Sunday, September 6, 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 a scenic jaunt along the waterfront area before returning 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 E 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 turn on Kansas St goes through the newer subdivisions homes on the island along Flagship Dr.

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 Mare Island Golf Club.

Lunch at Greenside Tavern-Enjoy the views!

Drop down from Club Dr to 14th St for the short jaunt around 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.

Exit the trail onto W K St; the road goes along the residential neighborhoods to Benicia’s downtown waterfront area on 1st St.

Ride out to the end of the road on 1st St and stop at Benicia Point Pier. This is a great place to take in the views of the Carquinez Bridge and Benicia-Martinez Bridge, the blue waters of the Carquinez Strait and the Franklin Hills.

Meander along the path around Benicia Marina to the exit at Turnbull Park.

E 5th St and Military E leads to the homes in the Historic Benicia Arsenal on Jefferson St.

Take Park Rd up to the Benicia-Martinez Bridge Trail; cross the bridge back into Martinez.

Exit the trail and take Shell Ave, Pacheco Blvd and Morello Ave back to Holiday Highlands Park.

This is a leisurely urban ride out to Vallejo and Benicia for a jaunt around Mare Island and Benicia’s waterfront area. You’ll enjoy the rich Naval history at Mare Island and the gorgeous views of Carquinez Strait along with grand views of the two bridges! Get some friends together and explore….

Garmin Stats:
42.3 Miles with 1431′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 209′
Max grade: 9%
Terrain: Rolling-low hills

Weather: Sunny and hot with gorgeous blue skies Temps ranged from the low 60’s to the low 90’s with SW winds.

View the interactive RGPS route map & profile

Follow this route for today’s ride: