Thursday, January 14, 2016
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This lollipop loop heads north across the Benicia-Martinez Bridge into Fairfield on Goodyear and Lopes Rd to Red Top Rd. Continue south along McGary Rd onto Solano Bikeway into Vallejo. Climb Columbus Pkwy into Benicia and head east on Lake Herman Rd back into Benicia.
From Holiday Highlands Park, it’s a quick 3.3 miles through the city streets of Martinez to the Benicia-Martinez Bridge trail off Mococo St.
The mile long incline across the bridge has an average grade of 4.5% up to the center span before dropping onto Park Rd in Benicia. Enjoy the views along Carquinez Strait!
Park Rd goes past the Benicia Historical Museum and the Amport car lots before the descent along the Valero Oil Refinery tanks and pipe lines.
Head north on Industrial Way under the Benicia Trestle through the industrial area along Suisun Bay. Enjoy the marvelous views of the Mothball Fleet, Mt Diablo and the surrounding marshes and wetlands along Goodyear Slough.
Continue north on Goodyear Rd for the next flat 4.7 miles; this is a less traveled frontage road that runs along the east side of I-680. Enjoy the views of the wetlands and marshes along Goodyear Slough and Suisun Bay.
Cross Marshview Rd to Lopes Rd; this is the another quiet frontage road that runs along the west side of I-680 with eastward views of the wetlands and sloughs around Suisun and Grizzly Bays.
Lopes Rd continues through the residential subdivisions of Fairfield/Cordelia to Gold Hill Rd.
Meander through the homes along Oakbrook Dr to Red Top Rd.
Red Top Rd cuts across the canyon westward towards I-80.
Turn left on McGary Rd; this less traveled frontage road goes along the rolling hills on the east side of I-80 through American Canyon.
After passing Hiddenbrook Pkwy, go straight to stay on McGary Rd.
Make a right onto Solano Bikeway; this path hugs the east edge of I-80 onto Columbus Pkwy in Vallejo.
Enjoy the views of Sulphur Spring Valley!
Head east on Columbus Pkwy for the 7-9% climb up towards Blue Rock Springs Park.
The descent on Columbus Pkwy winds down through the residential subdivisions along the edge of Vallejo.
Lake Herman Rd extends 5.3 miles from Vallejo to its east end in Benicia; this quiet back road begins with a short climb towards the quarry.
The road drops down through Sky Valley, past the old barns and ranches with views of grazing cattle dotted among the hillsides.
Short stop at Lake Herman Recreation Area.
Continue on Lake Herman Rd; the rolling climbs takes you over I-680 to Industrial Way in Benicia.
Enjoy the fabulous views of the Mothball Fleet, Mt Diablo and Suisun Bay!
Return along Industrial Way to Park Rd.
Climb up through the refinery on Park Rd back to the Benicia-Martinez Bridge Trail.
Cross over Carquinez Strait on the Benicia-Martinez Bridge and return through Pacheco to Martinez on Morello Ave.
This is a wonderful scenic loop along some of the less traveled roads around Solano County. Get out and take in the gorgeous views along Carquinez Strait and the wetlands and marshes around Grizzly Bay!
Garmin Stats:
41 Miles with 2093′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 472′
Max grade: 9%
Terrain: Flat-rolling with a few low hills
Weather: Cloudy & overcast skies with temps ranging from the mid 40’s to the mid 50’s with SW winds.
View the interactive RGPS route map & profile
Follow this route for today’s ride:
Ride Chronicles 
I driven I 80 and seen that bike path with seldom any one on it I may try it some day Route allows you to get to Davis and Winters or Napa valley also
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Thanks for the pics on this ‘less traveled’ route!
I like the Mt Diablo pics!
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Charles, it’s a traffic free way to get out around Solano County. Give me a heads up and I’ll ride around that way with you.
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Jim, My pleasure always-I love seeing Mt Diablo from the distance!
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