Wednesday, May 22, 2013

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We’re heading out to Stinson Beach for Jaz’s birthday ride! We start out on Miller Creek to meet up with the main group in Nicasio. The rolling flats and short climb up Lucas Valley is a great way to begin the day; the increased heart rate is followed by a gorgeous descent through the valley into the redwoods and out to Nicasio Valley.

We meet up with 14 others in Nicasio for a sunny windy day of riding out to Stinson.

Nicasio Valley Rd runs along the NE edge of Nicasio Reservoir with fabulous views of the rolling hills and reservoir.

We continue SW on the flats around the reservoir on Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd for the downhill to the colored bridge at Platform Bridge Rd.

The 2.3 miles of rolling terrain on Platform Bridge Rd runs through a part of the Golden Gate Nat’l Recreation Area with an easy access along the Cross Marin Trail into Samuel P Taylor Park.

The turn on Sir Francis Drake Blvd takes us to the climb up Olema Hill; it’s 0.8 miles with grades of 7-9% up to the top of the ridge.

The fast descent drops us into the town of Olema where we continue south on CA-1 for the next 13.7 miles. The gentle terrain and rolling climbs passes through the many horse ranches, wooded forests and open grasslands surrounding Pt Reyes Nat’l Seashore to the west and Golden Gate Nat’l Recreation Area to the east. 

The road descends through the towering eucalyptus groves down towards Horseshoe Hill, Dogtown and Bolinas before reaching the shores of Bolinas Lagoon. This portion of CA-1 has been totally repaved; the road surface is amazingly smooth as we ride along the edge of Bolinas Lagoon for the 3+ miles into Stinson Beach. Take the time to look around and enjoy the fantastic views of the wetlands and marshes within the blue waters of the lagoon.

We arrive at our lunch stop at Stinson Beach; the grassy picnic area has plenty outdoor seating with easy access to the restrooms at the beach. You can purchase pre-made sandwiches at the Stinson Beach Market or buy beach type foods at the Parkside Café.

I take the short walk out to the beach to take in the ocean views; it’s pretty quiet here during the weekday with only a few people and a couple of Para surfers out on the water.

From Stinson Beach, we reverse the route back on CA-1 and head north to Pt Reyes Station. The earlier long descent through the eucalyptus groves is now a steady climb with grades of 6-10%.

We continue through the town of Olema and cross the green Pt Reyes Station Bridge to our birthday treat stop at the Bovine Bakery.

Thanks to Jaz for sharing her special day with us and for the sweet, tart lemon bars!  “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” Jaz!

Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd runs along the base of Black Mountain to the climb up the spillway to the flats around the Nicasio Reservoir. We continue on Nicasio Valley Rd back to Lucas Valley.

Thanks to Jaz for leading this ride and for the tasty birthday treats!

16 people in attendance with 1 tandem

Garmin Stats:
70.51 Miles with 4000′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 663′
Avg grade: 3%
Max grade: 13%

Weather: Sunny, breezy and cool with strong NW winds! Temps ranged from the low 50’s to the mid 60’s

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I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.  ~Jimmy Dean
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Click here to view the interactive route map & profile

Follow this route for today’s ride:
For a shorter 50 mile route-start at Nicasio