The point is I did it! It was not easy and to be honest it was not fun.

One night a few Twitter friends and I were having a conversation about the oil crisis that is going on. One friend said she was going to commit to riding her bike at least once a week to work and she challenged me to ride my bike to all the places I check in on Foursquare. Of course, my first reaction was, “you have not seen my hill!”.

For the last 15 years I’ve lived up this VERY STEEP hill, I’ve always dreamed of biking but never thought it was possible for me (the wimp) to get up and down that hill. Besides the strength (lung and leg) needed to get up that hill I have a serious un-rational fear of riding downhill. But this oil mess really got to me. I felt helpless. I didn’t feel comfortable just blaming BP and boycotting or blaming the politicians. In my heart I know it’s not any one person or one company’s fault; it is all of our (oil consuming) faults.  So here I am knowing  I’m partially responsible and using my hill as the excuse I had to continue driving everywhere.

Then… I had a light bulb moment. I realized I go hiking every single day up and down steep hills on the trails behind where I live so why on earth could I not hike up and down that one short (steep) hill to my house.

It just so happened Mike’s Bikes in Sausalito was having a big sale that weekend! So… I went and got my bike. I got great service from Brian who asked me questions about what kind of biking I was going to do and showed me the different bikes he thought would work best for me. I found my dream bike! The color and everything was exactly what I had been visualizing. I picked out my bike, Brian took it to the back and had the mechanics check it out and then it was ready to go! I went for my first ride on my new bike right out of the store along the Sausalito bike path all the way to the water. It was such a beautiful day!

The first week I started out driving my bike up and down the hill but I soon got tired of putting the bike in and taking the bike out of the car so I decided to overcome my hill fear and just go for it! I figured I’m a great hiker I could walk this hill no problem if biking was too difficult.

Friday night I rolled/walked my bike down the (very steep) hill and headed to Mill Valley Beerworks to meet my Twitter-turned-real friends for a beer. Mill Valley Beerworks was happening! We squished 11 people around a 6 person table. (Blog post coming soon).

Fortunately on Friday night I got a ride back up the hill but today… I was meeting someone for coffee in downtown Mill Valley and just couldn’t justify driving my car there and back so I went for it. Today was my first day coming up the hill on my new bike. It was not easy but I did it! If I can ride a bike, so can you!

I’m not fully giving up my car. I will still drive places but I do plan to bike more and drive less.

I challenge you to ride your bike more and drive less. I would love to hear about your biking stories. Please leave a comment below.

*I always wear a helmet when I bike… I just took it off for the photo.

Saturday, June 5th – 8 a.m. – Mill Valley Bike Swap

Saturday, June 5th – 6pm – Women of Dirt: The Film
A great night of Film, Fashion, Food and Fun!

Access4bikes and Bicycle Trails Council of Marin Present:

Women of Dirt: The Celebration
Fairfax Women’s Club,
46 Park Rd., Fairfax, CA, 94930

Celebrating the mountain bike while celebrating the women who love them!

A special screening of Awesome Land: Women of Dirt. A Bicycle Fashion Show-featuring some of the best bike fashions in the west, by Sheila Moon Athletic Apparel, LUNA Sport clothing and My Alibi Clothing. Q & A with bike celebs, Marla Streb and Rachel Lloyd. Come on down and party, have a brew and wine, sponsored by Lagunitas and Peleton Cellars, and tasty food treats. Also, raffle-drawing and local live music!

A party and fundraiser for Access4Bikes, your local voice for trail access in Marin.

$20-donation advance tickets $25- donation at the door.

For more information visit http://access4bikes.com/events.htm

Sunday, June 6th – Tamarancho Dirt Classic

Wednesday, June 16th – Coed Special Downhill Clinic – Youth Only with Mountain Biking Marin

Saturday, June 26th – Coed Cross Country Clinic with Mountain Biking Marin

This year Brian Popplewell, the lead instructor for Mountain Biking Marin competed. Congratulations Brian! He did great and this shot is awesome!

Read more about Brian’s Sea Otter adventure here.

Marin Moms & Dads: If your sons or daughters are getting in to Mountain Biking you might want to check out Mountain Biking Marin. They offer individual and group bike skill training clinics where safety is emphasized.

Disclaimer: I do not mountain bike but I agree Spring is a great time to mountain bike in Marin County.

Full Discloser: I talk about mountain biking a lot here on this blog because the owner of Mountain Biking Marin is my honey.

If you are the type that likes to mountain bike or wants to learn how to mountain bike (unlike me) then this announcement is for you!

Mountain Biking Marin is offering bike skill clinics starting in April. All levels!

In a fun and relaxed environment, the Mountain Biking Marin team will review bike skill techniques from basics on how to mount and dismount your bike, how to balance your body, how to go uphill and downhill to more advance techniques including pedaling, braking, gearing/shifting, climbing and descending, switchbacks, and even “air techniques” for those more intrepid riders (not me) wanting to learn how to launch, drop, and jump. And they will also learn about trail etiquette and go over basic bike fit and maintenance.

