Wednesday, June 29, 2016

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This ride heads south for beautiful loop around the Marin Headlands on Conzelman Rd up to Hawk Hill followed by a scenic jaunt around the Tiburon Peninsula along Paradise Dr.

Take the Multi-use path off Hamilton Dr through Hauke Park and across Pickleweed Inlet onto the Mill Valley-Sausalito Path.

The Mill Valley-Sausalito Path runs south from Bayfront Park to Bothin Marsh Preserve along Richardson Bay. It continues under the Richardson Bay Bridge towards the harbor and Richardson Bay Marina.

Exit the path onto Gate 6 Rd and head south on Bridgeway through the busy waterfront town of Sausalito.

The climb up along 2nd St to South St and Alexander Ave leads out-of-town towards the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge. The tunnel crossing under US-101 on Alexander Ave connects with Conzelman Rd to the Marin Headlands; the protected open spaces around the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

The climb on Conzelman Rd up to Hawk Hill is 1.8 scenic miles. The first 3/10th of a mile is the steepest with an average grade of 9.6%.

The second section eases up a bit for the next 0.9 mile; it leads up to the traffic circle at McCullough Rd with an average grade of 3.5%.

The third section kicks up with an average grade of 6% for the 0.7 mile to the summit at Hawk Hill. Stop and enjoy the fabulous views!

The descent on Conzelman Rd to the lower Coastal Trail parking lot is very steep with 18% grades-use caution!

Conzelman Rd continues along Clydes Ridge pass the old concrete batteries to Field St. On a clear day, pause for a moment and admire the coastal bluffs and ocean views!

Descend Field St to Bunker Rd and enjoy the fabulous views around Rodeo Lagoon!

Continue east through the Headlands along the valley floor on Bunker Rd to the single lane tunnel.

At the opposite end of the tunnel, Bunker Rd drops down towards Fort Baker to Cavallo Point Lodge and East Rd.

Fort Baker/Cavallo Point Lodge Historic buildings.

East Rd goes pass the US Coast Guard Station and the Discovery Museum to the 5-8% climb up to Alexander Ave.

Retrace your way back through Sausalito on Bridgeway to the Mill Valley-Sausalito Path and E Blithesdale.

Continue north for the climb up Corte Madera Ridge on Camino Alto; it’s 1.3 miles with an average grade of 4.4% followed by a fabulous sweeping descent on smooth pavement into Corte Madera.

The right turn on Redwood Rd is followed by an immediate left turn onto Montecito Dr; this road takes you onto the Corte Madera-Larkspur Path to Tamal Vista Blvd.

Exit the path onto Wornum Dr and take the multi-use path along Redwood Hwy; this path goes around the shopping areas of Corte Madera with gorgeous views of the wetlands and marshes at Corte Madera Ecological Preserve. The path exits onto Paradise Dr.

Paradise Dr is a popular cycling road that runs 8.4 miles on gentle rolling terrain; this glorious road winds around the estate homes along the Tiburon Peninsula with magnificent bay views!

Paradise Dr drops down from the ridge into Tiburon with stunning bay views!

Shoreline Park views.

Take Main St through the historic little downtown area of Tiburon and continue on Beach St to the next town of Belvedere.

San Rafael Ave goes around a residential neighborhood along the edge of Belvedere Island with beautiful views of Richardson Bay and Mt Tam.

The Tiburon Linear Park path goes along the Richardson Bay shoreline to Blackie’s Pasture.

Continue around the bay on Greenwood Beach Rd and hop onto another path on Harbor Cove Way for the short super steep climb up to E Strawberry Dr.

E Strawberry Dr goes up and around the neighborhoods to Strawberry Point and becomes Seminary Dr; this road winds around Richardson Bay with fantastic views of Richardson Bay Bridge.

Redwood Hwy Frontage Rd takes you under and around US-101 to Hamilton Dr.

A ride around the Marin Headlands is a must-do if you’re in the SF/Bay Area! You’re greatly rewarded for the climb up Conzelman with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the City and beyond plus the iconic Golden Gate Bridge! You’ll also enjoy the scenic loop around Richardson Bay on Paradise Dr into Tiburon.

Garmin Stats:
42.03 Miles with 2448′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 791′
Max grade: 19%
Terrain: Moderately hilly with a steep climb

Weather: Sunny and cool with coastal fog. Temps ranged from the high 40’s to the low 70’s with brisk SW winds.

View the interactive RGPS route map & profile

Follow this route for today’s ride: