Try ziplining in San Francisco for free in April!

In April, San Francisco visitors have a chance to experience free urban zipline fun that will bring them flying over 600 feet across Embarcadero Square. This unique event will let visitors experience the thrill and exhilaration of ziplining – brought to prominence in North America by Ziptrek Ecotours’ flagship operation in Whistler, British Columbia.

During the Winter Olympics, thousands of visitors enjoyed a similar urban zipline in downtown Vancouver  — it was one of the most popular public activities during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Now ziplining is coming to San Francisco as part of The British Columbia Experience, an 11-day celebration kicking off on April 8 in Justin Herman Plaza. The event spans April 8-18. The event will also feature free public dance performances by the world-renowned Aboriginal dance group the Le-La-La Dancers, an interactive video display, a 3D art installation, and more.

On April 8, The British Columbia Experience launches with the special appearance by two gold medal winning Olympians, US Speed Skater Shani Davis and Canadian Ski Cross Racer Ashleigh McIvor. They will be among the first to try out the zipline and participate in a public autograph signing on April 8th.

When:			Thursday, April 8 - Sunday, April 18th
			10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
What:			The British Columbia Experience, featuring:
			- Free 600 ft. Urban Zipline: Open to the Public
			Note: There are no age restrictions, but guests must weigh more than 65 pounds and no more than a maximum of 275 pounds. The ride will be free of charge.
			- Interactive Video Display, 3D Art Installation and more
Who:			- Launch event on April 8th from 12:30-2:00 featuring a public meet and greet with 2010 Olympic Gold Medalists Shani Davis (US Speed Skating Team) and Ashleigh McIvor (Canadian Freestyle Team – Ski Cross)
			- Performances by the world renowned Aboriginal dance group the Le-La-La Dancers (April 8th - April 11th at 12:00pm and 5:00pm)
Where:			Justin Herman Plaza at Embarcadero Square, San Francisco, California

British Columbia Stays in Spotlight as Paralympic Games Launch March 12-21, 2010

British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, rolls out the red carpet for the Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler,  March 12 - 21, 2010.  After two weeks of the amazing 2010 Olympic Winter Games, disabled athletes from around the world will compete for medals in five winter sport disciplines. When you are not watching events, there's plenty to do in Whistler and Vancouver - here are two stories that I wrote about my trip there in 2009!
• Olympics Aside, There’s Lots of Cool Stuff To Do in Whistler This Winter
• The Last-Minute Guide to Olympic Fun in Whistler/Vancouver Three Adventure Activities That Will Get You Moving

I took the three snow photos, below!

Visitors and spectators will visit hotspots, including the British Columbia Canada Pavilion at the Vancouver Art Gallery. And  LiveCity Sites in Vancouver and Whistler will come alive again with free music and entertainment.

Tickets to Paralympic sporting events are available and affordable!
To purchase tickets to the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Accommodation can be found at a variety of price points in Vancouver and Whistler as well as around the province with spring promotions and other special offers.

For travel information and to book accommodation and activity packages in British Columbia, visit www.hellobc.com. More information on the Paralympics can also be found on the blog of Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick, the talent behind World Footprints (formerly Travel'n On Radio) headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Olympics End, but Vancouver remains in spotlight for Parlympic Games

While the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics officially close tomorrow, it's just the beginning for the Paralympics Games, March 12-21, held in the same venues. Surely, Vancouver, in British Columbia, Canada, will remain in the world's spotlight long after both events conclude. I didn't go to the Winter Games, but I had the opportunity to visit all the Olympics venues in Vancouver, Richmond and Whistler before the Games. While I was there, I scoped out all kinds of fun things to do on a visit there. 

Here are the links to two stories that I wrote for Tripatini and Fanatchicks websites. You can use the activities I experienced as a winter vacation guide to Whistler and Vancouver - Try all kinds of fun stuff, from a Sno-Limo, to the Peak to Peak Gondola, to just chilling out in a cozy lodge!

Fanatchicks.com
February 12, 2010
The Last-Minute Guide to Olympic Fun in Whistler/Vancouver Three Adventure Activities That Will Get You Moving

Triapatini.com
February 1, 2010
Olympics Aside, There’s Lots of Cool Stuff To Do in Whistler This Winter

The Challenges and Joys of Cross Country Mountain Bike Racing - Blood and Medals

SV Endurance Dirty Gears Mt. Bike Race, Monterey, CA USA, 2/21/2010

Two bad crashes before 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning
Slamming into the ground, not once, but twice, made me wonder if it would have been smarter to stay in bed on a rainy day rather than join the opening cross country mountain bike race of SV Endurance at Fort Ord, an hour's drive south of me in Monterey County.

I felt like a real nut case as I flashed my bloodied arm to pro photographer Conner Jay who was onsite shooting for the Californian, the Salinas newspaper. 

It was hard to motivate
Only hours earlier, at 7:30 a.m. I looked at the rain and thought no way am I going to race in this muck! The race, first in a series, had sign-ups until  8 a.m. and a start time of 9 a.m. I had already paid but was still supposed to get there by 8 a.m. The rain gave me an excuse to stay home. Yet I did not feel right knowing that my friends on Team Santa Cruz, our race team, (Andrew Murray, Winona Hubbard and Alex Anderson) had rallied and were going to compete despite the nasty weather.

