Outdoor Recreation Calendar for Half Moon Bay and Pacifica

From biking and hiking to running and surfing, here’s a look at some upcoming outdoor recreation events, lessons and demos, starting this weekend. Ongoing events are listed at the end.

Saturday, Nov. 19

Coastside Running Club, Moss Beach

Every Saturday morning at 8 a.m. the Coastside Running Club meets at in Moss Beach. This is a fun social run to stay in shape and talk about upcoming races, training, life, and more. The usual route is to head south through the forest, through the Moss Beach Distillery, and along the bluffs to Pillar Point Harbor (near Mavericks waves) and then back. The entire run takes about 50 minutes to an hour to complete the five miles. No fees, no dues. Just bring a smile and your running shoes. For more information, go to www.coastsiderunningclub.com.

Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz, Wilder Ranch, Santa Cruz

This ride at Wilder Ranch State Park is for an intermediate/advanced group of riders. The slow ride, Nov. 26,  is beginner friendly but does require fitness and controlled off-road bike handling skills. Meet at 10 a.m. at the park sign at just north of the tunnel under Highway 1. The best way to get to the meeting spot is to park in the Wilder Ranch parking lot, walk your bike through the Ranch area, past the barn, chickens and garden, ride under the highway using the tunnel and you should see the park sign by the cattle gate. For more information, go to www.mbosc.org.

South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group, Montara Mountain, McNee Ranch State Park

Montara Mountain (also called McNee Ranch) is part of Montara State Beach. The mountain is a northern spur of the Santa Cruz Mountains and features the only undisturbed Coastal Mountain Habitat with over 100 miles of coastline. This hike will start from the Graywhale Cove State Park trailhead, which is 4.8 miles from the Summit of Montara Mountain. Elevation gain is 1,898 ft., but the views are spectacular. The total hike will be 9.6 miles. Dress in layers as this mountain creates weather and we never know what it is going to be like 2,000 feet up right on the ocean. Meet at 9 a.m. $12 membership dues to cut down on non-participation and to assist in the cost of running the Meetup group site, paying for essentials at picnics and other events and the time and effort involved in running an active group. For more information, visit www.southbayramblers.com.

ROMP: Responsible Organize Mountain Pedalers, Mid-Peninsula Open Space Russian Ridge Preserve

For the third Saturday Social and Scenery Ride, meet in the Vista point parking area on Skyline Blvd/ Highway 35 located 1.1 miles north of its intersection with Page Mill Road and directly across from the Mid-Peninsula Open Space Russian Ridge Preserve. Enjoy a ride for experienced beginners and intermediates who want to go slower. Meet at 10:15am (wheels roll at 10:30) to ride, socialize, enjoy the scenery, and work on your biking skills at a slow to moderate pace with frequent breaks for two hours or more depending on group wishes. Explore and learn new trails in a supportive group or share your favorites in these preserves. Bring your helmet, water, sunscreen and possibly a snack. Rain cancels.

Sunday, Nov. 20

ROMP: Responsible Organize Mountain Pedalers, Pacifica to Montara and Back
Join Legendary Mountain Biker-turned-instructor Jim Sullivan at 10 a.m. for 3 hours on a moderate, 11-mile ride from Pacifica to Rancho Corral de Tierra and back. You’ll learn basic mountain bike techniques and see how Rancho connects to other open spaces. Directions: From Highway One, turn east onto Linda Mar Blvd. in Pacifica. Turn right onto Peralta (the 3rd stoplight), following it to Rosita. Turn left on Rosita and park immediately in front of Linda Mar School playground. Maximum of 15 visitors. Reservations required as event details may change; Call 415-561-4323. Things to bring, Water, Binoculars, Hybrid Bikes are OK Too.
Ride is appropriate for intermediate (casual) riders ages 10+ up.
Plenty of optional turnaround opportunities at any point of the ride. For more information, contact ssulljm@gmail.com.

