Beach, Bike, Babe . . . Cruisin’ Santa Monica on My Hot Pink Phat Cycle

Ya, ok, this photo isn't of me, but my bike was pink :)

I came on a trip from Minnesota to Southern California, Santa Monica to be specific, and I was determined to learn how to surf. I got the most expensive wetsuit, rented the top of the line surfboard, and was ready to ride the SoCal waves. However, after three hours of failed attempts, I came to the conclusion that surfing should stay reserved for the pros and locals. Well, I was stuck now.

What was something universal that I, a born and raised Minnesotan, could do here in Santa Monica? Last time I checked, Santa Monica wasn’t too famous for its snow shoeing and fishing. While I was on a walk in downtown Santa Monica, trying to patch my bruised ego, I came across the Bike Attack shop. Normally, shops with such nice equipment and pro-looking bikes would scare me away, but something about it appealed to me.

I figured after failing so miserably at surfing, riding a bike might be a good way to redeem myself. I walked in and I instantly fell into the “kid in a candy shop” scenario. They had road bikes, mountain bikes, urban bikes, and most importantly pertaining to me, beach bikes. How perfect! Something I could do that involves the natural beauty of Santa Monica. The only problem was, I couldn’t buy a bike (I don’t think the airlines would accept it as my carry-on), so how would I be able to make this beach bike riding fantasy become a reality?

One of the shop employees must have seen my confused and conflicted countenance because he came up and asked if he could help me with anything. I explained my dilemma and without missing a beat, he gave me the perfect solution. “No worries, you know we rent bikes here too.” For only $35/day I could have my own beach cruiser! That was way less expensive than all of my useless surfing gear. He also said: "You can buy a bike, ride it for a while and when you leave we box it for you and you take it with you on the plane as a piece of luggage." Wow never thought about that before. Great idea.

The next step was choosing from the wide selection of makes and models, which was pretty easy for me. I already knew that surfing wasn’t my thing, but I already had a bikini and now, a beach cruiser. I may not be Pamela Anderson, but I think I can totally pull of the beach babe look and if I couldn't well, nobody really knows me in Santa Monica anyway. I decided to go with the hot pink beach cruiser by Phat Cycles. The employee said it was perfect for cruising the bike path alongside the beach in Santa Monica, which is exactly what I did.

In fact, I cruised over to this little hamburger joint called Pier Burger which was surprisingly good. After my snack, I cruised a little more along the path and then took a little zen time basking in the sun on the sand. I'm glad surfing didn't work out — as it turns out my failed attempt of surfing led me to a more attainable goal of being a totally relaxed beach babe in Santa Monica.

Thanks Bike Attack, I had a great time in Santa Monica! Shea