Wednesday, March 2, 2016

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This ride heads west from Petaluma in Sonoma County along the quiet country back roads on Eastman, Middle 2 Rock, Purvine and Spring Hill into Marin County on Fallon Two Rock. Continue on westward on Whitaker Bluff to Middle Rd and Dillon Beach Rd for a stop in Tomales. Return east on Tomales Petaluma Rd for a gorgeous run along Chileno Valley followed by a jaunt through Helen Putnam Park.

Begin this ride from Walnut Park in Petaluma.

Exit town along the residential neighborhood on D St.

Head west on Windsor Dr for the short climb through the tract homes along the outskirts of town to the city limit.

The slight jog on Western leads to the turn on Chapman Ln and Eastman Ln into the unincorporated rural area of Sonoma County.

Middle Two Rock Rd climbs up with 6-8% grades through the country ranches and grasslands to the top of the ridge.

Enjoy the grand valley views!

Purvine Rd cuts across the expansive pastoral grasslands around Chileno Valley before dropping down to Spring Hill Rd.

Keep an eye out for the miniature horses!

Continue west along the beautiful valley as you descend Spring Hill to Bodega Ave.

Turn left on Valley Ford Rd for the flat scenic run to Fallon Rd.

Continue west on Fallon Rd; it rolls through the picturesque countryside as it crosses into Marin County to Twin Bridge Rd.

The road name changes to Fallon Two Rock Rd as it continues traveling west with a series of rolling climbs to a junction at Hwy 1.

Cross Hwy 1 onto Whitaker Bluff Rd; the short climb leads you through the tiny ranch community at Fallon.

Enjoy the gorgeous rolling hills and pastoral lands!

Middle Rd turns south as it crosses the beautiful waters along the Estero San Antonio.

The road tilts up for a short 5-9% climb to Dillon Beach Rd.

Drop down on Dillon Beach Rd into the town of Tomales.

Lunch stop at Tomales:

Exit town on Hwy 1 S.

Continue east on Tomales Petaluma Rd; the rolling terrain takes you along the gorgeous back country.

Enjoy the marvelous valley views!

Make a right onto Chileno Valley Rd; this idyllic country back road turns south along a creek for a short climb up towards the cattle ranch; it’s 0.6 mile with grades of 3-6%.

The road descends pass the farmhouse and cattle barns before curving eastward along Chileno Creek through Chileno Valley.

Chileno Valley Rd continues on gentle rolling terrain through the expansive ranch lands and beautiful open meadows.

The terrain levels out as you reach the dairy farm and the blue waters at Laguna Lake; it continues along the valley floor through a scattering of ranches and farm houses before coming to a T at Wilson Hill Rd.

Turn left to stay on Chileno Valley Rd for the next 3 miles.

The rolling climbs takes you back into Sonoma County to Helen Putnam Park.

Turn into Helen Putnam Park for the scenic jaunt around the park to its NE end at Oxford Ct.

Return to Walnut Park on Windsor and D St.

This is an excellent ride around the quiet back roads from Sonoma County to Marin County and back. These less traveled roads with minimal to no traffic rolls through the idyllic countryside dotted with grazing cattle and herds of sheep. The valley landscape is both quite expansive and spectacular! Get clipped in and enjoy the rural back country in all its glory-the rolling terrain and overall scenic beauty makes this a quintessential Sonomarin ride!

Garmin Stats:
44 Miles with 2927′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 551′
Max grade: 9%
Terrain: Flat-rolling with a few low hills

Weather: Partly sunny, cool & breezy. Temps ranged from the low 50’s to the low 60’s with brisk NW winds.

View the interactive RGPS route map & profile

Follow this route for today’s ride: