May 16, 2010. My Mom's 47th birthday.. and the day I did my first cycling event. Although we woke…read moreup to some dreary, cold weather.. we still were down to complete this event. It sprinkled a bit but thankfully stopped by the time we arrived for check in. We got our ride started at 8:30am. Several uphill climbs.. many little hills.. lots of strawberry fields. Hence the name, Strawberry Fields Forever. So cute.. We met a lot of nice folks along the way who were friendly, caring, helpful, and supportive. Many people would ask us if we were ok while we were stopped on the side waiting for others who happened to get separated from us which was really kind. I saw lots of older folks with some nice, stylish bikes! Actually, most of the people doing the event had pretty bikes! Makes me want to pretty up mine too =) For my first time, I found that the event was not organized so well. But being that it IS my first event, I don't know what else to compare it to so I'm only docking one point. We checked in at a parking lot near Pajaro Valley HS because the HS got full.. but we weren't able to pick up the shirts we bought since it was at the HS. Also, we weren't told about the colored arrows on the road at all.. so when our map blew away, we somehow got onto the 65 mile trail (following the large group of people) and that cut into our trip an extra 20 minutes or so. Luckily, we ran into other cyclists who were kind enough to give us the map but then told us about the colored arrows spray painted on the road. We didn't really need the map now that we knew about them.. but it was still handy in telling us how much further we had to go. After we completed the 25 mile ride, we had ONE last uphill battle to face before we were able to grab lunch at the HS. We were super happy to be nearing the finish, but our tired thighs could just barely handle the last little surprise climb to the HS. At the high school, they served a nice lunch of chicken, several salads, brown rice, beans, juice, and fresh strawberries with chocolate and whip cream. Later on in the day when the other cyclists doing the 65 mile ride had finished, they had massage chairs set up in the cafeteria ($1/min) where we were eating as well as other interesting set-ups. I got to touch a newt and a golpher snake from this nice man's informational table. I think it was a program for HS kids. Overall, I enjoyed my first cycling event and only wished the weather was a little warmer. Perhaps if the sun peaked out a bit from behind the clouds.. but there's always next year! PS. They had 25 miles, 65 miles, and 100 miles ride options. Hopefully I'll be ready for the 65 next year!

Let me start by saying that I'm amazed that nobody has yet Yelped this event. Considering the…read morepopularity of other running events in this area, it's actually quite surprising. In any case, allow me to offer the first review. This is actually a dual event, a half and full marathon (with the latter being the Surfer's Path Marathon) that is really a marriage between Wharf To Wharf and the Santa Cruz Half Marathon. I ran the half so hopefully soon someone can provide some feedback on the full. If you love Wharf To Wharf (and this year's race selling out in one day suggests that you do), and you're into the half marathon scene, then you're going to love this run! Let me premise with this: The course is almost the precise route Wharf To Wharf is held on - with the difference being that runners loop around the Capitola wharf area and obviously run back. Expect a few rolling hills throughout the course to add a bit of challenge for you (in case 13.1 miles isn't enough) and the typical support of the Santa Cruz and Capitola communities as you run by. It would be irresponsible for me not to mention the finish line. Once you've completed about 13 miles, they've saved the last 30 or 40 yards for you on the beach... in the sand. So, if the miles you've just completed weren't difficult enough, be prepared for the change in footing. I actually stumbled a bit at that point and then gave a quick look around to see if anyone noticed. Oh yeah, it's the finish line, there are several thousand people there, and yes, they noticed. To rub salt into that would, my name was read by the race announcer as I crossed the finish line. Now everyone knows my name - you know "that guy that almost fell." That said, don't expect any glamorous photos at the finish line, and yes, there are photographers there to capture your special moment. I would suggest positioning yourself for more favorable action shots from the photographers elsewhere throughout the course. If you're into the bling, you'll appreciate the finisher's medal. Though smaller than many of my other medals, it's still pretty cool and has a fancy ribbon (I'm big on a nice ribbon - details man). This year's race was met with an absolute clear sky and a nice cool morning air that was perfect for running. That's part of the reason why I waited a week to post this. I wanted to wait and come off of my high from the race so I could give a better thought out perspective. My only real knock on this event is with the limited expo. Though at the beach in Capitola (which is cool), there weren't a lot of vendors. And of those that were there, many were advertising other races. Also, the packet pick up is kind of a pain. Considering the time of year, the weather is warming and more people are headed to the beach. So the seemingly simple task of parking your car to pick up your gear can become quite adventurous. Also, being from the San Jose area, it's inconvenient to have to make that drive just to pick up my bib. I will offer this though: Did I see a packet pick up on race day? I'm pretty sure there was a table that was staffed with WAY too many volunteers that was for race day pick ups. If that's the case, then please ignore my earlier complaint. To sum this up, think of the little things that you dislike about Wharf To Wharf and imagine those things no longer being an issue. Imagine not having to deal with parking and those damn bus lines! Imagine a race where there are only a fraction of the runners that are in Wharf To Wharf. I'm not sure. Now that I think about this, I like the race the way it is. Maybe I'm shooting myself in the foot here by providing a Yelp review and drawing more attention to it. Maybe I don't want too many people knowing about this. Maybe I don't want it to lose its charm by becoming more popular and bigger. I'm conflicted.

