#mountain bikers of santa cruz

[originalgravity]

[andrewhunt1155]

The Wildlife and Natural Beauty of Gilroy, California.

Nestled in the southern part of Santa Clara County, Gilroy, California, is a gem often overshadowed by the bustling tech-centric cities of Silicon Valley. Known primarily for its annual Garlic Festival, Gilroy offers far more than its famous aromatic bulb. It is a haven for nature enthusiasts, boasting a rich tapestry of wildlife and stunning natural landscapes that enchant visitors and locals alike. From sprawling parks and lush hiking trails to diverse ecosystems teeming with wildlife, Gilroy, California is a sanctuary of natural beauty waiting to be explored.

A Tapestry of Diverse Ecosystems

Gilroy's unique geographical position at the southern edge of the Santa Clara Valley, bordered by the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west and the Diablo Range to the east, creates a variety of ecosystems. This diversity supports an array of flora and fauna, making Gilroy an ecological treasure.

One of the most prominent natural attractions is the Henry W. Coe State Park. As the largest state park in northern California, it spans over 87,000 acres of wild, rugged terrain. The park's diverse ecosystems range from oak woodlands and chaparral to riparian habitats along its creeks. Hikers and nature lovers can explore its extensive network of trails, encountering a multitude of wildlife, including black-tailed deer, wild turkeys, bobcats, and even the elusive mountain lion. Bird watchers can delight in spotting golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and a variety of songbirds.

Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

Another jewel in Gilroy's crown is the Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park. This expansive park offers over 6,695 acres of rolling hills, oak savannas, and a picturesque lake. The park is a favorite destination for camping, fishing, boating, and horseback riding. The lake itself is home to various fish species such as bass, bluegill, and catfish, attracting anglers year-round.

The park's trails are frequented by hikers and mountain bikers who can experience the tranquility of the area while possibly encountering wildlife like wild boars, coyotes, and numerous bird species. The park's diverse habitats support a healthy population of amphibians and reptiles, including the California newt and western fence lizard.

Uvas Canyon County Park

Uvas Canyon County Park, located on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains, is renowned for its lush, forested environment and stunning waterfalls. The park's cool, shaded trails are particularly inviting during the hot summer months. The cascading waterfalls, such as Upper Falls and Basin Falls, are the highlights of the park, providing serene spots for reflection and photography.

The park's creekside habitats support a variety of wildlife, including raccoons, skunks, and gray foxes. The rich plant life, from ferns and mosses to towering redwoods and sycamores, creates a verdant haven that is a stark contrast to the dry chaparral found in other parts of Gilroy.

The Agricultural Landscape

Beyond its parks and wild spaces, Gilroy's agricultural heritage also contributes to its natural beauty. The fertile soil and Mediterranean climate make it an ideal location for farming. Garlic fields, vineyards, and orchards form a picturesque patchwork across the landscape. The sight of blooming garlic fields in the summer or grapevines heavy with fruit in the fall adds a rustic charm to the region.

Local farms often open their doors to visitors, offering farm tours, wine tastings, and U-pick fruit opportunities. This agricultural interaction not only enhances the appreciation of the land but also underscores the symbiotic relationship between nature and community in Gilroy.

Preservation and Conservation Efforts

The natural beauty of Gilroy is not just a result of its favorable geography; it is also the product of concerted preservation and conservation efforts. Organizations such as the Open Space Authority and local government initiatives have been instrumental in protecting the area's natural habitats from overdevelopment. These efforts ensure that future generations can enjoy the same pristine landscapes and rich biodiversity that current residents and visitors do.

Educational programs and community outreach are also vital components of these conservation efforts. Local schools and community groups often participate in wildlife preservation projects, habitat restoration activities, and environmental education programs. These initiatives foster a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards the environment among the younger generation.

Conclusion

Gilroy, California, is much more than the "Garlic Capital of the World." It is a testament to the natural beauty and ecological diversity that thrive in the heart of the Silicon Valley region. From the expansive trails of Henry W. Coe State Park and the serene waters of Coyote Lake to the cascading waterfalls of Uvas Canyon, Gilroy's landscapes offer endless opportunities for exploration and appreciation of the natural world.

The city's commitment to preserving its natural habitats ensures that Gilroy remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a haven for those seeking respite from the urban hustle. Whether you're a seasoned hiker, a passionate bird watcher, or simply someone who enjoys the tranquility of nature, Gilroy's wildlife and natural beauty provide a rich, immersive experience that celebrates the splendor of the great outdoors.

[weshipyourride]

Meet BikeFlights Support Team Member Sunny Singh

BikeFlights Customer Support Team Member Sunny Singh wastes no opportunity to stay active, emphasizing the mental benefits in addition to the obvious physical benefits. “You’ve got to make the time to feel good,” he says, as he walks on his “walking desk,” a specially designed treadmill and desk for walking while working.

Sunny covers three to 10 miles per BikeFlights shift while answering customer emails, phone calls and chats. And there’s a good chance he had already been out on the trails prior to his “walking shift,” catching a sunrise on his Santa Cruz mountain bike.

Sunny grew up in the Detroit area, and moved around a bit as an adult before returning to his roots within the past year. Somewhere in that journey, about five years ago while working in corporate finance, he found mountain biking.

While out trail running Sunny would often cross paths with mountain bikers, and he was intrigued. So he picked up his first mountain bike, a Norco hardtail, and off he rode into the sunset.

Until his mountain bike was stolen.

As unfortunate as having his bike stolen was, it inspired Sunny to pursue a new angle of his relatively new hobby. He scoured the second hand bike sources and began piecing together his next bike with the intention of building it up himself.

“I had made some new friends through mountain biking who were always building up bikes, and I had spotted a Santa Cruz Hightower frame being sold locally. So I put it upon myself to build up a bike. I had never done anything like that.”

Sunny built up a collection of used tools and parts and got to work, often consulting with everyone’s favorite modern source of knowledge, YouTube.

But he also had another invaluable source of guidance: his local bike shop.

Jimmy and Jonathan at Motor City Bicycles in Livonia, Michigan have assisted Sunny with the process over two mountain bike builds so far.

“Having a physical resource like that has been great.”

While Sunny is chasing some fitness goals, he's more likely to cite the importance of the mental benefits he gets from riding.

“For me the bigger motivation is I love being on my bike. It brings me a lot of calm, joy, and I have to make that time for it.”

