Moment Bicycles

Old Town, Carmel Valley

Featuring shop locations in Old Town and Carmel Valley, and group rides leaving from both throughout the week, Moment Bicycles is a good option for both novice and experience riders. Early bird roadies can check out Moment’s 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday morning rides which treat riders to gorgeous views of San Diego Bay, as they make their way through Point Loma to Cabrillo National Monument, culminating in hill repeats on Tide Pool Hill before returning to Old Town.

Those looking to get off the beaten path (or for a later start) can join Moment’s mountain bike rides, which take place at 8:30 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of every month. While the route each month will vary, the ride typically leaves from the Carmel Valley location and details will be communicated through Moment’s website in advance. Moment also hosts Sunday morning rides with different routes each week.

San Diego Bicycle Club

La Jolla

If skinny tires and spandex are your style, the San Diego Bicycle Club has just the peloton for you. Organizing events since 1976, SDBC continues to host Saturday morning meetups with seven different group and distance options for road riders at all stages in their cycling progression. Elite riders can push the pace with peers in the A Group, while hardcore roadies and weekend warriors will find their cadence in the B and C Groups. The Development Groups offer new riders the chance to build skills while focusing on safe group riding dynamics and techniques like paceline rotation. Each group leaves from UC Cyclery in La Jolla and riding starts at 8:30 a.m.

No Spandex Saturday

Normal Heights

Beloved Normal Heights cycling establishment, Uptown Bicycles, may have recently closed shop, but that hasn’t stopped its former proprietors from continuing their No Spandex Saturday rides. As the name suggests, leave the lycra at home—this casual group ride is about the simple pleasures and camaraderie of enjoying the city on two wheels. Each week’s route is posted in advance on the group’s Instagram page and tends to feature a stop or two for refreshments at local favorites.

Gravelstoke

Location Varies

There’s enough asphalt in San Diego to keep even the most tenacious spinner satisfied, but sometimes the greatest thrills in life require taking the road less pedaled, which is where Gravelstoke comes in. An online hub for gravel riders, racers, bikepackers, and anyone else who enjoys adventure on two wheels, Gravelstoke hosts gravel rides and events on a monthly basis. Routes and locations are posted in advance on Gravelstoke’s event calendar and feature a mix of gravel, trail, and road riding conditions.

Fiesta Island Tracklocross

Fiesta Island

It’s often said that the simplest things in life are the best, and the best things in life are free—so why not apply that to biking, too? With no entry fees, no race numbers, and no registration, the Fiesta Island Tracklocross Association’s monthly Saturday race series has everything you want, and nothing you don’t. Starting at 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday of every month, a bike and the willingness to pedal for glory are all that is required to enter. Any type of bicycle is allowed, however “tracklocross” bikes—hybrid track/cyclocross bikes—are encouraged.

Adams Avenue Bicycles

North Park/Florida Canyon/Various

Adams Avenue Bicycles hosts multiple rides that are certain to keep even the heartiest velo fanatics busy. Drop bar banshees, gravel grinders and mountain mashers will all find something to suit their styles throughout the month. Roadie watt watchers can spin until their heart’s content each week on the Monday Smackdown road rides. Leaving from Adams Avenue Bicycles at 6:45 p.m., this ride is all about showing up and throwing down over the course of 26.88 miles before returning to the shop.

Mountain bikers and gravel riders seeking a midweek session will appreciate the DirTNR rides occurring each Tuesday night during the velodrome racing season. Riders link up at the velodrome at 5:15 p.m. before rolling out for a casual hour-long ride through Florida Canyon, returning to the velodrome in time to catch some track racing action.

Those who want to take their riding further afield will enjoy the monthly Sunday Field Trips, typically scheduled for the second Sunday of each month. Each trip will explore a different part of the county with locations and routes shared ahead of time on their website.

Awarewolf Full Moon Bike Ride

Location Varies

With the tagline, “We’re a pack. Not a mass,” Awarewolf is a collection of cyclists led by Charlie Sears and Ricardo Juarez, with the aim of increasing bicycling participation, safety and, of course, awareness, especially between riders and drivers in San Diego. In keeping with this mission, Awarewolf hosts a monthly Full Moon Bike Ride open to riders of all styles, from casual cruisers to fixed gear fanatics. The time, location and routes vary month-to-month and are posted in advance on Awarewolf’s website, but one thing is certain: when the Awarewolves are out, even the moon cycles.

SheWolves

Balboa Park

The Awarewolves aren’t the only pack of pedalers in town; the SheWolves bring their own lycanthropic flair to biking. A cycling club for women, trans, femme, and gender nonconforming riders, the SheWolves focus on fostering inclusion and allyship in the San Diego cycling scene. Thursday night group rides leave from the Bea Evenson Fountain in Balboa Park at 7:15 p.m. and end at a different bar or brewery for post-ride libations each week.

Rouleur Brewing Social Ride

North Park

Given its connections to cycling (its name is a French term for “having wheels,” and was later adopted by racers), it’s no surprise that North County beer staple and bike themed brewery, Rouleur, hosts a social ride every Thursday night from its North Park tap room. The ride begins at 6:00 p.m. and follows a 17-mile route, ending back at Rouleur for beer and refreshments.

Bonus: San Diego Bike Coalition

Various Locations

The San Diego Bike Coalition does essential advocacy work to ensure the region’s bicycling culture continues to grow and thrive by championing projects to improve cycling infrastructure, access to bike lanes, and policies that benefit riders. While the Bike Coalition doesn’t host a dedicated weekly ride, they do publish a robust monthly calendar of biking events in the area, ranging from local races to classes on safe riding skills and bicycle maintenance.

The post 10 San Diego Biking Clubs for Every Type of Cyclist appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Park in the parking lots by the Morley Field baseball and softball fields. To start, ride in the direction of the tennis courts and on toward the dog park, skirting its edge and diving into the trail on the far left corner, which is the southwest side of the dog area. The immediate cobble-filled downhill will get you loosened up a bit.

Stay straight, never making any hard turns. The trail will twist and turn as you pass turnoffs, but stay the course. If you do, about a mile later you will end up down at the intersection of Pershing Dr., 26th St., and Florida Drive. Staying on the dirt, look to your left and note the single track that climbs up alongside Pershing Dr. Take it. Enjoy the wildflowers if they’re poppin’.

It is about a half-mile climb up a tight and fairly narrow single track. Back down at the three-way intersection, go right, back in the direction that you came. As you work your way back through, at about the half-mile mark, turn left and cross over Florida Dr. The crossover occurs slightly beyond Zoo Place ahead of the trail entrance. It’s a little past Zoo Place, going north, on the west side.

Again, dive in and get ready for cobbles. Follow the trail as it bends to the right. At this point, there is a main trail going north, but you’ll see other trails jumping off as you go. I tend to stay low and keep close to the stream. When I reach the north end, crossing over Morley Field Drive, I slowly pedal the Little Eden Trail. It’s very short but oh so beautiful with the big trees and shady canopies.

At this point, turn around and cross back over Morley Field Drive. Then go up the steep incline/hill to your right. Up top, it will come to a T intersection, at which point, go left. From here, go across the top.

From there, it’s a free-for-all as to what to do next. You can double up again and ride what you rode earlier. One typical route I do is after crossing Florida Drive at Zoo Place, I go north on the trail and take the immediate right-hand trail that climbs up and up. It’s a switchback that can be grueling, especially on a single-speed.

Up top, turn right and ride the dirt road, heading south. On a clear day, you can see the Coronado Bridge and distant Coronado Islands in Mexican waters. It’s a stunning view when there’s no marine layer or haze. From there, look around and wander your way back to wherever you started. There are other trails up top that drop down. You can’t really get lost.

The post Try This Bike Trail: Balboa Parks’ Florida Canyon appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

But if you did find yourself there, this is a trail riding experience that affords breathtaking views of the El Capitan Reservoir and surrounding foothills. The farther up you climb, the more rewarding the views. In late spring/summer, the rocky landscape becomes green and wildflowers pop. Winter’s rains course their way like lifeblood from the ground up through the trunks of oaks, the groves taking on a deeper green hue than the grasses.

To get started, some visitors park at the T intersection of Alpine Blvd. and Peutz Valley Rd. off of the I-8 near Alpine in a dirt parking area, or they simply park along the road below the 8 that runs overhead. They then pedal up Peutz Valley Rd. for about one mile, watching on their left for a single track entrance. They take it. They then descend at the outset a little ways, about a mile or so. 

The trail has a cross-country-esque feel to it, meaning it dips and bends and has an uphill bump or two along the way. When it begins to noticeably climb, riders settle in for the relatively steep and long grind to the top, roughly three miles. With some chunk here and there, it is a perfect tech-lover’s training ground for boosting one’s ascending abilities.

