22 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM {quickpunch} Tell us about the route you’ve created for Ride California. Our Half Moon Bay e-bike tour covers the historic downtown and the scenic Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail, which is above the majestic ocean bluffs. We’ve also added a Santa Cruz tour and just opened one in San Francisco this spring. What makes cycling such a special way to encounter a region? Getting outside and slowing down, you can see all the details you would miss in a car. You can breathe in all the sights. Plus you can see much more of our amazing Coastside cliffs and beaches. Can you share an interesting fact about Half Moon Bay’s history? Half Moon Bay was the first town settled in San Mateo County. During Prohibition, Half Moon Bay was known as a favorite place for bootleggers because of its fog and coves. What’s at the top of your bucket list? To e-bike in Hawaii, France and Colorado. What’s a cool historical building in Half Moon Bay? The old train station that has been converted into a house by Poplar Beach. Do you have any fond bike-related childhood memories? My dad had me and my sister do a triathlon when we were growing up and I remember thinking then—and still to this day—that the bike ride was the best part. THE Q & A TONY AVERSON What age would you choose to be again and why? I’d be 24. You have some money and all the freedom in the world. Which coastal trail do you highly recommend? My favorite hike is the Cowell-Purisima trail, which is three miles along the steep ocean cliffs. You can access Cowell Ranch State Beach, a 20-minute hike from the parking lot. It’s my family’s favorite beach in the area. What’s your dream bike? Santa Cruz Heckler SL. It’s a full-suspension mountain e-bike. Who else is behind Ride California? We’re a family-owned and -operated business (iridecali.com). My father and sister are partners—we all have a thirst and love for sports and the great outdoors. What do you collect? Guitars. I likely have 20 or so right now and at one time I had 100. Any memorable tales from past rides? On one tour, I mentioned that whales had been migrating through Half Moon Bay that week and that we might see some … and they didn’t believe me. At the end of the tour, I made an extra stop at a special lookout—and our guests were delighted to see a magnificent gray whale jump sky-high out of the ocean! The e-bike tour guide and co-owner of Ride California shares his favorite trails, travel dreams and a timely whale tale.
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