CYCLE ZOMBIES GUIDE TO SoCal
with Scotty Stopnik
The Cycle Zombie way:
"Surfing, skating, music, building and riding bikes - living life to its full amount. We’re not a gang or a club, but a family that lives and loves what they do. Keep your head down and do what you wanna do."
-Scotty Stopnik
California isn’t just about Sunset Strip, Mr. Chow’s, and TMZ. There is a real side to the surfing capital. Scotty Stopnik and the rest of the Cycle Zombies have carved out their own niche in the surf world over the past few years. Below are a few of their daily stomps.
By Andrew Sayer
Coffee: All over. Regular coffee, cream & sugar.
SoCal is a driving culture. The local indie coffee spot is not as predominant as in some cities, but Al Cappuccino’s in Newport is one of the post-surf go-tos.
Food: Carne Asada Burrito
Ahh, the Carne Asada Burrito. A reason in itself to visit Southern California. Cheap and filling make them a perfect post-surf grind. The proximity of the Mexican border contributes to the SoCal perfected burritos, although they’re typically larger and stuffed with more ingredients than those further south. Closely related is the California Burrito, consisting of chunks of carne asada meat, French fries, cheese, and/or pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole. Only eat post, not pre-surf in order to avoid disaster.
Mexican spot: Fiesta Grill
418 17th St.
Huntington Beach
(714) 969-7689
Southern California is the best place to eat Mexican outside of Mexico. It’s almost impossible to pick one, but The Fiesta Grill is a perfect place to start. Small, authentic, and tucked away off of Huntington’s main drag.
Breakfast spot: Bagel Mania
8861 Adams Ave.
Huntington Beach
(714) 965-5637
bagelmaniacoffeehouse.com
It is possible to get good bagels outside of NYC. Bagel Mania is known as the best healthy donut in Costa Mesa. Load up.
Bar or concert venue: Bar Hook Up. Free coca-colas all night. XXX
16391 Beach Blvd.
Huntington Beach
Whether you indulge in the drink or not, the dive-like atmosphere of Bar Hook Up is dark and chill. If you’re looking for UFC on a TV or a fight, go back to Main St.
Surf shop: Huntington Surf and Sport
300 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach
(714) 841-4000
hsssurf.com
The Huntington HSS at the corner of PCH and Main is an institution. Any and all of your surf dreams can be bought here.
Surf spot: Bolsa Chica / Southside Huntington Beach pier
Bolsa is located a few miles North of the HB pier and picks up more of a winter north swell. The south side of the HB pier is a little more hectic, especially in the hot months.
Shaper: Chris Christenson Surfboards
San Marcos
christensonsurfboards.com
Chris Christenson, who studied under Dick Brewer and Skip Frye, is now a shaper to the stars. Alex Knost, Barry McGee, Kolohe Andino, Connor Coffin, Jordy Smith, Mark Healey, Mark Mathews, Raph Bruhwiler, and Rob Machado are just a few of the others who have ridden Christenson crafts. The Cycle Zombies are usually logging, but Chris shapes a mean gun as well. Greg Long won the Eddie and Waterman of the Year, and 5 XXL awards on Christenson boards.
Vintage shop: Captain Helm Oceanside
1832 South Coast Hwy
Oceanside
760-721-1004
captainhelm.com
Captain Helm is a new vintage shop owned by Mitch Abshere who is also the mind behind Captain Fin Co. The shop is a well curated mix of some of his favorite stuff under one roof. They carry clothes, boards, wetsuits, motorcycle stuff, records, randomness, and more.
Tattoo Parlor: HB Tattoo
20387 Beach Blvd.
Huntington Beach
(714) 374-4948
hbtattoo.com
Looking for something above and beyond a flaming tribal L.B.T.? Go here.
Barbershop: Circle City Barbers
111 N Olive St
Orange
(714) 453-9765
No bullshit. Vintage Harleys parked in the middle of the shop. Two bikers named Phil and Chris run Circle City Barbers, where $20 gets a great cut in a cool atmosphere. Cash only.
Motorcycle shop: Hell On Wheels
Anaheim California
(888)234-3404
smilingfacedown.com
Hell On Wheels is a small business in Anaheim that helps local motorcycle cats get their bikes working. On top of that they run an international internet business for out-of-towners.
Record shop: Vinyl Solution
18822 Beach Blvd
Huntington Beach
(714) 963-1819
Looking for that old punk release on vinyl that only had 50 pressings? This is the place.
Random: In’N’Out Burger
18062 Beach Blvd.
Huntington Beach
Other locations all over California.
A must go any day of the week for me. Google the secret menu, there is much more than "Animal Style."
Best place to buy Cycle Zombie product: Online or at Captains Helm
czombieblog.com
Places to stay away from: My Garage
It’s full of taxidermy, motorcycle parts, skateboards, and a quiver of every type of floatable craft imaginable. Too bad you’ll never see it.