SF's wildest part: Bay to Breakers 12K

Activity: Bay to Breakers 12K race in San Francisco

Rating: 3.7 of 5 stars, with high variance depending on who you ask

Website: http://zapposbaytobreakers.com/

Cost: $60 to enter online via Zappos (2015 host) OR about $15 dollars if you work in a Bay Area company and pay through work

Details: One of the most famous days in SF has to be Bay to Breakers. I  had heard about it for years and it was finally the time to experience it myself. There seems to be two parts:

Part 1: Runners. Over 100 years of races.

This is the group of people, including myself, that were willing to run a race starting at 9am in costume. This is not a novelty in SF if you know how many people like to celebrate, exercise, and stand out all at the same time.

Traditions include tortillas in the air to be caught and thrown back up like frisbees. Extreme costumes are a must. Nudity is rampant. The "salmon" are an intense group of well dressed fish that swim against the current of the race.

Best costumes included an entire boxing ring with two fighters, Chruch of Wheels rollerskaters, and Oompa Lompas.

Part 2: The partiers

On the course of the race there are residential areas with house parties. These parties have what looks like people who started drinking before 7am. Mostly young adults, the parties start early and are aggressive.  A few people tried to sneak in the race while drinking, but the police caught on quickly this year and escorted them away. Apparently that was atypical in prior years.  

The runners may finish the race, but the partiers consider it a marathon. The entire day was flooded with people in costume bar hopping, running or walking the race at all times of day. 

The city did have an excitement and commitment to an even that I had only correlated to the antics during the World Series win. 

Overall, it was a good run with good friends that completed the race as Shark week. I was "Saturdaze" get it :). I am glad that I participated in the race, but I would have to warn small children and sober adults to sit this one out. 

Recommended for: adults, > 21 and runners

Girls can race cars too!

Racetrack at Stockton 99 Speedway

Video of me and the professionals

When it comes to racing cars leave it to the professionals!

Now that the disclaimer is in writing I can elaborate on the details of my race car experience. I signed up for a shotgun ride for a few laps at the Stockton Speedway. I chose this location because it is the closest to where I live, but there are many other tracks across the country through the same company that look just as good if not better- Rusty Wallace Racing. 

After a 1.5 hour road trip with the song "ridin' dirty" in my head, I arrive at the Stockton speedway. I have to admit finding the track was the most difficult part of the day. After driving down a dirt road I arrive at my destination. I am greeted by a lady to check in reservations that include driving the cars and riding in the cars.

Driving the cars involves a short training session. After the training session you put on all the gear- jumpsuit, head cover, helmet and head under the only portion of shade for your vehicle to arrive. Although you make a reservation for a specific time, you still have to wait your turn to drive the cars. Once your car is back from another driver using it, you and the other drivers line up. There was a maximum  of 5-7 drivers on the track at once and you are not allowed to pass each other. For the thrill seekers go first, for the anxiety ridden get the last car. For the most part everyone went slowly as they made their way through the turns. Only one gentleman did not drive properly and ruined the clutch of the car. Despite his poor driving everyone was safe, the only thing hurt was his ego. 

For those of us that chose to shotgun a ride we also started by putting on the racing uniform. I have to say that it was incredibly hot with all the gear in the car-- much hotter than I had anticipated. When your driver is ready you hop in the car through the window since the doors do not open. Then there is someone to help buckle you in and secure the neck brace- (another reason it was SO hot). The benefit of going with someone experienced is that you are the only car on the track and you can go faster than if you were driving with the other novices. I do think it is worth it to try out both experiences, so that leaves driving for another Saturdaze!

The ride itself went quickly. That shouldn't be shocking since it is a race track. Then there was time to get water and watch some other drivers before calling it a day. 

If you are interested there are seasonal deals through Rusty and other companies. Before Father's Day they are promoting 60% off driving rides! Other times of year may be discounts as well, just ask or look at discount sites. I highly recommend trying it at least once!

Until next time. Stay tuned.

16 things Batman can and can't do on a Saturday in Buzzfeed community

Pre race photo session

Batman can get a clean cape at the dry cleaner

Batman can make friends with law enforcement

Batman can't cut the line at Walgreens

Batman can't use Apple products

If you have not worn a costume for an entire day (not halloween) then I recommend trying it. I started the day at the Super Run where my friends and I ran a 5K for charity.  The Super Run is exactly like what it sounds, hundreds (maybe thousands?) of people dress in a full costume and run around Crissy Field. The Super run calendar is online here and includes dates for: Dallas, Chicago, LA, Las Vegas, Philly and many more! 

I dressed in a full batman (batgirl) unitard including a hood and gloves. I even found a man in a full Batman costume that I took pictures with. Overall, people were very committed to the costume and the best part was watching young children participate and get very excited by the costumes and props. 

After the race my friends and I stopped for a coffee in the Marina at which point multiple people asked to take a picture with me. This was only the beginning. It was hilarious to see people's reactions.  I thought it was so amusing that I acting like it was just another Saturday doing errands. 

The results were that I figured 8 things that Batman could do and 8 things Batman could not do. For the full list including pictures checkout Buzzfeed Community section. The pictures above are the highlights.

Things Batman can do:

1. Take pictures with fans
2. Ride the Muni to brunch
3. Make friends with the police
4. Get dry cleaning done
5. Go shopping for #tight clothes
6. Get a coffee
7. Go to the gym in costume
8. Jaywalk

Things Batman can not do:

1. Cut the line at Walgreens
2. Shop for home decor
3. Use Apple products
4. Get money at ATM
5. Get a psychic reading
6. Eat donuts
7. Get a manicure
8. Shop for eyewear

Hope you enjoyed the trials and tribulations as Batman. Until next time. Stay tuned.