Shells
posted 5.7.06

Along the bay in Foster City, hidden behind the reeds lies mounds of carefully stacked piles of dirt and shells that make up the local jumping spot Shells. A short drive from San Francisco, Shells has the distinction of being the closest place to jump bikes for those of us living in the city. It also happens to be one of two jumping spots in the Bay Area that are situated right along the Bay; the other being Shady 80 in the East Bay. While Shady 80 has supposedly been scheduled for dozing for the last several seasons and somewhat abandoned by riders, Shells has a local following of riders that bring their shovels out every spring to fix weather damage; the main enemy being the scrouge of many bmx trails, 50s.

According to my riding buddy Sean, who grew up on the Pennisula, Shells has been around for a long time. Now in his late 20s, he recalled a time when Shells consisted of jump of dirt over a big pit in the ground.

It's a lot more fun now..

riding the 6-pack

Sean Smith demonstrates his newest trick

Chipper whips it out (haha)

Izaak Van Horn of Medford Oregon likes riding at Shells

Chipper likes riding at Shells too

At the time of this post, the jumps are finally becoming ridable after a wet spring. In a few more weeks, we should be set for a fun riding season.

Shells isn't an officially sanctioned spot, although the local law enforcement is well aware of its exsistance. Help us take care of this spot by picking up after yourselves.