This 5K marathon is quite a laid back version of the marathons held in the bay area. When this was…read moreposted in Groupon it was advertised to be in the Fairground but it was actually held at the Almaden Lake park. The beauty of the place makes it a relaxing and fun event for all ages. Anyone, young and old was geared up in their super hero costumes. There was even a guy in the wheelchair participating. During the pre-run event, the organizers set up a bouncy house for the kiddos with music playing for the participants. There was also a photo booth to take your super power poses and fight the evils of morning cramps, dehydration and kiddo tantrums. The registration starts at 8 am., 8:45 would be the warm ups and 9:00 is the start of the run/walk. There are different stalls for vendors with goodies to offer. There is also a booth for free massages if you can wait. The weather is breezy with no hint of rain. Thank heavens! It was such a fun experience to see people and kids doing this. I personally ran for about 15 seconds and then walked the next hour and 10 minutes...Lol! Was I bummed with my time? Heck no! I was just glad I got to finish it like everyone else and got to reach every poke stop to replenish my supplies for Pokemon Go . Got my medal, water bottle and banana at the end of it all....and got to evolve my Rhyhorn

We're so happy Jessica opened her gym in Felton. We have an 18 month old and love taking him to…read moreopen gym. There is just nothing like this for littles anywhere else in the mountains. Her Tiny Tots class is also great with loads of different activities and something for every child up to 2 years old. Highly recommend!

Jessica does such a great job with the kids. We've had two of our children attend both classes and…read morecamps at Community Mountain Gym, and they've had nothing but positive experiences. She's patient, encouraging, and knows how to make learning new skills fun while helping kids build confidence. You can tell she genuinely cares about the kids and has created a welcoming environment for families. We're really lucky to have a place like this in our community, and I highly recommend it.

