Let’s be honest, every town, city, state, province, and country in the world has it’s downside when it comes to living and riding. Want proof? I have a friend that lives on Kauai and a friend that lives on Maui. Paradise. Now, they wouldn’t live anywhere else but when we talk about what it’s like to live in that paradise they always come back to the fact that they live on islands. Crowded islands. Downside.
If it’s true that everywhere we live has a downside, then the opposite must also be true: there’s always an upside. My friends in Hawaii put up with the downside because the upside is just too good. The surf is epic and family’s nearby so they’re staying put. Downside, upside. It’s the same for where I live and ride and I’m guessing it’s the same for you too. Here in California, the freeways are crowded, the cost of living is ridiculous, and I just can’t get used to earthquakes. Downside. But there’s an upside.
So here are my top 5 reasons why I love to ride where I live (then I’d love to hear your top 5):
- It’s only 10 minutes to long, quiet, country back roads with no stop signs or traffic signals.
- It’s a bike culture.
- The Santa Cruz Mountains.
- The weather.
- Group Rides. Lots of ‘em. Multiple options at various times every day of the week.
How about you? Sure there’s a downside where you ride. Every place has ‘em. Maybe you have to deal with long winters or southern humidity or crowded roads with no bike lanes. But I’m sure there’s a great upside to riding where you are.
So what are the top 5 reasons that YOU love where you ride? Please leave a comment and let us know. Thanks!
Ride on…
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1. I’m 2 miles from the coast and a straight shot up or down PCH for as many miles as I want to endure on the flats.
2. the weather, the weather, the weather.
3. I can head down PCH for less than 8 miles and turn up a river trail they leads me into endless hill climbs from 4% up to 22 %. And be there via bike within an hour.
4. I can do an organized ride 7 days a week (if that was possible for me). And be at any of those start locations within 5-20 minutes.
5. There is no shartage of talent here which = pain and progress.
Thanks Craig – Orange County has a great upside! Are those your favorite climbs up GMR/Mt Baldy?
Jacksonville, FL
1. The roads I live near almost all have bike lanes.
2. The weather. It does get chilly in the winter but you can still ride virtually year round.
3. It’s flat. I’m not a climber so having the pancake is nice.
4. Near the water. It’s awesome to be able to ride down hear the Atlantic if I want to.
5. Rail Trails. These can be an awesome place to ride a road bike.
I was hesitant to put group rides/culture although we have both here. Group rides aren’t 7 days a week and most are way too fast for me.
Ah rail trails – I’ve heard they’re awesome. I don’t think we have any here but I’ve heard they go on for hundreds of miles. Florida is a great place to ride!
Sonoma County, California
1. The vineyards, redwoods, and Pacific coasts
2. Away from traffic within 5 minutes of leaving my house
3. Leg burning climbs
4. Mind blowing descents
5. A circle of riding friends that can’t be beat
That’s my top 5.
Sonoma might be one of the best places in the world to ride! Too bad the ToC isn’t going through Santa Rosa again this year – not coming through here either (unless you count San Jose). Maybe next year?
Matt – Santa Rosa is going to be the 2012 start city. We’ll have the pros here for 8 days as the lead up to stage 1.
Sounds great! Have they released next year’s route already?
Southern New Hampshire
1. Endless variety of riding. Where I live is constant short/steep punchy hills. An hour+ north I have the White Mountain with 10+ mile climbs.
2. The beauty of New England. Sometimes I need to slow down to enjoy the view and just take it in. Especially in October during peak foliage!
3. Quiet back roads with very little traffic.
4. New England is so compact: Within a 1-2 hour drive I can ride in: Vermont, the Maine coast, or Massachusetts. All offering very different riding topography.
5. The long winters:-) I never lose my interest or love for riding after the long winter break!
Is there anyplace more stunning than New England in the fall? Don’t think so! Would love to do a multiday ride through the White Mtns some day. Love that long winters are a positive – seasons and rhythms are a part of life for a reason right? “A time for everything” and all that. Thanks Andy!
Ya, I as trying to put a positive spin on the long winter…but I’m kidding myself!
Yeah but when you have true seasons, you’re always motivated!