Monday, April 13, 2015
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This ride climbs up Olema Hill to Bolinas Ridge on Sir Francis Drake Blvd and continues on the Cross Marin Trail through S P Taylor State Park. Meander through the beautiful redwoods and head east along San Geronimo Valley to Woodacre. Return west on Sir Francis Drake Blvd for the climb up Nicasio Valley Rd into Nicasio. Enjoy the flat stretch around Nicasio Reservoir on Nicasio Valley Rd and Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd followed by a stop at the Bovine Bakery before returning through Bear Valley to the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
Begin this ride from Pt Reyes National Seashore Bear Valley Visitor Center in Olema.
Wind around the Olema marshes on Bear Valley Rd to Hwy 1.
The right turn onto Hwy 1 leads to the climb up Sir Francis Drake Blvd aka Olema Hill to the top at Bolinas Ridge; it’s about a mile long with gradient ranges of 4-7%.
Slow down on the descent-it’s very easy to miss the turn onto the Cross Marin Trail into SP Taylor State Park. The trail goes under the shaded woodlands along Lagunitas Creek to the towering redwoods around the park campgrounds.
Exit the park and head east on Sir Francis Drake Blvd; the road rolls through the towns of Lagunitas-Forest Knolls along San Geronimo Creek.
The right turn onto San Geronimo Valley Dr takes you off the main road through the valley into the town of Woodacre.
Stop at the Woodacre Country Market & Deli. There’s a kick stand vending machine for cyclists filled with bike tubes, lubricants, mini-tool, tail lights and other emergency items you may need on the road-it’s great to know it’s here!
San Geronimo Valley Rd continues east through the redwoods back out to Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Turn left and head west on the flat lands through San Geronimo Valley; the road travels across the beautiful valley pass Spirit Rock Medication Center and Dickson ranch towards the San Geronimo golf courses.
The right turn on Nicasio Valley Rd leads to stair-step climb up to the gap; it’s 0.9 mile with gradient ranges of 6-9%.
The road drops down into the valley through “horse country” with acreage ranches and equine facilities to Nicasio.
Nicasio Valley Rd continues north along Nicasio Reservoir to Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd.
Turn left and head west on Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd for the scenic flat miles around Nicasio Reservoir with views of the surrounding rolling hills.
At the colored bridge, turn right to stay on Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd for the next 3.2 miles; the rolling terrain follows the curvatures of Lagunitas Creek to the Hwy 1 junction into Pt Reyes Station.
Turn left and head south on Hwy 1 for a stop at the Bovine Bakery in Point Reyes Station/Town Commons.
Exit Pt Reyes Station on CA-1 S and cross over Lagunitas Creek to Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Head west on Sir Francis Drake Blvd to Bear Valley Rd. The terrain is pretty flat with one very short bump that takes you back to Pt Reyes Bear Valley Visitor Center.
This short ride goes around some of the scenic back roads around west Marin. You’ll enjoy the quiet roll through the redwoods into SP Taylor Park on the Cross Marin Trail and the magnificent stretch under the redwood forests out to San Geronimo Valley!
Garmin Stats:
32.6 Miles with 1519′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 561′
Max grade: 9%
Terrain: Flat-rolling with low hills
Weather: Sunny, cool and breezy. Temps ranged from the mid 50’s to the low 60’s with strong NW winds.
View the interactive RGPS route map & profile
Follow this route for today’s ride:
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