The purpose behind bike riding can be different for everyone. Some people want to go fast and others just want to get to their destination. In this photo story, I explored different aspects of the bike world in Santa Cruz, such as local businesses and larger companies.
“Cycling is a subculture we choose to supplement our culture,” said Easton Cycling brand manager Dain Zaffke.
This subculture ranges from racing to cruising through the scenery Santa Cruz offers — it’s a lifestyle only riders can understand. Now, more companies like Giro create a separate subset of products tailored to a more suburban commuter aesthetic, Zaffke said.
Garrett Kautz, founder of Strawfoot Handmade, uses a Frances Cycle cargo bike created by local builder Josh Muir. After moving to Santa Cruz in 2008, Kautz built strong friendships with people similarly involved with the cycling industry.
“Those friends all got me thinking differently about bikes,” Kautz said.
As a parallel to local surf culture, bike culture is strong and gaining momentum. But the rise of bike culture is a simple idea to understand when we’re in an area like Santa Cruz, which offers both picturesque routes for road cycling and adventurous trails for mountain biking. They make for a great story and an awesome Instagram picture your friends will envy. All you have to do is ride.