I couldn't let them down.  So I dragged myself out in the cold, gray rain,  feeling fast as a slug. I made it to the venue by 8:15 a.m. and wondered why so many people thought this was a fun way to spend a cold winter morning. My women's race started a bit after 9:00 a.m. I had all the enthusiasm of a grumpy bear emerging from its winter lair. I warmed up thought and then was happy to ride with my friend Winona.

Struggling up 2300 feet of climbing
Owww! The pain in my legs was humbling. I realized that since I signed up to race at the Sea Otter Classic's mountain bike cross country event in April, I have a lot of hill training to get up to speed, literally, for that event. I had to endure one 13-mile lap for sport class. Only the experts - all 3 of them in the men's class, including Alex Anderson, had two complete two grueling laps- unthinkable! Those tough hills at Fort Ord felt endless due to steep climbs, many muddy slick hike a bike sections and my two crashes.

The Classic Face Plant: Crash #1
One crash was so dumb you would swear that I had just started riding - how else to explain going off course and tumbling face first into the mud/sand off a wide, fire road descent. And no, it was not a sharp corner. Just a little off-camber. It was unnerving, but I wore my new armor of sand and mud proudly and regrouped.

Wipe Out on the Pavement: Crash #2
I waited for an ambulance who knows how long. Felt like half an hour, but most likely was 10-15 mins. total. No, the ambulance was not for me, but for the poor girl whom I collided with. About four of us took a wrong turn at an unmarked 4-way intersection. Naturally, we opted to go DOWN the paved road, but those of us in front found out from a random official that was the wrong way. So we started to turn around. As I began my U-turn to go back up the hill,  a woman speeding down the road did not see me/could not stop in time and smashed into me. She was going at high speed and flew over her bars. When she t-boned me, I went down skidding, hitting hard on my left side, scraping my elbow and smashing my thigh.  But I did not have her speed since I was turning around.

Who to Blame?
As I see it,  three people were at fault:
1. The Race Directors - the course was not marked and a group of us went the wrong way and the crash happened, on pavement! eek while I was turning around, U turn.
2. Me - Yep, needed to make sure the path was clear before turning
3. The Poor Gal - needed the control to avoid me on the road

She clearly had a concussion and was in agony. It was really scary. I have never been involved in an accident with another rider, much less on pavement. I ignored my own gushy, bloody elbow and held her hand while the EMTs were called and arrived. I waited with her, praying her neck was not broken, til they put her on the back board and loaded her up. She was valiantly trying not to black out.
* Good news: she contacted me via Facebook the next day and said despite the concussion she is on the mend!

A happy moment! I got a second place medal in my age group. Captured by pro photographer Conner Jay, whom I had the pleasure of meeting when he took the other picture, of my bloodied elbow!

Very intense experience. I am grateful to find out tonight she is okay. Despite the blood and adrenalin and guilt for my part of the crash, I declined treatment and said I wanted to finish. I did finish and am proud that I continued. At the very back of the pack with the last few stragglers from beginning men.

I did get a medal which was satisfying for a different reason
To me, it was a reward for doing the right thing: sitting with the gal who was hurt, reassuring her and staying til she left.

After I crossed the finish line, I was cold wet and eager to have my wound cleaned. I was irritated that there were no medics left (both had taken off with the injured gal). Seemed irresponsible to me that there were none onsite should other issues arise. Thankfully, Andrew Murray, after his own race, was on hand and used his EMT training to clean my wound as well as any pro. In fact, much later, when the EMT returned and asked to see my wound, after she looked at the great bandage job he had done, she too, felt confident he had done an ace job.
Despite everything, I plan to race this series again. My next mountain bike race is next week, back at Fort Ord, with CCCX series.

For full race results and more about the races put on by SV Endurance, visit: Dirty Gears MTB XC Series 1 http://bit.ly/9BWI5J

Mountain Biker Karen Shows Her Year of The Tiger Race Face

DSC_3168
Originally uploaded by Steve.Anderson

More mountain bike races, please. I had a fun time at my first cross country mountain bike race in a year, this past Sunday. I was delighted that photographer Steve Anderson caught this action shot.

Missed Maverick's this weekend? Here's a report from the world's biggest wave contest!

Where in the world are the biggest waves? 

Surfers claim some of the biggest waves ever rolled through Northern California's Pillar Point area on Saturday, February 13, 2010,  the day that an elite group of surfers decided to hold the infamous Maverick's surf contest. This was the first time the contest had been held in two years and a $150,000 prize purse, the biggest ever, was at stake for the world's best surfers who were invited to join the competition.

 I could have jumped in my car and driven from Santa Cruz about an hour north to Pillar Point, a little north of Half Moon Bay. Instead, I asked my well-traveled friend and neighbor, Shannon Armstrong, to describe her experience watching the monster waves that towered 40 to 50 feet tall.

Here's a photo, below,  from the New York Times' Bay Area slide show.

