I have a confession. In the 10+ years I've been living in the Bay Area, I've never once biked in San Francisco. There's just something really intimidating about biking in such an urban city, especially one with so many steep hills. So when I was presented with the chance to test out Uber's new electric JUMP bikes, I jumped at the opportunity. See what I did there? Naturally, I tapped my fearless fitness expert and friend, Orissa, to join me for a day of wellness exploration.
Onsen
Onsen is an urban, communal bathhouse inspired by the bathing ritual that is so deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. Partners Caroline Smith and Sonny Simmons gutted and refurbished the former auto body shop, transforming the space into a zen oasis where guests are welcome to enjoy an acupuncture treatment or massage, a soak in the 104 degree tub and elevated Japanese cuisine in the conjoined restaurant. Onsen is a little slice of heaven, where the body leaves restored and the soul cleansed.
Just as we left Onsen, Orissa and I pulled up our Uber apps and located a pair of JUMP bikes just a few blocks away. Along with the reservation comes a pin code, which allows you to unlock a bike and get on your way. This was actually our first times on an electric bike and to our gleeful surprise, these bikes were AWESOME. That little tiny motor gives you just the right amount of push where it feels almost effortless to pedal. We couldn't stop laughing and smiling, we were having so much fun. And those steep San Francisco hills? No problem! I mean, it was enough to break a sweat after a few miles but nothin' we couldn't handle. Honestly, I could get used to this.
The Scarlett Sage & Herb Co.
The Scarlet Sage Herb Co. is a herbal apothecary supplying organic medicinal herbs, supplements, natural remedies and essential oils. What I love about this incredibly special little shop is their generous and engaging commitment to empowering people with the proper resources for holistic health care. Time spent there is like an education - every time. And even if that goes way over your head, there are plenty of teas, crystals, and candles to satisfy the curiosity.
Stonemill Matcha
I've just been dying to try Stonemill Matcha, a new café and tea room in San Francisco's Mission neighborhood, after Orissa couldn't stop buzzing about it when it first opened earlier this spring. And wow, does it live up to the hype. During a time where it seems matcha has become another ubiquitous, and ultimately fleeting, trend, Stonemill Match is doing things differently with quality, authenticity and innovation. My favorite was the sparkling matcha with yuzu and cane sugar (a delightful surprise!), the chicken rice porridge (so warm and comforting on a cold, SF day) and the Matchazuke, the perfect piece of poached salmon and rice, with a hot and earthy matcha dashi poured over the top (so much depth of flavor!). Our meal here was the perfect way to end a day of self care, I can't wait to do it all over again . . .
This post was created in collaboration with Uber. Photography by Andrea Posadas.
Bike helmets by Thousand. Orissa's overalls by Apiece Apart, Erica's bag by Trademark and jacket by Citizens of Humanity.
What a beautiful idea to discover a city by bike, and how gorgeous is that bathhouse Onsen!
Woow. Thats great. You are very sweet dear. Thanks
I’ve been seeing these bikes around and wondering what the deal was. Excited to try them out! Looks like you had a great time and that matcha cafe looks amazing.
It is a nice house with beautiful small stuff and a good idea to explore a city with a bike.
I am grateful to the owner of this site which really shares this wonderful work of this site. I really like it…Thanks for sharing with us
Great Images!!! The very good logical concept. Thanks a lot, dear
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