Bay Area Cycling Vacation - March 2022 - Opinions Wanted

[Clean39T]

02.28.2022 -- Rebranding the thread to get opinions on where to ride and where to stay for a 3-5 day cycling vacation in the SF Bay Area.. Current thinking is somewhere between Palo Alto and Los Gatos for basecamp. See below.

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Because I'm cooped up and dreaming of what's on the other side of this pandemic....

I've been scouring PJAMM (https://pjammcycling.com/home;mode=search;sort=worldRank;view=map;asc=true; f1=USA;dsply=25), thinking of ways to string together a trip that hits some of the top road climbs in California.

And I found Jay's Essential Bike Rides (http://bestrides.org/) (in OR and CA).

But what else is out there?

It's making me pine for the days of blogspot, when people still wrote lengthy ride reports.

I'm looking for Velotel (https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=239122) in the states I guess.

What have you got?

YouTubers? This guy VeloVegan did a nice series in CA and a mix of other states.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCqHDuSwPZM&t=20s

[semdoug]

Cascade Bicycle Studio has a pretty nice right up about a trip on the North Cascades Highway. Sorry, having trouble attaching link but the trip report is on their website under community and stories. There is also information on the NPS website.

[nighthawk]

Here’s a few, but might be more dirt road focused than you are after:

https://dirtyfreehub.com/

http://www.omtm.cc/home

[thunderworks]

You could always go East and ride the Going to the Sun road in Glacier . . . Not the hardest physical challenge (although long), but no doubt ranks as one of the most visually engaging experiences anyone could have.

[AngryScientist]

henry wildberry!

[zennmotion]

henry wildberry!

Henry Wildeberry---(I'm a spelling Nazi)

And I might say, to mitigate the snark, I always enjoy Angry's ride photos. My Father is a Jersey guy and when the rest of the family disses the Garden State as, well, ironically named he always says "You've never seen the nice parts of New Jersey", so thanks for showing off your state so well- some of those roads look like bucket list material. Nice stable of bikes too!

[Clean39T]

henry wildberry!Indeed. The trip he did up around Yosemite is on the list. I'm looking more for road than rando though. I gotta go scope some of your rides too....was that a year or two ago when you toured parts of CA?

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[cgolvin]

I don't think this guy has updated his blog in awhile, but it's a good compendium of CA climbs with nice descriptors, photos, and a personal touch.

http://www.toughascent.com/blog/

Ugh, unfortunately it looks like all the mapmyride links are dead so you will have to do some sleuthing to put routes together, sorry.

[Clean39T]

I don't think this guy has updated his blog in awhile, but it's a good compendium of CA climbs with nice descriptors, photos, and a personal touch.

http://www.toughascent.com/blog/

Ugh, unfortunately it looks like all the mapmyride links are dead so you will have to do some sleuthing to put routes together, sorry.Will check it out, thanks Charles.

With the new Strava features, getting the route down once you know the general coordinates should be easy.

The reading for me is mostly about inspiration.

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[wasfast]

The rides on this page are getting a ways back in time but well done.

http://steephill.tv

The ride reports are on the left hand column part way down.

[sjbraun]

For OR and CA

http://bestrides.org/

[David Kirk]

I'm not sure if this is your cup of tea or not but you might consider joining us at the Cino Eroica in northern Montana this September. About 110 miles (more than 90 on dirt) over two days with some awesome climbs and food to die for. If you have a vintage road bike it's hard to beat.

dave

[R3awak3n]

Isnt Dustin Klein in Oregon? He seems to be ridding in pretty cool places

[Clean39T]

I'm not sure if this is your cup of tea or not but you might consider joining us at the Cino Eroica in northern Montana this September. About 110 miles (more than 90 on dirt) over two days with some awesome climbs and food to die for. If you have a vintage road bike it's hard to beat.



dave

It's on my list for the year - and my thought was to get some in-person fitting done for a future Onesto on the same trip if you had the time - we'll just have to see how everything unfolds..

As for the bike - I do have a nice steel setup that might handle the terrain okay ;)



.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200405/1deb853110a893eb37cda20004ae98f0.jpg

[Clean39T]

Isnt Dustin Klein in Oregon? He seems to be ridding in pretty cool placesJust down the street from me in Portland. But my eyes are set on the type of stuff that 25-28s are at home on.....

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[R3awak3n]

Just down the street from me in Portland. But my eyes are set on the type of stuff that 25-28s are at home on.....

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haha yeah, definitely no under 35mm on any of those rides.

[twolve]

I've appreciated this thread tremendously. Just moved to Sacramento last July, so I am looking forward to a lot of these rides.

Thanks!

[Clean39T]

I've appreciated this thread tremendously. Just moved to Sacramento last July, so I am looking forward to a lot of these rides.

Thanks!

Excellent. Under normal circumstances, I travel there frequently for work. You should get to know Aaron (of AR Cycles) and some of the other Paceliners that are local. There's a lot of great riding up in the foothills.

[twolve]

Excellent. Under normal circumstances, I travel there frequently for work. You should get to know Aaron (of AR Cycles) and some of the other Paceliners that are local. There's a lot of great riding up in the foothills.

Yes, I look forward to getting to know Aaron. I've perused his website and gallery quite a bit. He does beautiful work. I'm very intrigued by his frame building class as well, I'd love to do that someday down the line.

[Pastashop]

https://rayhosler.wordpress.com/page/2/

[jefenger]

Excellent thread with great resources. Especially appreciate learning about ditrtyfreehub and OMTM - thanks!

[prototoast]

This has prompted me to start writing up my own ride guide to add to the conversation. Not helpful now, but maybe in a few months I'll have something good.

Right now, for Bay Area and beyond, Ray Hosler is the gold standard. You can read a lot of his stuff on his blog, but he's also put together a few books and a card deck. https://www.amazon.com/Ray-Hosler/e/B001KIYY12/

[ORMojo]

I'm guessing you probably already know about Oregon's Scenic Bikeways (https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/bicycling/road-biking/ride-oregon-scenic-bikeways/) program, the only such state program in the nation.

[cnighbor1]

www.crazyguyonabike.com
enter state and read journals

[Clean39T]

https://ridewithgps.com/users/68489/routes

Found this person through their blog: https://ridechronicles.com/

Tons of excellent routes it seems in the NorCal area and beyond.

[cnighbor1]

www.crazyguyonabike.com

[pelicanrando]

Max Poletto's mixed terrain rando routes + climby road perms are a pretty great collection of some of the best roads within a couple hundred miles of SF:

https://ridebike.org/rusa/perm/

and the SFR adventure series are some challenging, but oh-so-worth-it brevets:

https://ridebike.org/sfr/adventure/

I just did Old Caz 300k on 25s and it was totally fine. Marin Mountains and Orr Springs would warrant wider tires though.

[Clean39T]

UPDATE :: 02.27.22

Okay friends, my Santa Monica trip didn't happen due to work schedules and Omi - but I'm still trying to pull some sort of riding vacay together down south of Oregon, thinking late March, and need some beta..

Pending finding accommodations, something down around Palo Alto seems like a decent jumping off point for 3-4, maybe 5 days of solid riding and relaxing.

I found this site: https://westernwheelersbicycleclub.wildapricot.org/

Looks like lots of good rides. I want to do iconic long-day rides with lots of climbing. Stuff to write home about. The good stuff.

I'm still thinking about Santa Monica too - but it's an extra full day of driving from OR, so maybe I'll save that for when I can bookend it with a work trip down the road.