The oak grove somewhere mid-way through the climb is a solid spot for a break to take in the views. At the summit, the trail opens up into what feels like a giant dirt parking lot. Again, the views. Not done? No problem. 

The ATT continues, but riders will come upon a well-signed and fenced area when reaching the Capitan Grande Reservation. No continuing past that point. Riders here must turn around and head back in the direction they came up. Along the way, though, they can watch for unmarked single track to the sides of the ATT. If feeling adventurous, riders can take one, like those choose-your-own-adventure books of yesteryear.

Not feeling it? The descent on the original up hill trail is phenomenal. It’s fast, hair-raising, white-knuckle downhill glory at its best. One thing though: that little descent at the start of the ATT—after all the fun downhill ends—riders have to climb a little to get back out.

Riders who choose this trail should be respectful of locals by not parking at the trailhead. There is no legal parking there. Also, riders should not try to access Capitan Grande Reservation lands. Riders are not permitted to be there.

Anyone who is hungry after can take Alpine Blvd. into Alpine for about three miles. Order what sounds good at Tapatio’s and take it up the sidewalk to Mcilhenney Brewing Company. Order what sounds good there and then carry beer and Mexican food out back. Enjoy!

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Stories of Marines on patrol citing trail users with violations were not uncommon, and in January 2016, things came to a tipping point when some 50 mountain bikes were seized. Outrage ensued. Public meetings were held. The decades-long work of former County Supervisor Dianne Jacobs, along with the leadership of San Diego Mountain Bike Association and support from local advocates and elected officials resulted in an agreement with MCAS Miramar in early 2017. It allowed people to use the Historic Stowe Trail, if they had a permit (see how to get a permit below).

At nearly four miles long from end-to-end, the trail morphs between being double track and single track, passing through a copse of oak and sycamore trees. Coyotes wander, quail swoosh, and during wildflower season, a painter’s palette colors the surrounding landscape, highlighted by one area that in some years becomes a California poppy lover’s dream. 

With signage the entire way, it is impossible to get lost while out there. There are trails veering off the Stowe Trail, but officially, they are not part of the permitted areas. On the northern end of the trail, it connects into Goodan Ranch/Sycamore Canyon County Preserve, where you can continue to ride other trails, with Martha’s Grove Trail being one of my favorites in all of San Diego County.

How to Get a Stowe Trail Permit

Begin by going to the Miramar Marines official website and downloading the forms. All parties wanting to access the trail will need a permit which is required for those 10-years-old and older. 

Fill out the forms and drive to MCAS Miramar’s East Gate entrance off of I-15. When you drive up to the security checkpoint, the person on duty will direct you to the transportation office, which is on the right. Proceed to the parking lot there and go inside.

When called, present your documents, along with your driver’s license. If you don’t have one, a U.S. passport will suffice. You also need to provide the person with your Social Security number, but you do not need to show them a social security card. Assuming everything is filled out correctly, they’ll ask you to take a seat and wait while they run a background check. 

If that all checks out okay, you’ll get called up to a window to have your photo taken and then you’ll wait a few minutes while they print your permit to access the Stowe Trail. It is good for only one-year, so you’ll need to renew it annually.

Note: Currently, to access the Stowe Trail in Santee, there is a new temporary entrance. You should park your car along Ganley Rd. and then bike north on Strathmore Rd., about a half mile where it dead ends at a cul-de-sac. Step through the opening in the fence, as is indicated there. Proceed up the slight rise/hill, staying to the left. The trail will connect into Stowe Trail that is down on the left. At that point, turn right and ride north towards Poway via the Stowe Trail, taking in views of the distant Cuyamacas to the east.

The post How to Bike the Once-Restricted Stowe Trail appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

It is me, singing, “Laguna Mountain high, San Diego.”

Up a mile in the bluebird sky of the Peninsular Ranges, I pedal away on my mountain bike from Penny Pines Trailhead, which sits off of Sunrise Highway, and go in the direction of the southern terminus of the Noble Canyon Trail, some ten miles away in Pine Valley.

It is a dandy of a trail, traveling through pine forest and mixed oaks before reaching the farthest edges of the Colorado Desert, a sub-desert of the greater Sonoran. Along the way, the traveler, whether on foot, horseback, or bike, descends through six eco-zones. During the winter, when rain and snow fall on the Lagunas, Noble Creek steadily—and sometimes heartily—flows through the canyon, a mountain-to-desert seasonal stream that fills the air with a refreshing and life-giving song.

