[QUOTE=Machka;16371815]Short tours are great for those of us who can only spare a few days from our busy schedules to spend on a cycling tour ... or for those of us who want to do a quick exploration of the area where we live or an area we want to learn more about ... and for those who want to test equipment, bicycle setup, etc.

When you go on a short hub-and-spoke tour, overnight tour, weekend tour, long weekend tour, maybe even a week-long tour, or something similar, tell us about it here.

Where did you go? What did you see along the way? Would you recommend the area? What sort of accommodation did you use? What kind of bicycle did you ride? Did you learn anything new?

What short tours do you have planned for 2014?


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Short tours for me means bike camping weekends. Here in Northern California, there are handfuls of great spots that are easy to access by bike from your doorstep and if you have a few extra days you can just connect the destinations for a nice loop with plenty of varied terrain. Often there is a ferry or train option for the return which allows you to over extra distance or helps you to get home without feeling destroyed.

My recent favorite has been camping at Hawk Camp in the Marin Headlands (via fire roads) and then descending out to catch the bike trail that leads you to Sir Francis Drake where can ride out to all the way to Point Reyes. Glen and Sky Camp are two great options out there with some fire road riding and Samuel P. Taylor is okay in a pinch (though they've destroyed one of the best bike-in campground around IMHO). All in all it's a good 140 mile ride from SF, a good, solid 2-3 nights.

Here is a list I've compiled of Bay Area favorites, along with maps and advice: Guide to San Francisco Bay Area Bike Camping ? Pedal Inn: Bike Camping Guide, Provisions, and Cookbook