Have you ever wished you could have an expert at the ready, a direct line to get tips from Steph Curry on how to shoot threes or cooking lessons from José Andrés? Here at The Six Fifty, we may not have the kind of pull to get an NBA star to show up at your home court, but we do have connections to local experts who are happy to share some of their favorite things to eat, see and do around Silicon Valley.

This week, Angela Swartz asked eight outdoor aficionados to share their favorite local bike rides. From easy routes to difficult treks, waterside rides to trails among the redwoods, get inspiration for your next cycling excursion before the weekend beckons.

And if you’re looking for a new snack to bring along for the ride, Quota Foods offers collagen-based protein bars in dessert-like flavors, including one inspired by the Dubai chocolate craze. The bars are made with five ingredients or less, and they all contain chocolate and 10-12 grams of protein. Menlo Park resident Eric Shoemaker makes them out of his home and experimented with 100 recipes before landing on his preferred ones. Find his protein bars online or in person at Sigona’s or The Willows Market.

Cycling into August,

Julia Brown
Six Fifty Editor
editor@thesixfifty.com

Peninsula bestselling author Evelyn Skye’s newest novel celebrates the power of kindness

The Redwood City writer and Stanford alum’s forthcoming book, ‘The Incredible Kindness of Paper,’ takes inspiration from her grandmother.

8 outdoor experts reveal their favorite Silicon Valley bike rides

From waterside paths to trails among the redwoods, these routes offer Instagrammable views and workouts for cyclists of all skill levels.

Meet the Menlo Park man churning out protein bars from his home kitchen

Since December 2024, Eric Shoemaker has been crafting collagen-based protein bars from his Menlo Park home kitchen with just a handful of ingredients and no additives.

Congrats to Jennifer Z., who was the first reader to correctly identify where last week’s photo was taken (it’s the Portola Valley Town Center!).

(Photo by Michelle Le)

The first person to reply to this email with the correct place where the below photo was taken will win a prize from The Six Fifty and a shoutout in our next newsletter!

Where are we? (Photo by Magali Gauthier)

Find more summer events in our August guide to things to do around Silicon Valley.

Skate Night: Aug. 1 Skate Open Spaces and Domenico Winery present an evening of skating and music with a theme of “Flower Power,” celebrating the groovy tunes and vibes of the 1960s and ’70s. 

Vintage Computer Festival: Aug. 1-2 Get hands-on demos of historical computer systems and check out all manner of vintage computers at this annual showcase.

World Dog Surfing Championships: Aug. 2 The annual spectacle of courageous canines surfing the waves at Linda Mar Beach returns this weekend.

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Birthday Party: Aug. 2 Celebrate 75 years of the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA with games, gear, treats and adoption fees of only 75 cents. 

Santa Clara County Fair: Through Aug. 3 It’s county fair time again! Find exhibitions, animals, carnival rides and games, foods, live entertainment and a parade Aug. 2. 

Jane Austen is 250: Aug. 5 Kepler’s celebrates the genius of Jane Austen with an evening of trivia, treats, prizes and author talks. Regency costumes encouraged! 

Maren Morris: Aug. 5 Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Maren Morris comes to the Mountain Winery.

Victorian Days: Aug. 9 Learn about life during the 1800s at this celebration of the Victorian era, featuring a tea party, historical reenactors portraying wealthy Peninsula residents of the past, a fashion show and crafts. 

Fine Art in the Park: Aug. 9-10 More than 150 artists showcase their work at this annual festival at Lincoln Park. Food and beverages from local favorites will be available to purchase. 

Shakespeare in the Park: Aug. 9-24 San Francisco Shakespeare Festival brings its free Shakespeare in the Park production of the romantic comedy “Two Gentlemen of Verona” to Redwood City for three August weekends of open-air theater. 

Plan Ahead:

KFJC Record Swap: Aug. 10 Foothill College’s dining hall is home to the legendary campus radio station’s record swap. Find vinyl, CDs, cassette tapes, posters and other musical memorabilia and merch. 

Hip-Hop Day: Aug. 16 Daly City hosts its annual celebration of hip-hop, featuring DJ sets, a breaking competition, live entertainment and more.

Weird Al Yankovic: Aug. 22 The one and only Weird Al plays at Shoreline Amphitheatre, along with the “saddest clowns in town,” Puddles Pity Party. 

Dog Days of Summer Maker Market: Aug. 23 Find treasures from local artisans and small businesses, refreshments and live music at Little Green’s August maker market. 

Kings Mountain Art Fair: Aug. 30-Sept. 1 The Labor Day weekend favorite features arts, crafts, activities and treats under the redwoods, with all proceeds going to the Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Brigade and elementary school.

OceanCiders Anniversary: Aug. 30 The outdoor cider bar by the sea celebrates its second anniversary with all-day music, cider and bites from Alebrijes Oaxacan Kitchen.

Belmont Greek Festival: Aug. 30-31 Enjoy Greek food and beverages, live music, dancing and craft boutiques at the 53rd annual festival over Labor Day weekend.

Photos: Scenes from the World Dog Surfing Championships in Pacifica
Canines catching waves on the Coastside? Welcome to the quirkiest summertime event on the Peninsula.

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Julia Brown started working at Embarcadero Media in 2016 as a news reporter for the Pleasanton Weekly. From 2018 to 2021 she worked as assistant editor of The Almanac and Mountain View Voice. Before joining...