The Peninsular Ranges are characterized by what some consider to be “sky islands,” meaning that their uppermost peaks reach more than 6,000 feet. The Noble Canyon Trail begins in a pine and oak “island,” then drops in elevation from its northernmost point to its southern end. However, trail traversers also ascend some uphill sections here and there, the first one less than a mile into the trek.

In the far viewshed to the north, snow-capped San Gorgonio glistens in its winter cloak. In the foreground and its environs, the nearby Cuyamaca Mountains sit quietly, peaks like sentinels watching over the land. Cresting out, I go down and around, the trail undulating like a flamenco dancer.

Further on, the trail plummets. The pines seem taller as they reach skyward from the darker forest floor, and the sound of water starts trickling in my ear. Not long after that, there it is: Noble Creek, a narrow ribbon running through the forest on its way to the desert. I cross over it a few times, trying not to get my shoes wet.

About midway down the trail, I arrive at the Tolkien Oak Forest (an affectionate nickname I’ve coined) waiting on the other side of one of the stream crossings. The ambient light is darker. The canopy of magnificent California Black Oaks is so thick that dappled light is all that hits the ground. I stay and quietly sit. This is my rehydration and snack spot, and it’s also where I refill my soul tank. To be here, in this moment, with these trees, is reason alone to make this 10-mile trek.

I continue, soul moderately quelled, knowing there’s more to discover still. Descending through more oaks with scattered pines that give way to desert chaparral and various cacti, I pedal methodically through the rock gardens, taking care not to crash and fall while still keeping pace. Soon, I arrive at the second place along Noble Canyon Trail that stops me in my tracks.

It feels as if I am biking through a keyhole, and, when I finally enter it, I unlock a door that opens to a stunning desert view with soaring ridgelines. Way down below, the stream is a silver snake winding its way through the hardscrabble landscape. Yuccas and beavertail cactus defy the odds, eons of evolution granting them the ability to thrive in an unforgiving landscape.

There’s no escape from the punishing sun. I pause, slathering some sunblock on my face and the back of my neck. The trail bends and meanders, ranging down and up and then down some more, with more rock gardens along the way. Decomposed granite dots the trail surface. When I reach the junction that requires me to turn left to stay on Noble Canyon Trail, I’m feeling a bit haggard, so I refuel with water and an apple, knowing a large sand trap is just around the way.

I pedal quickly past another creek up the slope to the other side, which leads me to another ethereal oak grove where the sun passes through the leaves, illuminating the canopy like a natural cathedral. I sit to take it in.

The next stretch is gradually uphill, a long couple of miles of slight incline that I call “the slog” on account of the endless sand. It’s a put-your-head-down-and-go section of trail.

Cresting out at the end of that slog, I carve my way along the trail as it passes downward through camel-colored boulders to my right and long views on my left. I continue to climb, eventually finding a manzanita forest, a gnarled, fragrant mess that always lures me in. I can never pass through without touching the trees’ silk-smooth bark.

Then, it’s all down-down-down to the parking lot, an exhilarating run. There are more oaks to admire and big rocks to navigate through, culminating in one final push, when the trail finally rolls like a soft magic carpet ride to its end point. I’m greeted by towering pines that whisper in the breeze, singing their own song.

The post Mountain Biking Through Six Eco-Zones on Mount Laguna appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

My favorite path to the falls is a 28-mile lollipop loop through San Diego’s rugged backcountry. With nearly 4,000 feet of total elevation gain, it’s a rewarding doozy of a ride that can be completed on a gravel, mountain, or cyclocross bike. Here’s how to do it:

How to Bike to Mildred Falls

Start in Julian and head southwest out of town on Route 79. In approximately one mile, turn left onto Pine Hills Road. About 1.5 miles after that, pivot right onto Eagle Peak Road, which eventually turns to gravel and dirt. 

After about 10 miles, you’ll find yourself in the vicinity of Mildred Falls. Keep an eye on your right-hand side and listen for the water’s rush. Dismount from your bike and trek out on foot for a better view. Be on the lookout for rattlesnakes, and watch your footing if you get closer to the edge.

In spring, wildflowers push up from the ground, with carpets of California poppies sometimes blanketing the mountain sides in quilt-like patches. Hawks soar overhead, scanning the canyon for a meal.

