Northern California - Next NorCal ride

Hey,

I won't be able to make anything in June, but I could probably organize a ride in July. One of the nice things about Team in Training is I've now done lots of rides all over the Bay Area.

We could do one that starts in SF, near Chrissy Field, and go across the Golden Gate Bridge, up the Marin Headlands and then around Marin a bit before climbing Mt. Tamalpais. Pretty spectacular, but it can be a tough ride, especially when it is windy. About 75 miles, lots of climbs.

An alternative and easier ride would start in Lafayette, and then go over to the Oakland Hills and do a few climbs there. Also some very spectacular scenery, this one is about 50 miles long with less than 5,000 feet of climbing (and none of the climbs are as long or hard as Old La Honda). Some spectacular views of Oakland and SF.

Another choice would be Mt. Diablo, but honestly I've been up that so many times recently that any other ride seems preferable.

The dayI could organize it would be July 22nd, and it would be a Sunday ride. Kind of planning ahead here, but would people be interested in any of those rides?

JB

I like the Marin ride. I don't get to ride up there much. Always beautiful!

I just don't like riding over the Golden Gate bridge, because you could have a lot of newbie bicyclists who don't know what they are doing, and it can cause accidents (especially when it comes to maneuvering around that pole on the bridge). I would prefer a start that does not have to traverse the bridge.

My $0.02.

I don't know if I get a 2nd chance after dropping off the back, but I'd like to try it.

Marin ride interests me more, but I'm concerned about traffic on a summer Sunday, tourists etc. Don't know the routes, is there a way up Mt. Tam that avoids Highway 1?

Lafayette/Oakland hills is my backyard. Lafayette to the ridgeline of the Oakland hills can get hot, but the hills generally have a nice enough breeze once you get to the top and ride the ridge, unless we have an unusually hot spell.

I don't like Mt. Diablo in summertime because of the intense heat on the lower slopes, suggest saving it for late fall.

I don't know if I get a 2nd chance after dropping off the back, but I'd like to try it.

If I join up with the ride, you won't have to worry about it - we'll keep each other company.

I'm pretty slow...... :D

Marin ride interests me more, but I'm concerned about traffic on a summer Sunday, tourists etc. Don't know the routes, is there a way up Mt. Tam that avoids Highway 1?

Yes. Bolinas-Fairfax Rd., then left on Ridgecrest. You can stay off 1 on the way down as well.

The parking lot at Sports Basement near Crissy Field is a great piece to meet for a large group ride, but it does mean you'd have to ride over the bridge. If you are leaving early in the morning on the weekend -- i.e., before 9 AM -- the bridge bicycle traffic is not that bad because most people are going from SF to Marin at that point, and the tourists on rentals aren't out yet either.

Of course, you'd have to go over it again at the end of the day, and there would be more two-way traffic then, and lots of tourists.

Another place to start (or join) would be the bike trail in Sausalito. There's a fair amount of parking there. Anyone coming from the north who doesn't want to pay the toll, or anyone coming from the south, who doesn't want to bike across the bridge, could join there.

What's with all the climbing...I'm a flatlander hear! Marin sounds like a lot of fun. Never seem to be able to get any rides in when visiting the SO's family there. If it's in Marin, there's a good chance I would be able to get out there this time. Now to actually try and get out to Cantelow to do some climbing practice.

We should switch it up and go for a Mtbike ride this time around. :o

We should switch it up and go for a Mtbike ride this time around. :o

That would be another thread.;)

Andy has been trying to get me up to Marin for a while now. Its a possibility.

Another possibility is to meet at the north end of the bridge, but not sure what the parking situation would be like. Maneuvering around that pole on the bridge is hazardous, especially with heavy cross winds over the bridge.

The winds aren't too bad in the AM.

I wouldn't mind an East Bay ride either, I've done zero rides over there.
I keep saying I'll do Diablo or the Three Bears but never do.