After I told Shannon that I joined 54,000 others viewing Maverick's live online, she said:

"You definitely would have a better view of the surfers riding the waves and the standings by watching the internet stream at home. But there's nothing like the perspective of seeing the enormity of the wave from sea level and seeing how small the surfers are in comparison.
Mavericks was awesome!"

Here's the rest of Shannon Armstrong's report from that epic afternoon of surfing big waves:

Getting there
We parked about 5 miles from the action and rode our bikes to the view point, whizzing past the cars inching their way toward Pillar Point. Fire engines and ambulances were leaving the scene when we arrived (carting off the 15 people injured earlier by the high tide rogue wave that swept onto the beach). It was packed, but we were still able to weave our bikes through the pedestrians.


Viewing spots
You could view from up top the bluff, but we heard you could only see the surefers waiting for the waves on the backside and then missed all the action once they took off. So we hoofed it over to the announcer stand on the beach where people had been swept away earlier. Thank god we weren't there then!

We arrived around 1:30 p.m. - just in time to see the finalists set out from the beach. About 10 police  were guarding the barricades they'd put up to keep people off the beach below the cliff, even though it was now low tide and no real danger of being swept away.

There was no announcing we could hear and luckily we brought binoculars. It was bright, warm and sunny enough to need sunblock (it was so foggy the entire drive  up that we could barely even see the shore!)

The waves were HUGE
I overheard one pro surfer saying that this was the best Mavs contest ever! These mountains of water kept rolling toward us, stopped by a barrier of craggy rocks that looked like an eagle taking flight. People lined the beach and up the cliff, peering at the surfers bobbing above the wave as it broke in front of us. We always knew when someone caught one because there would be cheers from the viewers on the cliff. It was thrilling to see someone have the guts to fly down the face of the monster wave.

It was interesting to see how locals paddled out to the wave. I'm certain I would have perished in the 45-minute paddle to  the wave, should I ever lose my head and decide it seemed like a good idea to paddle out and give it a go.

Best of all
we were right there as the pros came to shore after the contest to see all their broken boards, exhausted bodies & big smiles when congratulating each other on a great day on the wave. The winner was Chris Bertish, a mid-thirties (one of the younger contestants, I think) humble south african with short sandy curls and a bit of blood on his chin, drawing attention to the fat lip he got when the wave pushed his board into his face on one ride. He was taking pictures with a bunch of people & doing interviews & only after he walked back to talk to his buddies in the roped off area did he realize he'd won. He said "nobody told me!" It was fun seeing his reaction when he found out. It was already posted to the internet...he was the last to know!

The cherry on top 
was riding a spectacular bike path along the ocean bluff back to our car...all 5 miles. Some high clouds were rolling in and the wind was cool, but the sunset colors were beautiful. We stopped on a cliff bench to enjoy it for a bit.

Yes, the New York Times Bay Area edition covered it here:
http://bayarea.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/15/mavericks-surf-contest-2010-a-lesson-in-natures-power

Inspired by the Olympics, I pushed hard in my first mountain bike race of the season

To justify gobbling sweet treats on Valentine's Day, I jumped into my first mountain bike race of the year, competing in the women's sport (intermediate) class race today, Sunday, February 14 at Fort Ord in Monterey, California. It was the opening event of the seven-race CCCX series, nearly all of which will take place at Fort Ord, an hour's drive south from my Santa Cruz home.

Signing up for the race was a bold move, considering I can't even recall the last bike race I did. I haven't been on my mountain bike on weeks because it's been so rainy - the trails have been too wet to ride. But at Fort Ord, there's lots of sand, so no danger of destroying delicate trail eco-systems there.

My race consisted of 4 laps - beginners did 3 and pros did 5. Seemed like I could manage four. Little did I know how brutal those sandy laps would be! I estimate each loop was about 5 miles, but I swear as I huffed and puffed up the numerous climbs that they were 10 miles each.

I considered dropping out after the first lap, seriously thought about it again after the second lap, then decided to stick it out. I thought about the Olympic athletes, in particular the tragic death of the luger on Friday and felt the need to press on, despite my discomfort. My strategy was to make the third lap  a "rest" lap in order to banish lingering fantasies of bailing out. Then, for the 4th lap, I would go for it!

I did indeed ramp up the speed in a grand finale and dug deep to get there. I made it to the finish and got a second place medal in my age division! The medal was nice, but what really mattered was how hard I pushed myself and how I persevered despite wanting to quit more than once.

Race Highlights:

* Felt stronger than expected, given all the rainy weather time off the mt. bike.

* Enjoyed pushing the pace with my friend Henri Stern, of Pacific Grove. She inspires me!

* Teammate Andrew Murray's support - he cheered at every lap when I needed it most. And provided water, and later a bar, when I was near bonking.

* Loved racing my new Specialized full suspension bike for first time.

To sum it up, by the fourth lap, I was too tired to talk during the race - for those of you who know me and my laid-back racing style, that's saying a lot!

The results will be hosted on CCCX's new website:
http://www.cccxcycling.com

Trek Dirt Series mountain bike clinics - registration now open for 2010 co-ed and women-only mountain bike camps

The 2010 Trek Dirt Series opened registration for all its mountain bike camps in Canada and the United States on February 1. This year marks some exciting changes for the series, including Trek signing on as as the title sponsor. And within Santa Cruz, the hot new shop in town, Epicenter Cycling, will host the clinic (they are a Trek dealer) instead of the venerable Bicycle Trip. The Dirt Series also just added a new Facebook page!