Once you’ve snapped plenty of photos of Mildred Falls, continue south on Eagle Peak Road, going in the direction of Cedar Creek Falls. Twelve miles into your ride, you will arrive at the trailhead for the popular hike to those famous falls. This time, though, you’ll pass on by, bearing left onto Cedar Creek Road. 

Stay on Cedar Creek for about 3.5 miles to the Three Sisters Falls trailhead, yet another popular San Diego County hike. Pass this trailhead, too, turning left onto Boulder Creek Road.

Remain on Boulder Creek Road for 8.5 miles, enjoying the idyllic country views as you climb, twist, and turn your way back up towards Julian. Turn right onto Eagle Peak Road and follow it for approximately 1.5 miles. When you arrive at the T intersection with Pine Hills Road, turn left. Trace along Pine Hills Road for another 1.5 miles to reach Route 79, then turn right and bike for another mile or so to reach town.

Note that the first seven miles of this ride are relatively flat, and then the next five miles provide a fast downhill slope, dropping all the way to Cedar Creek, which is the low point of the trek. From there, you’ll partake in sustained climbing for the next seven miles, so it might be a good idea to enjoy the natural creek music while refueling and rehydrating. 

The path plateaus out a bit after the first major climb, but you’ll head uphill some more until you connect back into Eagle Peak Road. From there, it is relatively flatter as you roll back into Julian, where pizza, BBQ sandwiches, and a few pints of ale await at Julian Beer Company. Cheers!

The post The Best Backcountry Route to Mountain Bike to Mildred Falls appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Here are three Borrego roads to wander this late winter and early spring:

Mortero Canyon Road (8 Mi.)

On the west side of the paved S2 road, 8.5 miles north of the Ocotillo exit on I-8, there is a parking area and kiosk off the side of the road that is notable with The Impossible Railroad information sign that is there. Park your vehicle and get set up for biking on what is Mortero Canyon Rd., the sandy/decomposed granite desert road that is right in front of you. 

Pedal a little over four miles away from the paved S2 road, or, head west. Your destination is the Dos Cabezas Water Tower, a remnant of the bygone days of The Impossible Railroad. From the water tower, you can go south/left or north/right on unmarked desert roads to add on more miles and exploration.

Pinyon Mountain Road (14 Mi.)

Approximately 4.5 miles south of Route 78 on the paved S2 road sits the parking area for Pinyon Mountain Rd. It is on the left (east) side of the road when traveling south, a little past Stagecoach Trails, which is an RV Resort and campground, complete with a little general store for stocking up on food and drinks for desert wandering. 

From the parking area after you saddle up, stay to the right at the first desert road intersection that is a little beyond where you parked. The desert road (Pinyon Mountain Rd.) will gradually ascend, making for a slow climb that takes upwards of an hour before you reach the top, amidst the scattered juniper trees. From there, it is classic cross-country riding on two-track. 

Continue straight for a few miles to reach “the squeeze.” It is a tight geologic formation that can be biked through, but it is quite technical. Hike-a-bike is also a good idea. After passing through the squeeze, continue straight another mile or so to the end of the road for a spectacular desert view. You cannot go farther, unless you have rappelling gear. Turn around and head back, or on the way back, explore side roads to see more slot canyons.

Valley of the Moon (14 Mi.)

Take the In-Ko-Pah exit off the I-8, which is on the border of San Diego County and Imperial County. The large parking area for Valley of the Moon is obvious to see on the south side of the 8. With your back to the interstate, pedal over to the hard/paved road on your left and then prepare for a steep, strenuous and grueling climb to the top. It might take upwards of an hour to get up there, depending on your ability. 

At the top there is an intersection and the roads are no longer paved. If you go right, you’ll climb some more before the desert road undulates up and down. Along the way, you’ll see the border wall between Mexico and the USA. I suggest going left at the intersection for wandering out into the desert in the direction of some boulder fields that are popular with rock climbers. There are several roads that shoot off from the main road that you are on, the entire area being a bowl, or a valley. Take your bearings when adventuring, reading the landscape and/or retracing your way back down to your vehicle.

Recommended Biking Gear for Anza-Borrego

I have biked Borrego’s desert roads on a singlespeed 29er with 2.1 inch tires, a full-suspension mountain bike with 2.3 inch wide 27.5 tires, and with a fat bike that has 3.8 inch tires. The fatter the tires, the easier it is to pedal on the desert roads with deeper sand/decomposed granite.

