Thanks to active groups like Save Mount Diablo, much of the area surrounding this East Bay icon has been preserved from development, leaving a playground of expansive hiking and mountain biking trails. Hop on your mountain bike to explore the western side of the mountain through the rolling hills of the Shell Ridge Open Space, just outside of Walnut Creek. This 11-mile loop, for intermediate and advanced riders, links three unique sections of open space, and has 10—yes, 10—creek crossings, so expect wet toes. A good map is essential (see below). (Beginners and those averse to wheeling through the creeks can opt for a shorter out-and-back route.) The first few miles along the Briones-to-Mount Diablo Trail ramble along wide fire roads with a few climbs and descents and gate pass-throughs; this part of the ride features plenty of surrounding greenery, grazing cows, and pockets of poppies in the hills. Big oak trees provide rare shade on this mostly exposed stretch, which passes through Diablo Foothills Regional Park before entering Mount Diablo State Park. To pedal the full 11-mile route, energetic riders can link together Wall Point Rd, Dusty Rd., and Stage Rd.—get ready for those ten creek crossings. Refreshing!

Because of exposed trail sections, this ride is best done early in the day or when cooler temperatures are in the forecast. Save Mount Diablo has an excellent map for sale on its website or at outdoor stores around the bay. Directions: Exit Highway 680 at Ygnacio Valley Rd. and go east. After 1 mile, go right on Homestead Ave. After .2 mile, go left onto Marshall Dr. and follow it 1 mile to the end. Begin the ride at the information kiosk, where you turn right onto the Briones-to-Mount Diablo Trail. Over the next few miles you will come to multiple junctions, but stay on the Briones-to-Mount Diablo Trail (including at the poorly marked intersection with the Stonegate Trail after 3 miles—go left to stay on the Briones-to Mount Diablo Trail). After 4.5 miles the Briones-to-Mount Diablo Trail ends; turn left onto Wall Point Rd. toward the Summit Trail. After .5 mile, go left onto Dusty Rd. and descend .5 mile to Stage Rd. Turn left and continue on Stage Rd. for just over 2 miles and through 10 creek crossings. Veer left onto Shell Ridge Loop Trail, then after .2 mile, go left again (by the picnic table), heading back up for .25 mile toward the Briones-to-Mount Diablo Trail. Turn right on the Briones-to-Mount Diablo Trail, which will take you back to the start.

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 All-Purpose Adventurer.

You want it all: Rocky trails, gravel paths, and coastal bikeways. You like comfort and flexibility when riding the rolling hills in China Camp and think fat tires are perfect for a Sunday afternoon spin around Golden Gate Park. The sights, the sounds, the feeling of being in the woods on a bicycle is your cure-all for stress. Yes. You want it all.

Sound like you? You're "The All-Purpose Adventurer." And the Mike's Bikes ride for you: the Cannondale F6. This jack-of-all-trails can take on whatever you feel like throwing at it. Reliable and strong, the Cannondale F6 is also lightweight, with a Rock Shox suspension fork that gives you confidence taking on the singletrack in Marin or the wide fire roads at Wilder Ranch. And you'll love the lockout, allowing you to turn off the suspension on your way to the trail. Dependability is the name of the game with the Cannondale. So go ahead: take on any terrain. Double-dare.

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).