Thoughts? Ideas?

As a reminder, I ride road bikes on the road. I like climbing. I like views. 1,000ft per 10mi of riding is usually a minimum for me enjoying the ride. The less traffic the better.

My dream here is a relaxing, clean AirBnB that I can do 1-3 good rides from out the front door, combined with a day driving up to Marin for a ride, and one over to Berkeley hills area for a ride, or Mt. Hamilton or something. Load up on supplies at Whole Foods and just spend half a week or so riding, sleeping, and reading.

[lavi]

I'm planning to hit Santa Rosa area sometime soon.....joint conquest?

Bring the Stelbel. It'll be LSD with me.

[Clean39T]

I'm planning to hit Santa Rosa area sometime soon.....joint conquest?

Bring the Stelbel. It'll be LSD with me.

If the moons aligned. Why Santa Rosa vs. Santa Cruz or other NorCal destinations?

[prototoast]

I used to live there--tons of amazing rides out of Palo Alto. See the Stanford cycling club list of routes: https://cycling.stanford.edu/local-routes/

Just beware you'll need to be ready for big miles with big climbing to get the most out of it.

[Clean39T]

Just beware you'll need to be ready for big miles with big climbing to get the most out of it.

https://i.giphy.com/media/3o6UBaG7vD4Tcb6egE/giphy.webp

:beer:

[AngryScientist]

Do this. You will enjoy it.

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=272588

[Spaghetti Legs]

Buddy of mine does a credit card tour in the Bay Area every Christmas. Here's a summary of last year's and he helpfully includes links to previous trips. Maybe will give you some ideas.

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/1243090-tdmil-2021-a.html

[Clean39T]

Do this. You will enjoy it.

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=272588

Are 32s a pre-req for that route? Maybe I'll have to take two bikes on this trip.. Was planning on my Argonaut, which is definitely limited to measured 28s.

Otherwise it looks incredible. I was waffling (still am) between base-camp in Santa Rosa or Healdsburg vs. Los Gatos/Palo Alto, but oddly enough the accommodations are a bit more reasonable in the south bay than up in wine country.

[XXtwindad]

The Bay Area (inclusive of Sonoma and Santa Cruz) is the best place for cycling in the U.S. And one of the best in the world.

If you’re looking to tick off a “best of” itinerary, this should suffice. In no particular order, except for number one.

1) Mt. Tam
2) Mt. Diablo
3) Tunitas Creek
4) Kings Ridge (Sonoma)
5) Empire Grade (Santa Cruz)

[AngryScientist]

Are 32s a pre-req for that route? Maybe I'll have to take two bikes on this trip.. Was planning on my Argonaut, which is definitely limited to measured 28s.

Otherwise it looks incredible. I was waffling (still am) between base-camp in Santa Rosa or Healdsburg vs. Los Gatos/Palo Alto, but oddly enough the accommodations are a bit more reasonable in the south bay than up in wine country.

no, i did it on 23's.

[Hindmost]

Los Gatos works best if you are ready to climb and go over the hill to link up with Santa Cruz area roads. A lot of nice loops possible. Palo Alto has better mixed terrain rides along with mountain rides. It also has a cycling scene with daily rides.

Gravel, MTB? A lot of options, paved and off road combinations, scattered in between, again with climbing

There are a bunch of online posted ride routes for these areas.

[Clean39T]

Los Gatos works best if you are ready to climb and go over the hill to link up with Santa Cruz area roads. A lot of nice loops possible. Palo Alto has better mixed terrain rides along with mountain rides. It also has a cycling scene with daily rides.

Gravel, MTB? A lot of options, paved and off road combinations, scattered in between, again with climbing

There are a bunch of online posted ride routes for these areas.

Definitely looking for road only and primarily "mountain" rides or rides with significant climbs, views, adventures. Do many or most of the roads headed into the mountains between the south bay and the coast have good shoulders and/or light traffic?

[Clean39T]

The Bay Area (inclusive of Sonoma and Santa Cruz) is the best place for cycling in the U.S. And one of the best in the world.

If you’re looking to tick off a “best of” itinerary, this should suffice. In no particular order, except for number one.

1) Mt. Tam
2) Mt. Diablo
3) Tunitas Creek
4) Kings Ridge (Sonoma)
5) Empire Grade (Santa Cruz)

Duly noted - thanks!

[prototoast]

Definitely looking for road only and primarily "mountain" rides or rides with significant climbs, views, adventures. Do many or most of the roads headed into the mountains between the south bay and the coast have good shoulders and/or light traffic?

From the bay side, it's okay to climb (from N to S) Kings Mountain, Old La Honda, Page Mill Rd, Hwy 9, Old Santa Cruz Hwy.

Definitely avoid climbing Hwy 92, 84, and 17.

On the Coast side, it's fine to climb Tunitas Creek, 84, Alpine Rd, Hwy 9 from Boulder Creek up (Hwy 9 from Boulder Creek to Santa Cruz loses its shoulder and gets tons of traffic), Empire Grade, Hwy 236, Zayante, Mtn Charlie, Eureka Canyon/Highland.

I think those are the main paved roads you'd cover starting and ending around Palo Alto.

[lavi]

If the moons aligned. Why Santa Rosa vs. Santa Cruz or other NorCal destinations?

Mainly because I haven't ridden Santa Rosa before. I have ridden SC (road)...and it's very very good.

I was also trying to stay as close to OR as possible to keep the trip reasonable. But ya, hitting SC from Santa Rosa is only a few more hours.

Do this. You will enjoy it.

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=272588

This is why I want some NorCal action. I think these rides are plentiful up there.

The Bay Area (inclusive of Sonoma and Santa Cruz) is the best place for cycling in the U.S. And one of the best in the world.

If you’re looking to tick off a “best of” itinerary, this should suffice. In no particular order, except for number one.

1) Mt. Tam
2) Mt. Diablo
3) Tunitas Creek
4) Kings Ridge (Sonoma)
5) Empire Grade (Santa Cruz)

Yup. I'd like to hit all those. Only one I've ticked off is Empire.

From the bay side, it's okay to climb (from N to S) Kings Mountain, Old La Honda, Page Mill Rd, Hwy 9, Old Santa Cruz Hwy.

Definitely avoid climbing Hwy 92, 84, and 17.

On the Coast side, it's fine to climb Tunitas Creek, 84, Alpine Rd, Hwy 9 from Boulder Creek up (Hwy 9 from Boulder Creek to Santa Cruz loses its shoulder and gets tons of traffic), Empire Grade, Hwy 236, Zayante, Mtn Charlie, Eureka Canyon/Highland.


The roads up on the ridge (and leading up to the ridge) are amazing. Some very small, windy, remote roads....which make them great for cycling. Lots and lots of grippy climbing though (not a bad thing). Just bad if I'm trying to keep on with Clean.

[prototoast]

The Bay Area (inclusive of Sonoma and Santa Cruz) is the best place for cycling in the U.S. And one of the best in the world.

If you’re looking to tick off a “best of” itinerary, this should suffice. In no particular order, except for number one.

1) Mt. Tam
2) Mt. Diablo
3) Tunitas Creek
4) Kings Ridge (Sonoma)
5) Empire Grade (Santa Cruz)

I don't strictly object to your list, but if he's only in town for a few days, I'd skip Diablo, and avoid Tam on a weekend.

[lavi]

I also think this would be a two bike trip for me. Maybe three if I were to bring my MTB. I still haven't hit any mtb trails in Santa Cruz. I figure I should do that as some point.

