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Living By Shannon Kelley | Thu Jul 12, 2007 | 12:00pm

Meet the Indy-Sponsored Athletes Training for the S.B. Triathlon

Last spring, The Indy, first-time sponsor of the Santa Barbara Triathlon, issued a challenge to S.B. desk jockeys and jock wannabes: Tell us why we should pick you as one of our Independent-sponsored triathletes. If you do, you’ll be entered to win free registration and-more notably-the services of a personal trainer who’ll whip you into tip-top shape for this race of a lifetime. We recruited Peter Park, of Platinum Fitness Performance, to play the role of sadistic drill sergeant, aka trainer.

Living By John Zant | Thu Jul 05, 2007 | 12:00pm

Introducing S.B. Foresters’ Powerhouse First Baseman, Rebel Ridling

Big-time baseball players have been known to come out of small towns in Oklahoma. Most notably, Mickey Mantle grew up in Commerce, a spot on the map in the northeast corner of the state.

Living By John Zant | Thu Jun 21, 2007 | 12:00pm

Dos Pueblos High’s Austin Ford Is One of America’s Best Snowboarders

Austin Ford will be practicing moves on his board next month, as might be expected of a 15-year-old who lives in Santa Barbara near the beach and started surfing at the age of six. But there will be no waves for Ford to ride. He will be at Mount Hood, Oregon, sliding crazily on a snowboard atop a series of rails in an event known as the Bonfire Pipe to Pipe.

Travel By Nick Welsh | Thu Jun 14, 2007 | 12:00pm

The Granada Garage’s Bike Parking Lot Is in Full Effect

One of the chronic problems confronting downtown bike commuters is bicycle parking. There just aren’t enough bollards, streets signs, and bike racks to get the job done. And not many people want to leave their high-end bikes-or even their modestly priced machines-affixed to paint-scraping surfaces or exposed to the vagaries of the elements, not to mention would-be thieves.

Travel By Felicia M. Tomasko | Wed Jun 13, 2007 | 3:27pm

Rookie Race Fan

Last month, Felicia Tomasko followed her instincts and went to the Indy 500 race, which was wet, wild, and fun.

Living By Indy Staff | Thu May 24, 2007 | 12:00pm

Team Bike Challenge

Calling all eco-warriors, buns-of-steel seekers, and die-hard competitors: It’s time to sign up for this year’s Team Bike Challenge. Throughout the month-long bicycle-riding competition, which takes place each June, teams of five individuals track the number of days they take a trip by bike rather than by car. Eschewing the car in favor of the bike earns points, and the highest point-earners are eligible for prizes.

Cover Story By Indy Staff | Thu May 17, 2007 | 12:00pm

The Indy’s Annual Blue and Green Guide

Welcome to The Independent’s Blue & Green issue, our annual ode to those great outdoor activities that cause so many of us to live in Santa Barbara. Whether you’re a surf nut, a hiking fanatic, a rabid rock climber, or just someone who enjoys a casual stroll along one of our many beaches, we’re pretty positive that one of the main reasons you endure our town’s high cost of living is because you’ve got a thing for the outdoors, a nagging addiction to crisp air, and a hankering for unspoiled natural beauty.

Outdoors By Indy Staff | Thu May 17, 2007 | 12:00pm

Unforgettable Hikes

Santa Barbara’s diverse habitats make for some interesting hikes. With the Santa Ynez Mountains virtually descending into the ocean and the Channel Islands National Park an hour’s boat ride away, you can disappear into a wealth of ecosystems teeming with freshwater springs, riparian corridors, and majestic sand dunes. Here are three hikes you’ll never forget. (Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, lunch, and a camera.)

Outdoors By Felicia M. Tomasko | Thu May 17, 2007 | 12:00pm

Yoga on the Rocks

I bet you just did things you never thought you’d be able to do,” Earthworks climbing guide Matthew Fineup called up to me. That was an understatement-I was clinging onto a rock face 40 feet above solid ground, leaning off to the side, staring at tree branches, looking for my next hand-hold, and trying to gauge how long my fingers could maintain their grip. Fortunately, I was equipped with a harness, my rope anchored to the top of the rock and held by Matthew on the ground.

Outdoors By Ethan Stewart | Thu May 17, 2007 | 12:00pm

Walking on Water

For the record, though it pains me to admit it, I used to be a boogie boarder. While I have long since evolved beyond the lay-down sponge riding, the fact remains that not only did my love affair with surfing begin years ago in the prone position but also, when the conditions are right, I still occasionally kick my way into a beach break barrel or two, sliding merrily along, belly down and ass up, on what the Australians so affectionately refer to as an elephant’s tampon.

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