The Story of My Life: Cruz-ing down the coast

One time Taylor told me if he had whittle down his interests to just two things, he'd stick with fishing and mountain biking.

After I asked if he wanted to travel to Northern California for Troy's wedding, he looked at a map, and giddy as a school ~~girl~~ boy, he wondered if I would possibly...just maybe...kind of be interested in going to Santa Cruz.

Since he did all of the driving on the trip, I figured it was only fair for the guy to live it up before heading back to Portland.

After a lovely morning-after brunch at Troy's mom's house, we rushed down the highway to Santa Cruz, and in true Taylor fashion, he had it all mapped out. We blew through town and out on the trail toward Wilder State Park.

What a beaut! For miles we rode on the rimrock, with the ocean directly to our left, and outstanding farmland to the left. When a breeze blew, you could smell the sweetest combination of sea air and fresh produce...just like walking through a farmers' market.

Once the trail ended and we had to cross over the highway, things got a little uncomfortable for me. Since I am not the most experienced rider, poor Taylor's patience was put to the test as I tried--rather unsuccessfully--to grind up the hills. I've got to give the guy some serious credit. More than just a high five. A standing ovation is not enough. If I could do a one-person stadium wave, I would. He is such a trouper when trying to teach this old dog new tricks. I get a bit (understatement of the century) frustrated when I can't do things right away. I don't have to be the best, but I do not like fumbling...over and over again...especially when it's something related to athletics or athleticism.

I wish Taylor could have rode more of the trails, but we had to rent my bike and return it fairly early. We settled for a stroll along the wharf and some serious people-watching on the boardwalk.

Although I have only Hood River to compare it to, Santa Cruz is a pretty sweet place to hit the trails on a bike. I highly recommend, and I hope we can come back again when I'm a bit more experienced. That is, if Taylor agrees to continue teaching me his techniques. ;)

I took some video on Taylor's phone, so I'll see if I can add that at some point. That'd be pretty high-tech of me if I could.

All geared up and ready to go.

I, on the other hand, chose to forgo the padded pants, and was sorely (yes, pun intended) remorseful.

Helmet heads.

Lucky for us, there were some surfer passers-by.

Surf's up!

Strolling along the wharf.

I'd never seen a seal so close up...except maybe at the zoo.

Celebrating their love in front of the carnies on the boardwalk. How romantic!

It's times like this when I'm so glad it's not considered taboo to bust out your camera just about anywhere. This was a California mom waving to her kiddos on the roller coaster. The front was just as good as the back. Use your imagination.