Although the Hampsten with 35s is likely all I need for the "road" stuff. Dan, I know you just wanna rip 28s and go balls to the wall.

We may just be meeting up for after-ride beers. Anymore, I'm a partypace/JRA kind of dude. I want to take in the sights and not be cross-eyed.

[mhespenheide]

I just got back from five days in the Santa Rosa area. Riding was terrific. I was on 32's and happy to have them.

[jpritchet74]

We may just be meeting up for after-ride beers. Anymore, I'm a partypace/JRA kind of dude. I want to take in the sights and not be cross-eyed.

If you are good with a JRA pace I might join as well.

[prototoast]

If you are good with a JRA pace I might join as well.

JRA pace is great, but if they're traveling all that distance to get to Palo Alto, JRA pace better be prepared to cover 70 miles with 7k ft of climbing to make it worth it.

Santa Rosa is a bit more forgiving, in terms of having nicer flat options (though it has plenty of hilly routes too).

[FlashUNC]

Santa Rosa, hands down.

[lavi]

This is Dan's thread and he's a ripper on the bike.

I'm the turtle (sort of), but certainly can do 70-80miles with 6-8k of climbing. I'll just take me a good long while. :) I'm capable of 16-18 mph avg....just need the motivation. :beer:

[Clean39T]

JRA pace is great, but if they're traveling all that distance to get to Palo Alto, JRA pace better be prepared to cover 70 miles with 7k ft of climbing to make it worth it.


This is true. I obviously can't be pinning it for 100mi/day for 5 days straight but the trip is about riding hard to make the most of it and I'll be biting off as much as I can chew.. and have been training to be ready for it.

Future trips might be more wine/dine and recline, mixed surface, what have you.

[Clean39T]

Santa Rosa, hands down.

Expand please -- :help:

[Clean39T]

From the bay side, it's okay to climb (from N to S) Kings Mountain, Old La Honda, Page Mill Rd, Hwy 9, Old Santa Cruz Hwy.

Definitely avoid climbing Hwy 92, 84, and 17.

On the Coast side, it's fine to climb Tunitas Creek, 84, Alpine Rd, Hwy 9 from Boulder Creek up (Hwy 9 from Boulder Creek to Santa Cruz loses its shoulder and gets tons of traffic), Empire Grade, Hwy 236, Zayante, Mtn Charlie, Eureka Canyon/Highland.

I think those are the main paved roads you'd cover starting and ending around Palo Alto.

Thanks for all that - will help with my RideWithGPS investigations...

[Clean39T]

I just got back from five days in the Santa Rosa area. Riding was terrific. I was on 32's and happy to have them.

I'm still waiting for the photo-dump.. unless I missed it?

[d_douglas]

Here’s a few, but might be more dirt road focused than you are after:

https://dirtyfreehub.com/

http://www.omtm.cc/home

havent really followed this thread until now, but looking at the description of those Dirty Freehub rides - I need to have an extra two months of vacation and no family obligations to ride some of those. They sound amazing.

As this likely (surely?) wont happen, it did make me think about epic gravel rides that are local and it turns out there are many of them here in BC. I am not surprised, but I just never seem to look for them. I hear about people shelling out big bucks for heli-biking trips in the Chilcotin Range here in Canada, but not as much about the week or two week long 500km ramble on dirt roads (which would be more my style).

Great thread - has got me thinking about a day off from family to ride 100km of dirt and just sign off from humanity for a bit :banana:

[Clean39T]

This is Dan's thread and he's a ripper on the bike.

I'm the turtle (sort of), but certainly can do 70-80miles with 6-8k of climbing. I'll just take me a good long while. :) I'm capable of 16-18 mph avg....just need the motivation. :beer:

No worries homie. You got recovery to do and a move to get through.. we got plenty of time for bro-trips later in the year as life gets back to normal.

[weaponsgrade]

Any of these will give you a nice intro to Santa Rosa: https://www.levisgranfondo.com/routes

Another route I'd recommend is anything that includes Ridge Crest Blvd on Tam.

[FlashUNC]

Expand please -- :help:

Greater diversity of routes. Less Bay Area insanity of traffic. Santa Rosa's an awesome town with lots to do.

I dunno, its just better?

[prototoast]

Thanks for all that - will help with my RideWithGPS investigations...

Here are a few routes I have saved on my Strava that might interest you:

https://www.strava.com/routes/2865319818188233236 - Pescadero via Page Mill, 68 miles, 7k climbing

https://www.strava.com/routes/2933450616763021938 - Half Moon Bay from Palo Alto, 90 miles, 8k climbing

https://www.strava.com/routes/12713835 - Highland/Eureka -> Santa Cruz -> Big Basin, 108 miles, 12k climbing

https://www.strava.com/routes/12635325 - Big Basin Via Zayante, 77 miles, 10k climbing

https://www.strava.com/routes/7295501 Pescadero and Big Basin, 125 miles, 13k climbing

https://www.strava.com/routes/2784940 Basic Big Basin, 85 miles, 8k climbing

[Clean39T]

Greater diversity of routes. Less Bay Area insanity of traffic. Santa Rosa's an awesome town with lots to do.

I dunno, its just better?

I'm thinking the trip will be like Sun-Thurs - and we're talking third/fourth week of March - should I expect a lot of traffic in the hills during those times, or just getting to the rides to the extent I'd be driving to get to a start?

I've been two Santa Rosa and environs before, just not for riding. It's a neat place. I wouldn't be going for wine/beer or fancy food on this trip though.

[donevwil]

Expand please -- :help:

Not to put words in Flash's mouth, but years ago there was a stat (looked, but couldn't find the source) that Sonoma County had the most miles of roads per capita in CA so even though population and traffic have increased significantly in the last few years there are still many, many miles of rural roads great for cycling. Epic climbing where you'll likely never see another human one day, flat rollers to the ocean another, rides through farmlands, ranchlands, redwoods, you name it. Best location to stay is really up to you, Santa Rosa is central, but you'll have 10-20 miles of flat or mild rollers on your way to your climbing destinations. Petaluma is an option if you want to include Marin County without the car, but that will also be miles of flat'ish meh on your way to the mountains.

With climbing as you primary goal I'd look at Occidental, maybe Sebastopol.

I'm thinking the trip will be like Sun-Thurs - and we're talking third/fourth week of March - should I expect a lot of traffic in the hills during those times, or just getting to the rides to the extent I'd be driving to get to a start?

I've been two Santa Rosa and environs before, just not for riding. It's a neat place. I wouldn't be going for wine/beer or fancy food on this trip though.

M-Th is the perfect time to ride around here. Sunday early is great, just avoid the main arteries Sun afternoon/evening as the tourists, campers, fisherpeople head home. King Ridge would be downright lonely during the week.


This lovely scene could be awaiting you!
https://forums.thepaceline.net/picture.php?albumid=192&pictureid=997

[XXtwindad]

I don't strictly object to your list, but if he's only in town for a few days, I'd skip Diablo, and avoid Tam on a weekend.

Au contraire mon frere.

Coming to the Bay Area and skipping Mt. Tam is like going to Venice and skipping a gondola ride because it’s just a boat ride. Or like having a pair of tickets to a day game in Wrigley and thinking you can just catch the game on TV. Or, to keep the analogy a bit more relevant, going to Como and skipping the Ghisallo.