They offer a 1:4 instructor:student ratio in their group clinics. Each session is a half day and starts at 8:30 am. (Note: They also offer private mountain bike clinics and tours). All levels welcome! The group will be split into beginner, intermediate, and advance levels.

So if you are the more adventuresome type… why not try something new this Spring? If you live in the Bay Area or are visiting you really should try mountain biking. I’ve tried it! It’s beautiful out there and you can see so much more than you do when hiking (but I still prefer hiking).

And right now the wild flowers are just starting to bloom! Imagine what you’ll see in April!

Click here for more information about the upcoming mountain bike clinics in Marin.

Become a fan on Facebook to hear about upcoming clinics and tours.

Bikes & Beans, formerly located by the 7-11 near China Camp, has moved to a brand new and bigger location while still close to China Camp thus being very convenient to stop by before or after riding China Camp. In particular if you like coffee, bike talk with knowledgeable people, and good deals on bikes and parts.

Check them out!

I like stopping by to get my coffee fix since I am not drinking beer these days. The stores offers a cozy place to hang and yummy coffee and I keep hearing great reviews about the Commencal and Jamis bikes Justin (the owner) sells in his this store.

I also like the selection of cool hip bike clothing… I have gotten a pair of cool shorts that made me feel like a hot shot

And the best of all, I like it that Justin kept decorating the shop with local artist work (some of his own work!). This mural is right by the bike mechanic shop area!

Check out Celia’s previous blog about Bikes & beans to get a better sense of what this bike shops brings to Marin county.

I wanted good quality rain gear but I didn’t want to spend the money I would have to if I went to REI. Instead, I went to the Sports Basement in San Francisco. The Sports Basement is an awesome place for getting great deals on quality brand name athletic clothing. A few years ago I bought a big puffy down Northface jacket from the Sports Basement. I called REI first to compare prices and it was $50 cheaper at the Sports Basement.

The Sports Basement in the Presidio is located in one of the most beautiful spots in San Francisco.  It’s right across the street from the Crissy Field Beach located below the Golden Gate Bridge. The views are breathtaking.  You can see the bridge, Alcatraz and the city skyline. We were lucky because when we got to the store it was not raining so we took a walk on the beach before doing our shopping. The boardwalk was full of happy people walking, jogging, rollerblading, biking and playing with their dogs.

It’s fun to shop at Sports Basement. It has a very casual friendly feel. There are couches throughout the store and they encourage you to hang out and chat. There is even a play area for kids. Lot’s of community stuff going on there. I found a great rain jacket and a pair of convertible pants I love! We’re back to walking or hiking everyday and it feels great!

Mountain bike enthusiasts around the world are invited to hit the trails in and around the birthplace of the sport for a four-day cross-country mountain bike tour of Marin County and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Mountain Biking Marin has organized an unforgettable tour taking place from May 27-31, combining daily bike rides with the exploration of popular local tourist attractions.

Founder and CEO of Mountain Biking Marin, Celia Graterol, warns this event is not intended for beginners. She states, “To enjoy this tour, riders should have an intermediate to advanced technical level and the ability to handle a moderate to strenuous climbing level.”

Graterol and her team of fun experienced guides will expertly lead riders through the Redwood forests, lakes, rock gardens and rolling hills of trails through Marin County, Mt. Tamalpais, the Marin Headlands and West Marin. Bikers will enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay and the mountains of Marin.

After a tough day on the trails (lots of singletracks!!!), enjoy the optional excursions including world-class wine tasting in the Napa Valley and exploring the world famous streets of San Francisco.

This is an all-inclusive mountain biking adventure that includes airport pickup, deluxe accommodations, transportation, breakfast and lunch daily (dinner not provided) and the professional guiding services of 2006 Downhill US National Champion, Celia Graterol.

For this ultimate bike adventure, much care went into the choosing of the hotel. Guest are sure to enjoy their stay at the new remodeled Larkspur Hotel Mill Valley with a core focus on health, sustainability and getting people outside to connect with nature. Each morning of the tour, they’ll be serving healthy, sustainable breakfasts such as whole grains, healthy proteins and good carbs.

“We knew this was the right hotel to choose because they even provide bike parking,” remarks Graterol.

This mountain biking adventure is limited to only 15 participants so anyone interested is strongly encouraged to register early. Early Bird Prices are in effect until April 15 with the cost of this inclusive mountain biking vacation at $1,150 per person ($1,350 if adding a bike rental). After April 15 the price will be $1,300 ($1,500 if bike is needed).