When time allows, Sunny prefers to hit up the DTE Energy Foundation mountain bike trail system near Chelsea, Michigan, finding the well-maintained trails ideal for getting in some solid miles. But not having time for his ideal destination does not prevent him from hopping on the bike, hitting some local trails, getting out in nature and catching a sunrise before his BikeFlights shift.

“I feel like there’s this innate joy that comes with riding a bike. It’s such a mindful activity. In adulthood you get so wrapped up in what’s happening versus what you’re doing, and you get in your head about a lot of stuff. For me, in adulthood especially, it’s brought me a lot of calm and clarity.”

Another item on Sunny’s list of inspirations, which he was able to add coming up on one year, is his fellow BikeFlights team members.

“Being surrounded by like-minded people inspires me to get out and ride even more.”

Sunny looks forward to the day he can actually ride with his fellow BikeFlights staff, and he’s eager to “get the miles in” to prepare. “If someone like Gordon [Wadsworth] sets the pace, someone better bring a shovel, ‘cause they’re gonna have to bury me out on the trail somewhere.”

In addition to being inspired to ride, Sunny has also noticed other benefits of being a part of the BikeFlights team over the past year.

“I feel a lot of satisfaction when I’m able to help someone,” Sunny says.

And the BikeFlights work culture is a departure from his experience in corporate finance.

“We share a lot of interests which is something I’ve never really had in work life,” Sunny says. “I really love working with everyone all the time. Everyone is very supportive and fun to work with.”

[bikejoel]

MBOSC’s First Ever “Old Growth Classic” Mixed Terrain Race, Part 2: The Start! • 8/25/18

When you see Mark Davidson's smiling face first thing in the AM, you know it'll be a good day! Plus, he pointed me towards the Verve truck for coffee. Dan was already in line waiting for a cappuccino, but I opted for a drip so I could get to breakfast more quickly. After downing a pretty decent breakfast burrito, we made our way to the Meadow where people were assembling for the start. 

Since we weren’t racing in a competitive way, we staged pretty much at the end, or as some like to say, in ‘the party at the back.’ (Kinda like a mullet.) We did some pre-race limbering up moves. There were some announcements we couldn’t hear, and then we were off!

The first mile and a half is a paved climb up and out of the campground, then a brief descent before another 4-1/4 miles of climbing, this time on dirt. That first descent was where I realized that there must’ve been some air in the rear brake’s hydraulic line; it worked ok on flat ground, but, dang, not so good when facing downhill! Continued...

[realidadsanmartinense]

Con participación de sanmartinenses pasó Paralelo 39 Bike Adventure

Con participación de sanmartinenses pasó Paralelo 39 Bike Adventure

El pasado domingo 9 de mayo, las bardas de Paso Córdova, en General Roca, fue el escenario de la 10ª edición de la carrera de mountain bike Paralelo 39. La prueba tuvo recorridos de 25 y 50 kilómetros y contó con la participación de 500 bikers representando 55 localidades de Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, Santa Cruz, La Pampa, Chubut, Neuquén y Río Negro. Entre ellos los sanmartinenses Fausto…

[travelingtheusaandeurope]

Best Camping near Santa Cruz California

With bird's- eye sights of Monterey Bay as well as the Pacific Ocean, camping websites near Santa Cruz are additional specified by the quick altitude gain of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Surfing in the early morning, checking out redwoods throughout the mid-day, in addition to seeing the sunlight established over dynamic hillside ridges can all be carried out in a day in Santa Cruz, with numerous excellent camping areas nearby to invest the night. With many things to do in Santa Cruz, a solitary outside camping weekend break just offers an image of all there is to see.

Sustaining camping tent as well as Motor Home camping, a few of the absolute best camping websites near Santa Cruz are world renowned, including Henry Cowell Redwoods along with Huge Container Redwoods State Parks. Camping bookings are very suggested for these around the world traveling areas, along with the industrial camping sites close by, like Santa Cruz Redwoods Recreational Vehicle Resort. Coastal outdoor camping locations near Santa Cruz truly frequently have a tendency to gleam come dusk, in addition to camping locations like the one at New Brighton State Shoreline provide the sound of churning waves as an outdoor camping soundtrack.

Discover the most effective locations to oversleep the wild with our listing of the leading campgrounds near Santa Cruz.

Large Basin Redwoods State Park

The golden state's earliest state park, big Basin Redwoods State Park is much less than a hr drive from Santa Cruz. This globally preferred outside camping and likewise treking area is best recognized for the towering, 300-foot seaside redwood trees expanding within its borders. The park's 80 miles of tracks, stretching from water level to 2,000 feet, similarly often tend to get a great deal of attention, consisting of the Skyline-to-the-Sea Path that gets in touch with various other state parks in the place.

Camping options are plentiful in Large Container Redwoods State Park, with an option of internet sites offered that suit different experiences. With virtually 150 private camping websites spread out in between 5 different outside camping places, Big Container likewise features separate group outdoor camping sites, outside camping tents cabins, as well as specialized hiker/biker websites.

Conveniently available services like hot showers, Motor Home links, and also closeness to treking trails differ from one exterior camping location to the numerous other. Camping reservations are basically essential at Big Container, specifically on summer season weekends.

Henry Cowell State Park Redwood

Put right into the Santa Cruz Mountains much less than 5 miles from the Santa Cruz Coastline Boardwalk, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a global site visitor location as well as camping location. Consisting of over 4,600 acres of hilly terrain, this basically 90-year-old park acquires its eminence from the 40 acres of old-growth redwood trees within its boundaries. The highest tree at Henry Cowell stands concerning 277 feet high as well as is approximated to be over 1,500 years old.

A two-mile walk from the Redwood Grove Loophole, one of the most effective hiking tracks near Santa Cruz, the park's outdoor camping site has greater than 100 websites for outdoors tents as well as additionally Recreational vehicles. Distributed throughout an underhanded forest, the camping areas have all-natural individual privacy as well as additionally availability to flushing toilets and also coin-operated showers. The acme in the park, a monitoring deck with large views of the Santa Cruz Hills, is a half-mile walking from the camping site.

Containing the winding banks of the San Lorenzo River, the surface area at Henry Cowell supplies enough destination for a whole weekend break without leaving the park. The day-use Fall Creek System of Henry Cowell, just north of the camping area, has more than 20 miles of treking trails to check out. Among one of the most efficient swimming openings in the state can be found at the Yard of Eden furthermore within the state park. Appointments are extremely advised along with offered 6 months beforehand.