Tips for Mountain Biking in Anza-Borrego

When the going gets deep, get to the sides of the roads where the surface will be harder and easier to pedal. Always pack more water than you think you’ll need. Three liters per person is a good minimum. Enjoy the wildflowers, cacti and if you’re lucky, the bighorn sheep.

The post 3 Anza-Borrego Desert Roads to Explore by Mountain Bike appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Encinitas Bikers.jpg

It all started in Berlin. Five hours into a trip with a guy who could have been my ticket to EU citizenship, I fell. Hard. But not for him. I landed on the extremely sturdy sidewalks I chose to careen down on my fahrrad, which is German for “mechanical harbinger of seven stitches.” Or, bicycle.

I’m not afraid of bikes because of the accident, but I’m not the carefree girl I used to be when it comes to riding (nor is my right knee). So, when I scored a deal on a Masi road bike, straight from the Haro Bikes headquarters in Vista, I had some apprehension about getting back in the saddle. That trepidation—and healing from my stitches—has lasted five years.

Now, I feel ready to reclaim the road. My journey back to the bike lane starts now, and I’m here to learn and ride alongside you as a beginner urban biker. Here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way on how to approach your steel steed with confidence. Roll up that right pant leg and hop on…

Take Care of Your Bike

Bike maintenance is essential to enjoying life on two wheels—whether you purchased a $2,000 bike or copped a used one for $200 off Craigslist.

First thing’s first. You’ll want to take it to a local bike shop to get it tuned and cleaned. A visit to Stay True Cycle Works in City Heights is like taking your bike to a spa (seriously, it gets a gentle steel wool scrub and a plushy polishing massage). Owner and bike mechanic, John Cooper, will have your ride back in fighting shape within 20 minutes.

And if you’re pulling out their bike for the first time in a while, you can make sure it’s road-ready with Cooper’s “ABC Quick Check:”

• A – Air
  “If you can pinch your tire, pump it up, even if it does feel kind of firm,” says Cooper. When in doubt, pump.
• B – Brakes
  “Squeeze your brakes. I like to call it a ‘rule of thumb’. Put your thumb [in between the handle and the handbrake] and squeeze—not hard, but until it stops. Then, if [the handle] is touching your thumb, chances are you might need a brake adjustment. Something might be obstructing it,” he says. Alternatively, it may be time to “bleed your brakes,” a process that drains out air trapped in your brake system.
• C – Chain
  “Check your chain,” says Cooper. Not shifting smoothly? Then stop by a bike shop.
• Quick – Quick fastener
  “Check your quick releases to see if you can pull them off with your fingers,” Cooper shares. If that’s the case, you’re in need of a tightening.

Rules of the Road

San Diego is not quite a cyclist-friendly city (though plans are in the works to add more protected bike lanes), so it is imperative to adhere to safety protocols. A local cycling org, the San Diego Bicycle Coalition, offers some guidelines for riders:

• Use The Bicycle Lane
  On a roadway with a bike lane, bicyclists traveling slower than traffic must use the bike lane except when making a left turn, passing, avoiding hazardous conditions, or approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.
• Ride With Traffic
  Bicyclists must travel on the right side of the roadway in the direction of traffic, except when passing, making a legal left turn, riding on a one-way street, riding on a road that is too narrow, or when the right side of the road is closed due to road construction.
• Be Seen Day & Night
  Being conspicuous is an essential part of traffic safety! At night cars and bicycles are required to have a working front and rear light. Bikes are required to have many other reflectors as well. Even during the daytime lights, reflectors and hi-visibility accessories can be a key part of safety and visibility.

Cooper adds, “Try to make eye contact with the drivers. Scan the road.” Keeping an eye out for cars—and making sure they’ve got eyes on you, too—goes a long way in preventing collisions.

You knew it was coming, but here’s the big one: wear a helmet. Don’t be afraid to feel dorky. That beautiful brain of yours is worth protecting. Though it’s not mandated by San Diego City or California law for adults to wear helmets, it is required for anyone under 18.

Cyclist.jpeg

Beginning Bike Rides

My vote? Start close to home. Depending on your neighborhood’s proximity to major thoroughfares, beginning with short jaunts down side streets is best. Once you’ve gained some confidence, try these starter routes.