Safety first! A rider gets a helmet adjustment at the 2009 camp in Santa Cruz. 

Photo credit: Karen Kefauver

  In under 24 hours, all the spots for the Santa Cruz weekend clinic sold out! Good thing I have done it two years in a row already. I learned a lot and had a blast, but would still like to learn to bunny hop and clear logs on the trails. I will ask if I can volunteer to help out since all the official slots are filled and the waiting list is growing.

Candace Shadley, far right, is the founder of the Dirt Series. She's pictured here with some of the amazing instructors from the clinic in 2008 in Santa Cruz. 

Photo credit: Karen Kefauver

In addition to returning to favorite locations, the Dirt Series is expanding its women's only camps it British Columbia and Alberta in Canada, Washington, Oregon, California, Utah and Colorado, as well as an additional two co-ed camps in our home base of Whistler, British Columbia. Here's a look at the schedule for 2010. Below is a selection of my photos from 2008 and 2009 Dirt Series camps in Santa Cruz. Visit http://www.dirtseries.com for details.

 

We stretch and limber up before our skills clinics.

Photo credit: Karen Kefauver

   

Learning downhill cornering is a great basic skill.

Photo credit: Karen Kefauver

   

It was awesome to see so many women in the advanced jump clinic, pictured here. I hope to be in this group one day.

Photo credit: Karen Kefauver

   

Have a question for a bike mechanic? Now is your time to ask. Clinics include time in the shop to learn about your bike.

Photo credit: Karen Kefauver

   

We work hard in camp, but we also have time to rest and relax!

Photo credit: Karen Kefauver

Learn to mountain bike or improve your riding with skills clinics - coed and women-only mountain bike camps

I'm always on a quest to become a better cyclist, especially when it comes to riding singletrack trails on my mountain bike! For the past two years, I have signed up for the women-only Dirt Series clinic, a two-day skills intensive which has come to my town of Santa Cruz, California. The Dirt Series rolls out again in 2010, with a new title sponsor of Trek Bicycles. The Santa Cruz clinic sold out all its spots within 24 hours, but fortunately, there are Trek Dirt Series camps offered around the U.S. and Canada that still have space. They offer women-only camps as well as co-ed options. I'll write more about my great experience with them in my next blog post.

Another way to get better on the bike is to sign up for a mountain bike camp with Alison Dunlap, two-time Olympian and former national and world champion in mountain biking.

I still haven't ridden in Moab, Utah! I must change that!

 I have taken afternoon clinics with Alison Dunlap and had the opportunity to interview her as a journalist at Sea Otter Classic and other major bicycling races.  She is a great teacher - fun, patient, encouraging and of course, a master at her craft. Here's the scoop on the Moab, Utah, camps with Alison.

Alison says:
"After running skills clinics for the past five years, we have decided to take a break, and instead focus our energy on expanding our Moab Camps."

April 27-May 1, 2010   Novice/Intermediate
We are introducing a new Beginner/Interm 5-day Moab Skills Camp

"For those of you that have come before, we have a new Intermediate/Adv Ride Camp."
May 11-15, 2010   Intermediate/Advanced
Sept 28-Oct 2, 2010   Intermediate/Advanced
Cost:
$1985:  All inclusive
$1595:  Without lodging and massage

More about Alison
She's a  USA Cycling certified Level II coach, a United States Anti-Doping Association Athlete Ambassador, a member of the USA Cycling Olympic Selection Committee, and a certified Wilderness First Responder.

If you have taken one of Alison Dunlap's camps or had her coaching, please leave a comment here on this blog and let me know what you thought!

California State Park Weddings - Location Guide to Having a Budget Wedding, Green Wedding and Nature Wedding all in one!

I'm a big fan of supporting our state parks! While I'm not planning my own wedding (I'm still seeking the groom), here's the scoop on California State Parks wedding locations for those of you in the busy wedding planning phase. You can  host a green wedding and watch your wedding budget, too!

From historic adobes to stately mansions to ancient redwood forests to stretches of sandy beaches,  the California State Parks system offers a spectacular and unique setting for your wedding and reception. 

Here's a sample of California State Parks wedding sites, listed alphabetically, by region.  Fees and requirements vary from location to location.

  
Big Sur
Andrew Molera State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, or Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Call Wedding Special Event Coordinator, (831) 667-2315.

Chico
Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park
Call Supervising State Park Ranger Michael Fehling, (530) 895-6144.

Coloma
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park features 2 beautiful historic churches and 3 shady picnic areas perfect for an outdoor ceremony or reception.
Call the Special Event Coordinator at (530) 622-3069.

Guerneville Group Picnic Area of Armstrong State Natural Reserve. The Department’s Russian River Sector office can help find the ideal location for your special occasion.
Call Elizabeth Beale (707) 865-2394 or email at lbeale@parks.ca.gov.

Laguna Beach
Crystal Cove State Park  has bluff-top wedding sites and allows beach weddings.
Call (949) 494-3539.