Sundown State Coastline

A half-hour drive from Santa Cruz, as well as a mile south of the tent-only Manresa State Coastline camping area, Sundown State Coastline has practically 90 internet sites that can fit Mobile homes roughly 31 feet in length. In the shade of seaside yearn and also cypress trees along with safeguarded from the sea wind by towering dune, Sundown State Beach is likewise famous for exterior tents outdoor camping. It's a short drive to the shoreline from the camping area, or a gorgeous quarter-mile trip on the Shoreline Path.

Neglecting Monterey Bay, Sundown State Coastline has a generous seaside, perfect for year-round activities like angling, picnicking, and likewise piloting remote-control gliders. For huge household occasions close to the sea, 2 large color ramadas can be scheduled alongside the coast. Around night site visitors at the campground have accessibility to flushing commodes and also coin-operated showers.

A recommended day-use destination and RV-only outdoor camping site, Seacliff State Beach consists of over 60 parking areas ignoring the sea, split in between total connection along with non-hookup websites. Site visitors park their Mobile homes appropriate close to the sandy two-mile coast and also take pleasure in the landscape from right here. This state coastline projects for angling, swimming, as well as suntanning, as well as its most popular attribute is the half-sunken S.S. Palo Alto at the end of the pier.

A concrete oil vessel originally created for Globe battle, the S.S. Palo Alto was never ever before used in armed forces solution. Instead, the ship was used along with travelled to Santa Cruz, where it had a brief walk-on amusement standing with dance halls and also galleries. Complying with bankruptcy as well as additionally the Wonderful Anxiousness, the ship started the slow-moving procedure of sinking into the sea. Today, the concrete remnant is well photographed however unattainable, as well as additionally far more recommended than ever before with the area bird populace.

Beside Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, this RV-exclusive camping area and additionally resort urges holidays in addition to extended remains. Reservations are advised at this Motor Home camping location, which is within a brief drive from the sea, surrounded by California redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. On-site services consist of a kid-friendly clubhouse, neat washrooms with cozy showers, as well as free of charge Wi-Fi throughout the camping website. For extremely easy solution for the summer season sunshine, the outdoor camping website also uses access to a slow-current section of the San Lorenzo River.

Castle Rock State Park

Much less than a hr north of midtown Santa Cruz, Castle Rock State Park incorporates a high ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains and also over 5,000 acres of challenging surface. Popular for hiking, hill biking, in addition to horseback riding, over thirty miles of tracks weave throughout Castle Rock State Park.

Attaching to other state parks in the area, including Big Container Redwoods State Park, tracks like Skyline-to-the-Sea Path in Castle Rock State Park make it possible for over night backpacking opportunities.

The Castle Rock Path Camp at Castle Rock State Park is hike-in just and likewise features 20 first-come, first-served camping areas easily accessible through a 2.5-mile walking. It's liked with backpackers on the Skyline-to-the-Sea Course. Campers are required to bring in all their tools as well as likewise water to the Course Camp, where pit washrooms are offered. A ranger or camp host is on a routine basis operating at the camping area to collect over night costs as well as likewise offer fire wood.

New Brighton State Beach

Adjacent to the RV-exclusive Seacliff State Coastline and likewise the sunken S.S. Palo Alto, New Brighton State Coastline is a camping area famous with camping tents as well as little camper trailers. Consisting of over 100 internet sites, lots of within earshot of the sea, the outdoor camping area rests atop a bluff with sights of Monterey Bay.

The Pacific Migrations Site Visitor Facility at the park highlights previous inhabitants as well as citizens of the area. All over night visitors at the outdoor camping location have access to flushing commodes as well as coin-operated showers.

Manresa Uplands State Shoreline|Photo Copyright: Brad Lane

Fifteen miles down the coast from Santa Cruz, Manresa Uplands is a tent-only camping area secured from the ocean wind by huge dune. Over night visitors at the camping location park their truck in a top large amount and likewise make a short hike to their appointed outdoor camping area. Every outdoor camping site has distance to flushing restrooms in addition to coin-operated showers, together with fast access to the vast and also welcoming beachfront of Manresa State Coastline.

Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA|Picture Copyright: Brad Lane

Providing simple access to the sea and likewise redwoods of Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA gives a finest basecamp to explore the outdoors. Including outdoor tents and also pull-thru Rv websites with full links conveniently offered, this KOA Vacation outdoor camping site likewise focuses on a big variety of camping cabins. Ranging from luxurious cabins that rest six as well as consist of complete washrooms to relaxing two-person cabins with an outdoor patio area, it's not just the resting locations at the Santa Cruz KOA that make the camping website preferred.

Kids have a tendency to be drawn in the direction of the large home entertainment area at the Santa Cruz KOA, consisting of a massive bouncing pillow in addition to sandy play area locations. The KOA Express Enjoyable Train has a tendency to be preferred also, offering kids to different backyard in the outdoor camping location, consisting of a banana bike rental terminal and also outside cinema for post-sunset films. Other solutions contain a new swimming pool and park area built to supply a journey experience without leaving the camping site.

A brand-new enhancement to the state park system, Little Container is a 500-plus acre camping area adjacent to Large Container Redwoods State Park. Previously a special firm hideaway room, and also presently possessed by the state as well as additionally run by an independent concessionaire, Little Container is a surprise treasure for camping in the redwoods. Visits are required for any one of the 38 outdoor camping outdoor tents sites or whole lots cabins conveniently offered, all with distance to a recognized network of trails, together with close-by flushing shower rooms along with showers.

For a solitary exterior camping experience bordered by redwoods, the West Ridge Path Camp at Forest of Nisene Marks State Park supplies on a real wild experience. It's around a six-mile walking to get to the course camp at this state park on the borders of Santa Cruz, with 6 backcountry internet sites used by appointment simply. Primitive washroom centers along with barbeque tables are readily available in this remote place surrounded by redwoods, however campers need to bring in all required gear, including water.

[apisonadora60]

West Highland Way: Rab Wardell's Record Attempt

Stretching from just outside the hustle of Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, to the iconic highland town of Fort William, the 95 miles (153km) West Highland Way is a world-famous, multi-day traverse loved by walkers from around the world.

What is less well known about the route, is that a hardy band of mountain bikers have been vying for record times along the way for the last 10 years. Riding “the way” in its entirety is a notable accomplishment - it boasts a meaty 10,351ft of climbing, and parts of the terrain involve carrying, rather than riding a bike. 