Mission Bay Bike Path

This 12-mile loop offers great views, flat surfaces, and even picnic opportunities for a pit stop. The 8-mph speed limit ensures a safe and leisurely cruise for all.

Barrio Logan Art Path

San Diego Bike Coalition suggests a colorful ride through the streets of Barrio Logan. The route includes nine stops for urban art patronage, starting at Chicano Park.

Balboa Park

The 1,200-acre park provides ample promenades—pedal down a few, then head over the bridge and back for a simple, outdoor roll.

Your New Cycling Community

Already an excellent resource for safety and bike advocacy, the San Diego Bicycle Coalition is also a local beacon of the biking community. The organization offers classes—including collaborations on bike mechanics with Stay True Cycle Works, Family Bike Education onsite at schools, and virtual Smart Cycling courses—and a thorough schedule of riding activities for all skill levels. (The Community Bike Rides stand out as a family-friendly highlight.) May 1–31 marks Bike Month in San Diego, so you can look forward to several events honoring all things cycling.

Be sure to also check out local cycling groups which can be an easy way to make new friends with the same interests. Bikingis.fun is another great resource for cycling events. Don’t be dissuaded by its spartan Web 1.0 interface—this website launched earlier this year and maintains an up-to-date bulletin board of riding opps of all kinds, including Velodrome racing for the more seasoned rider or eager spectator (think NASCAR or Formula 1, but for bikes).

Happy riding!

The post Training Wheels: A Beginner’s Guide to Urban Biking appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Good beer? Check. Good beaches? Check. Good biking trails? We’ve got those, too. While our commuter bike lanes may not qualify us to be a bike-friendly county, San Diego’s diverse terrain presents a wide range of paths for two wheels. From bayside joy rides to mountain biking in nature, these are six of the best bike trails in San Diego.

Bayshore Bikeway (Silver Strand) Trail

Explore the Strand in an easy and relaxed nine-mile ride that comprises one part of the 24-mile Bayshore Bikeway. The trail starts at the Coronado Ferry Landing Marketplace, then heads down the coast to Imperial Beach—passing the Hotel Del and the Coronado Cays along the way.

Carlsbad Coastal Rail Trail

Ideal for families with little ones, this short stretch runs adjacent to the train tracks and offers a quiet break from Carlsbad’s busy streets. In the future, the trail will expand to run 44 miles from Oceanside down to central San Diego. For now, enjoy an easy 0.7 mile jaunt with family.

Fiesta Island

Views and a good workout are our MO around here. Fiesta Island packs a punch with both, serving up sunny views of the bay and a four-mile loop to get your ride in. The route is a popular spot for cyclists working on their time trials, so be prepared to move over for the pros! Looking for a longer ride? Mission Bay’s got even more space to bike with completely flat terrain, picnic spots, and a scenic tour of the water.

Lake Hodges Bridge

Take to this stress-ribbon bridge—the longest in the world!—for a scenic tour around Lake Hodges, north of Rancho Bernardo. The bridge is 990 feet long and connects with other trails once you get to the north side. The bridge is a popular spot for families, so plan a weekday trip if you want to avoid crowds.

Mission Trails

More adventurous cyclists will want to check out Mission Trails Regional Park, which has a seemingly endless amount of space to explore. Take a six-mile ride along Lake Murray, or a trek on the Father Junípero Serra Trail to check out the Old Mission Dam.

San Diego River Bike Path

This versatile and car-free path is good for whatever you have in mind, be it a mellow weekend ride or a calorie-burning workout. No matter your idea of leisure, there are 20 miles of pathway to take advantage of, running from Mission Valley to Ocean Beach.

Where to Bike

The post Where to Bike in San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

yoga at Rady

November 3

Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters’ Chef’s Table Event

One of La Jolla Shores’ best neighborhood restaurants Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters will be hosting their inaugural Chef’s Table event this Thursday, November 3 at 6 p.m. The event will be led by executive chef Marty Fay joined by SAMsARA Wine Company’s head winemaker Matt Brady presenting a six-course tasting menu with wines to pair. Tickets are $250 and can be found here. | 2259 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla Shores 

