Wheel to one of California's original health spas: Alum Rock Park, a small canyon in the foothills of the Diablo Range, just outside of San Jose. Back at the turn of the century, Alum Rock was a health resort with 27 natural mineral springs. Visitors flocked to the spa in epic numbers on the Alum Rock Steam Railroad. Today there's a rail-trail, but you can still smell the…er…natural scents wafting near the park's visitor center. This place gets piping hot in summer, but shady sycamores, oaks, and alders have you covered. Start this gentle ride on the Creek Trail anywhere in the park. Squirrels are everywhere on the mostly flat path, which runs about 2 miles one way and parallels Pentencia Creek the entire route. Picnic tables line the trail. If you're up for a bike-and-hike adventure, go all the way to the east end of the Creek Trail, lock your bike, and head up the South Rim Trail. This switchback rises for about a mile, but the ridge rewards with huge views from San Jose to the coastal range.

Due to high fire danger, the park may be closed; call ahead to check (408-277-4539). Directions to Alum Rock Park: from I-680 in San Jose, exit McKee Rd. and go east about 1.5 miles. Turn left on Toyon Ave. and go 1 mile. Turn right onto Pentencia Creek Rd. and follow it into the park.

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 Family-Pack Pedaler.

When you head out for a bike ride, the whole family goes along. And that's just the way you like it. Whether it's a bike loop around Angel Island, or coasting the oceanside paths of Half Moon Bay, your favorite crew is never far behind; in fact, they're often a little ahead. But you're still the leader of the pack. Hanging with the family in the outdoors is how you roll. That's teamwork!

Sound like you? You're "The Family-Pack Pedaler." And the Mike's Bikes ride for you: the Globe Carmel 1 by Specialized. With its riser handlebars and flat-resistant tires, you can lead the family in true cruising style, with no worries about bumps along the way. Ups and downs on the road? No problem. The 21-speed drive-train will let you lead the pack (for real) and hoot and holler words of encouragement if the kids get cranky on the uphill. Saddle up everyone: it's time to ride.

TIP: Have a real little one who isn't pedaling just yet? Attach the Adams Trail-a-Bike to your rig and tote him or her along.

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).