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tOur guidechecking in
SANTA CRUZThis funky surfer town has beachside bike routes,abundant running trails and farm-fresh dining.By Holly Bennett
While most famously known as a
surers paradise on the central Caliornia
coast, Santa Cruz holds equal appeal ortriathletes seeking picturesque training
spots and quirky, casual culture. Any-
thing and everything goes in this unky
city by the sea, with surers, sailors,
cycling acionados, 60s-era holdouts,
Silicon Valley escapees and beach-going
tourists mingling in the easy ocean-side
atmosphere.
Spend a ew hours on any o Santa
Cruzs numerous road ride routes and
youll travel along rugged beachside
clis and up through ancient redwoodorests, testing even the most skilled
cyclists climbing and descending skills. I
your ride includes coastal Highway 1, be
sure to stop at Davenports Whale City
Bakery, 9 miles north o Santa Cruzs
city limits (the city limits sign tradition-
ally spurs a nal sprint on group rides).
From December through April, catch a
glimpse o migrating gray whales as you
munch on a mun. Roadside ruit stands
will also tempt you with locally grown
Wilder Ranch State Park, home to the newXterra Pacic Championship race
Santa CruzShout-outS
If you want
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Lap LanesSimpkis Fmily Swim Ceees dily dl fesswks less sced lpime.Scparks.com
Old-Timey Thrillsride e Gi Dippe, e BecBdwlks 1920s wde llecse.Beachboardwalk.com
Post-Training TreatsVisi Miis Cdies (lcis e Bdwlk, e Wd Pcifc ave.) is msslwe y, cdied pples e es.Mariniscandies.com
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The Giant Dipperrollercoaster, a SantaCruz icon
strawberries. Be sure to
pack cool-weather cycling
gear, as you can count on
some coastal og most
mornings.I o-road riding
tempts you, trails are
endless and adventure-
some. All ability levels will
enjoy a un, dirt-packed
playground in Wilder Ranch State Park
on the northwestern edge o town, home
to the new Xterra Pacic Championship
race. Wilder Ranch is equally suited or
trail running, with a network o hilly re
roads and technical single-track leading
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tour guide cOntinued
luxurious getaway, head to South County
and the Seascape Resort in Aptos, with
ocean-view suites and villas, golng greens
and Palapasone o the areas prime
venues or sunset margaritas and Mexican
ood. Aptos is home to Nisene Marks State
Park, another rich natural resource or
mile upon mile o orested trail run. Moun-
tain lions and wild boar also call this park
home, though youre more likely to spot
the University o Caliornia Santa Cruzs
vibrant yellow mascot, the banana slug.
The pivot point o Santa Cruzs eccentric
character is downtowns Pacic Garden
Mall, where you might be serenaded by a
street perormer, asked to sign a Green-
peace petition and brush shoulders with lo-
cal American Idol celebrity James Durbin
all within the space o the same block.
People watching and boutique shopping
abound, with eateries appealing to every
taste. El Palomar is the downtown cousin
to Palapas and a avorite local spot to
uel. Just o Pacic Avenue and not to be
missed are two truly Santa Cruz estab-
lishments: Red and 515 Kitchen and Cock-
tails. Both dimly
lit late-night joints
share a similar
magic-carpet-ride-
meets-cocktail-
lounge eel. The
menus eature
arm-to-table
resh ingredients
with delectable
small plates and
meals designed or
sharing.
Looping back
to the citys beloved west side, visit the
swank Swit St. Courtyard, anchored by
Kellys Bakery, a haven or sweet treats,
coee drinks and ample breakast and
lunch are. Dont dare leave without
sampling the deliciousand arguably
nutritiousdate bar. While away your
nal Santa Cruz aternoon at one o
Swit St. Courtyards several wine tast-
ing rooms where youll sample varietals
rom such acclaimed local vintners as
Sones Cellars, Bonny Doon Vineyards
and Pelican Ranch
Winery. I wine
over-indulgence
gets the best o you,
youre a mere mile
inland rom West
Cli Drive once
more, where a brisk
walk in the ocean
air will clear your
head in no time.Nisene Marks StatePark has more than
30 miles o trails