Hermes

Velodiva and I rode the Marin Metric Century on Saturday on our tandem and it was a perfect day. This was our first ride in Marin since we moved to the Bay area last year. We should ride there more, but it is about 45 minutes from our house over the Goldengate Bridge. However, it has great cycling and the views along the coast are fabulous. We hooked up with Red Rider and cgallagh and some other people and started out together. They were riding the 100 mile and the routes diverge at approximately 22 miles. The 100K route headed toward Petaluma and the 100 mile to the coast. The 100K route featured 6 climbs of which 3 really counted plus a lot of false flats. At the split where the 100K and 100 mile split, we ascended our second climb which was supposed to be the toughest of the day. It was ~400 feet with an average grade of 9% with a maximum of 18.1%. The weather was cool in the morning and heated up fast. It was approximately 85 degrees when we arrived in Petaluma. The support at the rest stops was outstanding and the best we have experienced for an organized ride. We had 3 rest stops that featured brie cheese and crackers, focaccia with different toppings and assorted breads, boiled red potatoes with salt, energy bars, variety of fresh fruit, cookies, diet drinks, Gatorade and water plus red cross stations equipped with personnel, sunscreen and first aid and bike mechanics. There was a climb out of Petaluma and then a descent down one of the roughest roads we have ever encountered. Well, we picked our way along this bouncy thing. I guess it was the best way to head back and make a loop versus going back the way we came but…I hate rough roads with ruts and pot holes that are steep. Once that was over, we returned to good roads with the last difficult climb. However, now it was hot and hills in the heat just seem longer. After the climb, we had a great descent and smooth fast run to the final rest stop – and food to the max. The last climb is really a series of false flats with a bump at the end. However, we were ascending through Lucas Valley, a beautiful redwood forest, that was cool and it was nice to cruise along and enjoy the magnificence of those trees. After reaching the top, we had a final descent via a series of sweeping turns and switchbacks. We made our way down and returned to the start. We had a fabulous lunch of grilled chicken, pizza, lasagna, salad, fruit and ice cream. I find it hard to believe that anyone was in calorie deficit on this ride. At the finishing area, there were numerous vendor booths and a DJ. Since this event featured a double century, they served food until 10 PM.

Stats:
62 miles
Ave speed 15.6 mph
Max speed 37.7 mph
Elevation Gained (Corrected from MotionBased data set) 5,511 feet
Riding Time 3:48
Weather; Beautiful

Velodiva and I at the top of the 9% climb. This is a typical Marin view of back country.


Cyclist descending.


Here is the path down which gives an idea of the terrain in Marin.


Here is a profile of the terrain – very hilly.


Here is a Google Earth map with the Garmin route plotted.

oldacura

Nice writeup. I agree - I hate bumpy roads. Looks like great cycling country.

zonatandem

Very nice ride report . . .
Bumpy road and brie cheese? We'll take the brie please!

Red Rider

Great write-up and pictures, H. Wish we'd taken pics, too.

In Petaluma (on the century ride) we had fresh organic figs and V-8 juice available, in addition to all the other goodies you named. What a spread! I think we went into calorie overload on this ride. >belches in a ladylike manner<

With the exception of our incident wherein our skin met pavement , we had a terrific time. Can't wait for next year.

Fenlason

great post.. and pictures.. thanks for sharing

glenn