Monday, July 27, 2015

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This ride goes along the Carquinez Regional Shoreline on the George Miller Trail into Crockett before crossing over the Zampa Bridge into Vallejo for a tour around Mare Island Naval Complex. Roll through the city streets of Vallejo into Benicia for the return to Martinez via the Benicia-Martinez Bridge.

Head north on Fig Tree Ln to Midhill and Morello Ave. Climb pass the Shell Refinery on Pacheco Blvd to Shell Ave and roll down through the County Courthouse to Marina Vista Ave.

Jog around the city streets on Berrellessa to Buckley and Talbart St to the George Miller Trail; it begins with a steep climb up to Alhambra Cemetery.

The road winds around the shoreline to the trail gate with open views of Carquinez Strait.

George Miller Trail continues through on a 1.7 mile stretch of no-through traffic road to the west end at Little Bull Valley.

The trail climbs up from the valley before dropping down to Canyon Lake Dr at Port Costa; it’s followed by another climb to the high point at Bull Valley Staging Area.

George Miller Trail winds down around the shoreline with views of Carquinez Strait.

The turn onto Pomona St drops you down through the town of Crockett towards the Carquinez Bridge.

Take the Carquinez Bridge Trail across the Carquinez Strait into Vallejo-enjoy the views of San Pablo Bay!

Exit the trail onto Maritime Academy Dr and take Sonoma Blvd and Curtola Pkwy to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal.

Meander along the wharf area for a pit stop at the terminal.

Exit the wharf and ride along the sidewalk on the west side of Mare Island Way; stay on the sidewalk as it curves to the left along Mare Island Causeway. Cross the Wichels Causeway drawbridge over Mare Island Strait to the Mare Island Navy Complex.

The current detour takes you down onto D St to Nimitz Ave. Ride through the old buildings along Nimitz Ave for a stop at the USS LCS 102; a land craft support vessel used during WWII.

Continue through the old wood & brick buildings on Nimitz Ave.

Take Railroad Ave to 8th St for a stop at Alden Park; it has a small bandstand, a flagpole and a variety of antique military weapons displayed around the park. Walk around the park, the trees are labeled and some of them are over 100 tears old! The old concrete bomb shelters are located at the SE end of the park.

The turn on Walnut Ave leads you along the stately Officer’s mansions on “Officers Row”.

The short jog on 10th and Tinsdale goes through the newer subdivisions homes on the island.

Head south on Flagship Dr; the road travels along the edge of the residential community pass the old naval buildings.

The steep climb on Club Dr takes you up to the golfing greens at Mare Island Golf Club. Enjoy the views!

Drop down from Club Dr to Moore St and Moises Way for the short jaunt through Touro University; a private non-profit health professions graduate school.

Take Railroad Ave and 15th St to view the Naval Shipyard and dry dock area.

Stop at Mare Island Waterfront and enjoy the views of Mare Island Strait!

Nimitz Ave leads back to the drawbridge over Mare Island Strait to Mare Island Way.

Maine St cuts across the residential neighborhoods in Vallejo to Benicia Rd.

Benicia Rd crosses over I-80 and continues east into the town of Benicia to Columbus Pkwy and Rose St.

Go across the bike/ped bridge for the ride through Benicia State Park along the Bay Area Ridge Trail.

Military W and Military E cuts across the business district of Benicia towards the Arsenal District.

Ride through the homes in the Historic Benicia Arsenal on Jefferson St and take Park Rd up to the Benicia-Martinez Bridge.

Take the Benicia-Martinez Bridge Trail over the Carquinez Strait for the return to Holiday Highlands Park.

This is a leisurely urban ride over two bridges for a scenic tour around the Naval Complex on Mare Island. Are you a history war buff? You’ll enjoy the unique antique displays of torpedoes, cannons, missiles, bells and monuments. The shipyard and dry dock area is also quite interesting!  Make plans and spend some time on the island-there’s so much more to see!

Garmin Stats:
39.06 Miles with 2100′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 242′
Max grade: 9%
Terrain: Some hills

Weather: Sunny and hot with temps ranging from the high 60’s to the high 90’s with SW winds

View the interactive RGPS route map & profile

Follow this route for today’s ride: