With 18 miles of car-free coastal beauty, the Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail is a flagship of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. The converted railroad track passes eucalyptus forests, sand dunes, and a montage of Monterey classics. It's easy to spend a day biking and exploring iconic spots like Steinbeck's Cannery Row or the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. (Who knew jelly fish could be so hypnotic?) Back on the bike, keep an eye out for flirtatious sea otters swimming with kayakers. And if the mood strikes you right, Lover's Point provides a poetic overlook you should be sure not to overlook.

BONUS: If you want to overnight it, grab a room at the historic Asilomar in Pacific Grove. And for the spontaneous, catch the 23rd Annual Monterey Bay Blues Festival this weekend, Friday, June 27, 2008, through Sunday, June 29, 2008. www.montereyblues.com

The Monterey Recreation Trail starts at Lover's Point in Pacific Grove, or 18 miles north at the junction of Del Monte Blvd. and Lapis Rd. in the town of Marina. Bike rentals are available from Bay Bikes near the aquarium.

Mike's Bikes, the Bay Area's premier bike retailer, wants to help you find the answer to this summertime question: what's your bike personality?
This week's bike personality: The Roadie Newcomer.

You've seen road bikers pedaling across the Golden Gate Bridge and thought to yourself, "I'd like to try that." The Bay Area is, after all, one of the best places in the world for good road riding. An easy spin through the Headlands on a Saturday afternoon would be right up your alley. You're interested in taking on a new challenge and there's no better time than now. You just need a little information on the bike that's best for you.

Sound like you? You're "The Roadie Newcomer." The Mike's Bikes ride for you: the Specialized Sequoia. It gives new road riders comfort, efficiency, and reliability. Easy commutes and long rides are smoothly managed with an aluminum frame and lightweight wheels. The brake-lever extensions allow you to ride safely when you're sitting up with your hands on the top of the handlebar. Your body will thank you because the Sequoia is designed with an upright riding position and easy bump absorption. No getting bounced around on this ride. On the Sequoia, comfort and style pair up beautifully. Give it a spin at any of these Mike's Bikes stores.

Mike's Bikes has six stores in Northern California: Sacramento (916-446-BIKE), San Rafael (415-454-3747), Sausalito (415-332-3200), Berkeley (510-549-8350), San Francisco (415-241-BIKE), and Palo Alto (650-858-7700).