Shells is Swell!

I had no idea what to expect from "The Shells", a little piece of bmx heaven over in Foster City. But since "jumpin' over stuff" with my mountain bike is my new passion in life, when Lorrie suggested we go over this morning with our bikes, I jumped at the chance. It was the most fun a person could have on a bike and still be dressed and legal in the state of California. For about an hour I rode around in circles over large and small "jumps". There were two berms to cruise around; and if you don't know what that is, don't feel bad. Neither did I until I saw them. I "caught air" a few times, and mostly just enjoyed the hell out of myself. A gorgeous sunny day by the bay, with my mountain bike and nobody around except Lorri and me.

(click on the thumbnails for a larger pic)

The Shells; just south of the San Mateo Bridge in Foster City, sandwiched between a paved bike path and the San Francisco Bay. The ground consists of sand and ground up oyster shells, hence the name Shells.


Me posing, I guess? Why do I always look so dorky on my bike? Other people look cool, I just look like I'm ridin' high on my barbie bike. All I need is a pink bike basket and a bell to complete the look.


Okay, I know it looks like I'm not doing anything, but I'm really cruising over these little hills. Really. I swear. I'm just about to do something epic...anytime now...


...oh! You blinked and missed it!


Three jumps together. These were the best fun, you could fly over them really fast. And if I did it just right, I caught air a few times without squealing. Okay, well maybe I squealed once or twice.


Approaching the set of little jumps.


Wheeee! Okay. I know real bmxer's don't go "wheeee" when they go over the hills. But they should. Adds to the enjoyment!


That is a berm.

Old dogs and new tricks: What a great day! As much fun as I have on my bike, it's always bittersweet to realize I'll never be as talented as a bmx biker boy. Not that I want to be a boy, but sometimes I wish I was 10 years old again, with a brand new bmx bike and a whole future in front of me to "catch air". Check out how the "real bikers" look: Steppin' it up at the Shells