This adventure has been on Rab Wardell’s mind since he first walked the route in 2007 as a recently retired 22-year-old professional mountain biker. In 2011, Wardell undertook his first attempt, completing the route in a 12.15hr, in 2012, he bettered that by going sub 12hrs - a major personal milestone. A few years later this record time was broken by Steve McInnes with an 11:30. Then in 2015, Scottish Endurance legend Keith Forsyth set a new fastest time of 10:27. Rab began thinking about trying to win his record back in 2019 and had concluded that a sub-10-hour time would be his aim, besting Forsyth’s time. To everyone’s shock, Fort William rider Gary McDonald then set a blistering 9:28 across the route in early August. 

Training through the pre-pandemic winter, aided training technology from Wahoo including the KICKR Smart Trainer. Rab was spurred on by girlfriend Katie Archibald's inspiring efforts leading into the now postponed Olympics. Despite setbacks, Rab achieved his aim and has openly encouraged others to attempt the record, all while experiencing such a soul-edifying route through his beloved homeland. 

How long his record will remain intact is an open-ended question; even completing such an extreme human endeavor could be considered a victory no matter what - but for this hardy group vying for records, there will always be more on the line than simply finishing. 

Presented By:  Wahoo Santa  Cruz Bicycles 

In Association with:  Endura  Cushcore  Secret Training  Outdoor Capital of the UK 

Shot and edited by Cut Media 

Executive producers: Stu Thomson and Matt Porter 

Subscribe to the Wahoo Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/wahoofit...

[leojason4]

Bikes of Enduro

One thing is certain the enduro bikes are blowing up, and there's never been much left to determine and choose from. For this gathering exercise, we've assembled the most energy-saving models today and encountered a lot of difficulties.

  What is an off-road enduro bike?

An enduro bike is actually a bicycle with a suspension of around 150 mm. It suits the hustle and bustle of the metal bottom while being effective even on the climbs and forging routes.

   What makes blazing bicycles the best enduro trail?

Designers of enduro racing motorcycles have taken their work away from the same variety of diverse enduro racing concepts as the machine models. Enduro hustle and bustle is not only a problem for riders, from the chairlift to the Alps and Canada events, to the pulmonary pedal parties in Colorado and Scotland.

 Enduro turned out to be a fashionable term for a technical sport, inseparable from a 'outrageous' mountain bike. Just one month passes without another new enduro bike. And if you don't launch new bikes, it's a new enduro chance to get rid of you.

 However, break through the promotion, and you will soon be able to discover that it is indeed a center for item development. Improvements in the suspension fork and stun advancement are especially crucial to bringing the class forward. The new 160 mm line of 160 mm racing bicycles is lightweight and capable of dealing with delayed drips.

 To be serious, bikes must find a balance between speed and performance on the complimentary routes, but they must also have the potential of making an effect that is not unusual on the DH Cup World Cup circuit. Therefore, a transaction that is often interwoven by enabling pointless mechanical assistance in tournaments, bicycles must be super-positive.

 Timing, too, has had a huge influence on the theme of enduro. The new bikes will also be lighter, tighter, quicker and more capable, with higher pedals, 1x drivetrains and a Carbon Fiber build, which streams to ever lower value.

 That's why you're not going to get up to buy a charming new enduro bike when you're riding most of your seats. If you do, you'll quickly find that a lot of your bike is completely overdriven. In fact, even the lightest bicycles are unnecessary on any other than the toughest lane.

  In this enduro bunch research, the test area

A range of new, far fitter enduro bikes were launched during the 2019 season. Despite S-Works Enduro Specialist, Santa Cruz Megatower, Rocky Mountain Slayer and Polestamina 180, the Super 290 carbon Nukeproof generated a lot of energy right before we inspected it in our selection test. Orbea chipped off the Rallon suspension, extending and dynamicizing the movement, all with the aid of another rocker. We had the awesome new Norco Sight C1, practically located between Norco and its paths. However, with its promising calculation and 160 mm advance travel, it suits perfectly into this enduro package test. The Super 275 Nukeproof and the HD5 Ibis Mojo were the top 2 27.5′′ test bikes, while the remaining bikes were 29′′. We have had the chance to review the RAAW Madonna V2 that was previously unreleased. Recently, the younger brand created a serious ruckus with the principal form of its bicycle, and now it's been modified much further. 

  Conclusion

The development of enduro bikes in so short a time is amazing; the best new structure is now considerably smaller than standard downhill bikes and, it appears, is currently the enduro racer for every single man and his canine (including the mbr staff). However, break the promotional market and one thing is very clear, more long-distance bikers are better than anybody else would have expected, and we have to thank them for that. For more news about enduro, motogp, motocross, you can visit- Motonews.co

[originalgravity]

[mmckenzieport]

By Melissa McKenzie

Updating early 20th century bicycle styles to modern, sleek modes of transportation, Santa Clara’s Vintage Electric draws inspiration from the 1900s to design environmentally friendly, manual-electric hybrids and fully electric bicycles that can be used for weekend adventures and weekday commutes.

Founder Andrew Davidge always had a passion for motorcycles, cars, bikes and hands-on experiences. Growing up, he raced mountain bikes across the United States and, as he got older, looked into the history of Harley Davidson and 1900s racing, which gave him the bug to build his own bike. Quickly realizing his first gas-powered creation was not practical, he began researching batteries, controllers and motors, leading him and Vintage Electric’s Director of Operations Brian Hamilton to produce their first electric-powered bike in Davidge’s parents’ Los Gatos garage.

“We took it out for the first time, and I was just blown away,” he said. “I was, like, ‘this is the perfect way to get around the city.’ There’s no noise; there’s no maintenance; there’s no more moving parts than normal bike. And, that’s when I was, like, maybe we should start a little business out of this.”

With that, Vintage Electric was born in 2013. Early on, Davidge took two prototypes to Monterey Car Week and was quickly overwhelmed by the interest and response from consumers. A handful of marketing opportunities — everything from being featured on Jay Leno’s Garage to customers offering to invest in Vintage Electric’s growth — also helped catapult the business.

“It was just this kind of motley crew of metal shop kids,” said Davidge. “Brian’s super smart, business-wise and operationally. He kept us all in line, and we just started selling these bikes.”

Six years later, Vintage Electric offers two basic bike styles: a thumb throttle Roadster version that can be modified to reach 36 miles per hour on private property (20 miles per hour as sold) and a pedal assisted Cafe bike that can reach up to 28 miles per hour.

And, according to Global Sales Manager Eddie Johnson, there is no average customer. Buyers range from 16-year-olds who finance a bike to use in place of a car to bikers who need to step away from their motorcycles; and weekend warriors to those who want to jump start weight loss.

