Test Drive | Page 16

home of several other events, including a San Luis Obispo hosts a Farmer’s Market stop on the way of the Olympic Flame Re- every Thursday night from 6-9PM on lay, the Tour of California bicycle race, Cin- Higuera Street, between Osos and Nipomo co de Mayo celebrations, an annual Mozart Streets. During this weekly event, the street festival, held every July, and a long-stand- is closed to vehicle traffic while vendors ing Christmas Parade. Another attraction sell food and goods and various visual and is the development of Edna Valley into a music artists perform for the crowds. well-known wine region. Just south of the city, people can spend an afternoon wine Since June 2000, the first Thursday of tasting several wineries in the area with a every month is The Bike Happening (also very short drive. The wine region extends known as Bike Nite) in San Luis Obispo. north beyond Paso Robles (30 miles north) People gather after the Farmer’s Market at and south to Santa Ynez (70 miles south). the Mission Plaza with their bikes. The bikers then go around on multiple circuits on During Summer months, local residents the main streets of downtown adhering to and visitors congregate in the Mission Pla- the traffic laws (for the most part). The ride za for a free outdoor concert every Friday is considered a fun/social ride meant to en- evening. The event is called Concerts in courage people to get back on their bikes the Plaza. Other noteworthy events include and to have fun. Each Bike Happening has the San Luis Obispo International Film a theme and a large portion of the crowd is Festival, Festival Mosaic, and the Plein Air in some costume adherent to the theme. Festival. 15 >>>>>>