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03.5.09

City Escapes

You don't have to go far for great escapes. Some of the best, and quirkiest, are right within city limits. From a new take on the bicycle, to an undercover artist's enclave, to a playground for grown-ups, here are three original urban escapades.  

Hellyer Park Velodrome San Jose

Velodrome Vroom

Gentlemen, start your engines! Well, get your legs moving, that is. Track bicycling is a lot like NASCAR, only the vehicle of transport is a single-speed bike with no brakes. Sound dicey? It isn't—not under the good instruction found at San Jose's Hellyer Park Velodrome. At the Saturday morning beginner sessions, novices get a "crash course" on how to speed around the 23-degree embanked track known as a velodrome. First, the instructor will teach you to follow two completely counter-intuitive mantras: relax and keep pedaling, even if you have no brakes (the pedals don't coast; they're always moving forward with the bike). Then it's on to some pace line drills, rolling around the curves of the track. Relax and keep pedaling: Once you do catch the riding rhythm, the good times really start rolling. You'll be hanging on "the rail" in no time. Wheelies not recommended.

Don't have the right wheels? Hellyer Park Velodrome rents out quality track bikes (Specialized Langster) for $5. There is a $5 fee for the Beginner Training Session, which is offered every Saturday (check the Web site for exact times). Rain cancels.

Activity
Bike
Region
Peninsula & South Bay
albany bulb

Grunge Gallery

World-class bay views meet zany bohemian art at the Albany Bulb. The Bulb is an unprepossessing spit of land north of Golden Gate Fields that was literally a dump 25 years ago. Since then, dirt has filled in, grass has grown, and impromptu artists have created an open-air gallery all their own. Make no mistake, the remnants of its dump days are still evident, but they contrast well with the whimsy of Andy Warhol-esque Mona Lisa paintings on rocks and a variety of other truly random pieces of art—bicycle wheel avant-garde! Keep your eyes peeled for little nuggets of creativity. In the southwest corner, a concrete graffiti "castle" is a kitsch piece of real estate in a prime location, with million-dollar views of the Bay and Golden Gate bridges and the San Francisco skyline. The north side features most of the best stuff, including some fantastic driftwood sculptures—a woman, a painter, a dragon! Just goes to show: One person's trash is another person's treasure.

The Albany Bulb is part of Albany Waterfront Park. From eastbound I-80 in Albany, exit Buchanan St. Turn left, go under the freeway, and follow the road until it ends at the parking lot. Walk past the Albany Waterfront Trail sign for about half a mile to reach the Albany Bulb. Very dog-friendly!

Activity
Hike, Relax, Dog-friendly
Region
East Bay
seward street slides in san francisco

Slip Slidin'

So you say you still haven't checked out the Seward Street Slides? Then it's time to grab a pizza box and head out for some superlative sixth-grade fun. Back in the residential neighborhood of Eureka Valley are twin concrete shoots available for anyone's sliding pleasure. For more than 30 years, these slides have been providing cheap thrills for San Franciscans who ride down them on cardboard concoctions. Keep your hands folded across your chest, or raise them up rollercoaster-style. Make that cheap and fast thrills. The slides are short and steep so all the fun is over in about 4 seconds. Just do what you did when you were a kid: Go again. And again, and again. Some showboaters get creative, using wax paper for hyper-speed sliding. Superslick.

Avoid going to the slides at night, and be aware that it's located in a residential neighborhood. The slides are on Seward St. at Douglass St.

Activity
Relax
Region
San Francisco
Odwalla Protein Monster

Upgrade Your Yum in the Great Outdoors

What snacks do you usually bring on a hike? A squished PB&J, crumbled cookies, a fruit roll, and a dented apple? Make a quick and easy upgrade to a tasty, smooth treat that's as nutritious as it is flavorful. The new Odwalla Protein Monster is packed with 33 grams of protein, 9 essential amino acids, and more vitamins and minerals than you have in your medicine cabinet. All of this organic goodness and OMmmm-delicious taste comes in two velvety-smooth shake flavors: chocolate and vanilla. On your next hike, be sure to stop and smell the flowers…or better yet, taste nature's best flavors. The New Odwalla Protein Monster: helping you recharge, refuel, and refresh your hiking snack. Yum.

To find out more about the Protein Monster and discover the sweet, nutritious wonderment of Mother Nature, visit Odwalla.com. Nourishing the Body Whole.

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