Head for the Golden Gate Bridge. Not far from that urbane icon is Kirby Cove, the bay's most uncrowded beach and picnic area. The Marin County oasis is sheltered from the sun by eucalyptus and cypress trees and from tourists by the one-mile hike or bike needed to get there. (Camping? Ask the Park Service for a code to unlock the gate so you can drive down. Reservations highly recommended.) The facilities are simple: BBQ grill, picnic tables and fire rings. There's no water or wood, so bring both. Earplugs, too, if you're sleeping over; the fog horns can be loud. After beers and birthday cake, hit the beach and toast both the Golden Gate and State.
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Mike's Bikes, the Bay Area's premier bike retailer, wants to help you find the answer to this summertime question: what's your bike personality?
This week's bike personality: The Savvy Commuter.

The bus: never on time and you can never get a seat. And the car: everyone knows gas prices and pollution are out of control. But wait…you've caught on to something: the bicycle. The freedom. You aren't afraid to put a little lube on the chain. A little urban exercise will go long way, and you'll never have to worry about your muffler falling off. You'll even find a way to carry your morning cup of coffee in your water bottle, without spillovers. You can't wait to beat the car traffic in the morning commute. Yes, the bike: cleaner than the Prius and so much more fun than the bus.

Sound like you? You're "The Savvy Commuter." The Mike's Bikes ride for you: the Specialized Globe Sport. With this bike you can be fearless and free in the city. Its lightweight aluminum frame and 24 speeds give you the gumption to get up hills, around corners, and into your personal parking stall. The smooth, wide, puncture-resistant tires tackle broken pavement, allowing you to roll on with ease. Specialized's Globe Sport: carbon-neutral for over 100 years.

Mike's Bikes has six stores in Northern California: Sacramento (916-446-BIKE), San Rafael (415-454-3747), Sausalito (415-332-3200), Berkeley (510-549-8350), San Francisco (415-241-BIKE), and Palo Alto (650-858-7700).