Another possibility is to meet at the north end of the bridge, but not sure what the parking situation would be like. Maneuvering around that pole on the bridge is hazardous, especially with heavy cross winds over the bridge.

The parking lot on the north end tends to fill up, but if the start time was early, there would be spaces.
Also, on weekends, cyclists can walk their bikes across the bridge on the pedestrian side...

We should switch it up and go for a Mtbike ride this time around. :o

I got nothing against mountain biking, but this thread explains why I sold both my mtbs...:(

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=254555&highlight=helicopter+ride

Lots of time to decide - the loop I was thinking of in the Oakland Hills can easily incorporate the 3 Bears for a little extra climbing and mileage (or we could cut off one of the climbs up on the Oakland side to even it out). We did the route I'm thinking of yesterday, and it was great. Once we got to the top of Pinehurst, and felt the breeze off the bay, I knew it was going to be a great day. We also climbed Old Tunnel Road, Snake Road and Pinehurst (starting from Redwood the 2nd time) to get back to Lafayette.

Both rides are great. I didn't find the GG bridge all that annoying (and the Sports Authority is exactly where I was thinking we'd start), as long as it is not damp (we did it one morning when it was drizzling and windy - that was a bit eye-opening). I've only done it once, but I thought the trip up the Marin Headlands was really something special. Our route took us about 10 miles on Sir Francis Drake (aka Route 1), which was very uneventful - the shoulder is nice and wide, and not too much traffic on the part heading south towards Mt. Tam. An alternative would be to go up the other side, from Fairfax, which I frankly found to be a tougher climb (but it was early in the season, so maybe I wasn't in shape yet?). Either way, getting up to the top of Mt. Tam is something everyone should do at some point (even if you drive it). Much prettier than Mt. Diablo IMHO.

Don't worry about speed - that's the weekend after the Death Ride, so I'm sure my legs will still be shot. Even with fresh legs yesterday, a lot more cyclists passed me than I passed.

As for why all the hills, well, it gets tough to plan a ride around here without 'em! Besides, to get to all the interesting places (ie, with a view) you have to go up!

I own an old hard-tail mountain bike, but it rarely gets used and I grew up back East, in a place where there are no mountains, so I don't really have the skills to ride the trails I see people on around here. So, a mountain bike ride is probably not happening for now.

JB

Marin Resident here, it would be easy enough to find a big parking area for folks just north of Sausalito and easy to get to either Mt Tam or for those not so interested in big hills,take the Tiburon Penninsula, aka Paradise Loop and even take in China Camp for, I am guessing close to 50-60 miles.

Alternate idea, or for another ride, what about further north to Sonoma County. one of my favortie rides starts in Healdsburg, and can loop around to Russian River area or Geyserville and Cloverdale. The 40 somthing mile loops East side/West Side/Dry Creek/West Dry Creek is always pretty with redwoods and vineyards, not to mention some great after ride food at the bear Republic brew pub in Healdsburg. Not a lot of climbing, but lots of little stuff adds up.

Sebastopol to Graton to Occidental and back via Occidental road would be closer by about 15 minutes and has some bigger bumps to negotiate, and the real hardcore can take Coleman Valley Rd for some stunning views of the great Pacific.

Mike

Marin Resident here, it would be easy enough to find a big parking area for folks just north of Sausalito and easy to get to either Mt Tam or for those not so interested in big hills,take the Tiburon Penninsula, aka Paradise Loop and even take in China Camp for, I am guessing close to 50-60 miles.

Alternate idea, or for another ride, what about further north to Sonoma County. one of my favortie rides starts in Healdsburg, and can loop around to Russian River area or Geyserville and Cloverdale. The 40 somthing mile loops East side/West Side/Dry Creek/West Dry Creek is always pretty with redwoods and vineyards, not to mention some great after ride food at the bear Republic brew pub in Healdsburg. Not a lot of climbing, but lots of little stuff adds up.

