the new location of the
Bicycle Trip, check it out. They moved down the street to a super chic
space closer to Whole Foods at 1001 Soquel Ave.
Wear your helmet -- always! It's the law for kids
under 18 to wear bike helmets, and I wish their parents would set a good
example by always wearing a helmet too. I hear all kinds of excuses:
"It messes up my hair," "I am a careful/excellent cyclist," and "I am
only going a short distance."
My reply: Your hair will look really bad when it is
all shaved off for brain surgery, it doesn't matter if you are a good
cyclist, someone else can hit you, and many accidents occur on short
jaunts. I am passionate on this topic, in part, because two members of
my family have brain damage. I have watched these vibrant young men's
lives become derailed as a result. Ideally, cyclists would be safer and
not have to wear helmets all the time. If you want to work toward this
reality, then take action by volunteering for Bike Week or writing to
your city council person asking for safer streets to ride.
No more excuses -- get moving! Santa Cruz offers
amazing rides and safe bike lanes for road riders and fantastic, legal
trails for mountain bikers.
Sometimes joining a group makes it easier to get on
your bike and pedal, so check out the Santa Cruz County Cycling Club,
the Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz and The Bike Dojo.
Plus, for beginning road cyclists who are 18 years or
older, a free, eight-week program starts on Jan. 20 and continues for
the next seven Wednesdays. Hosted by members of the Santa Cruz County
Cycling Club, the first meeting will take place Jan. 20 at Lighthouse
Field on West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz.
We'll start with seven miles and over eight weeks
work it up over the course of eight Wednesdays beginning. Class begins
at 10 a.m.
More info here: http://www.santacruzlive.com/blogs/outside. I'll see you out pedaling on the trails and roads!
Karen Kefauver, www.karenkefauver.com, is a sports
and travel freelance journalist. She blogs weekly about bicycling for
the Sentinel at www.santacruzlive.com/blogs/outside.
