Keeping the rubber side down!

[RIDE]

Hello one and all!

First of all, allow me to welcome you to the Biking forum here at OpenRoad.TV! :) I am so very excited to be a part of what is sure to be a very fun, friendly, and informative forum.

About me...I am a long time cyclist with experience in both road and mountain biking. Cycling is more than just a hobby for me, it's a passion. From the days when rigid forks and flat pedals were the only option, to the exotic materials and technological breakthroughs of the industry today...I am pretty well versed on all things cycling. If I don't know it...I know someone who does :)

I have logged many miles on the roads of the greater Bay Area. I know many of the trails and streets in the East Bay and Marin County as that is where I have spent most of my time basking in the beauty of this incredible part of the world. And what better way to see this gorgeous area than on a bike!

So please join us here at OpenRoad.TV. This is first and foremost a community where everyone is welcome. Whether you are a long time hardcore cylist, someone looking for the best spot to watch a sunset or have a picnic, or trying to find a fun and safe place to take the kids, we are thrilled to have you aboard.

I look forward to meeting you all and...........keep the rubber side down! :D

RIDE
(Steve)

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<img src="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e400/rideamountain/Spencer%20bike%20and%20Bday/IMG_0315.jpg">

<img src="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e400/rideamountain/Tour%20of%20Cali%2007/TourofCali17.jpg">

[danherz]

Hi...I am a fairly new roadie. I live in Mill Valley and mostly bike in Marin. I have been doing rides between 20-40 miles. I'm looking for a good 40-60 mile road ride that does not require too much climbing. Any ideas?

[RIDE]

First of all, welcome to the biking forum :)

Marin is so beautiful to ride around...but finding flatter rides of that distance might be a challenge :)

One ride that comes to mind (although not nearly flat) is the Cheese Factory Loop. It has been years since I have done it, but I think it could fit the bill. Depending on how adventurous you are feeling, you can start in any number of areas. I have started the ride from the Bon Aire shopping center in Greenbrae...which does add a few miles to the loop. You can also drive along Sir Francis Drake towards the coast and stop at any number of spots along the way such as Fairfax...or even further up the road at Samual P. Taylor State Park.

Either way, you would follow Sir Francis Drake Blvd. for quite a ways...climbing only one hill of any significance (White Hill) which comes up shortly after passing through Fairfax. After that, it's pretty flat as you enter the redwoods and approach Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Not long after that...keep your eyes peeled for Platform Bridge Road (on your right) towards Petaluma.

Following this road will eventually connect you with Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Road which will continue to roll it's way through some very beautiful back roads (with a couple of challenges along the way :) ) all the way to the Cheese Factory. This is a great place to stop, rest, grab a snack and refill your water.

Continue onward and turn left towards Marshall on Hicks Valley Road / Wilson Hill Road. Once there...........let the quiet and beautiful countryside begin!

Next...turn left off of Wilson Hill Road onto Marshall-Petaluma Road. This is a fast and spectacular stretch of road! The S/2 Aberdeen Angus Cattle Ranch brings you to the start of the infamous "Marshall Wall" (270ft.). Lucky for you this mega climb is far steeper in the opposite direction! By the way, enjoy the Poppies along this stretch, but you risk being arrested if you pick any! After two miles of climbing the "Wall," the summit (800ft.) offers splendid views of Pt. Reyes and Tomales Bay.

Except for one tiny hill, the road makes a speedy, windy descent into Marshall. Just past the little red church, you'll head south (left) at the stop sign onto Shoreline Highway. This stretch from here south along Tomales Bay features many rollers and curves, and usually a tailwind. It does, however, get a little trafficky on weekend afternoons, so make this a weekday ride or a weekend morning ride! Marshall is made up of a short string of historical buildings, one of which house an art gallery featuring works by local painters.

A few grades will signal the outskirts of Pt. Reyes Station. The route heads left towards Petaluma, but you'll want to make the jog into town, so stay straight on Hwy. 1 and head down the hill.

Head back the way you came (north along Hwy 1) and turn right onto Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Road...which will lead you back to Platform Bridge Road. Turn right again and you will retrace your steps back to Sir Francis Drake. Depending on where you started...you will either be done, or have a little more work ahead of you :)

SO again...while not exactly flat...I think you will find this to be a very fun, beautiful, challenging, but "do-able" ride. And most importantly...stop in at your local bike shop and pick up a map......just in case :)

I hope that helps and HAVE FUN! :)

RIDE

[danherz]

Thanks for the tip! Sounds like a fantastic ride. Do you have an idea about milage for this ride?

[RIDE]

No problem! It's a great ride for sure. The loop starting at Platform Bridge where it meets Sir Francis Drake is about 40 miles. So adding a 5-10 mile section of Sir Francis Drake...ie; starting at either the Bon Aire Shopping Center or a bit closer in Fairfax...can get you to a good 60 miles.

Personally, I'd do it from Fairfax. Great places to park...good little coffee chops to score your pre-ride java...and some good food options for the end...which you WILL need :)

Enjoy the ride!

RIDE

Thanks for the tip! Sounds like a fantastic ride. Do you have an idea about milage for this ride?

[patrick johnston]

Dan, is the road from Bolinas to Fairfax by way of the reservoir paved? I have only ridden up the hill from Highway 1 to Mt. Tam. pj