23rd San Diego Asian Film Festival

From November 3 through November 12, the 23rd annual San Diego Asian Film Festival will be showcasing Asian-American and international cinema in movie theaters across San Diego County. The festival will hold 25 premieres and there will be several Q&As with filmmakers and chances to meet cast and crew. The lineup includes more than 130 films from more than 30 at 4 venues including the San Diego Natural History Museum and Ultrastar Mission Valley. Tickets can be purchased for individual screenings, a festival six-pack or you can go all in with the all-fest pass, which comes with front-of-line privileges at all regular film screenings, entry to all passholder receptions and much more. | citywide; primary venue — Ultrastar Mission Valley 7510 Hazard Center Dr #100

Yiddishland’s First Anniversary Celebration

La Jolla’s Yiddishland celebrates its first anniversary with a First Friday Artwalk where an abundance of artwork including Jewish ceremonial art will be available for purchase from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.. There will also be plenty of drinks, food and entertainment and there will be some select discounts on artwork in the Yiddishland gallery. Additionally, special gifts will be given to those in attendance who donate $180 by November 4. | 1128 Wall Street, La Jolla

November 4

Welcome Tu Las Californias

This weekend marks the debut of Welcome Tu Las Californias, a two-day music festival across the border in Baja California put on by international hip hop supergroup Tulengua and featuring musicians and DJs from Baja, San Diego and Los Angeles. Friday in Tijuana will include a local art and craft bazaar, a full bar & snacks, birria, baja funk fashion by Brujo Vintage and Gala Castañon and a live mural by El Señor Papel. Saturday will feature baja-med cuisine along with local wine & cocktails at a private dinner at Bloodlust in Valle De Guadalupe. Tickets for Friday are $11.22 and $25 for Saturday. | Various locations in Baja

November 5

SD Brewers Guild Fest

San Diego Beer Week brings together over 150 breweries in the county from November 4-13, kicking off with the San Diego Brewers Guild Fest. Hosted at The Surf Sports Park in Del Mar from 1 to 4 p.m. There will be food trucks, live music and of course plenty of delicious craft beer. General admission tickets are $55 and come with unlimited samples from more than 70 breweries while early admission tickets are $70 and allow an added hour of entry from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here. | 14989 Via De La Valle, Del Mar

Alicia Keys at Viejas Arena

As an artist well-known for romantic ballads, chart-topping hits and her classical piano playing, Alicia Keys has become one of the most popular R&B acts of all time. Her upcoming show at Viejas Arena celebrates the release of her two most recent studio albums Alicia, released in September 2020 and Keys, released in December 2021. This performance will also come a day after the release of Key’s first-ever Christmas album Santa Baby on November 4, featuring covers of Christmas classic and original holiday music. | 5500 Canyon Crest Drive, El Cajon

Queen Bees Market

18th Annual Carlsbad Music Festival

The 18th annual Carlsbad Music Festival will have an eclectic musical lineup including blues, New Orleans brass, afrobeat and salsa artists headlined by Monophonics. The festival will take place from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be a beer garden with sponsor Societe Brewing and local wine brands along with three food trucks onsite serving Americana, pacific rim fusion and tacos. General admission tickets are $35, VIP tickets are $125 and kids aged 12 and under are admitted free with a ticket. | 2775 Carlsbad Boulevard, Carlsbad

Bike the Coast

Bike along the water in Oceanside for the annual Bike the Coast where novice and advanced bikers alike can ride the most scenic routes in SoCal. There will be routes of 25, 50 and 100 miles for the pros and family rides on the San Luis River Trail of 7 and 15 miles. Registration opens at 5:30 a.m. at Betty’s Lot in Downtown Oceanside and following the races, a beer garden and the Taste the Coast Expo will open at 10 a.m. under the Oceanside Pier. | 301 North The Strand, Oceanside

Queen Bee Market

San Diego artisanal popup marketplace Queen Bee Market is back at a new venue, Cal State University San Marcos, this weekend November 5-6. Food vendors at the event will include Good Coffee Company, The Go Go Truck, and Hey sugar, hello cookie and there will be several vendors selling accessories, clothing furniture and home decor. Pay $5 to get in the door before sifting through specialty handmade items and enjoy food, drinks and desserts at this trendy, curated lifestyle market. | 333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos

November 6

FitFest

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Sunday, the San Diego Symphony will be hosting a FitFest at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park in partnership with Fit Athletic Club. Instructors from Fit will be leading a variety of classes in yoga, bootcamp, HIIT and circuit training. There will also be other features like a free throw contest, a dance party, and a kid’s zone as well as food, beverage and wellness vendors in attendance. Register for this event here. | 222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero

The post 10 Things To Do This in San Diego Nov. 3-6 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.