Friday, May 3, 2013
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I voluntarily lead monthly Friday rides for Grizzly Peak Cyclists; this counter clock-wise loop travels along the quiet back roads of Novato out to Stafford Lake and continues to Pt Reyes Station for lunch. The return to Miller Creek goes along Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd to Nicasio and through the redwoods on Lucas Valley.
We begin by heading north along the bike path that runs parallel to Hwy 101 out to Alameda de Prado in Novato. The first 7+ miles meanders around the quiet residential neighborhoods to the many horse ranches along Indian Valley Rd.
Novato Blvd takes us west out-of-town to the beautiful Stafford Lake; the bike path on the left hand side of the road begins at the Stafford Lake Watershed sign and leads you directly into the lake. It’s a nice alternative to riding along the main road with no shoulder area.
The run out to Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd from the lake has a series of climbs and descents with grades of 4-9%. The valley grasslands are dotted with grazing cattle, ranches, old barns, farm houses and vineyards.
The road on the other side of the hill opens up to the magnificent Hicks Valley with great views of Hicks Mountain and the expansive open pastoral and agricultural lands.
BLANK
We continue SW on Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd pass the Marin Cheese Factory to the short climb up Rocky Hill before dropping down to Nicasio Reservoir.
The next flat 3 miles on Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd has fantastic views of the reservoir and surrounding Black Mountains. At the colored bridge, the road follows Nicasio Creek west on flat rolling terrain to Shoreline Hwy 1 and into Pt Reyes Station.
We return on Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd back out along Nicasio Reservoir and head east on Nicasio Valley Rd to Lucas Valley Rd.
The gentle terrain on Lucas Valley Rd takes you under the shade of the gorgeous redwoods along Nicasio Creek up through the woods around Las Gallinas. The road opens up to the ridge near the top of the climb to Big Rock. The descent on Lucas Valley Rd has a couple of very tight left turns before it hits the flats back to Miller Creek.
Thanks to everyone for joining me on this ride out to Pt Reyes Station on such a beautiful sunny day!
11 people in attendance
Garmin Stats:
48.42 Miles with 2493′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 606′
Avg grade: 2%
Max grade: 9%
Weather: WONDERFUL! Sunny and warm with clear blue skies and mild WNW winds. Temps ranged from the mid 60’s to the mid 90’s
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Be in love with your life. Every minute of it. ~Jack Kerouac
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Click here to view the interactive route map & profile
Follow this route for today’s ride:
Ride Chronicles 
Awesome pics, as usual! Great descriptions! Thanks, Nancy.
Jim, Thanks-see you out on the roads! Nancy
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