Lake Tahoe
Ed Z'berg - Sugar Pine Point State Park offers a beautiful lakeside location for ceremonies, with receptions taking place on the grounds of the elegant and historic Ehrman Mansion (with gazebo). 
Call the Special Events Coordinator at (530) 525-5060 or lssec@parks.ca.gov.

Lompoc
La Purisima Mission State Historic Park features a rustic setting for an outdoor wedding. Guests are limited to 100 people, including the bride and groom.
Call the park’s supervising ranger, (805) 733-3713.

Malibu area state beaches and parks
Malibu Creek, Tapia, Leo Carrillo, El Matador, Thornhill Broome and Point Mugu
Call (310) 457-8144 or email: mzuhair@parks.ca.gov
Adamson House in Malibu
Call (310) 457-8144 or e-mail: adamsonhousewedding@parks.ca.gov 

Mendocino area
Call (707) 937-5804 for information and availability.

Monterey      
Garrapata State Park, Monterey State Beach, and Carmel River State Beach.
Call (831) 624-3704.
For weddings and special events at Monterey State Historic Park, including Custom House Plaza and Memory Garden,
Call (831) 649-7118 or email mshp@parks.ca.gov.

Monterey Peninsula, Pacific Grove

Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds
Go to http://www.visitasilomar.com. Click on “Meetings and Events.”
Patrick's Point State Park along the northcoast includes beautiful vistas over looking the ocean including wedding rock and others.
Call (707) 677-3110.

Riverside
California Citrus State Historic Park offers a natural park setting among the citrus groves for weddings and/or receptions. 
Call (951) 509-4500 or email debbyphillips2@yahoo.com 

Sacramento
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park and Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park are available as wedding sites.
Call Cheryl Meyer, (916) 445-2560 or email cmeyer@csrmf.org.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/suttersfort and http://www.parks.ca.gov/governorsmansion

San Clemente         
Calafia State Beach in San Clemente has bluff-top wedding sites.
Call (949) 366-8589.
San Clemente State Beach has an historic cottage with a patio and catering kitchen.
Call (949) 366-8589.

San Diego area
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park or Torrey Pines State Reserve.
Call Debbie Valdez at (619) 688-3385.

Sonoma
Sonoma Coast State Park offers vistas of the rugged northern coastline and majestic Pacific Ocean.

Sonoma State Historic Park Chapel and Courtyard (near downtown Sonoma) can accommodate 210 guests.
Call the special events office,  (707) 939-6188.

Santa Cruz County
Visit  http://www.santacruzstateparks.org.

Ventura
San Buenaventura State Beach  features a sandy beach with a shady picnic area that can be used as a reception area.
Call (805) 648-4059.

This list is compiled from this page. For a complete list of parks, visit http://www.parks.ca.gov.

You can also check out the online magazine, California Escapes, for more info about California State Parks. http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25071.

From their website:
California State Parks contains the largest and most diverse natural and cultural heritage holdings of any state agency in the nation.  Our treasures are as diverse as California: from the last stands of primeval redwood forests to vast expanses of fragile desert; from the lofty Sierra Nevada to the broad sandy beaches of our southern coast; and from the opulence of Hearst Castle to the vestiges of colonial Russia.

State park units include over 280 fantastic miles of coastline, 625 miles of lake and river frontage, 15,000 campsites, and 3,000 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Our parks also have redwood and wildlife reserves, beautiful beaches, water recreation areas, wilderness areas, reservoirs, historic homes, Spanish adobe buildings, lighthouses, ghost towns, and off-highway vehicle areas.

Mountain Bikers Gear up for Cross Country Race Series in Central California

I write a weekly blog post for the Santa Cruz Sentinel. It's part of my being their sport bicycling columnist for Spin City - my monthly column, that appears in print and online! Here's my latest blog:

The cyclocross season has come to an end (UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships were held last weekend in Tabor, Czech Republic). That means it’s time for cyclists to focus on mountain bike racing. I have vowed this will be my comeback year, now that I have a new, super high-tech, full suspension bike from Specialized. I’m inspired to strive for faster cornering and downhills during my cross country racing. Watch out, sport class women! I hope you get inspired to come race, or at least come check out the competition at two race series starting up this month in Central California. Both start in February: one is hosted by Central Coast Cyclocross (CCCX) and other by new event producer South Valley Endurance.santacruzlive.com, Out and About, Feb 2010

You should read the whole article.

Day trip to Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda, Florida

For a half-day excursion during my visit to Naples, in southwest Florida, my dad, stepmom and I decided to visit Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda on the Gulf Coast. After a quick hour's drive on the interstate (I-75) from Naples we reached our destination in time for lunch. Fishermen's Village (http://www.fishville.com) is right on the harbor, and it's a fun shopping and dining area.

Highlights from today:

• Grape Nut Bread Pudding at Village Fish Market. I didn't ask for the recipe because I'm not too confident in the cooking department. But it tasted so creamy and delicious (with a crust of the Grape Nuts, the high-fiber cereal) that I would be tempted to try one of these recipes: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/grape-nut-pudding-recipes.html. The casual dining spot on the water has award-winning seafood from New England and Florida. I especially enjoyed my tomato stuffed with tuna salad for my lunch entree.