Sebastopol to Graton to Occidental and back via Occidental road would be closer by about 15 minutes and has some bigger bumps to negotiate, and the real hardcore can take Coleman Valley Rd for some stunning views of the great Pacific.

Mike
I like your idea of cycling up by Sonoma County. Most of the suggestions for the ride have been based around the peninsula and east bay. I'd like to venture out towards the North Bay, and areas eastwards, as I haven't really done much rides out there.

I like your idea of cycling up by Sonoma County. Most of the suggestions for the ride have been based around the peninsula and east bay. I'd like to venture out towards the North Bay, and areas eastwards, as I haven't really done much rides out there.

I remember some significant hills in the Occidental area, that's a good riding area.

I'm still more interested in Marin/Mt. Tam as I've never done it, but I'm still concerned about summer weekend traffic in that area.

I like your idea of cycling up by Sonoma County. Most of the suggestions for the ride have been based around the peninsula and east bay. I'd like to venture out towards the North Bay, and areas eastwards, as I haven't really done much rides out there.

I'm glad someone is pulling for a more northern area ride. Lot's of sweet climbs in the Napa/Sonoma/Solano county areas.

Pheard, I'm more down for a MTB ride but large groups are usually a pain in the ass. Plus we have waayyyy more roadies here.... myself including I suppose.

I'm glad someone is pulling for a more northern area ride. Lot's of sweet climbs in the Napa/Sonoma/Solano county areas.

Pheard, I'm more down for a MTB ride but large groups are usually a pain in the ass. Plus we have waayyyy more roadies here.... myself including I suppose.
Keep in mind I still have the Davis Double in my head, so it started me thinking about other areas too...

We'll be doing Healdsburg on Saturday 7/21 so we could potentially do an early ride on Sunday either in the Sonoma area or East Bay en route to home.... :D

I like your idea of cycling up by Sonoma County. Most of the suggestions for the ride have been based around the peninsula and east bay. I'd like to venture out towards the North Bay, and areas eastwards, as I haven't really done much rides out there.

+1. It would be good to branch out a bit and do something new.

Keep in mind I still have the Davis Double in my head, so it started me thinking about other areas too...

True. But you missed the sections through Solano County due to fire, right? A few buddies of mine did the double. I may give it a shot next year if I can finish a century+ pain free.

I'm glad someone is pulling for a more northern area ride. Lot's of sweet climbs in the Napa/Sonoma/Solano county areas.

Pheard, I'm more down for a MTB ride but large groups are usually a pain in the ass. Plus we have waayyyy more roadies here.... myself including I suppose.

do we have anyone up there that knows the area? Last year when I stayed in Santa Rosa, I was able to pull a bunch of really cool routes off of the local club's website... just an option :rolleyes:

Marin Resident here, it would be easy enough to find a big parking area for folks just north of Sausalito and easy to get to either Mt Tam or for those not so interested in big hills,take the Tiburon Penninsula, aka Paradise Loop and even take in China Camp for, I am guessing close to 50-60 miles.

Alternate idea, or for another ride, what about further north to Sonoma County. one of my favortie rides starts in Healdsburg, and can loop around to Russian River area or Geyserville and Cloverdale. The 40 somthing mile loops East side/West Side/Dry Creek/West Dry Creek is always pretty with redwoods and vineyards, not to mention some great after ride food at the bear Republic brew pub in Healdsburg. Not a lot of climbing, but lots of little stuff adds up.

Sebastopol to Graton to Occidental and back via Occidental road would be closer by about 15 minutes and has some bigger bumps to negotiate, and the real hardcore can take Coleman Valley Rd for some stunning views of the great Pacific.

Mike
I've never ridden up that way - so someone else would have to take the lead if we wanted to do that. I'd love to ride in that area, though!

Maybe we should see if we can pick an area (ie, South Bay, Pensinsula, East Bay, Marin, North Bay) for each month and see if one of the people living there can organize a ride?