For more information, visit MountainBikingMarin.com

About Mountain Biking Marin
Owned and operated by 2006 Downhill US National Champion, Celia Graterol, Mountain Biking Marin offers fun, guided tours and clinics on the best mountain bike trails in the San Francisco Bay area. Celia’s experience and training give her the skills needed to lead and teach all levels of bike tours and clinics (cross country, freeride and downhill racing).

Contact: Celia Graterol
www.mountainbikingmarin.com
P 415-717-2263
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Just because I haven’t been going out doesn’t mean I haven’t been having fun and eating delicious meals.

On Friday morning, I went for a tour at the new Larkspur Hotel in Mill Valley. I’m interviewing hotels looks for the best one to host the Mountain Biking Marin Cross Country Mountain Bike Adventure coming up in May of this year. I was very impressed with this new hotel. It’s located on Highway 1 in Mill Valley right off of Highway 101, next to Frantoio. The Larkspur Hotel has done an amazing job remodeling the hotel (formally the Holiday Inn Express) and I was very impressed with Greg, the General Manager and Cassie, the Sales Manager. The hotel is beautiful, has a view of the bay and Mt. Tam and is located right next to the bike/walk path that will take you in to Sausalito or Mill Valley. I was wowed by the people and the place. I plan to recommend this hotel to Celia for the Mountain Biking Marin adventure.

I almost forgot to mention. Cassie from the Larkspur Hotel gave me a goodie bag when I was leaving. Among other things, it had a solar powered plastic flower that moves when the sun shines on it. Really, I think this is what sealed the deal. It goes nicely with the wind-up toys and purple pens in my office. (All reminders to me that life is about having fun.)

After my meeting at the hotel I met with Marilyn LoRusso, aka @Fun_Master at Cafe del Sol in Tam Junction and spent the afternoon chatting about social media and making life fun (Marilyn has some great tips on how to stay in the fun mode). I enjoyed sipping on a delicious ginger limeade during our meeting.

Then on Friday night we had a small dinner party. Since one of my fabulous neighbors gave me a gift certificate to Whole Foods I splurged on a yummy meal. We started with brie cheese and olive bread for appetizers while I prepared blackened salmon, roasted veggies, broiled asparagus, and salad. We finished the meal off with some Porto from our visit to the Napa Valley Wineries and yummy dessert.

I used the blackened salmon recipe I found on RealSimple.com. It was delicious!

1. Take ferry to San Francisco and walk around the ferry building and then go ice skating in the Embarcadero.
2. Walk around Tiburon.
3. Take a ferry to Angel Island and go for a hike.
4. Go shopping on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley.
5. Visit the Camera Obscura in San Francisco. (The giant camera)
6. Walk around Chinatown, be adventurous and try some Dim Sum.
7. Visit a farm in Petaluma! Learn about where your food comes from.
8. Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.
9. Go to Golden Gate Park Japanese Tea Garden, Botanical Gardens, Conservatory of Flowers and so much more.
10. After Golden Gate Park you can walk around Haight Street and see the famous Haight/Ashbury neighborhood.
11. Go for a Mountain Bike ride in Marin County
12. Tuesday Night Comedy Night in Mill Valley with Mark Pitta.
13. Take a drive to Stinson Beach and keep driving to find the secret town of Bolinas.
14. Go wine tasting in Napa and then try some delicious vegetarian food.

Happy Holidays!

If you have any suggestions for fun and unique things I didn’t list here please leave a comment letting us know.

I haven’t blogged in awhile because I’ve been away. I just returned from a wonderful, relaxing, sun-filled vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I spent the whole week relaxing in the sun (under the palapa), on the beach and in front of the pool. I went off the grid (no internet or phone) for the whole week. I personally believe all of us should go off the grid for at least one week a year, more if possible. It’s nice to unplug for awhile, slow down and get a new perspective on life.

A friend of mine that was in a horrendous car accident a year and half ago (head on collision on the Golden Gate Bridge) said something that has really stuck with me. Someone asked her how she was doing (she was in the hospital for over a year recovering and was bedridden). She said, she finally had time to finish her thoughts. That statement really stuck with me. Do you have time to finish your thoughts? I don’t. I find that I am often distracted mid-thought and never come back to the original thought. Since she said that I’ve been trying to take the time to finish my thoughts. It’s not easy with so many distractions in the world… Twitter, Facebook, email, Google, the phone, etc.

Back to my original thought… Thanksgiving. What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year? I’m laying low having a mellow Thanksgiving. I normally spend Thanksgiving with some version of my very extended family but this year we decided to lay low on Thanksgiving. Two good friends are coming to visit and the four of us are going out to eat for Thanksgiving. We made reservations at a local restaurant. I am so looking forward to this quiet Thanksgiving where the only thing I have to do is show up at a restaurant.

The morning of Thanksgiving Celia is going on the annual Turkey ride in Marin. I think this is one of her most favorite mountain bike rides of the year because she gets to see all of her friends all in one place at the same time. It sounds like lots of fun, almost makes me wish I were a mountain biker.

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.