“We have a customer on the east coast,” said Johnson. “And, when he first reached out to me about two years ago, he said he weighed something like 280 or 300 pounds. He bought the Cafe and he didn’t ride bikes; he was scared to ride bikes. It’s actually such a cool story. I heard from him yesterday; he sent me a picture and he had done 5,000 miles in one year. He has now lost right around 60 or 70 pounds by commuting on the Cafe to work every day. He actually sent us cupcakes and a card.”

Johnson said, in addition to becoming part of the family of Vintage Electric owners, the bikes are easy to maintain. All models plug into a standard wall outlet and are fully charged in between two and four hours. Depending on the bike and battery, a full charge will last a minimum of 20 miles at top speed and a maximum of 75 miles, and each bike comes with a display showing battery life, lifetime miles, average and maximum speed, trip mileage and trip time, allowing owners to get the most out of their purchase.

To further simplify the buying process, Johnson said each Vintage Electric model comes almost completely assembled. Local buyers can opt to have the final assembly steps completed at Vintage Electric. For those living out of the area, Johnson said Vintage Electric will work with a local bike shop to complete the assembly at no additional cost to the buyer. Vintage Electric additionally offers a service allowing owners to easily replace their batteries or upgrade outdated electronics on earlier models without having to make another investment.

“I get so many thrills every day over just seeing the enthusiasm and experience that people have on a product that me and my buddies have created really out of a passion for building something cool,” said Johnson. “It’s an incredible community that we’ve been fortunate enough to foster through like-minded people who appreciate a really well built product. We’re very fortunate — a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck but we’re having a blast.”

Vintage Electric is at 1725 De La Cruz Blvd., Ste. 4 in Santa Clara. For more information, visit vintageelectricbikes.com.

[weshipyourride]

Meet Our 2021 BikeFlights.com Brand Ambassadors

As we head into the cycling season here in the northern hemisphere, we’re pleased to introduce our 2021 BikeFlights.com Brand Ambassadors, including 13 individuals and two teams. 

“We love how BikeFlights.com Ambassadors inspire us and others to get outside, ride bikes, chase dreams, give back and have fun,” said Sue George, Vice President at BikeFlights.com. “We can’t wait to see what adventures and accomplishments they achieve in 2021!”

Now in its seventh year, our Brand Ambassador Program makes it easy for Ambassadors to ship their bikes with confidence. Ambassadors not only use BikeFlights.com to ship to, from and between training camps and events, but they also use our service to ship bike-related gear that they sell online. Our Ambassadors include gravel riders, mountain bikers, road riders, trackies, triathletes and cyclocrossers from all over the U.S. and range from developing young junior riders to Olympians.

"I started using BikeFlights.com at the bike shop where I worked, and I can't believe how much easier it is,” said Ambassador Ashton Lambie. “Customer service is better, bikes and parts show up on time, and the pickup option is fantastic. BikeFlights.com makes it so easy to travel with a bike or sell stuff, it's great!"

Another Ambassador, Ayesha McGowan said, "I appreciate BikeFlights.com for its convenience and excellent customer service. I've been happily using the service since before becoming an Ambassador and openly recommend it to anyone who needs to get their bike and gear from one place to another."

Expect to see BikeFlights.com Brand Ambassadors in action at road and gravel events like Unbound, Steamboat Gravel, Rebecca’s Private Idaho and Big Sugar and at mountain bike events like the U.S. Mountain Bike National Championships and even potentially the Olympic Games. They’ll also be at many other USA Cycling National Championships events like those held for road, track and cyclocross disciplines, and you’ll even spot a few of them in elite European road races.

Individuals

Alexey Vermeulen (Privateer) - Boulder, CO

Ashton Lambie (Gravelnauts) - Colorado Springs, CO

Ayesha McGowen (Liv Racing) - Decatur, GA

Chloe Woodruff (Privateer) - Tempe, AZ

Christina Birch (Gravelnauts) - Colorado Springs, CO

Clara Honsinger (Cannondale/CyclocrossWorld.com & Team Tibco SVB) - Portland, OR

Keegan Swenson (Santa Cruz) - Heber City, UT

Kerry Werner (Kona Adventure Team & Kona Maxxis Shimano CX) - Vinton, VA

Kristin Fleschner (Privateer) - Terre Haute, IN

Liza Rachetto (DNA Cycling) - Los Altos, CA

Rebecca Rusch (Privateer) - Ketchum, ID

Rose Grant (Juliana/SRAM) - Columbia Falls, MT

Sarah Sturm (Specialized, Rapha, Wahoo, SRAM Gravel) - Durango, CO

Teams

Dirt Camp Devo Team (including Jerry Dufour, Eli Kranefuss, Sandy Floren and Thor Audiss)

Bear National Team (including Madeline Joanna Robbins, Gabrielle Richardson, Mahala Helene Randel, Robert Douglas Day, Caleb Swartz, Paul Leo Fabian, Daxton Mock, Cobe Boe Freeburn, Brennon Peterson, Riley Amos, Bjorn Riley, Lauren Jane Aggeler, Vaila Alexa Heinemann, Hayden Callan McJunkin, Makena May Kellerman, Tai-Lee Smith, Ruth Abigail Holcomb, Jack Spranger, Alex Caleb Green, Cayden Matthew Parker, Ryan Gray Campbell, Lasse Jacob Konecny, Brayden Christopher Johnson, Kaya Jace Musgrave, Margaret Clark Holcomb, Vida Lopez De San Roman, Noah Scout Spangenberg, Liam Baartman, Christopher Finn Parker, Nicholas Tommy Konecny and  Brighton Donald Johnson)

Learn more about BikeFlights.com Brand Ambassadors. 

Please note that the BikeFlights.com Brand Ambassador program is full for 2021. The application period for 2022 Brand Ambassadors will likely open during the first half of October and typically remains open for about two weeks. Stay tuned to our e-newsletter, social media and blog for details about when and how to sign up.

[mypubliclands]

#FindYourAdventure: San Pedro Riparian National Recreation Area

The San Pedro riparian area, containing about 40 miles of the upper San Pedro River, was designated by Congress as a National Conservation Area (NCA) on November 18, 1988. The primary purpose for the designation is to protect and enhance the desert riparian ecosystem, a rare remnant of what was once an extensive network of similar riparian systems throughout the Southwest. Many recreational opportunities are available within the NCA.

