Sonoma: Springhill-Fallon Two Rock-Whitaker Bluff-Franklin School-Chileno Valley

Sunday, June 12, 2016

This ride heads west from Petaluma along the quiet country back roads from Sonoma County into Marin County on Springhill Rd out to Fallon Two-Rock, Whitaker Bluff, Valley Ford Franklin School 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.

walnut park

Exit town along the residential neighborhood on D St.

D St

D St

D St

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

windsor dr

Continue west on Western to Spring Hill Rd; this quiet bucolic country back road stretches 7.2 rolling bumpy miles through the gorgeous valley to Bodega Ave. The road begins with a short steep climb from the Springhill Montessori School up to a high point at the open cattle barn; it’s half a mile with of 6-9.5% grades.

western ave

springhill rd

The road eases down to lesser grades of 4-6% as it rolls up towards the Azari Vineyards and scattered ranch homes.

springhill rd

Spring Hill Rd continues on rolling terrain through the rural countryside with grand views of the expansive valley.

springhill rd

The road climbs up from the equestrian facility to a high point at the red barn before dropping down for a bumpy descent through the valley floor.

springhill rd

Spring Hill rolls through the country dairy farms and ranches to Bodega Ave.

springhill rd

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

valley ford rd

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

fallon 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.

fallon two-rock rd

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!

whitaker bluff rd

Stay on Whitaker Bluff Rd as it heads slightly uphill for a short climb through the eucalyptus stands above the gorgeous Estero San Antonio before dropping down to the cattle ranch at Valley Ford Franklin School Rd.

whitaker bluff rd

Turn left onto Valley Ford Franklin School Rd, the road crosses over the Estero as it heads southwards towards Dillon Beach Rd.

estero san antonio

valley ford franklin school rd

estero san antonio

valley ford franklin school rd

estero san antonio

The road pitches up for a short climb through the open meadows into the shade of eucalyptus trees followed by a steeper climb.

valley ford franklin school rd

Valley Ford Franklin School Rd climbs up to the summit at Dillon Beach Rd for 0.8 mile with an average grade of 9.75% and steep pitches of 11-13% grades!

valley ford franklin school rd

dillon beach area

Enjoy the valley views!

valley views

Dillon Beach Rd continues eastwards on a rolling descent into the town of Tomales.

dillon beach area

dillon beach rd

dillon beach area

dillon beach rd

dillon beach area

dillon beach rd

Lunch stop at Tomales

tomales

Exit town on Hwy 1 S.

tomales

hwy 1 s

tomales

Continue east on Tomales Petaluma Rd; the rolling climbs takes you along the gorgeous countryside with marvelous valley views!

tomales petaluma rd

Turn 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%.

chileno valley rd

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

chileno valley rd

chileno valley rd

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

chileno valley rd

chileno valley rd

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.

chileno valley rd

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

chileno valley rd

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

chileno valley rd

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

helen putnam park

Return to Walnut Park on Windsor and D St.

windsor dr

D St

walnut park

This is an excellent ride around the quiet idyllic country back roads from Sonoma County to Marin County. You’ll enjoy these less traveled roads with minimal to no traffic and the gorgeous valley landscape! 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:
47.56 Miles with 3301′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 498′
Max grade: 13%
Terrain: Moderately hilly with steep climbs

Weather: Sunny and warm. Temps ranged from the mid 60’s to the high 70’s with brisk SW winds.

View the interactive RGPS route map & profile

Follow this route for today’s ride:

View this document on Scribd

Ride Chronicles

Cycling and hiking through the "Seasons of Life". Loving it, living it and sharing it!

Featured

Pt Reyes National Seashore: Drakes Beach-North Beach-Tule Elk

Pigeon Pt Lighthouse-Gazos Crk-Cloverdale-Stage-Lobitos-Purisima-Higgins Canyon

Mount Diablo Summit Hike

Mount Diablo: Falls Hike Loop

Marin Headlands-Paradise-Tiburon

Calaveras-Sierra-Felter

Rio Vista: Montezuma Hills-Birds Landing-Collinsville

Point Reyes Lighthouse

Santa Clara: Uvas-McKean-Hicks-Mt Umunhum

Sonoma: Springhill-Fallon Two Rock-Whitaker Bluff-Franklin School-Chileno Valley

Leave a Comment

Share this:

Like this:

Related

Leave a Comment