Morning Wood Classic Scooter Weekend: What to Know Before You Go
Gear up, vintage scooter fans and get ready for a weekend of nostalgia and adventure at the Morning Wood Classic Scooter Weekend in Santa Cruz, California. From riding through Scotts Valley’s redwood-lined roads to coasting close to the Beach Boardwalk, this event celebrates classic bikes and camaraderie.
As a repeat attendee of Morning Wood Classic Scooter Weekend – Morning Wood for short – I’ve enjoyed immersing myself in the vintage-only vibe, connecting with fellow enthusiasts, and exploring the best places in the area.
Don’t let the sultry innuendo of the event name give you the wrong impression, it’s all done in good fun. If you appreciate vintage Lambrettas and Vespas and love California, Morning Wood Classic Scooter Weekend is one event you’ll want to attend!
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Fast Facts
Rally History
Morning Wood Classic Scooter Weekend is mainly organized by Black Sheep Scooter Club member Rick Kendrick, along with some friends and his bandmates in The Inciters, a 10-piece, 60’s and 70’s inspired Northern soul band.
Since its inception in 2016, Morning Wood Classic Scooter Weekend has grown into a bigger and better event featuring vintage-only rides and live music shows. It is popular among scooterists, music lovers – especially ska and soul, and fans of Boots and Booze, a graphic novel series published in Santa Cruz.
Like many scooter get togethers, planning begins in advance. Details are slowly released in the months prior through social media and word of mouth. Typically, a final itinerary appears a few weeks before, with printed maps and information available to attendees in person.
The Weekend
As its name indicates, Morning Wood Classic Scooter Weekend runs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. The itinerary changes annually; one year on Friday night, attendees met low-key over a bonfire on Seabright Beach while, another year, Friday was the entertainment night, with a live show featuring several bands with tickets sold in advance.
When in doubt, check social media, post in the discussion, or contact friends and attendees to confirm details like when and where.
The main attraction of Morning Wood Classic Scooter Weekend is a Saturday ride that covers miles of scenery through towns including Boulder Creek, Felton, Davenport, and Scotts Valley. With vintage scooters gripping roads and navigating curves, Morning Wood is a riders’ ride.
In recent years, ride stops have included notable landmarks such as the motor-themed showroom and garage at Canepa Motors, 4900 Scotts Valley Drive in Scotts Valley. With its pristine vehicles and impressive motorcycle collection, as well as immaculate garage – viewed from a high balcony on closed-for-work weekends – Canepa was a memorable diversion enjoyed by Morning Wood 2023 attendees.
Whatever stops are made along the way, once the long ride ends, scooterists enjoy unwinding with beverages and late lunches at favorite eateries like The Crepe Place, which typically acts as the weekend HQ and meeting point, often with all-day DJs and delicious food and drink.
Saturday evening there are often DJs, live music, or both however, like the rides and itinerary, this changes from year to year. Sunday sometimes means a brunch ride with a smaller group of scooterists who didn’t have to head home early.
By Sunday afternoon Morning Wood has ended, leaving yet another memorable Classic Scooter Weekend.
About Santa Cruz, CA
Located about 75 miles south of San Francisco and 30 miles southwest of San Jose, Santa Cruz is renowned for its vibrant culture, natural beauty, and laid-back atmosphere. The city boasts a mild Mediterranean climate and prime coastal location with access to several beaches and tall, redwood forests.
Known by many as a “college town,” the campus of the University of California at Santa Cruz and its surrounding area exudes a youthful energy, contributing to the city’s eclectic arts scene and progressive community.
Whether exploring the variable coastline, immersing in local arts and culture, or simply relaxing in laid-back ambiance, Santa Cruz offers an offbeat California experience for visitors.
Are you planning on attending Morning Wood Classic Scooter Weekend? Here’s some great information to enhance your experience!
Where to Stay
Because it’s so popular as a tourist destination for families and the home of the University of California at Santa Cruz, accommodations tend to be pricier than other scooter rallies and events.
Hotels and motels here range from luxury, boutique villas to bed and breakfasts to 2-star dives. There’s even a historic hostel a few blocks from the Beach Boardwalk.