Three of the most popular sites are: 

Murray Springs Clovis Site, a significant archaeological site that contains an undisturbed stratigraphic record of the past 40,000 years. Excavations were conducted by the University of Arizona from 1966 to 1971. People first arrived in this area 11,000 years ago. They belonged to what we now call the Clovis Culture and were the earliest known people to have inhabited North America. Named after the distinctive and beautifully crafted Clovis spear points they made, they were expert hunters of the large mammals of the last Ice Age. An interpretive trail leads visitors through the site. From Sierra Vista, take State Highway 90 east 6 miles to Monson Road. Turn left, and go about 1.2 miles to the signed turnoff to Murray Springs. The access road is located on the right.

The Spanish Presidio Santa Cruz de Terrenate is the most intact remaining example of a once-extensive network of similar presidios. These fortresses marked the northern extension of New Spain into the New World. Only a stone foundation and a few remaining adobe wall remnants mark the location of an isolated and dangerous military station. From Fairbank on Highway 82, drive approximately 2 miles west on Highway 82, turn right on the Kellar Ranch Road and travel approximately 3 miles to the trailhead. Hike about 2 miles to the ruins and interpretive displays. 

The San Pedro House, located 9 miles east of Sierra Vista on State Highway 90, is a popular trailhead for birdwatchers, hikers, and mountain bikers. The Friends of San Pedro operate a bookstore and information center.

This week, we invite you to explore many of the hidden gems on your public lands by checking out blm.gov/visit. We want to remind you to always be safe outdoors and make sure you prepare for whatever adventure you choose. Many of the recreation opportunities on BLM-managed public lands are often remote and rugged, offering unparalleled connections to the American outdoors.

[bikejoel]

MBOSC’s First Ever “Old Growth Classic” Mixed Terrain Race, Part 5: The After! • 8/25/18

After arriving back at the campground in Little Basin I snagged a quick shower and made my way over to the expo for beer, post-beer cocktails, the awards.

Paul won an award for having the most number of flats. Well, he and another guy had two flats apiece, so the MC decided that since the prize was a tire pump that they should pump out some pushups in a contest to see who got the prize. As former military, I think Paul had the edge, and he was attempting to psych out the other guy by wearing a full pack and doing ‘decline’ pushups (with his feet up on a box.) Showoff! Luckily the MC put a stop to the madness after about 20 minutes and awarded them both prizes.

Simone, of The Next Ride mountain bike group I ride with, won her age group outright, so no push ups required :-)

Around about 7:00pm we were having dinner and there was an announcement that the last rider of the day was coming in, so please come over and make some noise. We did, and were tickled to discover that it was our campground mate Deepa(!) It was her first gravel event and she gutted it out to ride the whole thing. Congrats, Deepa! And, nice champagne chug at the finish as well:

Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/1799457927

[sprocketblog]

2016 Santa Cruz Stigmata C cyclocross road bicycle with SRAM Rival 22 gruppo. A versatile all around 41mm tire #bike for mountain bikers that want a single versatile platform for taking any path adventure leads them to. @santacruzbicycles Like and follow on Instagram at @sprocketblog Get the Sprocket bike app on AppStore and GooglePlay #santacruz #santacruzstigmata #16santacruzstigmata #santacruzbikes (at Kamcord HQ)

[skateofministry]

Fun all around at new Ramsay Park Pumptrack  – Santa Cruz Sentinel

WATSONVILLE — The Ramsay Park Pumptrack — the biggest and the primary paved pumptrack in Santa Cruz County — was buzzing on its grand opening on a sunny and windy afternoon earlier this week. Helmeted riders have been dashing each which approach, wanting like ants in a maze. A clean flowing operation, surprisingly, nobody collided.

A number of the youthful riders have been unable to chorus from showcasing their Kool-Assist stained smiles as they whizzed across the 20,000-square-foot facility, whereas others wore a steely decided look as they tried to get by their chosen line as quick as doable and injury-free.

The pumptrack, which options rollers, banked turns and a number of alternatives to catch air, seems to be as a lot a pleasure for the youngsters as it’s for the mother and father chaperoning. Some mother and father watched from their vehicles in a close-by parking zone whereas others joined in on the motion or shot pictures.

“It’s thrilling for all ages,” stated mother or father Kori Calubaquib, who watched her 8-year-old daughter, Korina, race across the observe. “It’s simply so neat to have this in our neighborhood, as a result of it’s new and completely different.”

An ice cream truck, with its melodic chimes blaring although its audio system, rolled by Ramsay Park at a snail’s tempo and barely turned a head. To say the county’s newest and biggest pumptrack is a smashing success could be a drastic understatement. It’s open from dawn to eight p.m.each day and offering thrills to cyclists.

Anthony Quiroz grabs some air on the Ramsay Park Pumptrack. (Shmuel Thaler – Santa Cruz Sentinel)

Eight-year-old Korina Calubaquib, of Aptos, tears up the newly opened pumptrack at Ramsay Park in Watsonville. The 20,000-square-foot circuit of rollers and banked turns is each the biggest and the primary paved pumptrack within the county. The undertaking is a collaboration between the Metropolis of Watsonville and the non-profit Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz, which was based in 1997 to help, protect, and increase sustainable path entry within the Santa Cruz space and past. (Shmuel Thaler – Santa Cruz Sentinel)

The Ramsay Park Pumptrack grew to become a preferred vacation spot for riders from the second it opened. (Shmuel Thaler – Santa Cruz Sentinel)

The brand new pumptrack at Ramsay Park winds round 20,000 sq. toes close to Harkins Slough Street in Watsonville. (Shmuel Thaler – Santa Cruz Sentinel)

Jaxson Quiroz retains his focus whereas banking right into a flip on the Ramsay Park Pumptrack in Watsonville. (Shmuel Thaler – Santa Cruz Sentinel)

The Ramsay Park Pumptrack options a number of routes over paved bumps and grassy areas in between. (Shmuel Thaler – Santa Cruz Sentinel)

“I loved the large ring over there,” stated E.P., a 7-year-old from Soquel. “I name it ‘The Massive Pet,’ and I actually like this pumptrack as a result of there’s extra space to bike round and get some pace. And I actually like these hills the place you may go vroom, vroom, vroom.’ ”

E.P., carrying a smile prefer it’s Christmas morning, wasn’t the one one oozing pleasure, pleasure and enthusiasm.

He describes a current path he selected, the place he pinballs across the observe — flip right here, spin there, cutback. “I simply received dizzy, like ohh, wah, ohhh, and I assumed I’d faint on my bike,” E.P. stated.

E.P. hasn’t but been to Disneyland, however he stated the pumptrack is extra enjoyable than Legoland. “Oh, yeesssss!” he stated, noting he discovered his happiest place on earth.

Even higher than the seashore? “Nicely, my mother may not assume that, however I undoubtedly assume that. This complete pumptrack is simply my favourite. Each time I need to go to the pumptrack, I actually simply go to this one. It’s tremendous enjoyable the way you simply get some pace, like that man,” E.P. pauses momentarily as he watches in amazement. “I’ve dreamed of doing that, however I can’t do it.”

Not but, anyway. However you might be positive he’ll be again quickly to attempt.

This undertaking was totally funded by Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz, due to a beneficiant donation from a non-public donor, and obtained help from key sponsors Bell Helmets, Shelton Inc, Sierra Azul Nursery and Delta Bluegrass Co.

Anthony Quiroz grabs some air on the Ramsay Park Pumptrack. (Shmuel Thaler – Santa Cruz Sentinel)

The pumptrack, at 1301 Major St. in Watsonville, formally opened earlier this week, however many riders had already ridden it, some a number of occasions. Some have associates who’re a part of MBOSC, who received them out for a trial run, and others slipped by the fencing that was beforehand in place. Phrase of mouth is spreading shortly.

“Up to now, it’s completely wonderful,” stated Santa Cruz’s Alexis Moreno, 17. “It’s evening and day in comparison with what’s in Santa Cruz. I’m simply excited to journey it.”

The observe includes a drop-in space the place riders begin and cease their runs. Some select a line to journey whereas standing on the marginally elevated deck, whereas others showcase highway rash sustained from a current fall.

Although prohibited, some skate boarders and scooter riders dropped in on the motion.

“I prefer it as a result of there are massive jumps that you could soar over,” Korina stated.

“Truthfully, what I feel makes a extremely good pumptrack is how properly groomed it’s,” stated Monterey’s Anthony Quiroz, 33, a Soquel Excessive alum, “as a result of normally they’re all filth, proper? This one is sweet as a result of it’s like excellent on a regular basis. You don’t have to fret about ruts or being too dusty, muddy, or something like that. You may most likely journey this factor each time. That’s the good factor about this.”

The Ramsay Park Pumptrack grew to become a preferred vacation spot for riders from the second it opened. (Shmuel Thaler – Santa Cruz Sentinel)

Nicely, virtually each time. The pumptrack closes at 8 p.m., in any case. 4 lighting fixtures enable riders to maintain driving as soon as the solar units. The fixtures are surrounded by hay bales at their bases, a security characteristic for out-of-control riders.

The pumptrack was included within the metropolis’s 2020 park grasp plan as the results of neighborhood suggestions. It’s just about maintenance-free and options underground storm drainage.

“It’s a extremely enjoyable pumptrack,” stated Jaxon Quiroz, 8, Anthony’s son. “I like leaping on the rollers generally, however principally I just like the berm pictures as a result of you may go tremendous quick on them. I give it a ten out of 10.”

The north aspect of the observe options bigger technical rollers, berms and jumps, whereas the south aspect of the observe hosts smaller options which can be extra accessible to youthful riders and pumptrack novices.

“That is an incredible park,” Moreno stated. “The town actually did do an excellent job on this.”

County pumptracks

Different pumptracks in Santa Cruz County.

Chanticleer Park, Santa Cruz Depot Park BMX Park, Santa Cruz Grant Park, Santa Cruz Harvey West, Santa Cruz McGregor Pump Observe and Skateboard Park, Capitola Polo Grounds filth jumps, Aptos Ramsay Park, Watsonville Pinto Lake, Corralitos Skypark, Scotts Valley Westside, Santa Cruz Wilder Ranch, Santa Cruz

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[tripstations]

The world’s most harrowing roads

(CNN) — Ready for a road trip you’ll never forget? Set your sights on one of these adventurous stretches of highway that provide access to some of the most arresting scenery on the planet.

These are hands-on drives: none of our 10 picks will allow you to let your guard down or let cruise control do most of the driving.

But you’ll be rewarded with travel panoramas few people ever get to see. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road, though.

Stelvio Pass

Italy

Sure, the Stelvio Pass is no longer a secret. There’s an Alfa-Romeo SUV named after the switchback-laden stretch of Italian tarmac bordering Switzerland, and hordes of drivers show up every summer to check out the road British motoring program “Top Gear” once called the greatest in the world.

But wake up early, and you’ll find that the Stelvio’s still a jaw-dropping drive worthy of your bucket list. Boasting epic views of the eastern Alps — that is, when you can afford to look up from the road: there are 75 turns during the climb to 9,045 feet above sea level.

Big number: Three — the number of languages (Italian, Romansh and German) that historically converged at Dreisprachenspitze peak, just above the route.

Fly into: Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) or Milan, Italy (MXP)

Transfăgărășan

Romania

Sometimes referred to as “the road to the sky,” the Transfăgărășan climbs from 1,630 feet to 6,700 feet.

Alamy

This wild Romanian road that crosses the Carpathian Mountains has quite the backstory: depending on who you ask, it was built either to protect against the possibility of a Soviet invasion, or it was a folly, built by Nicolae Ceaușescu simply because he could.

Either way, hundreds reportedly died during dynamite blasts during construction in the 1970s. The result of their efforts is sometimes referred to as “the road to the sky” as the route gently climbs from 1,630 feet to 6,700 feet in elevation, with near endless hairpin turns (such a design would facilitate moving heavy military equipment.)

It’s an engineering marvel: the 71-mile route required a mind-bending array of bridge crossings.

Big number: 1,480 — the number of stairs that climb toward the 13th-century Poenari Castle where Vlad the Impaler, inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, lived. It’s just off the route.

James W. Dalton Highway

USA

Stretching from central Alaska to Prudhoe Bay, James W. Dalton Highway is one of America’s northernmost roads.

Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

This mostly gravel Alaskan road is one of the loneliest routes in the world — and that’s the draw. Only a quarter of the Dalton Highway’s 414 miles from Livengood to Deadhorse are paved, and the travel can be rough going as the route traverses above the Arctic Circle, through the Brooks mountain range, and towards the Arctic Ocean.

The road was built in the early 1970s to assist the creation of an oil pipeline that runs along it, but it wasn’t until 2009 and the TV show “Ice Road Truckers” that the road gained notoriety as a dangerous, though beautiful, drive.

You still won’t find much traffic. Or food. Or support. There’s just one rest stop on the road. Well-laid plans are a must and survival gear is recommended.