It’s just not done. Hallowed ground. Take a ferry to Larkspur if traffic is a consideration. Plus, as you know from living at its base, the views from the top of Diablo are among the most sweeping in the world.

For my money, I do those two first and foremost. And then, ***, toss in Hamilton for a trifecta, and arrange a “gentleman’s ride” followed by beers and burgers with several of the Forum members who live in the area. This is a very, very good four to five days on and off the bike.

[XXtwindad]

I also think this would be a two bike trip for me. Maybe three if I were to bring my MTB. I still haven't hit any mtb trails in Santa Cruz. I figure I should do that as some point.

Although the Hampsten with 35s is likely all I need for the "road" stuff. Dan, I know you just wanna rip 28s and go balls to the wall.

We may just be meeting up for after-ride beers. Anymore, I'm a partypace/JRA kind of dude. I want to take in the sights and not be cross-eyed.

Strava can’t capture the mental feeling you get when looking at epic panoramic vistas. Or friendship. Hammering up Tam or Diablo if you’ve never been there seems kind of silly. Stop to savor the views.

As that great sage Don Henley said:

“We may lose and we may win,
Though we will never be here again.
So open up,
I'm climbin' in.
So take it easy.”

Unless you hate the ****ing Eagles, of course.

[Clean39T]

Forgive me if this is an ignorant question.. but is weather a factor between basecamping to the south bay vs. santa rosa area? Am I likely to get good riding weather end of March?

That's one factor that could drive me to spend an extra full day on the road to get to SoCal..

[XXtwindad]

Forgive me if this is an ignorant question.. but is weather a factor between basecamping to the south bay vs. santa rosa area? Am I likely to get good riding weather end of March?

That's one factor that could drive me to spend an extra full day on the road to get to SoCal..

Yes. It will likely be warmer in Santa Rosa.

[mhespenheide]

I'm still waiting for the photo-dump.. unless I missed it?

Didn't take any pictures. Just enjoyed the rides and boogied back to family. For me, with 2-4 hours of ride time, I got in
[1] Los Alamos Rd., Badger/Wallace/Riebli roads, Wilshire/Crystal/Heights, and Foothill Ranch road. I probably overdid it on the first day...
[2] Pine Flat Mountain
[3] off to trail run Annadel with wife
[4] Geyers Rd., turning around ~2 hours in and returning same.
[5] Sweetwater Springs Road to its summit and back down, then Mill Creek Road and return same.

I'm in good-enough but not 100% shape. I was very happy to have a 34x34 low gear. Even then, I stopped a few times on days [1] and [2] to catch my breath and stretch out my quads. Some of those little roads are steep.

Totally worth it, though!

From Seattle, we two days and spent the night in Medford. Without a kid in tow, you could to PDX to Santa Rosa in a long day. Getting down to San Jose or Santa Cruz would really be pushing it (for me) to drive in a day, so -- to my mind -- that argues pretty heavily for Santa Rosa.

[Clean39T]

Getting down to San Jose or Santa Cruz would really be pushing it (for me) to drive in a day, so -- to my mind -- that argues pretty heavily for Santa Rosa.

Weather, distance, and ride recommendations are pushing in that direction I guess..

Plus when my life gets back to some semblance of normal, I travel to Sacramento frequently, and extending a work trip to a long weekend and hitting the east/south-bay stuff then is definitely doable - same could be said of Santa Rosa too I suppose, just trying to come up with some deciding factor here.

[prototoast]

Forgive me if this is an ignorant question.. but is weather a factor between basecamping to the south bay vs. santa rosa area? Am I likely to get good riding weather end of March?

That's one factor that could drive me to spend an extra full day on the road to get to SoCal..

Weather from one side of the Santa Cruz mountains to the other can be a crapshoot.

Santa Rosa will probably be colder at night, but likely warmer mid day. Roads can become icy at higher elevation--if you go with Santa Rosa, you have more options that avoid higher elevation.

Temperatures between the bay, the coast, the mountains, and inland can swing wildly over the course of a single ride. Weather in March can be great, and this winter has seen very little rain, but it's hard to predict where we'll be then.

[572cv]

[/B]

Strava can’t capture the mental feeling you get when looking at epic panoramic vistas. Or friendship. Hammering up Tam or Diablo if you’ve never been there seems kind of silly. Stop to savor the views.

As that great sage Don Henley said:

“We may lose and we may win,
Though we will never be here again.
So open up,
I'm climbin' in.
So take it easy.”

Unless you hate the ****ing Eagles, of course.

First, this is a great thread for those of us with relatives out that way (Portola Valley), who we try to visit every now and then :)

Second, since earlier in the thread there was a self proclaimed grammernazi, those lyrics were actually by Jackson Browne and Glen Frey.

[Hindmost]

I have found weather to be very similar between Santa Rosa and the Peninsula/South Bay. Daily conditions depend on how close you get to the coast.

Riding out of Los Gatos toward Santa Cruz: Old Santa Cruz Highway, Mountain Charlie, Bear Creek, Black Mt, Summit. Road shoulders not always great you're dependent on time of time-of-day/week traffic and slowness of the narrow twisty roads.

Suggestions to hit all the major rides around the Bay Area entail a fair amount of drive time. Darn good out the front door riding can be had in either Sonoma Co/Santa Rosa or The Peninsula/South Bay/Santa Cruz Co.

[homagesilkhope]

What's the better riding destination, north or south? That's easy, almost a no-brainer. Up north. For a single week of riding, yeah, you can make an argument for down south, great riding there too as others have described above, but you're waay hemmed in down there compared to up north. Plus, all the congestion and limitations of Silicon Valley once you're there. Plus, you're coming from Oregon, no? Drive a couple extra hours through SF congestion to get to a smaller sandbox?

Stay in Santa Rosa. It's central. You can head out in a different direction every day. N - for a flattish, small roller day, up to Cloverdale (coffee and pastry at Plank Cafe), out via Old Redwood HW, Chalk Hill, HW 128 and Red Winery Road, return on W. Dry Creek and Westside Road. Do the Geysers and/or Pine Mountain on the way out if you absolutely must climb every single day. E - south on Bennett Valley to Glen Ellen, then Trinity or Cavedale to Dry Creek and Oakville, Oakville Cross Road to Silverado Trail, St. Helena, come back on Spring Mountain (that'll open your legs up) or farther up to Calistoga with a return on Petrified Forest Road. W - Occidental to Bohemian HW, Monte Rio, Russian River, come back on Coleman Valley or via Bay Hill and Joy Road, coffee and pastry at Wild Flour in Freestone, at a couple different spots in hemmed-in Occidental or at the Barlow back in Sebastopol. S - less mountainous but pretty towards rolling hills of Marin dairy country and Point Reyes Station. Head first for Valley Ford, then Middle Road to Tomales, HW 1 to PRS. Return via Wilson Hill Road and Chileno Valley. Coffee and pastry at Bovine Bakery in PRS. Or S to Sonoma, then over to Napa and return via Mt. Veeder Road, descend Trinity Grade to Glen Ellen and return via Warm Springs/Bennett Valley Road. Or a gazillion variations on all of the above.

Drive to the start? In Sonoma County? No way, crazy talk.

Hair-splitting between 28 and 32mms, c'mon. We used to do it all on 21-23's and the pavement - on some of the main cycling routes, anyway - is much, much improved in the last 10-15 years (yay, Westside Road!!).

You'll have a blast. Enjoy!