• The Military Hertiage Museum was fascinating. I confess, it's not a spot I would usually visit, but I knew it would be intersting to go with my dad, who served in the army and is a history buff. I joined him in a self-guided tour of the homey museum packed with memorabilia. Every item in the museum had been donated and it had a very personal feel, seeing the clothes, the weapons, displays of a bunker, even Lucky Strike cigarettes. The helpful and friendly museum volunteers answered our questions and told stories. More than any other collection I have seen, this gave me an idea what life in the military may have been like. I would return there and my dad said he could spend hours more looking around.

• Shopping - After about half an hour at the military museum, (Dad could have stayed far longer) it was fun to visit the clothing stores, craft galleries and a great little bookstore that also carried used books.

For my next trip to Charlotte Harbor and Punta Gorda, here's my To Do list. Thanks to fellow traveler and blogger Jennifer Huber for the great recommendations:

• Take a boat tour on Charlotte Harbor: http://www.floridasecrets.com/nese.htm. Here's the website for the Charlotte Harbor VCB: http://www.charlotteharbortravel.com. Or maybe a lunch or dinner cruise on the Harbor Lady, the boat that departs from Fishermen's Village. Bookings at http://www.kingfisherfleet.com 

• Enjoy the gorgeous view and fresh seafood at The Laishley Crab House (http://ww.laishleycrabhouse.com). It opened in August 2009 and looks like a fun spot with a happening bar scene, too.

• Venture on a wading trip in Charlotte Harbor - they happen about twice a month. The website says, "Waders listen to, and participate in, a short lecture about the area and wildlife.  Then, armed with dip-nets and buckets, the participants enter the seagrass beds to find a nursery full of small and young aquatic creatures. http://www.checflorida.org

And yes, I think it would be fun to make a trip down memory lane:

• Even though it's not on the water, this newer museum looks like fun: the Muscle Car City (www.musclecarcity.net). Opened the first week of March 2009, Rick Treworgy's Muscle Car City features nearly 200 automobiles of every era dating back to the 1920's.

• I will put on my explorer outfit and join the swamp buggy tour at Babcock Wilderness Adventures (www.babcockwilderness.com)

2010 Travel Plans, Winter Olympics and 2009 Highlights

Happy New Year!

A sports and travel highlight of 2009 was a 7-day trip to Vancouver, Whistler and Richmond in British Columbia, Canada, to visit the cities and venues that will host the Winter Olympics next month.  The Games take place February 12-28, 2010, and the Paralympics, March 12-21, 2010.

The Inukshuk, pronounced "in ook shook," is the image of a man that was originally created by the Inuit people to act as a compass or a guide. The stone monument is unique to the Canadian Arctic region. It is the symbol of the 2010 Winter Olympics. I took this photo in Whistler in Feb. '09.

Photo by Karen Kefauver

Another highlight of 2009 was my running vacation with 70 other runners from around the world with The Coastal Experiences in Costa Rica! Check out my photos and story on that trip!

I'm excited about my 2010 travel line-up:

January

Florida. I'm headed to  Orlando for a Society of American Travel Writers workshop and then to see family in Naples.

February

Winter Olympics!

Please help me with my bid for the Olympics - not to compete, just to attend.  I don't have a travel ticket or accomodations YET, but  I am going to make this happen! Any tips appreciated!

The Games will be held February 12-28 and the Paralympic Winter Games will be held March 12-21 in the following Host Venue Cities:

• Vancouver
• Whistler
• Richmond

  Photo by Karen Kefauver

March

Ecuador tops the list! Jorge Perez, of Tierra del Volcan, whom I met through the Adventure Travel Trade Association, has convinced me that Ecuador is the country to check out for amazing mountain bike adventures. In 2008, I sampled the amazing mountain biking in Peru, and now I'm ready to tackle Ecuador.

October

Scotland- The Adventure Travel Trade Association will host their annual world summit in Aviemore, Scotland, October 4-7. I have attended the past Summits in 2006, 2007 and 2008, in Seattle, Whistler and Sao Paolo, Brazil. They were spectacular experiences and it was an honor to be selected as a speaker there in 2007 and 2008 on media panels. I missed 2009 in Quebec, so hope to return in 2010 with an active role there.

Riding in the  Peak 2 Peak Gondola at Whistler Blackcomb in February 2009, I'm smiling at the stunning view during the 11-minute journey over the peaks. It's the longest continuous lift system in the world. 

What adventures do you have lined up for 2010?

A Cyclist Shifts to 40km running in The Coastal Experiences in Costa RIca

Here's my first story about my week-long running adventure in Costa Rica with The Coastal Experiences. The article appeared in the sports section of the Santa Cruz Sentinel, on Friday, October 30, 2009. Click on the link or read my story, below.

 I got to climb up this waterfall during one of the most challenging days of The Coastal Experiences running vacation in Costa Rica.

Photo Credit: Eduardo Baldioceda

Spin City: Changing Gears -- A cyclist goes on a running vacation
By Karen Kefauver
Posted: 10/30/2009 01:30:02 AM PDT

My sister looked at me with incredulity.

"You're going on a running vacation?" she asked. "You don't run!"