San Diego (and the San Diego Yacht Club) was very fortunate to host the marine research vessel;…read moreDerek M. Baylis at the mooring docks this past weekend. The 65' "Prius of Boating" paid a visit as it's final stop on it's tour of coastal southern California ports. Sponsored by both public and private grants, the DMB boat carried members of Sea Life Conservation group. Sea Life Conservation is a non-profit based in northern California that is "committed to conservation of the oceans and educational outreach." Program Director of Sea Life Conservation Dave Robinson said: "The need to learn more about the types of marine debris and their origins is critical to furthering our understanding of the threat it poses to our oceans." Sea Life Conservation was a guest at the Surfrider Chapter meeting held in UTC's Founders Hall on Wednesday, November 18th, and did a presentation on marine pollution-with a specific emphasis on plastics debris. The film that was shown featured the remnants of a stomach from a Midway Island sea gull and the entire cavity was full of bottle caps, cigarette lighters and various pieces of plastic. It was heartbreaking to see what man is doing to the oceans. The full house of Surfrider members and volunteers were of course-aghast and vowed to step up our "Say No to Plastics" campaign even more. As a thank you, Sea Life Conservation took aboard on the Derek M. Baylis vessel, a group of Surfrider members and volunteers for a sailing adventure on Sunday, November 22. We sailed out of the beautiful San Diego Yacht Club and specifically were looking for marine debris and trash. Also surveying general ocean and bay cleanliness. Once something was spotted floating-it's coordinates are entered and stored for future research. The first thing we spotted turned out to be organic and biodegradable-it was a dead bird! Next-a false alarm..just some seaweed! Finally-some trash! A floating red bottle cap. Determined by an experienced guest to have come from some kind of expensive whiskey bottle-we at last had proof of H20 malfeasance! Otherwise the water here looked pretty good. The sailboat unfurled her lovely sails and we made haste for the seas off Kellogg Beach, Shelter Island, Harbor Island, and North Island-where we came upon the Navy research dolphins frolicking free as they do when they are let out of the Navy pens in the afternoons. Also spotted: a tall ship sailing regally on our port side-many pics were snapped of that lovely boat! The Sea Life group graciously provided some cheese, salami, and crackers plus refreshing Italian sodas for their guests and regaled us with tales of their environmental exploits on the high seas of the California coast! The Derek M. Baylis -a quiet, high-tech sailing boat has welcomed aboard over 10,000 people to it's decks over the past 4 years. They host a lot of school groups-as these are the minds that need to be reached since they stand to unfortunately inherit many of the marine problems that are rearing up on us today. Sea Life Conservation is a very worthy group and Surfrider members and volunteers feel very lucky to have made their acquaintance. Please support their most valuable work.

I'm so happy we found this gem! While the pool may be on the smaller side, the instructors are…read morereally world class here. I see my son's ability increase with every lesson he's taking here. They are super accommodating, everything is well organized and the fees are absolutely reasonable. I recommend this swim school to anyone I know. Would highly recommend.

We love Pacific Flow Swim School. My daughter has been swimming with them for a little over a year,…read moreand is now on their highest level. Before joining, she was not comfortable with getting her face in the water, the staff at Pacific Flow made her feel comfortable - plus the pool is heated, which I'm sure helped put her at ease. I cannot thank Jeff and team enough, their patience and commitment to teaching children swim is appreciated.

Absolutely love this swim center! The staff are all wonderful and my daughter looks forward to…read moreevery lesson! As a "retired" swim instructor and swimmer I definitely give this place 5 stars!

Our girls have been taking swimming lessons with Shyra and her family for a few summers. This…read moresummer our girls tried the Harry Potter camp and they are fortunate for all they get to experience in the summers and they keep raving about the Harry Potter camp. Very grateful Shyra and the family are part of our community.

I tried out a beginner silks class at Radical Movement Factory on a whim years ago and it has been…read morebeyond life-changing. As a life-long runner, I have no flexibility at all and didn't know how I'd fit in with all the graceful aerialists I saw online but it just looked like so much fun and I wanted a way to shake up my fitness routine! The community at RMF has been so inclusive and welcoming of myself and everyone I've seen come through the doors over the years. Learning aerials has allowed me to feel strong and confident in a way I never had before while having a ton of fun in a great space. All the coaches are great, patient, kind, and put safety first in everything they do. Whether you've been wanting to try an aerial class, or think it could never be for you, I highly recommend giving it a try and you'll become hooked for life!

I've been going here for 5+ years and I was addicted after my first class! My main instructor Emily…read morehas helped me reach goals I thought would be impossible! Very community oriented for adults and children. I have performed in a few student showcases and fundraisers, a very fun experience and also great for setting and obtaining goals! Definitely would recommend for any level but intro for beginners of course. Emily can teach to a very high level on rope or silks and is a great asset to the community! Much love to radical !