Best west coast riding?

[k.buz]

OK, let me explain: My husband and I are in a unique situation, and I think you guys can help. We are currently living in Inidana, but are moving to the West coast in the spring. My husband is in the Coast Guard, and we're being transferred, so right now, all we know is that we'll be stationed on the coast somewhere between SanFrancisco and Seattle. Basically in about 3 months we'll have a choice from 4 or 5 stations in this region. So...

What we want to know is where is the best xc riding and racing between SanFran and Seattle??? We're flexible about where we live (we've both lived in big cities and small towns, so that really doesn't matter), and would like some inside info! Granted, our decision won't soley be based on this thread, but any info would be helpful. Thanks guys!!

[Office Jockey]

Welcome to the west coast! Or feel welcome when you get here at least. I grew up in Seattle and have lived as far south as Monterey. Riding outside of Seattle is great especially in the I-90/Snoqualmie pass area as well as Greenwater/Crystal Mountain areas. But they are kinda far from the ocean where i'm sure you'll be. Santa Cruz is a mecca! So many fun trails and great bike culture. unfortunately it is very expensive but if you can handle that end it is a great place to be. NorCal up twards Arcada/ Eureka is good and close to Whiskytown/Shasta Lake. Oregon is a great state and I currently live in Bend, OR but not too many developed trails along the coast I don't think. Hope this helps and i'm more than willing to answer and more specific questions.

[bjsid]

Bay area has some epic trails. From Marin to Santa cruz and all in between. Plus the weather is not so terrible there in the winter, compared to washington and oregon. I live in portland OR now, but grew up in the bay area.

Bryan

[Cyclenaut]

Santa Cruz! Home of Keith Bontrager, the Giro boys, Santa Cruz bikes/skateboards/snowboards, a great downtown scene, Book Shop Santa Cruz, flats around the beaches, great hills about 2 miles from there, temperate weather, San Fran a reasonable distance away, Tahoe not too far, and really nice people.

*drool*

Wow, no question where I'd go if I were in your shoes! Let us know how it works out.

[wooglin]

Originally Posted by Cyclenaut

Wow, no question where I'd go if I were in your shoes! Let us know how it works out.

Portland? Seattle? Yuba City?

[k.buz]

Cool!!! Thanks for the info. Right now, I hope we get transferred to SanFran or south of SanFran. I think we'd fit right in in Santa Cruz!! But, it's the military, so we won't know until 2-3 weeks before we have to move. Now we live in Indiana, so riding is seasonal (too short at that!), and I can't wait for a change!

[RandomAssSOB]

If you end up in the Seattle area drop me a line and I'll hook you up with the best of what we've got here!