She was right. But I had already signed up and was flying to Costa Rica for a seven-day organized trip called "The Coastal Experiences."

I hoped that my muscle memory would kick in and my body would remember all the 5-kilometer and 10k races I had run [slowly] during my seven years as a triathlete. But my swim-bike-run years ended in 2004. Since then, I have focused solely on cycling.

So why would I consider a trip that centered on running and promised on its Web site: "You will experience Costa Rica like few others have.... If you're ready to move from watching the Eco Challenge, Ironman, and NYC Marathon races on TV to actually stepping up to your own challenge, please join us."

I was eager to tackle an adventure radically different than my usual group road or mountain bike tours. Right before my 40th birthday, it was time to try something out of my comfort zone in a place I had never visited. I also liked the trip's multi-sport elements -- every day after running, there were additional activities offered, including ziplining, waterfall rappelling, volcano hikes, and snorkeling and scuba diving. Plus, on two mornings, all of us would try to stay in our rafts as we hit the white water of the Pacuare River's Class IV rapids.

That's how I ended up in San Jose, Costa Rica, the first week of October. I tried to play it cool on the first day of the trip. Our group of 70 guests and staff gathered to register and receive race numbers -- our running times would be officially recorded daily.

I braced for the potential shame of being last every day. Men and women, spanning ages 21 to 61, from all over the world -- England, Spain, Netherlands, Canada and mostly America -- were comparing notes on their recent marathon times, triathlons and adventure races. Though I was in shape, I was by no means in "race shape." I planned to walk, a lot.

I was also afraid of twisting my ankle in the jungle or stumbling upon a poisonous snake. I was relieved that there was a doctor on staff and that I was on the third annual Coastal Experiences. They told me everyone had survived so far!

The next day, which kicked off five days of running for a total of 40k off-road, I found a trio of women. They were old friends who had signed up for the challenge together, and they made running near the back of the pack seem like fun.

"We will sweep the sweepers," said Jenni, a lively nurse from Texas. She meant that our crew would be alongside the officials who were assigned to follow the last guests.

The next few days unfolded like a tropical dream, with just a few nightmarish moments. Each day, we started our run in a different location, making our way steadily toward our final stop in Puerto Viejo.

A highlight was a stay in the jungle lodge of Rios Tropicales, where we soaked in waterfalls after our run. It was also thrilling to see the plumes of gases rise from the active volcano of Turiallba. The threat of lava flows helped distract me from the searing pain in my quads: running or even walking downhill, day after day, really fatigues those leg muscles. As a cyclist, I was more accustomed to working my hamstrings.

Through the five days of the tour, I did a lot of walking and some running. My feet sank into spectacularly soft sand on the beach, slopped ankle-deep in mud that sucked off some of our shoes, and shimmied through river beds with slippery rocks. I got my hands dirty nearly every day, grabbing jungle vines and roots for steady footing. I watched colorful butterflies flit from the lush leaves.

Several times during the week, I welcomed overcast skies and gentle rains to keep me cool. It was hard. I loved it and sometimes hated it because I was out of my comfort zone. But I was not always last.

While many in the group camped every night, I was relieved that I had chosen the lodging option and slept soundly to the insect hum each night. The trip was not about watching wildlife or doing a checklist of tourist spots. It was about connecting with the beautiful land and sharing the experience with fellow travelers.

Since my return to Santa Cruz, I have had a joyous reunion with my mountain bike on the trails at Wilder Ranch State Park. It was nice to ride through mud rather than run through it and I had a renewed appreciation for the trails.

My friend Kim, a fitness coach, noticed I seemed stronger. "It must be the cross training," she said.

I'm not ready to give up the bike for my sneakers, but I have resolved to incorporate some trail and beach running into my bike workouts. And if I see you out running or riding while I'm on my bicycle, I'll be happy to raise my water bottle and salute you with Costa Rica's national mantra: "Pura Vida" = life is good.

If You Go
For more information on this trip and others offered by the same company, visit www.thecoastalexperiences.com.

Karen Kefauver is a sports and travel freelance journalist. She blogs weekly about bicycling for the Sentinel at www.santacruzlive.com/blogs/outside.http://www.santacruzlive.com/blogs/outside.

Feat of the Feet
The top tip that I have for cyclists, like me, who want to start running on vacation or otherwise: Be prepared to pay special attention to your feet.
On a bike, feet are important, but since they don't bear all your weight, they are not as vulnerable as when you're pounding the trails. Know that your foes will be blisters, toe nails that fall off and spots on your foot that rub and become "hot spots," a warning from your body that is best heeded. Blister treatment prevention includes lubing the feet, monitoring hot spots and treating with bandages.
Ask for more foot care details at your local running stores.

The High-Flying Life of American Expat and Pilot Art Dawley - An Interview

When I met Art Dawley in San Jose, Costa Rica,  in early October 2009, I asked him about life there as an American ex-pat and the charter plane business he launched, Paradise Air. It was fun to talk with a pilot who spent years flying Hollywood’s top executives, including Steven Spielberg and his partners at Dreamworks movie studio, David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg.

Art said Paradise Air, with three planes and five U.S.-certified airline transport pilots, is the first air taxi company to be certified under the new, stricter aviation laws of Costa Rica. The company offers aerial tours, air transportation and transfers, safaris and executive services.