[eddief]

the hills were alive with the sound of music and a scone at Wild Flour. Nearly heaven. Ended up being 2500 feet.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36615800

[cgolvin]

I have no experience with Sonoma so can't compare, but I'd point out that the arguments against the southern choice above are specific to Silicon Valley (as you requested). Most are not true of Santa Cruz, you can situate yourself anywhere from Felton/Boulder Creek to Aptos and have quite a few great rides out your door. @prototoast has excellent recommendations, I'd only add a few road to his list given your climbing proclivity: Felton Empire, Alba Road, Jamison Creek, Bonny Doon Road and all the tributaries (Smith Grade, Ice Cream Grade, Pine Flat), plus there are a number of nice short climbs that you can use to link routes together, like Rodeo Gulch, Bean Creek, etc.

Big Basin is a can't-miss, but I don't know the status of the area currently after the fire -- I'm sure someone here does, though.

Oh, and as usual @Xxtwindad gets it partly wrong (and I'm not just talking about facepalms like "hollowed ground", Josh) -- Empire Grade is a lovely road but it's nowhere near the top of the list for Santa Cruz.

[XXtwindad]

I have no experience with Sonoma so can't compare, but I'd point out that the arguments against the southern choice above are specific to Silicon Valley (as you requested). Most are not true of Santa Cruz, you can situate yourself anywhere from Felton/Boulder Creek to Aptos and have quite a few great rides out your door. @prototoast has excellent recommendations, I'd only add a few road to his list given your climbing proclivity: Felton Empire, Alba Road, Jamison Creek, Bonny Doon Road and all the tributaries (Smith Grade, Ice Cream Grade, Pine Flat), plus there are a number of nice short climbs that you can use to link routes together, like Rodeo Gulch, Bean Creek, etc.

Big Basin is a can't-miss, but I don't know the status of the area currently after the fire -- I'm sure someone here does, though.

Oh, and as usual @Xxtwindad gets it partly wrong (and I'm not just talking about facepalms like "hollowed ground", Josh) -- Empire Grade is a lovely road but it's nowhere near the top of the list for Santa Cruz.

Optimistically, that means I’m usually half-right. Not too shabby!

[prototoast]

Oh, and as usual @Xxtwindad gets it partly wrong (and I'm not just talking about facepalms like "hollowed ground", Josh) -- Empire Grade is a lovely road but it's nowhere near the top of the list for Santa Cruz.

I was giving him credit that "Empire Grade" really meant "all the roads to/from Empire Grade" rather than strictly Empire Grade itself.

[cgolvin]

I was giving him credit that "Empire Grade" really meant "all the roads to/from Empire Grade" rather than strictly Empire Grade itself.


I admire and applaud your generous spirit.

[XXtwindad]

I was giving him credit that "Empire Grade" really meant "all the roads to/from Empire Grade" rather than strictly Empire Grade itself.

Yes, that’s what I meant. Lots of loop options using EG. Zayante might be the prettiest road there.

[XXtwindad]

First, this is a great thread for those of us with relatives out that way (Portola Valley), who we try to visit every now and then :)

Second, since earlier in the thread there was a self proclaimed grammernazi, those lyrics were actually by Jackson Browne and Glen Frey.

Noted!

[RudAwkning]

I just did the classic Woodside, Old La Honda, Pescadero, Tunitas loop yesterday.

Baby goat count is currently 95 at Harley Farms in Pescadero (expected to hit 250 by end of Spring). That was more than enough incentive for me.

[livesadventure]

Lots of contradicting ideas of what makes a "best ride" in the expansive Bay Area and beyond.

In no particular order, with five days of riding I'd do these rides. I don't track any of my rides or use any mapping software so can't help with that...

Marin Ride: Fairfax to Point Reyes, out to the Lighthouse, back down the Coast, up Bofax to Seven Sisters, summit Mt. Tam, drop down to Mill Valley and ride back to Fairfax (Big day with things that could be cut)
Peninsula RideStart in Woodside or so, climb Kings Mountain, descend Tunitas Creek, take Lobitos to Pescadero, climb Pescadero Creek to West Alpine, descend Page Mill and take flat route back to the beginning
Sonoma Coast Ride @angryscientist route is just about right. Something that combines King's Ridge, Coleman Valley, and Sweetwater or Old Caz if you can.
East Bay Ride The Mt Diablo / Morgan Territories route is extraordinary

Not sure what #5 would be. Happy to roll out with you for part of / all of Marin ride if you do one.

[lavi]

This thread is killing me. Especially this week as it's pretty much pissing rain all week. I know, being from Wisco, and knowing Mid West weather, I don't really have a good reason to be complaining.

But, I am.

I need to visit that Wild Flower Bread place. It gets lots of mentions.


Clean,

Please get thineself down yonder. Stat.

[Clean39T]

Please get thineself down yonder. Stat.

I'd leave tomorrow if I could! Pesky earning a living gets in the way every time..

[AngryScientist]

I'm pretty jonesing for a trip out that way myself. the good news is travel seems to have sprung back in the last month or so in my business, and i have a lot of clients in CA that need face time, so i just need the stars to align properly to drag my bike out for a spare week off the grid.

what are you thinking for lodging? I wouldnt mind finding a rustic lodge type establishment with a built in restaurant to relax and unwind in the evening.

[Clean39T]

I'm pretty jonesing for a trip out that way myself. the good news is travel seems to have sprung back in the last month or so in my business, and i have a lot of clients in CA that need face time, so i just need the stars to align properly to drag my bike out for a spare week off the grid.

what are you thinking for lodging? I wouldnt mind finding a rustic lodge type establishment with a built in restaurant to relax and unwind in the evening.

First choice would be a clean, modern, minimalist AirBnB situation. Second choice would be a newer simple but clean hotel - Aloft, etc. Hoping I can find something under $200/nt all-in.. Someday I'll have a class-B RV to make this doable on a whim. That's the dream anyway.

[roguedog]

Ooooh. A thread that mentions wild flour and bovine bakery!

If you need a deciding factor, i say stay at the Astro in Santa Rosa (https://theastro.com/people-history/) and go out from there. It's owned by Andy Hampsten and built with cyclists in mind. How cool is that?

Go out to Marshall and get some fresh oysters and beer.

[joosttx]

Not bad for a Monday. I know a couple of good routes.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51910950896_f408df1979_h.jpg

[Clean39T]

Ooooh. A thread that mentions wild flour and bovine bakery!

If you need a deciding factor, i say stay at the Astro in Santa Rosa (https://theastro.com/people-history/) and go out from there. It's owned by Andy Hampsten and built with cyclists in mind. How cool is that?

Go out to Marshall and get some fresh oysters and beer.

Looks like Astro may be re-opening soon too..

[Clean39T]

Not bad for a Monday. I know a couple of good routes.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51910950896_f408df1979_h.jpg

Good lord.... I know there are picaresque spots in my general area but that be taking some serious cake.

[ahumblecycler]

This thread is seriously making me excited for my move to Sacramento. Keep ‘‘em coming.

I really want to find the place in joosttx’s picture.

[joosttx]

Re Mt Tam. I wouldn’t ride up Mt Tam if you plan to stay on the road. Ive probably done it twice in my life and the second time was to see if it really sucked as much as I thought it did the first time. It is not a very interesting route compared to what else is out there.

One of the most fun and scenic routes in Marin, IMO, is riding out the Point Reyes Light house from like Fairfax, Ca. It’s a long ride but is it crazy beautiful along as there is not lots of wind. There are really good places to eat such as Bovine bakery and IP (Inverness Perry’s market) in Inverness.