One note: the major car rental agencies won’t allow their cars on the road; contact a specialist for SUVs that are prepared for the task.

Big number: 126 — the mileage where you’ll come across the “Oh Shit Corner,” a particularly tricky curve for trucks traveling too fast.

When to go: mid-May to mid-September

Fly into: Fairbanks, Alaska (FAI)

Trollstigen (‘Troll Ladder’)

Norway

The “Troll Ladder” climbs at a 10% incline through an enchanted mountain landscape.

James D. Morgan/Getty Images

Got Dramamine? You might need it before taking on Norway’s famed Trollstigen, a road that climbs a 10% incline and makes 11 hairpin turns in the process of ascending a mountainous landscape befitting a troll-filled fairytale.

Along the way, you’ll cross impressive waterfalls such as Stigfossen, over a thousand feet high. Near the top there’s a modern visitor center where you can catch your breath.

Big number: 3,600 — the number of feet of straight vertical drop of Troll Wall, Europe’s tallest vertical mountain wall, a short drive from Trollstigen.

When to go: May/June through October/November

Fly into: Oslo, Norway (OSL)

Ruta 40

Argentina

At more than 3,100 miles long, Ruta 40 is the longest road in Argentina (and one of the longest in the world).

Hermes Images/AGF/UIG/Getty

Ready for the “big trip” — the real deal, like-a-rolling-stone, once-in-a-lifetime wander? Set your sights on Argentina’s Ruta 40, a national road that travels over 3,100 miles from La Quiaca, Jujuy in the north, which is near the Bolivian border, to Cabo Virgenes in Santa Cruz to the south. The partially unpaved route is studded with national parks — 20 of them — and runs through 11 provinces, paralleling the Andes mountains and traversing stretches of wild and windy, remote Patagonia.

One-way car rentals are prohibitively expensive, so if you’re doing the entire shebang, buying a used car and selling it at the end of the trip may be the way to go. Just make sure your ride is sturdy enough to chug across mountain passes including Abra del Acay, which, at 16,060 feet in elevation, is the highest road in the Americas.

Big number: 236 — the number of major bridge crossings on the route.

When to go: September to November; April to May

Fly into: Rio Gallegos, Argentina (RGL)

Karakoram Highway

Pakistan and China

Karakoram Highway covers 810 wildly high miles along an old Silk Road path.

Shutterstock

The KKH, as it’s called — or the eighth wonder of the world, depending on who you talk to — covers 810 wildly high, wildly scenic miles along an old Silk Road path from Abbottabad, Pakistan to Kashgar, in Xinjiang, China, crossing the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush.

The 20-year project was finished in 1979, but it’s not a polished modern route: many stretches are unpaved. Car rentals are rare. Many adventurous travelers get around the KKH via a patchwork of bus services, where you’ll hear an impressive array of languages spoken.

A word of warning: note your country’s travel advice to the region before planning a trip.

Big number: 15,397 — the number of feet above sea level of the Khunjerab Pass, the highest international border crossing in the world. It’s also the highest point on the Karakoram Highway.

When to go: May to October

Fly into: Islamabad, Pakistan (ISB)

North Yungas Road

Bolivia

North Yungas Road, sometimes referred to as “Death Road,” saw more than 200 deaths a year in the mid-1990s.

VW Pics/UIG/Getty Images

If you’ve spent a night shooting the breeze in a hostel anytime in the last couple of decades speaking to backpackers who have “done” South America, you’ve likely heard of the “Death Road.”

The 40-mile Bolivian route became famous in the mid-1990s, when the road was responsible for more than 200 deaths a year.

North Yungas drops nearly 12,000 feet as it winds from La Paz to Coroico in Bolivia, much of it cliffside. In 2007, a safer new route was opened to automobile traffic, and the old Death Road is now relegated mostly to mountain bikes. To experience the still-deadly route (18 bikers have reportedly died since 1998), you can rent a cycle or join a tour through an operator like gravitybolivia.com.

Big number: 1,900 — the number of feet of sheer drop-off on some stretches of the Death Road.

When to go: April to November

Fly into: La Paz, Bolivia (LPB)

Million Dollar Highway

USA

Million Dollar Highway stetches across 82 miles in the rugged and remote southwest side of Colorado.

Shutterstock

US Route 550 is a ribbon of road that drapes over 82 miles of the San Juan Mountains, running past three 10,000-foot passes in the rugged and remote southwest side of Colorado.

The most memorable miles are the couple dozen between Ouray and Silverton, where the million-dollar views are as epic as the driving can be harrowing — limited guard rails and plenty of curves will have your passengers reaching for the grab handles.

Big number: 23 — the number of species of evergreens you’ll see on the roadside.

When to go: May to September

Fly into: Montrose, Colorado (MTJ)

Kahekili Highway

USA

Highway 340 gives you an intimate look at Maui’s North Shore.

Shutterstock

Traversing 20 treacherous miles of Maui’s North Shore from Kapalua to Wailuku, Highway 340 gives you an intimate look at the area’s countryside, the unique rainforests and the roiling sea below.

That is, if you can manage to take your eyes off the road. And you probably shouldn’t: Kahekili is barely more than a single lane wide. Blind curves and snaking pavement around cliffs and bridges demand full attention.

The reward is a hidden side of the Aloha State very few visitors get to see. If you come across another car, just remember that the inside traffic has the right of way.

Big number: 100 — the number of feet the Nakalele Blowhole, a natural geyser just off the Kahekili route, can shoot sea water into the air.

When to go: April to May; September to November

Fly into: Kahului, Hawaii (OGG)

Atlantic Ocean Road

Norway

At just over five miles long, this dramatic, windswept stretch of road is the shortest entry in our list.

Alamy

At just over five miles long, this dramatic, windswept stretch of road is the shortest entry in our list, but it’s a crown jewel anyone with a sense of automotive wanderlust shouldn’t miss.

Traversing an archipelago connecting the Norwegian town of Eide with the island of Averøy, the Atlantic Ocean Road ducks and bobs over 12 architecturally distinct bridges, which, depending on the time of year, you’ll find shrouded in mist or smacked by full-on waves. (Check your windshield wipers before departing.)

The project was originally drawn up as a railroad route and was finished as a motorway in 1989. It’s now a frequent backdrop for car commercials.

Big number: 12 — the number of hurricanes that hit the Atlantic Ocean Road during its construction.

When to go: May to June; September to October

Fly into: Oslo, Norway (OSL)

Jesse Will is a freelance writer based in Austin, Texas.

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