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05.28.09

Game On

Think you've got game? Prove it! Grab your friends and see who's top dog with one of these three summer activities.  

Bocce at Pedroncelli Winery

Itchy for Bocce

Good wine, a lively game of Bocce, and a relaxed country setting are all yours at Pedroncelli Winery. Sitting on a hillside along a sleepy road in Geyserville, the wine-makers here have been creating sumptuous Sangiovese and Zinfandel for generations. Pedroncelli embraces the Italian way of life: lots of family and friends, and of course, really good vino. Their wines are sourced from grapes on or within 10 miles of the property, giving the vintages a true Sonoma flavor. Taste at the long wooden bar, and then abscond with a reasonably priced bottle (all are $20 or less; we like the Mother Clone Zin) and head out back to the traditional bocce court—balls and jack included. Make your own rules: The first to B-O-C-C-E buys the next bottle!

Pedroncelli Winery, 1220 Canyon Rd., Geyserville; 707-857-3531. Directions can be found on their website. The winery is open 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Tasting is complimentary. Dog-friendly!

Activity
Relax, Dog-friendly
Region
North Bay
Disc Golf Moraga Commons

Disc-o Trek

More Happy Gilmore than Tiger Woods, disc golf is an entertaining—and economical—way to enjoy an afternoon in the park. The quiet village of Moraga in the East Bay hills offers a challenging 9-hole course in centrally located Moraga Commons Park. Stake your picnic spot and tee it up. The course goes up, down, and all around, with trees and tall grass keeping things interesting. Don't be intimidated by the distance of some holes: Superman must've decided that Hole #6's 431-foot distance makes a good par 3. Go for it! Remember, it's all in the wrist.

Moraga Commons Park is located at the corner of Moraga Rd. and St. Marys Rd. (map). The first tee is behind the basketball courts and skate park. Dog-friendly! (Leash hours apply.)

Activity
Relax, Dog-friendly
Region
East Bay
San Francisco Croquet

Wicket Fun

Croquet—that old-school favorite involving mallets, balls, and hoops—conjures memories of backyard BBQs, Slip 'n Slides, and pure relaxation. Recapture that summer state of mind at Stern Grove's croquet lawn, operated by the San Francisco Croquet Club (more of a social club that happens to play croquet). The well-maintained playing fields are flanked by pine and eucalyptus trees, making these lawns a sweet weekend retreat within city limits. The catch: the lawns and croquet gear aren't open to the public unless you rent out the facility for $15 per person, and at a minimum of 10 people. The loophole: you can sign up for a free introduction to croquet lesson; members Elaine Fong or Reuben Edwards will teach you to play casual 6-wicket or the more advanced 9-wicket games. Either way, you and your friends will feel just hoopy.

The croquet lawns are on the corner of 19thAve. and Wawona St. The next intro session is 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6. Reserve a free space by emailing Reuben Edwards at reevan@yahoo.com. Also contact Reuben for reserving the croquet lawns for a private party. Additional intro sessions are not yet scheduled; contact SFCroquetClub@aol.com for information on upcoming sessions.

Activity
Relax
Region
San Francisco
Best Buddies Challenge Hearst Castle

Bike (or Run) Big Sur

The Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle—September 12. This event sells out. Register early!

It's been called the most beautiful stretch of road in the world. And now's your chance to bike, run, walk, and celebrate along California's iconic Highway 1. Winding through the heart of Big Sur, from Carmel to Hearst Castle, the Audi Best Buddies Challenge is the event to join this September. You and 1,000 other riders—including Tour de France pros, celebrities, and Honorary Chair Maria Shriver—will cycle where the mountains meet the sea, along rugged coastline with no windshield to prevent the salty air from hitting your cheeks. From the seat of your bike, take in views of pocket beaches, jagged cliffs, and sky-high redwoods. End your adventure at Hearst Ranch for a BBQ party and private concert. Mingle with other riders as you enjoy a massage and plan for next year's Best Buddies Challenge.

TIP: No bike? No worries! Best Buddies has top-notch bikes for you to use. Rather run/walk it? Join Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis in a 5K or 3K along the beach in San Simeon.

Space is limited and the event sells out. So grab a buddy and take the challenge. Visit BestBuddiesChallenge.org to request more information or register!

The Audi Best Buddies Challenge is open to all ages. 100% of the money raised by participants goes directly to support Best Buddies friendship and jobs for people with intellectual disabilities.

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