JB

do we have anyone up there that knows the area? Last year when I stayed in Santa Rosa, I was able to pull a bunch of really cool routes off of the local club's website... just an option :rolleyes:


I know the Vacaville/Fairfield/Winters area. I also just rode the Monticello century which had some really nice routes into Napa and Yountville then through Pope Valley and back to Vacaville via 128.

Look here.... http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2781957

Promise you won't make fun of my time? :o

There are plenty of others in the area that can chime in.

Lots of great ideas for rides! Any ideas on how to actually choose one for any given month?

JB

I know the Vacaville/Fairfield/Winters area. I also just rode the Monticello century which had some really nice routes into Napa and Yountville then through Pope Valley and back to Vacaville via 128.

Look here.... http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2781957

Promise you won't make fun of my time? :o

There are plenty of others in the area that can chime in.

I guess we missed you -- actually we had no idea of whom to look for -- if you saw the black Raleigh tandem with the red-jerseyed riders then that was us.

That's a lovely ride, one that can be done unsupported because there are so many stores along the way at which to refuel. I'd be all for a BF ride like that & can offer our house as a staging area for a few who may need it.

Lots of great ideas for rides! Any ideas on how to actually choose one for any given month?

JB

The ride leader chooses the ride after getting input from people.

Since you virtually volunteered, I nominate you as our ride leader for July. Anybody second the motion?

The June ride is shaping up to be the Giro de Peninsula.

Who wants to volunteer to be host for August? September?

I know the Vacaville/Fairfield/Winters area. I also just rode the Monticello century which had some really nice routes into Napa and Yountville then through Pope Valley and back to Vacaville via 128.

Look here.... http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2781957

Promise you won't make fun of my time? :o

There are plenty of others in the area that can chime in.
Or maybe the Foxy's Fall century or metric route!?

I guess we missed you -- actually we had no idea of whom to look for -- if you saw the black Raleigh tandem with the red-jerseyed riders then that was us.

That's a lovely ride, one that can be done unsupported because there are so many stores along the way at which to refuel. I'd be all for a BF ride like that & can offer our house as a staging area for a few who may need it.

You know, I think I saw you at the dinner afterwards. I was sitting on a horribly uncomfortable table enjoying the food and I think you two were just leaving. I should have flagged you down but you were on the way out.

The ride was really nice. Especially in the Lake Hennessy area and the climbs that followed.

Or maybe the Foxy's Fall century or metric route!?

We saw markings on the ground for Foxy's Fall. There is a lot less climbing on that route. More like 2000' versus ~5000 on the Monticello ride. I'll be riding the FF this year.

The metric for Foxy's is a nice ride.
I'll be up in Windsor on Sunday at a friend's for a ride through three of the valleys in that area.

I am more than happy to take the lead for any Marin/Sonoma ride, not too familiar with Napa, so I'd hope someone else can come up with something more creative than up Silverado and back... I am not available until late June though. Weekend of June 23 or 30 would work for me.

Someone has posted concern about traffic in southern Marin. There are so many cyclists out every day here that we are a common site, IOW's I feel perfectly safe riding here. That said, while I do ride up MtTam from Mill Valley, which does include a short bit on Highway 1, I won't ride to Stinson on 1 from MV unless I've gotten a real early start, or it is the Sunday of a three day weekend. Going up from MV, (to Pantol I think it is) then back down, to Stinson, then north to Olema and back in to San Rafael and MV is a grand ride, and the ride can be extended by going up to Pt Reyes and back via Pt Reyes/Petaluma Rd with several options within that. I think someone metioned taking Ridgecrest to Fairfax/Bolinas Rd down to Fairfax, that is my usual route. The descent down Ridgecrest is awesome. On a clear day you can see the Pacific on one side and the Bay on the other.

So, show of hands I guess, which day of which weekend... 23, 30 of June, would there be any interest in following me around southern Sonoma. I'll propose a Sebastapol area start, using the MUP for a bit, it is not usualy overrun with pedestrians, up Graton Rd to Occidental, then through Gurneville, back River Rd and return to start. You got some good climbs, mostly well paved roads, mostly courteous drivers, redwoods, vineyards, wineries and the Russian River. I'll provide clear maps with route sheets, good humor and snippets of the areas colorful history. To avoid the heat of the day, I'll propose a 9 am start. I run no drop rides with regroups at major intersection.

hands please? I'll start a new thread if there is enough interest.

So, show of hands I guess, which day of which weekend... 23, 30 of June, would there be any interest in following me around southern Sonoma. I'll propose a Sebastapol area start, using the MUP for a bit, it is not usualy overrun with pedestrians, up Graton Rd to Occidental, then through Gurneville, back River Rd and return to start. You got some good climbs, mostly well paved roads, mostly courteous drivers, redwoods, vineyards, wineries and the Russian River. I'll provide clear maps with route sheets, good humor and snippets of the areas colorful history. To avoid the heat of the day, I'll propose a 9 am start. I run no drop rides with regroups at major intersection.

hands please? I'll start a new thread if there is enough interest.
I would love to do this, but I can't ... both weekends are out ... Grand Tour, then Giro di Peninsula the following weekend.

Tour de Sonoma sounds great. The OP suggested 7/22 for next ride, that works for me. Unfortunately late June doesn't.

Lots of time to decide - the loop I was thinking of in the Oakland Hills can easily incorporate the 3 Bears for a little extra climbing and mileage (or we could cut off one of the climbs up on the Oakland side to even it out). We did the route I'm thinking of yesterday, and it was great. Once we got to the top of Pinehurst, and felt the breeze off the bay, I knew it was going to be a great day. We also climbed Old Tunnel Road, Snake Road and Pinehurst (starting from Redwood the 2nd time) to get back to Lafayette. Too funny! I was out that way on Monday as well. My first time riding the 3 Bears, as well as Pinehurst north of Redwood, and Grizzly Peak Blvd. Really nice riding up there.

But everything being suggested sounds good to me! I'd love to join in if my schedule permits.

Tour de Sonoma sounds great. The OP suggested 7/22 for next ride, that works for me. Unfortunately late June doesn't.

yeah... 7/22 is the only date that works for me as well...

+1 for 7/22.
Could ride leader or someone else map the route and publish it here?

Will do - I'll probably post my route proposal tomorrow.

JB

Andy has been trying to get me up to Marin for a while now. Its a possibility.
I'm game, you guys are challenging to ride with.

how many miles do you guys normally do in a ride ima newbie do you think its worth going or would i die. do you guys cruise or average 15ish? or 17ish?

how many miles do you guys normally do in a ride ima newbie do you think its worth going or would i die. do you guys cruise or average 15ish? or 17ish?

we did 55 miles on the short ride last saturday and I may have averaged 15-17 in about 2 spots on the whole ride :p seriously though, its hard to talk about an average because the route may dictate speed... If you'd like to come, please do... its a great group :D

we did 55 miles on the short ride last saturday and I may have averaged 15-17 in about 2 spots on the whole ride :p seriously though, its hard to talk about an average because the route may dictate speed... If you'd like to come, please do... its a great group :D


Are you baking cookies?:D

Are you baking cookies?:D

you've never eaten my cooking, have you Sean??? :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

you've never eaten my cooking, have you Sean??? :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:


ok, well are you buying ice cream?:p :p :p

ok, well are you buying ice cream?:p :p :p

for me maybe :p

for me maybe :p
:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Awwww..... I'm sure I can swing one ice cream for you... as long as you promise to keep me alive on the mile high ride :p

Awwww..... I'm sure I can swing one ice cream for you... as long as you promise to keep me alive on the mile high ride :p
ok.:D :D :D :D