I’ve received some excellent coffeeneuring submissions, and today’s guest post is no exception.
Lynda, in the Santa Barbara area, visited some intriguing spots, went on some good rides with friends, and also summarized the bike-friendliness of each coffeeneuring locale in terms of parking and seating.
Stop #1: Sat. 10/19/13 – French Press, Santa Barbara, CA
After our Santa Barbara Century ride, my husband and I rode 3.9 miles round trip to French Press in Santa Barbara and had delicious lattes along with 2 cookies. Great way to finish a beautiful day!
Nice outdoor seating and some of the best coffee we had.
P.S. Bike racks, indoor & outdoor seating, very friendly to cyclists
Stop #2: Sun. 10/20/13 – JRA Bikes & Brew, Agoura Hills, CA
My husband and I rode our bikes to a local street fair to visit a friend working at a booth and then on for a total ride of 20.7 miles with a stop at JRA Bikes & Brew.
While it was a warm day in the mid 80’s we followed the coffeeneuring rules and ordered hot lattes along with a nice blueberry crumble scone. (Editor’s note: I’m officially changing that rule next year, and either hot or cold beverages will be allowed.)
Coffee was so-so but, since they are a bike shop, they definitely welcome cyclists.
P.S. Bike racks, covered outdoor seating only, friendly to cyclists
Stop #3: Sat. 10/26/13 – Bean Crazy, Thousand Oaks, CA
Solo 6.5-mile ride for coffee before driving north for Women’s Bike Expo. Vanilla latte wasn’t great, but the pastry made up for it.
Couldn’t get sign and coffee in same selfie photo so here’s two. Coffeeneuring is more fun with a pal.
P.S. No bike racks, indoor & outdoor seating
Stop #4: Sun 10/17/13 – High Tea, Leadbetter Beach, Santa Barbara, CA
Wonderful afternoon tea with friends & fellow B4T9 teammates Jan and Kim, who are both doing the Coffeeneuring Challenge, also.
We had tea after the inaugural Santa Barbara Women’s Tour de Cure, which raised money for diabetes research. What a great day at the beach!
Stop #5: 11/2/13 – Starbucks, Thousand Oaks, CA
After failing to find a close coffee stop after my 50-mile organized Bike the Coast ride in Oceanside, CA, I drove 3 hours home to convince my husband to take an evening 3.1 mile ride to our local Starbucks.
Look, they had holiday cups already. My vanilla decaf latte was delicious.
P.S. No bike racks, outdoor seating only (Starbucks Drive Thru location)
Stop #6: 11/6/13 – 10 Speed Coffee at Pedaler’s Fork, Calabasas, CA
Today was my husband’s day off so we rode 37.7 miles with his regular cycling buddy as our coffeeneuring ride. This amazing stop is a coffee shop, bike shop and restaurant that recently opened.
The food is great and the coffee (a decaf latte made with their “kickstand blend”) was good, too. We love the racks with free locks provided as well as the air and water right next to the racks.
P.S. Bike racks WITH locks, indoor and patio seating, definitely cyclist friendly
Stop #7: 11/9/13 – Starbucks, Westlake Village, CA
My husband and I rode 56 miles including the Pacific Coast Highway and back over the Santa Monica Mountains. We also worked in stopping at a birthday party, an open house at his new veterinary hospital, and just before sunset, a stop for coffee.
We had hoped to be a bit more creative so we didn’t have to go to two Starbucks for coffeeneuring but we ran out of time (he has to work Sunday.)
Such a great challenge though and we have had fun checking up on friends who have been doing the same.
P.S. No bike racks, indoor and outdoor seating
Next time, we’ll have to include Handlebar Cafe in Santa Barbara, CA. Highly recommend as the shop is owned by two exXpro cyclists and has great coffee (and pastries), too.
As of this writing, Lynda’s is the first California submission I’ve received this year. Congratulations again, Lynda, on your completion of the 2013 Coffeeneuring Challenge and thank you for guest-posting today!
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