The other thing I would ride in Marin is just looping Cozelman in the Marin Headlands from Sausalito. It’s the road that goes up on the Marin side of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s descent is epic. But this ride is short but totally fun.

[joosttx]

This thread is seriously making me excited for my move to Sacramento. Keep ‘‘em coming.

I really want to find the place in joosttx’s picture.

It was one for the books yesterday. In the picture if you look closely is a tribe of Tule Elk, a Bull with about 6 cows. We ended up riding on the beach for about a mile to a waterfall. My Instagram stories have videos of the beach ride which was just insane.

[joosttx]

Looks like Astro may be re-opening soon too..

I second Marshall.

[XXtwindad]

Re Mt Tam. I wouldn’t ride up Mt Tam if you plan to stay on the road. Ive probably done it twice in my life and the second time was to see if it really sucked as much as I thought it did the first time. It is not a very interesting route compared to what else is out there.

One of the most fun and scenic routes in Marin, IMO, is riding out the Point Reyes Light house from like Fairfax, Ca. It’s a long ride but is it crazy beautiful along as there is not lots of wind. There are really good places to eat such as Bovine bakery and IP (Inverness Perry’s market) in Inverness.

The other thing I would ride in Marin is just looping Cozelman in the Marin Headlands from Sausalito. It’s the road that goes up on the Marin side of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s descent is epic. But this ride is short but totally fun.

Maybe the third time’s the charm. There’s a reason all those car commercials are filmed there.

[prototoast]

[B]

Maybe the third time’s the charm. There’s a reason all those car commercials are filmed there.

Which route do you propose climbing? When I've done it from Mill Valley, I am being passed by cars Non-Stop on a narrow road with no shoulder.

There's a reason car commercials get road closures before they film.

[FlashUNC]

No sane person rides Tam on the road on the weekend.

Santa Rosa is just the better all around option if you're looking to maximize riding time, do some great routes, and minimize all the other nonsense.

[XXtwindad]

Which route do you propose climbing? When I've done it from Mill Valley, I am being passed by cars Non-Stop on a narrow road with no shoulder.

There's a reason car commercials get road closures before they film.

From Olema via Samuel P. Taylor.

[joosttx]

[B]

Maybe the third time’s the charm. There’s a reason all those car commercials are filmed there.

I think you are mistaken, climbing to the top of Tam where you took a picture on a trail that bikes are prohibited to be on is not the same route as the Alpine Dam loop which you pictured now. The Alpine Dam loop is great. Climbing to the top of Tam on the road is.... hum.

[joosttx]

No sane person rides Tam on the road on the weekend.

Santa Rosa is just the better all around option if you're looking to maximize riding time, do some great routes, and minimize all the other nonsense.

I agree if you are coming from Mill Valley. And you are 100% right about Santa Rosa.

[livesadventure]

If you do ride up Tam from Mill valley on a weekend, it’s much better before 9 o clock, ideally earlier

Even then however, it gets suspect because as you descend you’re at risk of uphill cars in your lane as the pass the late morning cyclists…


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[livesadventure]

Not bad for a Monday. I know a couple of good routes.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51910950896_f408df1979_h.jpg


Is this the road / trail to wildcat ? Such a hidden gem


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[joosttx]

Is this the road / trail to wildcat ? Such a hidden gem


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Yes sir. I second the danger of uphill cars passing cyclist coming into your lane when descending into MV.

[XXtwindad]

I agree if you are coming from Mill Valley. And you are 100% right about Santa Rosa.

The Mill Valley part is true. I’d be hesitant to do that route mid-week. I’ve never been so freaked out by traffic.

[joosttx]

The Mill Valley part is true. I’d be hesitant to do that route mid-week. I’ve never been so freaked out by traffic.

Then why do you recommend a visitor to do it if you, a self described person who is not freak out by traffic, are freaked out about traffic even during the middle of the week? Is “hallow” ground have another meaning I’m not getting. Clean needs to enjoy a ride.

[prototoast]

The Mill Valley part is true. I’d be hesitant to do that route mid-week. I’ve never been so freaked out by traffic.

Sounds like your use of "Mt Tam" is a lot like your use of "Empire Grade"--not exactly that per se, but other roads nearby. If you tell someone from out of town to ride "Mt Tam" you're basically telling them to ride Panoramic to Ridgecrest. That's what I did, and "Mt Tam" is permanently seared in my mind as a horrible place to ride

[XXtwindad]

Then why do you recommend a visitor to do it if you, a self described person who is not freak out by traffic, are freaked out about traffic even during the middle of the week? Is “hallow” ground have another meaning I’m not getting. Clean needs to enjoy a ride.

I’m really not inclined to get into our typical back and forth. It’s nauseating, frankly. See the route I suggested above.

[sevencyclist]

02.28.2022 -- Current thinking is somewhere between Palo Alto and Los Gatos for basecamp.



https://www.paloaltobicycles.com/articles/local-rides-pg128.htm

Kings Mountain and Big Coast Loop!

[cgolvin]

Big Coast Loop!

Hmm, I've only done a similar loop starting in Pescadero, wouldn't Old La Honda be a much more enjoyable and less trafficked path to Skyline than Page Mill?

[joosttx]

I was thinking another great loop in the east bay during March is the Morgan territory. It’s probably the prettiest road ride I have ever been in the East Bay. And March is perfect timing.

[joosttx]

Hmm, I've only done a similar loop starting in Pescadero, wouldn't Old La Honda be a much more enjoyable and less trafficked path to Skyline than Page Mill?

Yes. I think it would be.

[MikeD]

I was thinking another great loop in the east bay during March is the Morgan territory. It’s probably the prettiest road ride I have ever been in the East Bay. And March is perfect timing.


Mt Diablo too and both can be combined in a loop. Riding Mt Diablo mid week is nice, as the traffic on the mountain is minimal.

[d_douglas]

Is this the road / trail to wildcat ? Such a hidden gem


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OMG, that looks amazing!!

[XXtwindad]

I was thinking another great loop in the east bay during March is the Morgan territory. It’s probably the prettiest road ride I have ever been in the East Bay. And March is perfect timing.

Morgan Territory is absolutely magical in the Spring. My buddy from County Cork compares the landscape to Ireland.

[prototoast]

Yes. I think it would be.

It's a tough call. OLH has less traffic going up, but Alpine is a much more scenic descent than 84. During the week, I'd do page mill, on weekend OLH.

[RudAwkning]

Morgan Territory is absolutely magical in the Spring. My buddy from County Cork compares the landscape to Ireland.

The trail network at the top of Morgan T is really nice too.

[RudAwkning]

I was thinking another great loop in the east bay during March is the Morgan territory. It’s probably the prettiest road ride I have ever been in the East Bay. And March is perfect timing.

Morgan T is beautiful. If you haven't done Del Puerto canyon in the Spring, it definitely gives Morgan T a run for its money.

[Clean39T]

Anybody got a guest house? With a pool would be nice.. or a pond. Pond's good enough for me.

[prototoast]

Anybody got a guest house? With a pool would be nice.. or a pond. Pond's good enough for me.

In California, a pond is a much bigger ask than a pool.

[cgolvin]

It's a tough call. OLH has less traffic going up, but Alpine is a much more scenic descent than 84. During the week, I'd do page mill, on weekend OLH.

Yeah, I meant OLH then down Skyline to Alpine. No me gusta 84 no matter what.

