Ojai Roll

What's the best way to visit a relaxing, art-filled town? By rolling in, of course. On two wheels! This 19-mile (round-trip) bike ride is a nice way to make an entrance. The Ojai Valley Trail starts at Foster Park (about halfway between Ventura and Ojai on Highway 33) and takes you all the way into downtown Ojai. Slather on some sunscreen and pedal north along the designated bike path paralleling an equestrian dirt trail. Following along Highway 33, the trail diverges now and again, offering peace and quiet from the busy road. Pass by purple and yellow desert wildflowers lining parts of the path and take in the sweeping views of the Los Padres National Forest in the distance. Wave hello to the ducks as you roll along a bridge going over San Antonio Creek. After a few miles, you'll start to feel the burn from the gentle incline. When you reach the Ojai city limit, the path crosses the road and passes through town, depositing you at Soule Park as the final destination. This is a good spot to enjoy lunch and a good leg stretch, before turning around and letting it fly downhill for the second half of the ride. Roll call!

BONUS: Have a date shake and a salad or sandwich on the relaxing outdoor patio at Hip Vegan Café in downtown Ojai.

For the Ojai Valley Trail trailhead at Foster Park, take Hwy. 33 heading north from downtown Ventura and exit at Casitas Vista Rd. Parking available under the overpass and in the park. The Ojai Valley Trail is dog-friendly. Hip Vegan Café's patio is dog-friendly.