Single/Double Lake Merced Run 4.5M/9m, San Francisco

Both races start at 9 a.m.; course closes at 11 a.m. for both races. Meet at the Lake Merced Boathouse, enter at Harding Road from Skyline Blvd. Self-Timers/walkers may start earlier than official race start time. No headphones, baby joggers or dogs, please, due to safety concerns. Unless otherwise noted, races have a 15-minute per mile pace time limit and courses/finish lines will close accordingly. If you expect to run over a 15-minute pace, please use our self-timer option above. Register online for all races at www.active.com until 48 hours prior to race day. Race day registration begins one hour prior to race start and ends 5 minutes before start time. Race designated as a FUN RUN is non-sanctioned, no entry fee, no course markings, self-timed. Races are subject to change. For the latest information, please check the DSE HOTLINE at (415) 978-0837 or DSE Website: www.dserunners.com (where course maps can also be viewed).

Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay, Monterey

Run or walk along the "Edge of the Western World." Come for the run and then take some time to enjoy the many pleasures of the world-renowned Monterey Peninsula. The marathon offers a gently rolling fast course that winds through historic downtown Monterey, along Cannery Row, and proceeds along Pacific Grove's coastline with incredible views of the Monterey Bay, an unparalleled race destination weekend, and a walker friendly course that welcomes Half Marathon walkers. Other weekend events include the Big Sur 5K on Monterey Bay and the JUST RUN! Just Kids 3K fun run, both held on Saturday, November 19th. Visit the Visitor's Guide for more information.

Tuesday, Nov. 22

Reef Walking Adventure with Coastal Elegance, Moss Beach

This guided eco-hiking tour along the Half Moon Bay coastline is four hours long. The tour has easy trails along the Pacific coastal bluffs and secluded beaches on your way to tide pools. The tour visits local points of interest and hikers are bound to see wildlife such as harbor seals, brown pelicans, wild flowers and marine life. The Coastal Elegance hosts are local nature photographers. The adventure includes Leki trekking poles, fanny pack, bandanna, water, nature guide, organic snack of chocolate, fresh fruit and Odwalla bar. $120/1-8 guest minimum. To reserve a spot, call (650) 712-8456 e-mail info@coastalelegancetours.com. For more information, visit www.coastalelegancetours.com.

Saturday, Nov. 26

California Canoe & Kayak, Pillar Point Tour
Get up close and personal with harbor seals, marine birds and other wildlife on a kayak tour of Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay. No previous experience necessary for double kayaks. $49. Trip duration: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 650-728-1803 or e-mail kenny@calkayak.com to reserve space.

Dec. 3, 2011

Pacific Coast Trail Runs, 10km, 17Km, 35Km & 50km, Woodside
Experience the towering redwoods, lush ferns, and beautiful trails through Huddart Park, King's Mountain, Bear Gulch, and Wunderlich Park in Woodside. Bib Number Pick-Up: Starting at 8:00 a.m. at the Werder Shelter. Park entrance is $5 per vehicle. No dogs allowed in the park. Time Limit: There is an 8 hour time limit and a 2 hour 50 minute cut-off (11:20 a.m.) at 19 Km for the 50 Km distance. Start: Huddart County Park, 1100 Kings Mountain Road, Woodside. Fully-stocked aid stations every seven to 14 kilometers. T-shirts will be given to all pre-registered runners. Award medals are given to the 1st female and male finishers overall and in each age group. Ribbons are also awarded to the 2nd & 3rd place finishers in each age group. All 50km finishers will receive a custom coaster for the event. Go to www.pctrailruns.com/event.aspx?dtid=9917 for registration and entry fee information.

Dec. 10, 2011

Half Moon Bay Kayak Co., Full Moon Paddle, Pillar Point Harbor           

 A short kayak and safety orientation prepares you for a leisurely paddle into the sunset on the tranquil Pillar Point Harbor. We'll glide past harbor seals and the abundant sea birds in the fading afternoon light in our stable double kayaks. As the moon rises over the hills we’ll stop and float quietly, listening for the barking of distant sea lions, before resuming our paddling with silvery moonlight sparkling in the wake of our kayaks. If the moon is hidden behind the clouds, it's more likely to view the bioluminescence in the seawater. $70. Three-hour trip, start times vary. Visit www.hmbkayak.com/home.html for more information.

