The Shells
Who: You! Anyone who
wants to goof around and get better at bike handling. Also, expert jumpers
who want to get even better. On any given day you'll see everyone from top
racers to entire families. The kids have a great time on the little bumps
and love watching the honches rip it up. What: A paved path will take you on an easy 10+ mile spin along the waterfront, but the real attraction is the dirt jump area between the path and the water. There are lots of big, tricky jumps, but there are a few small ones and a superfun oval with rolling humps on the straights and sweet berms at the ends.
When: Any time. The ground is composed of sand and oyster shells, so it drains unbelievably well. When it's been raining this is the only dirt jumping spot.
Where: In Foster City, on the coast just south of the San Mateo Bridge. Here's a map. Park on Beach Park Blvd. near Halibut St. That's right by Swordfish St. Ha!
Why: Because bike riding is fun, and the better you get, the more fun you have. Improving your berm, hump and jump skills will make you a much better trail rider.
How: Take it easy and don't mess with the big stuff until you have the little stuff wired. Wear pads; the shells shred skin. If you don't jump well, play around on the little oval track. Rail the berms and practice getting over the bumps smoothly. Unweight as you go up the front and press down as you go down the back.
For more fun photos, check out these galleries on leelikesbikes.com:
Synergy
Stepping it up at The Shells