Ride started off in Little Italy. Nice!…read more My biggest complaint was that the route was not marked very well. Several riders, including my group got lost. We found another lost group who thought they knew how to get back on the correct route but ended up getting more lost. The other group was even using the written directions which they claim were not accurate. I can agree with some of the other reviews but think people need to know this if a fun event. Yes the expo is small but so are others including the San Diego RockNRoll expo which gets smaller each year even with the pushy make up vendors they now let in. The food was included for racers. Bottom line - I would do it again but hope to see improvements.

Dear Diary, Rode in…read morethe Gran Fondo again this year and have to say this was my favorite ride yet out of the 3 Fondo's I've done. The weather was perfect (cool start in the morning and warmed up as the ride progressed). We must have gotten to the start line early this year because we were near the front of the line as the ride began. Had no problems getting out of downtown however saw a couple of accidents along the way. Bummer.....hope all involved are ok. Road conditions were pretty much ideal however on Harbor Drive South of the Ballpark definitely needs some work both heading North and South. There were plenty of flats to be had by all. Fortunately I was able to make it through unscathed. For the most part, those in vehicles were patient and understanding in the fact that there were 1400+ riders driving through their neighborhoods. Of course there is always those certain individuals who don't have the patience and tend to lay on their horns. Much of that can be attributed to the riders themselves as there were many who would take up the entire road. Definitely a lack of etiquette on the riders part which I didn't notice in previous years. Both SAG stations were nicely stocked this year and I think there was a lesson learned from last years Fondo. Plenty of sandwiches, fruit, cookies and drink to be had by all. Nothing against motorcyclists because many of my friends ride, but there were plenty of douches on Otay Lakes Road this year. I'm not impressed that you're able to go 90mph and let us hear how loud your bike is while we are schlepping our asses out and back. This years Expo was somewhat of a disappointment as there were not nearly the amount of vendors as in years past. As usual, there was a beer garden and this year Sierra Nevada was the chosen company. A high upgrade over last years choice A couple of these post ride definitely did the trick. The meal itself wasn't as good as in years past either. The marinara sauce was very salty and there wasn't much of a selection to choose from. On a downside, the organizers of the Fondo seemed to be....well unorganized. I picked up my packet on Saturday before the ride, got home and realized I was given the wrong sized jersey. After the ride yesterday, I tried retuning my jersey which was still packaged only to find out that they did not have the size I ordered. I spoke with Lindsey and hopefully she will make it right before the LA Gran Fondo. We'll see how that plays out. A huge props to all the volunteers throughout the course and to the various police, EMT and fire departments who made this ride as easy as can be. The volunteers were friendly and encouraging throughout the ride. All in all, this Gran Fondo was a success!! Well diary, till next years Gran Fondo. Jim

I love this run - such an inspirational community event. I've gone to every run since they've…read morestarted, and it continues to get bigger and bigger. It's definitely not about the race here, it's about coming together and honoring Chelsea and her family. This is the one race that I absolutely do every year and will continue to do as long as it goes on. There have been 2 different courses, one being significantly easier than the other. The course that actually goes on the freeway is a lot harder because there's a hill or two, but they seem to switch between the two every few years. My family and I love that Brent and Kelly are always out on the course, high-fiving people who run by and cheering everyone on. It's amazing to see them in such high spirits and carrying on the light from their daughter. The start of this race isn't the most organized, so if you've got a decent pace (8 minutes and under) I would recommend trying to get towards the starting line otherwise you'll be doing a LOT of dodging. Maybe one year they'll actually have to separate the group into different corrals once it gets too big for the way they have it organized now! Also love that it's downtown San Diego near balboa park, so you can go grab breakfast afterwards (if you haven't eaten too many bananas). Looking forward to next year!