Ongoing

rentals,

Kayak rentals are available by appointment. Call for rental availability at 650-728-1803 or e-mail kenny@calkayak.com. Rental rates: $15/hr for single kayak; $25/hr for tandem kayak. Take-away rentals available by appointment: $50/day for single kayak; $60/day for tandem kayak (reduced rates for additional days).

Half Moon Bay Kayak Co., Pillar Point Harbor Tour

Every Saturday from 11 a.m .to 2 p.m., this tour is designed for tourists and locals alike. After a brief kayak and safety orientation, we will launch our kayaks and glide across the tranquil waters of the Pillar Point Harbor amid the sea birds and harbor seals. Your guides will point out the unique sites and offer information on topics such as the local history, bird life, marine mammals, and the legendary Mavericks surf spot.  $65. Call 650-773-6101 for more information.

Boardsports Windsurfing & Kiteboarding School, every Sunday, Coyote Point, San Mateo

Intro to Kiteboarding Clinic. Meet at 1603 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo from 4-5:30 p.m. $50. Call 385-1224 for more information.

Boardsports Stand Up Paddle (SUP) clinic, every Sunday, Coyote Point, San Mateo

Beginner SUP Clinic at 1603 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo from 9 to 10:30 a.m. every Sunday for $99.

SUP Yoga session with and Omjavid Yoga

Meet at Mavericks Surf Shop, 25 Johnson Pier, Pillar Point Harbor, suit-up, paddle out to flat water and do yoga with Omjavid Yoga instructor. Call Mavericks Surf Shop at 560-8088 for times, fees and to sign up.

Jetty Betty Surf School, Half Moon Bay

Surf lessons, specializing in 1:1 lessons. Cost: $120 for a private 90-minute lesson. Only $80 more for each additional surfer. Call (650) 455-8141 or visit jettybettysurf@hotmail.com for more information.

, Half Moon Bay
Group, semi-private and private surfing lessons for all ages; ocean safety instruction Half Moon Bay. Call
650-726-8686 or visit www.openoceansurfing.com.

, Pacifica

Weeklong and weekend instruction for kids and families; trips, birthday and corporate parties surfing. Call 650-738-5757 or visit www.surfpacifica.com.

Half Moon Bay Yacht Club, Sailing on Sundays and Sunday Skipper

HMBYC Members get checked out by the club's senior sailors and can be certified to use the Club’s Cal20s, C15s, Lasers or other boats for a leisurely sail inside Pillar Point Harbor. Sunday Skippers take out small groups for a sail in the Harbor. For more information, e-mail sailing@hmbyc.org.

, Masters and Lap Swim, Half Moon Bay

Masters: The newly formed Mavericks Masters team, coached by Bill Saxsenmier and Cindy Lee, offers coached practices for those swimmers who compete and for those who would like to structured practices in a group environment. Swimmers must be registered with USA Masters. MAV Masters practice times are: Monday - Friday: 5:30 – 7 a.m., 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays:  11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lap Swim: Lap swim is for those of any age 18+ wishing to swim on their own and at their own pace.  Lap swim times are the same as above for Masters. $60 for a 10-swim pass or unlimited access pass to adult/masters sessions in a calendar month. All Masters and adult lap swim participants must be members of United States Masters Swimming.  You can join USMS online by visiting www.usms.org and clicking on the join/renew links.

, trail and beach horseback riding, Half Moon Bay

Located at 1828 Cabrillo Highway in Half Moon Bay, Sea Horse Ranch is open seven days a week at 8 a.m. The one-hour trail ride is $55; 1.5-hour trail and beach ride is $65; and two-hour trail and beach ride is $75, which includes the Coastal Equestrian Trail that travels farther onto the bluffs above the ocean, and then down onto Poplar Beach, north on Poplar Beach for about 20 minutes, and then back to the Ranch on Cabrillo Highway. For the early bird special ride, which is $50 for the 2-hour trail and beach ride, get to the front gage by 8 a.m. to qualify. Bring sweatshirts or jackets. For more information, go to www.seahorseranch.org or call 650-726-9903.

Send information for your outdoor fitness event located along the San Mateo County coast or just beyond by e-mail to Christa Bigue at xtapalmer@gmail.com.