Friday, March 8, 2013
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Today’s route is a result of a road closure from a two car accident on Panoramic Hwy, forcing drivers and cyclists alike to turn around and make a detour to Mt Tam. I improvised and decided to take the group down Muir Woods Rd to Hwy 1 for the rolling climbs along the coast with a stop at Stinson Beach. The route continues on the flats along the Bolinas Lagoon before turning on Bolinas Fairfax Rd for the 4.4 mile climb up to Ridgecrest Blvd. After riding the shoulder of Mt Tam, we descend to Alpine Lake/Dam for more climbing-up to Pine Mountain. We descend into Fairfax for a snack stop at the Fairfax Scoop and the Fat Angel Bakery and return to Mill Valley along the Marin County Bicycle Route 20 through the towns of San Anselmo, Ross, Kentfield and Larkspur. The final climb of the day up Chapman Dr brings us to the descent on Camino Alto back to Safeway.
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This ride was a nice change from my usual route up Mt Tam. I got blown around a bit and struggled with the very strong NW winds along the coast but then the beauty of the spectacular ocean made up for it. The effort was well worth it as you drop into Stinson Beach with the sight of the rolling waves kissing the beach each time it comes in.
This is a gorgeous 43 mile loop with a little bit of everything; lots of climbing, dramatic ocean views, mountain landscapes, towering redwoods, a lake and a dam on quiet back roads and busy city streets. It’s all GOOD!
Thanks to everyone for joining me and taking on this challenging hilly route on such a short notice. Change is great!
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VDO Stats:
43.4 Miles with 4527′ of elevation gain
Avg grade: 5%
Max grade: 13%
Weather: WONDERFUL! Sunny with clear blue skies. Cool with temps in the low to mid 50’s. Strong NW winds along the coast
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The waves of the sea help me get back to me. ~Jill Davis
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Follow this route for today’s ride:
Ride Chronicles 
Wow Nancy, I wish I had been there. Beautiful shots, we live in a great place.
brian
Brian, Thanks! California living is wonderful! Nancy
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This is an amazing route – we did it last month in 70-degree weather. The view was almost biblical in beauty, if that makes any sense. The ride back over Mnt Tam is difficult, but character forming. Well done.
Joe, Thanks! I love riding along the coast-biblical in beauty? Definitely! Hope all is going well for you. Nancy
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