[MikeD]

Wherever you stay, since you're there for a number of days, you should be where there are a number of good rides not far from the motel; maybe right out the front door. I don't think you want to be doing a lot of driving or riding a bunch of junk miles to get where the riding is good.

[Clean39T]

Wherever you stay, since you're there for a number of days, you should be where there are a number of good rides not far from the motel; maybe right out the front door. I don't think you want to be doing a lot of driving or riding a bunch of junk miles to get where the riding is good.

Between Sebastapol and Santa Rosa proper, which is better for "out the door" riding? I know Sebastapol has some good little fast casual joints and juice bars and such that are in my wheelhouse.. or they did five years ago when I last ran through there.

[donevwil]

Between Sebastapol and Santa Rosa proper, which is better for "out the door" riding? I know Sebastapol has some good little fast casual joints and juice bars and such that are in my wheelhouse.. or they did five years ago when I last ran through there.

IMO Sebastopol, as I mentioned earlier, not even close.

[MikeD]

Between Sebastapol and Santa Rosa proper, which is better for "out the door" riding? I know Sebastapol has some good little fast casual joints and juice bars and such that are in my wheelhouse.. or they did five years ago when I last ran through there.


I stayed in Occidental once and did a number of rides out of there, including the King Ridge ride and rides in upper Marin County.

[donevwil]

I stayed in Occidental once and did a number of rides out of there, including the King Ridge ride and rides in upper Marin County.

I agree. Again, as I mentioned earlier :confused:, Occidental would be my choice.

[bironi]

[/B]

Strava can’t capture the mental feeling you get when looking at epic panoramic vistas. Or friendship. Hammering up Tam or Diablo if you’ve never been there seems kind of silly. Stop to savor the views.

As that great sage Don Henley said:

“We may lose and we may win,
Though we will never be here again.
So open up,
I'm climbin' in.
So take it easy.”

Unless you hate the ****ing Eagles, of course.

The great sage was Jackson Brown!

[XXtwindad]

The great sage was Jackson Brown!

Yes. I got my sages mixed up. Duly noted again.

[joosttx]

yes for the win

I stayed in Occidental once and did a number of rides out of there, including the King Ridge ride and rides in upper Marin County.

[Clean39T]

Booked a place between (roughly) Occidental and Sebastopol on a little farm. When everything solidifies I'll see who's around and up for a few miles should the moons align..

Who knows, maybe I'll even rent a gravel'r for dawn patrol on Mt. Tam :banana:

Now to start really combing all those ride links to get some routes plotted - and hope for good weather!

[jkbrwn]

Wow, roads around there look great. Have fun.

[Beldar77]

Who knows, maybe I'll even rent a gravel'r for dawn patrol on Mt. Tam :banana:



would absolutely be worth it to be in a joosttx photo. I'm sure it would be worthy of hanging on the wall. His photos in the photo thread are inspiring.

[weisan]

Booked a place between (roughly) Occidental and Sebastopol on a little farm. When everything solidifies I'll see who's around and up for a few miles should the moons align..

Who knows, maybe I'll even rent a gravel'r for dawn patrol on Mt. Tam :banana:

Now to start really combing all those ride links to get some routes plotted - and hope for good weather!

Clean pal, make sure you contact Henry Wildeberry and Ms Cools to arrange for a meetup/ride, they are very nice people and this is their stomping grounds. Let me know if you need their email address.

[joosttx]

Who knows, maybe I'll even rent a gravel'r for dawn patrol on Mt. Tam :banana:

!

Holler if you do. Doing a dawn patrol would be a highlight. BTW you can do it on a road bike on the road but it’s not as fun. Or you could borrow one of my bikes….

[crankles]

Holler if you do. Doing a dawn patrol would be a highlight. BTW you can do it on a road bike on the road but it’s not as fun. Or you could borrow one of my bikes….

Count me in....

[Flying Pigeon]

It was way too much driving but I got to enjoy a lot of the best hills in this 2012 trip report (https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=119621) with one omission being Hicks/Umunhum.

Now I'd probably want to ride dirt or a fat bike on a remote beach.

[pdmtong]

There are great rides mid-pen and santa cruz, but I would think the idea of a cycling vacation would be to get away from it all and ride some beautiful remote roads. so +1 on Occi

to that end...find the levi ride and adapt it. getting up on kings ridge and over to the dive bomb to the coast will be etched in y our brain for a long time

[AngryScientist]

There are great rides mid-pen and santa cruz, but I would think the idea of a cycling vacation would be to get away from it all and ride some beautiful remote roads. so +1 on Occi

to that end...find the levi ride and adapt it. getting up on kings ridge and over to the dive bomb to the coast will be etched in y our brain for a long time

I want to do the levi ride on my rim brake carbon hoops just to prove i am better at riding bikes than the bunch of people who have nuked their wheels on that ride :hello:

[prototoast]

I want to do the levi ride on my rim brake carbon hoops just to prove i am better at riding bikes than the bunch of people who have nuked their wheels on that ride :hello:

To be fair, you should do it on circa 2010 carbon clinchers.

[RudAwkning]

To be fair, you should do it on circa 2010 carbon clinchers.

You also need to be off the front to avoid the traffic jams on the descents. My friends who've done it say it's a bit of a cluster****. I'm lucky to live out here where I can do the route without the crowds! (or the reg fee)

[donevwil]

I want to do the levi ride on my rim brake carbon hoops just to prove i am better at riding bikes than the bunch of people who have nuked their wheels on that ride :hello:

carbon hoops with 19s, cause 23s are for wimps.

[MarinRider]

You can come do this:

https://grasshopperadventureseries.com/rides/king-ridge-dirt-supreme/

One of the original hopper, some variations over the years but largely the same blueprint.

Tam on the road is fine coming from Fairfax via Alpine Dam. You don’t have to do the classic loop, you can come down to Stinson instead, head North to BoFax and down to the Dam back to Fairfax. Or you can do the Old Tam Hill Climb route and head up the peak again. I think it’s 50 miles and 8K feet if you summit twice. It’s quiet except on Saturdays.

Agree with all others from Mill Valley on the road. Have not done that in 15 years.

[Clean39T]

I want to do the levi ride on my rim brake carbon hoops just to prove i am better at riding bikes than the bunch of people who have nuked their wheels on that ride :hello:


Am I being trolled? It seems like I’m being trolled……..

:bike:


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[pdmtong]

I did the Levi 2 and 4.
I think 3 was the year it all went bad. Some people ate it on the bridge after the king ridge rest. Others were too hot into the gnar descent and no hay bales. Yea. Go ride yer WTO 45 rim and smile. But back then a lot of people were hero’s one moment and eating dirt the next

[pdmtong]

The other thing o would add is as far as organized rides go I had up to that point never seen so many crashes and helicopters. And I started about halfway back

It’s the only ride I’ve ever been on in which I was consistently passing people going uphill.

Which speaks more to the lack of climbing fitness of the out of towners than my prowess

[donevwil]

The other thing o would add is as far as organized rides go I had up to that point never seen so many crashes and helicopters. And I started about halfway back

It’s the only ride I’ve ever been on in which I was consistently passing people going uphill.

Which speaks more to the lack of climbing fitness of the out of towners than my prowess

Same experience. I did 3, 1st one I started mid pack, wrong, what a nightmare. 2nd started at the front, also wrong as I didn't need a hammer fest and the rest stop up top wasn't ready yet. 3rd started 10 minutes after the last rider left, that was the best. Passed people all day and there was never a cluster load of newbies.