Art and I had tea and talked at the lovely patio of the historic Hotel Grano de Oro in San Jose, Costa Rica, on October 11, 2009.

1. QUESTION:  How did you choose to live in Costa Rica?
ANSWER: I am from Ohio and grew up in California. My former brother-in-law told me that there was a small airline charter business for sale in Costa Rica. I was looking for a new challenge. The opportunity could have been anywhere in the world, but it was here in Costa Rica... I moved here in November 2004. I didn't know Spanish.

2. Q: What do you like most about living in Costa Rica after nearly five years here?
A: I like the people…As a pilot, you get to know many people. In addition to my work, I have also helped with search and rescue and medical flights. I also like the physical beauty of the country. I prefer the mountains and the cloud forests for their cooler temperatures.

3. Q: What were you doing before you came to Costa Rica?
A: I spent my whole life in aviation - 24 years. For seven years, I worked as a pilot for Steven Spielberg and before that, 17 years with Petersen Publishing Company, which owned about 47 magazines including Motor Trends and Hot Rods.

4. Q: What was it like flying for Spielberg and the others?
A: I really enjoyed flying Spielberg and my non-disclosure agreement doesn't prevent me from saying that! I enjoyed the travel and excitement of the job not to mention flying the most advanced equipment (airplanes) in the world.

5. Q: Why did you leave what some might consider an ideal job?
A: I wanted to pursue my dream of owning my own aviation company.

6. Q: What’s been the biggest challenge living in Costa Rica?
A: Doing business here. For one thing, the language barrier. Very little is done in English. When I got here, I discovered an amazing maze of inefficiency. All the forms and data were entered by hand; nothing was computerized. Getting permits and licenses was nearly impossible.

7. Q: Why did you choose to stay?
A: I had no choice. I had sold everything I owned - two houses – and I left a full -time job.

8. Q: What else are you doing?
A: I have two other companies. I run a helicopter corps maintenance facility and SEACSA, which are helicopters that do maintenance on electrical lines. That’s where I am putting a lot of energy right now.

9. Q: What is most rewarding about building your own aviation business?
A: With Paradise Air, I brought a new level of customer service to the business. I set the bar higher in providing high-end customer service. And I also brought a new internationally recognized standard of aviation. On a personal level,  I enjoy flying with families who have young kids. I’m a dad myself – my son is 13 and my daughter is 10. I love seeing how excited the kids get when they see the forests, the turtles…

10. Q: You have built three companies in the time you have been here. What’s next?
A: I don’t plan on retiring! I enjoy my work too much. I truly love living and working here. I have my eye on expansion through the Caribbean and Central and South America.

A Cyclist Changes Gears and Goes on a Running Vacation - Day 1 of The Coastal Experiences

Did I sign up for a running trip or dance class? Keep reading to find out why samba dancers and runners are parading poolside on the opening day of The Coastal Experiences.

 I AM AFRAID -and excited! I am safe here in the Best Western Irazu hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica, but tomorrow I - along with 70 others from the U.S., Canada, Germany and Great Britain -  will embark upon a challenging, week-long adventure called The Coastal Experiences. 

  These tents served as our registration and check-in area today at Best Western Irazu here in San Jose, Costa Rica. I felt like I was about to do the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon World Championship.

During the course of seven days, I will run 40km total, all off-road, through the jungle and on rocky, volcanic land. The company's website says this adventure trip for the active traveler is geared towards those of us who have competed in community 10k (6.2-mile) races - perfect, that's me! But wait! The last time I ran a 10k was nine years ago. My muscles will remember my triathlon days, right?

The organizers of The Coastal Experiences gave us a fabulous SURPRISE welcome by having a troupe of dancers come perform, then dance with us! A brilliant ice breaker.

I am scared that I will be the last runner, that I will be bitten to a pulp by insects and that I might melt in the tropical heat. But most of all, I am concerned about the running. My goal is to walk-run each day and avoid injury. I have discovered there are others who plan to walk the entire week. Maybe those are My People?  The competitor in me resists the idea of being at the back of the pack, whether I am walking or running.  But at this point I have little choice since my training plans fell by the wayside.

I am an avid cyclist - I have 5 bikes - and I left them all at home in order to come on this running vacation. I kept meaning to train for this event. But somehow the siren call of singletrack mountain bike rides with friends was stronger than my plan to go for a solo run.

Back in August, it seemed like a great idea to push myself out of my comfort zone of bicycling just before my 40th birthday, October 26. What better way to greet a new decade?

Maybe I can pick up a few new dances steps while I am here!

We shall see what happens tomorrow! Here is what is on tap for me - it's the longest day of running with a 10k (6.2-miles). It's midnight now and I am getting up at 5 a.m.!

Monday, October 12, 2009
Race Day 1
Depart the Best Western Irazu in San Jose and head for the volcano. The 10K run will be near the volcano of Turrialba.  A narrow unpaved road will take you through the hills and past small villages that sit above San Jose.  Your finish line is the home of Turrialba Lodge, where we’ll be staying that night.  Relax at the indoor pool, go horseback riding or trek up to the volcano.