Santa Cruz has a “high season” from May to September when crowds of visitors nearly double and parking terms change dramatically from meter-paying to permit-only or by-the-hour.
📍Searching for hotels in Santa Cruz? Book Now for the best selection!
For the Morning Wood Classic Scooter Weekend, participants often stay with friends, share a vacation rental, or select from hotels that are near the gathering points. Here are a few suggestions to get you started!
Dream Inn
Situated at 175 W. Cliff Drive, the 10-story high Santa Cruz Dream Inn sits elegantly on Cowell’s Beach next to the Municipal Wharf and Beach Boardwalk. Each of its 165 sunlit rooms faces the ocean with private balconies. The on-site, modern restaurant, Aquarius, offers designer cocktails and sustainable seafood dishes.
📍 Book your stay now at the Santa Cruz Dream Inn
Aqua Pacific Hotel
Experience beach town serenity at Aqua Pacific Hotel in Santa Cruz, a local hotel cherished for its relaxing rooms and central location at 325 Pacific Avenue. With convenient on-site parking, Aqua Pacific Hotel offers affordable rates and a refreshing indoor pool, perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring.
📍 Book your stay now at the Aqua Pacific Hotel in Santa Cruz
Hyatt Place
Comfort and convenience await travelers at Hyatt Place, known for its sleek, modern design and lovely sun terrace. Located at 407 Broadway Avenue, this version of reputable Hyatt hotels offers reasonable rates and a relaxing hot tub, perfect for unwinding after a day of riding.
📍Book your stay now at Hyatt Place in Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz Hostel – Recommended
The Santa Cruz Hostel is a no-brainer for anyone traveling solo needing a few nights of rest. Located at 321 Main Street, I’ve enjoyed staying here during Morning Wood Classic Scooter Weekend and on weekend getaways, and I’d easily do it again.
Santa Cruz Hostel is a 501C non-profit with cozy dorms, private suites, a shared kitchen, and common sitting areas. Staffed by kind, cool people, it boasts a lush, landscaped outdoor space a few blocks from the Beach Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Wharf.
📍Book your stay now at Santa Cruz Hostel in Santa Cruz, CA
What to Pack
Even on its warmest summer days, you may experience winds from the ocean in Santa Cruz. Morning Wood is near the ned of April, so there are cool mornings and evenings with warmer mid-day temperatures.
As with most scooter events, it’s best to bring jeans or pants, t-shirts, a hoodie or sweater, comfortable shoes, and riding gear, including a jacket, gloves, and a helmet. Neck scarves are optional for a bit of cozy during the shady stretches through Redwood-canopied roads.
For evenings, especially those with a live music show bring a comfortable, dress-up outfit. A jacket, dress shirt, and pants for guys and a skirt or dress with tights for ladies sums this up. Life in Santa Cruz is pretty casual, with little to no dress code required to get into bars and restaurants. Some weekenders even sport Lonsdale brand track suits direct from the UK.
Remember, if the awesome live bands of the past are any indication, you’ll probably be dancing at some point during the night, so bring your favorite, comfortable shoes.
Where to Eat and Drink
The Crepe Place
Culinary delights are all the rage at The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, with popular dishes like the mouthwatering Nutella Banana crepe. Open from 8 AM to 10 PM daily, the Crepe Place offers affordable prices and an outdoor patio perfect for enjoying the sunshine. It’s also the favored gathering spot for Morning Wood Classic Scooter Weekend.
Pana Venezuelan Food – Recommended
¡Buen provecho! Experience vibrant, authentic South American flavors at Pana Venezuelan Food. Open from 11 AM to 8 PM, Pana, which means friend in Venezuelan slang, is located in Abbott Square at 725 Front Street. With tasty tostones, agua panela, and overstuffed arepa rellenas – warm, corn cakes filled with meats, cheese, vegetables, and sauce – Pana is pure ¡placer para la boca!
Café Brasil
Discover the taste of rain forests and playas at Café Brasil in Santa Cruz, where guests devour sides of hearty Feijoada, a rice-like grain served with expert-grilled meats and fish. Located in a brightly-colored cottage, 1410 Mission Street, Café Brasil is open from 8 AM to 9 PM, offering moderate prices and a charming patio for al fresco dining.
Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery
Indulge your inner Tiki god with tropical cocktails and coastal cuisine at Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery, where patrons rave about the fresh Ahi Poke Bowl. Situated at space 49-A on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, they’re open from 11:30 AM to 9 PM.
Makai boasts moderate prices on swanky drinks, a rotating bar with Hawaiian surf legend Duke Kahanamoku mural, and a picturesque deck overlooking the ocean.
How to Get There
Are you Driving like most people to Morning Wood? Whether you’re road-tripping from Southern California or arriving in style from the nearby Bay Area, the main roads leading to Santa Cruz are California Highway 17 and California Highway 1, or the Pacific Coast Highway, when it borders the ocean.
Take note when driving that 17 becomes a narrow, two-lane road in some areas, with twists and turns through the mountains surrounding Santa Cruz. Heavy weekend traffic often means delays, so plan accordingly.
🚘 Driving to this location? Rent a car and share the cost with friends!
Do you prefer Flying instead of driving? The closest major airport is San Jose Mineta International (SJC), located 30 miles/48 km northeast of Santa Cruz. If you arrive by plane to San Jose, you’ll need to drive to Santa Cruz or take the bus – the latter is more economical but may take more time. Just remember, you’ll need a vintage bike once you’re in Santa Cruz!
✈️ Ready? Set? Jet? Find the best flights to Santa Cruz by way of San Jose!
As mentioned in other posts, you can only pack a scooter for the plane as checked luggage if it is first disassembled, which requires reassembly upon arrival. Again, this is the nutter approach to bringing a bike as it requires too much extra time and many tools. Be smart, bring a complete scooter!
Riding your vintage bike like a champ to Morning Wood? Several people from San Francisco and nearby cities do, which is always extra-appreciated by fellow attendees. Ride with a friend or two whenever possible and anticipate, but don’t expect, traffic delays or the occasional roadside repair. Keep that ride vibe positive!
While it makes sense to bring tools and have a backup plan, picture yourself arriving safely and on time to make this effort commendable. You can do it!
Don’t Miss
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Anyone who’s a kid at heart will love the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where giant roller coasters coexist with oceanfront views. Operating from 11 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and extended hours on weekends, the Beach Boardwalk, located at located at 400 Beach Street, was established in 1907 and boasts historic rides like the Giant Dipper and infamous Sea Swings.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is truly a happy place, from the breathtaking views aboard the slow-moving Sky Glider to an entire room dedicated to the classic arcade game, Skee-Ball.
Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf
Visitors will love exploring the iconic Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf at 21 Municipal Wharf. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, the Wharf offers panoramic ocean views, lazy seals lounging in the sun, and fresh seafood dining. Established in 1914, the Wharf stretches an impressive 2,745 feet into the Monterey Bay and can even be ridden on by experienced scooterists.
Nearby Capitola
A seaside gem just a short, 10-mile journey south of Santa Cruz, Capitola is known for its colorful Venetian-inspired architecture, boutique shopping, and tiny historical museum. Enjoy the scenic drive along Highway 1 before arriving at the oldest beach resort community on the West Coast and the serene Capitola Beach.
The Mystery Spot
If you have some spare time during the Morning Wood Classic Scooter Weekend, use it to experience the gravitational anomalies of The Mystery Spot, which is a quick 5-mile drive northeast of Santa Cruz along Branciforte Drive and Graham Hill Road.
Intriguing visitors since its discovery in 1939, the Mystery Spot is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, offering guided tours through a hilly landscape, showcasing its bizarre, natural phenomena.
Wrap Up
Now you have it! All the details of Santa Cruz Morning Wood Classic Scooter Weekend and what you need to know before you go including the legendary rides, how to get there, where to stay, and what to do.
If you’re a vintage scooter owner and rider who appreciates music, the Ska-Soul lifestyle, and laid-back California beach towns, why not attend Morning Wood? Just do it!
Find your best sunglasses, lace up your trusty boots, and kick-start your vintage bike because Santa Cruz awaits. See you there!