Passing ambulances, EMTs and bodies strewn all the way down Hauser Bridge as helos hovered overhead was surreal, will be forever etched in my mind.

[XXtwindad]

Same experience. I did 3, 1st one I started mid pack, wrong, what a nightmare. 2nd started at the front, also wrong as I didn't need a hammer fest and the rest stop up top wasn't ready yet. 3rd started 10 minutes after the last rider left, that was the best. Passed people all day and there was never a cluster load of newbies.

Passing ambulances, EMTs and bodies strewn all the way down Hauser Bridge as helos hovered overhead was surreal, will be forever etched in my mind.

Stories like this (and of riders cooking their rims while descending Meyers Grade on LGF) is why I’ll never ride carbon clincher rims.

[donevwil]

... getting up on kings ridge and over to the dive bomb to the coast will be etched in my brain for a long time

Yup! I can't get enough of this panorama.

https://forums.thepaceline.net/picture.php?albumid=192&pictureid=997

[moorerr]

Been loving this thread. I’ve a 3 day stay in Occidental coming up with my gravel bike and I’m wondering if anyone has any more recommendations? Going to do old Caz, for sure, but would like to spend at least another half day on dirt.

Also, has anyone ridden a road called Mohrhardt Ridge road? It branches off King Ridge road just above Cazadero but on Google maps street view there’s a sign saying it’s private and gated. It appears to run for a few miles west of King Ridge Road and then join up again maybe halfway between Cazadero and the Ratna Ling retreat center.

[XXtwindad]

Been loving this thread. I’ve a 3 day stay in Occidental coming up with my gravel bike and I’m wondering if anyone has any more recommendations? Going to do old Caz, for sure, but would like to spend at least another half day on dirt.

Also, has anyone ridden a road called Mohrhardt Ridge road? It branches off King Ridge road just above Cazadero but on Google maps street view there’s a sign saying it’s private and gated. It appears to run for a few miles west of King Ridge Road and then join up again maybe halfway between Cazadero and the Ratna Ling retreat center.

Gotta say. Two posts in 18 years. That has to be some kind of a record. Admirable restraint :)

[jtakeda]

Booked a place between (roughly) Occidental and Sebastopol on a little farm. When everything solidifies I'll see who's around and up for a few miles should the moons align..

Who knows, maybe I'll even rent a gravel'r for dawn patrol on Mt. Tam :banana:

Now to start really combing all those ride links to get some routes plotted - and hope for good weather!

Did this trip already happen?

Not sure if I can meet up but I might be able to. If not I have some recs for Sebastopol and SR food spots.

If you end up going further north let me know

[Clean39T]

It’s falling/fallen apart for me - bad timing with what’s shaped up for work.. Will be trying again to make it work in April - and I’ve got my rides and itinerary all scoped for a 5 day / 4 night experience.


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[lavi]

Bumping this.

It may not be Clean, but me, making the trip. It's looking like I'll have at least 3 days to ride. Planning on hitting the road sometime in May.

Please post up some route recommendations. I'll likely be staying (in my car cuz I'm cheap) somewhere near Santa Rosa. I may camp. I may ask to use someone's shower and potty. I'm not set on any one location...so recommendations are appreciated. While I've been through the area lots of times, I've never stopped/stayed/rode in the SR area.

If anyone wants to join on the trip or individual rides, please do. This will be a party-pace trip for me. I ain't training for anything aside from my next IPA.

I'd like to hit rides of 30-60 miles. Maybe up to 80 miles. I can ride longer, but really just looking to enjoy my time away from home. I'm also fine with split days. Ride 30 in the morning. Make a stop for burritos and/or cookies and/or pastries, then ride another 30 or so.

I'm planning on these rides being a "all day on a bike" type of thing. Get up (not early) around 8 or so. Find coffee and chow. Ride about 10 am or so. Get off the bike around 5 or 6. Plenty of time for wandering and stops and eating and drinking during the ride. Campfires (in my mind as it's CA and fires are likely a no no), beers, and bull****ting at night. Yes, I'll still enjoy the bs'ing even if it's just me.

Thanks in advance dudes and dudettes.

[jtakeda]

Bumping this.

It may not be Clean, but me, making the trip. It's looking like I'll have at least 3 days to ride. Planning on hitting the road sometime in May.

Please post up some route recommendations. I'll likely be staying (in my car cuz I'm cheap) somewhere near Santa Rosa. I may camp. I may ask to use someone's shower and potty. I'm not set on any one location...so recommendations are appreciated. While I've been through the area lots of times, I've never stopped/stayed/rode in the SR area.

If anyone wants to join on the trip or individual rides, please do. This will be a party-pace trip for me. I ain't training for anything aside from my next IPA.

I'd like to hit rides of 30-60 miles. Maybe up to 80 miles. I can ride longer, but really just looking to enjoy my time away from home. I'm also fine with split days. Ride 30 in the morning. Make a stop for burritos and/or cookies and/or pastries, then ride another 30 or so.

I'm planning on these rides being a "all day on a bike" type of thing. Get up (not early) around 8 or so. Find coffee and chow. Ride about 10 am or so. Get off the bike around 5 or 6. Plenty of time for wandering and stops and eating and drinking during the ride. Campfires (in my mind as it's CA and fires are likely a no no), beers, and bull****ting at night. Yes, I'll still enjoy the bs'ing even if it's just me.

Thanks in advance dudes and dudettes.

What time of year is this trip? Also how far away from SR? I could be up for meeting up with you but I'm about 70 miles north

[lavi]

I'm heading down on 5/22-5/27.

I still haven't choosing lodging/camping yet. I was gonna camp. However, after long rides, a shower and a bed may be nice. I dislike spending money on hotels though...so I'm looking at classy places like Motel6.

I'm not tied to Santa Rosa. However, I figured staying there has access to more restaurants, etc. I don't mind driving a bit to ride. Looks like most routes will be west and north of SR.

[cgolvin]

I'm not tied to Santa Rosa. I don't mind driving a bit to ride.

Well, in that case, have you considered Malibu? ������
(just funnin')

[EB]

I'm heading down on 5/22-5/27.

I still haven't choosing lodging/camping yet. I was gonna camp. However, after long rides, a shower and a bed may be nice. I dislike spending money on hotels though...so I'm looking at classy places like Motel6.

I'm not tied to Santa Rosa. However, I figured staying there has access to more restaurants, etc. I don't mind driving a bit to ride. Looks like most routes will be west and north of SR.

Not in the Motel 6 price range, but The Astro in Santa Rosa is very cycling friendly - they consulted with Andy Hampsten on the build-out.

https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/seven-great-hotels-bicyclists/

https://theastro.com/cycling/

[lavi]

Well, in that case, have you considered Malibu? ������
(just funnin')

I know! As I'm driving, I had thought about just jamming all the way down. It's another ~400 miles and 5+ hours though. I'm tempted to jam down, but thought I might check out another area of CA. Not an easy choice!

Not in the Motel 6 price range, but The Astro in Santa Rosa is very cycling friendly - they consulted with Andy Hampsten on the build-out.

https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/seven-great-hotels-bicyclists/

https://theastro.com/cycling/

Looks cool. And certainly not out of reach. I'm just a cheap bastard though when it comes to sleeping. No wifey on the trip. So, the accommodations can be low-brow.

[prototoast]

I was tentatively thinking about heading up to Sebastapol from May 22-25 for a few days of riding.