There’s nothing like ending your week with a beautiful ride along the coast.  Each week we will be meeting in the back of the Ralph’s shopping center parking lot off Encinitas at 9:00 am to head either north to Oceanside, or south to Del Mar for an easy 20-25 mile ride.  This week we headed north to Oceanside with 14 participants.  Our destination this week was the Succulent Cafe in Oceanside.  We were introduced to this attractive little spot with very tasty coffee about a year ago, and it’s been a favorite destination since then.

I didn’t force everyone to do a group photo this week, mainly because I didn’t have my expert photographers along (and also expertly persuasive) and I had to do the dirty work myself.  I attempted a few “action shots” (of the non action, actually, because no one wants me trying to take pictures while I ride!).

Dave, Troy, Sally, Diana, Tina, and Melina relax in the shade at Succulent Cafe. Laura G. and Heather K are off the picture to the right, Sarah was helping new member Laura with her clips, and Judy, Heather B, DJ were probably waiting for their coffee, while Bryon had to break off for a meeting.

It’s a fun little ride to work out your kinks, try out the group, and meet folks of all riding levels you don’t normally get to meet.  Hope to see many of you next week!

Featured Coffee Spot:  Succulent Cafe
Grade:  A
Food:  Nature’s Bakery Blueberry Fig Bars
Drink:  12 oz Americano
Room for Bikes:  Definitely (the owner prefers the bikes go in through the side gate and up on the deck away from all the beautiful plants)

This is one of the more picturesque coffee spots around.  The cafe is tucked alongside an old brick building on Cleveland Street in Oceanside.  The long, narrow cafe is piled with gorgeous succulents and succulent-based artwork.  The coffee stand itself is at the far end of the cafe, and offers a very large menu of espresso-based drinks – iced white mochas and spanish mochas are favorites of the group.  The food offerings are not as diverse as other places, but there are some quality muffins and bagels if you are looking for something along those lines.  Great atmosphere all around.