What a wonderful event this was! I am speaking from the experience of being a volunteer. In the old…read moredays, I would have done this 5K in no time. Nowadays, I sit on the sidelines waiting for a knee replacement, but I still get around okay. That I did this Saturday for Chelsea's beautiful memory. I volunteered to be a sign holder. Bright and early, the west side of Balboa Park was a bundle of energy with runners and walkers warming up. Lots of pep talks going on. Parking was a nightmare, as usual but everyone seemed to be in a great mood and I loved the feeling of comradery and good karma that floated in the morning air. A big white van took the volunteers to all the stations they were assigned and I was one of the first dropped off in the Prado area next to the El Cid Campeador statute. I received strict instructions to make sure all participants turned right and continued running down past the Organ Pavilion area. I was also told to watch for "cutters" who might take the corner and cut in front of other runners. Well, lo and behold, it was a good thing I was there because quite a few hasty people thought they could shave a second or two off their time by taking a quick step around me. Not happening. I made sure to point them nicely in the right direction. Later on walking back to the Festival area, I looked over the Cabrillo Bride and marveled at the line of runners inching their ways through the trials of the park and along the closed Interstate 163 North. It was such a beautiful and moving sight and I just know that Chelsea King must be so proud of this event and the monies it will now be raising for the Sunflower Scholarships. Parents: this is a great, family-friendly event to bring the kids too. The 5K run/walk is not so exhausting that the whole family can't participate. After the run, there was music, booths, free food and drink samples, and my favorite-a painting area where people could decorate clay pots that might someday hold growing sunflowers. Finish Chelsea's Run is beyond 5 YELP STARS-I would give it 100 STARS, if I could-- for awesomeness.

This is an incredibly frustrating race because I love the idea, but the execution is poor. It's…read morepart of the Holiday Bowl, which means that there is a big crowd with lots of energy and a parade to follow. The waterfront course is flat, the view is fabulous, and the cool breezes are very refreshing. The late start means you can sleep in, but December weather keeps it being from being too hot. So what's the problem? There is a wide range of people who run this race, including some people who were just standing around by the harbor and decided to sign up an hour before. I love the idea of making a race a family event, and think it's great the people who don't normally run decide to give it a try. However, new people aren't familiar with race etiquette and there are no corrals or rules for where people stand. The result is tiny children, walkers, and parents with huge strollers lined up in front of people who want to race. I was hoping things would improve when they added chip timing a few years back (no need for everyone to crowd near the front), but no such luck; I still spent the first couple of minutes trying to weave around the strollers and kids. This would be a great race for kids or as a first 5k (there's even a water station in the middle of the course), but I wouldn't suggest it if you're serious about racing. Oh, and take the trolley! With the parade and the football fans, you don't want to try parking.

You can be green and park your bike here. Right in the center of everything in Hillcrest. Clubs,…read morecafe's, movies, hospital. Fun Pride Parade. There's tools to do a quick fix which is pretty awesome.

I use this bike corral all the time and have "first-hand" knowledge!…read more Such a nice treat for Hillcrest. There is even a bike pump with tools for your convenience!

This is a wonderful club. It is low key and friendly. I joined 20 years ago!! I've met friends…read morethrough this group and had lots of fun playing golf!

This group allows women golfers of various skill levels to play and have a wonderful time amongst…read morefriends. There is no pressure to obtain a handicap. Those serious enough can play together in friendly competition. The variety of golf courses and reasonable deals Vicky generate make this golf group fascinating. I have met several dynamic, engaging and unique individuals through this group and I am glad I joined in 2008! They are more than acquaintances, they are friends and family! If you're looking for a group of women who can play golf and have fun, you owe it to yourself to try this one for size. You just might stay.

Gary is right! If you want a challenge then the 10K is for you. There's nothing like it in San…read moreDiego. This is a trail run, all off-road course. They also have a 5K and a kids' race. The environment is very family/kids friendly. There's live music, folkloric dancer, food, and more.

Started our hike this morning at 7:10 and were done by 10:30 that included at least 30 minute lunch…read moreat the top of Mount Gower.The hike was great if you like rock formations and of course before you can see these rocks you have to at least go through at least seven ridges. They will surely get your pulse going. Getting to the top of Mount Gower can be tricky so make sure you have those Merrell hiking boots/shoes on. They really make a huge difference and of course lots of water.

Excellent 8 mile round trip hike. Not very many people, but lots of inclines. Beautiful scenery!…read more Sort of strange near the top as the trail/path ends. U have to navigate to the peak. Wouldn't want to hike this trail during warmer temps. It would be brutal.

California Swim run hosted a fun practice last Wednesday. It was fun to try out a new sport and…read moremeet new friends.