Friday, August 21, 2015

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This ride heads north through Novato on Redwood Blvd along the east edge of town to San Marin. Continue along the west side of US-101 for a stop at Olompali State Historic Park before hopping onto the connector bike path into Sonoma County on San Antonio Rd. Head west along San Antonio Creek to D St in Petaluma and climb Red Hill before descending through Hicks Valley for a stop at the Cheese Factory. Return to Marinwood via Nicasio Valley and Lucas Valley with a slight detour along Old Lucas Valley Rd to Canyon Oak Dr.

Head north on Miller Creek Rd through the residential neighborhoods in Marinwood to the Multi-use path off Marinwood Ave.

The multi-use path runs parallel to US-101 and exits out onto Alameda Del Prado.

Alameda Del Prado continues along the apartment complexes to Del Prado Shopping Center. At the T junction, turn left onto Ignacio Blvd-the flat terrain rolls pass the Pacheco Plaza Shopping Center to Palmer Dr.

Palmer Dr cuts through the single family homes around Rafael Village before tilting up to a 0.3 mile steep 8-11% climb to the ridge at Redwood Blvd.

Stay north on Redwood Blvd; the road drops down across Novato Blvd and continues through a townhouse/condo community around Lynwood Hill Park-complete with a club house and swimming pool.

Cut across the park through the bike path; it’s a tight fit-it’s best to get off the bike and maneuver your way around the gate. The short bike path exits onto Redwood Blvd-turn left for the stiff climb up to the condo complexes at Oak Crest Ct.

Redwood Blvd drops down along US-101 pass the ducks and cranes at Scottsdale Pond and Marshes.

The road continues north through the downtown shopping centers around Novato Valley to the edge of town at San Marin Dr/Atherton Ave.

Redwood Blvd continues as a frontage road along the west side of US-101 with fabulous views of Burdell Mountain; the flat-rolling terrain leads to the entrance into Olompali State Historic Park.

To Olompali State Historic Park:

Exit the park and turn left onto the Redwood Blvd bike path; this mile long path goes along the east side of Olompali Park to San Antonio Rd with grand views of Petaluma Valley. This is a great connector extension for cyclists heading out to Petaluma from Novato and vice versa!

Turn left onto San Antonio Rd; this frontage road continues to hug US-101 to the junction at the bridge crossing over San Antonio Creek.

Make another left and head inland on San Antonio Rd for the next 3.5 rolling miles. This quiet country back road travels along the Somona County line through a community of horse ranches and dairy farms.

At the T junction, turn left on D St-the road quickly name changes to Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd as it heads SW into Marin County.

The climb up Red Hill begins at mile 18.5; it’s 1.4 miles with gradient ranges of 4-6% along with a steep section with 9-11%!

The quick descent on Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd rolls down through Hicks Valley towards Novato Blvd to the Marin Cheese Factory.

Lunch stop at the Cheese Factory:

Stay on Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd for the short climb up and over into Nicasio Valley.

Beautiful valley views!

The flat terrain on Nicasio Valley Rd rolls around the reservoir to Nicasio.

Return on Lucas Valley Rd under the beautiful redwoods.

The rolling terrain leads to the mile long climb up to Big Rock summit with an average grade of 3.7%.

The descent from Big Rock on Lucas Valley Rd requires much caution; there are several very sharp left hand turns with decreasing radius!

At Mt Lassen Dr-mile 37.6, take a detour onto Old Lucas Valley Rd; the bumpy bike path rolls along Miller Creek through Jerry Russom Memorial Park for 0.7 mile to the east end at Canyon Oak Dr.

The left turn onto Canyon Oak Dr takes you underneath a gorgeous canopy of oaks along Miller Creek for a short 0.4 mile to Lucas Valley Rd.

Return on Lucas Valley to Miller Creek Rd.

This is a wonderful loop out along Olompali State Historic Park on the less traveled Redwood Blvd and the great connector bike path into Sonoma County. The climb up Red Hill offers grand valley views and a fun fast descent through Hicks Valley! You’ll enjoy the short detour through the valley on Old Lucas Valley Rd and Canyon Oak Dr-it’s a nice change of scenery! It’s always good to get out and explore a different way to the same old place.

Garmin Stats:
40 Miles with 2430′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 606′
Max grade: 11%
Terrain: Hilly with a few steep climbs

Weather: Sunny & warm with temps ranging from the low 60’s to the high 80’s with NE winds

View the interactive RGPS route map & profile

Follow this route for today’s ride: