Tag Archives: biking

Trail: MARIN CROSSROADS – The Source of Great Beginnings

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Marin Crossroads

Crossing over the Golden Gate Bridge is one thing, but riding into Sausalito is its own reward on a stretch of Alexander Avenue we like to call “Weeeee Fast Fun!” There’s room for slower speeds in the bike lane but if you know you can keep up with the cars you can take to the lane. Watch how we descend into Sausalito and see more about the exciting possibilities of biking in Marin from crossing the bridge.


The Marin Crossroads are where you make your decision on which northern Marin destination you will bike to today (or to an extra eight miles for a more hearty ride to Sausalito). Going north out of Sausalito takes you onto both the road and a wonderful bike path with a whirlwind of other cyclists that will hopefully make you feel like one and also keep you on the right track.
Distance from San Francisco Ferry Building (see Golden Gateway Trail): 14.43 miles
Distance from Sausalito: 4.02 miles
Difficulty: It’s not about the road, it’s about the destination. With a mix of on-road riding and multi-use paths, this relatively flat four miles is beginning portion of trails to other Marin destinations or a great adjunct to your Sausalito run.
Download your route sheet here: Directions – Marin Crossroads
From Sausalito:
In favor of a longer ride through Marin, from then end of The Golden Gateway, ride past the Sausalito Ferry Terminal, continuing to follow the main drag, Bridgeway Drive, out of town.
On the north edge of town past the central tourist traps in Sausalito you will find some restaurants worth your pit stop and a handy gas station to get you on your way.
Why stop at a gas station on a bicycle?
 
We need to fuel too! Gas stations are the quickest way to prop up your bike without the hassles of locking it, so you can get in, get your fuel (energy/sports drinks, water, power bars) and get out in less than 5 minutes. We like biking superhero, Lance Armstong, endorsed FRS drinks when we’re riding. Great energy and no crash! (No, he does not endorse this message. We wish!)
 
The Sausalito Taco Shop is a colorful gem tucked away in the northern section of Sausalito and a great place to stop for lunch. The restaurant itself grew out of a small family business near Cabo San Lucas, Mexico when the son migrated to Sausalito and opened up his own restaurant. Try the Taco de Carne Asada which makes us say “Ole!” Total stop time: 30 – 40 minutes.
 
If you’re more in the mood for breakfast or brunch, then the Fred’s Place Coffee Shop is the perfect diner. Here you will find a bevy breakfast foods, eggs however you like them and hearty sandwiches.
 
While the service is friendly and swift, due to its small size there may be a wait for a table or you will be seated at a communal table. In the meantime the heavenly aromas will wet your appetite. Total stop time: 45 – 60 minutes.
Continuing along Bridgeway alongside traffic, you will begin a slight hill climb right after you pass the last restaurants.
At each traffic light continue to go straight and follow the bike lane (the beauty of following other bikes can be as helpful as Rudolf to reindeer at times like this.)
Recognize your second hill by the side-by-side bike lane and parking lane, which give you extra room next to the traffic.
After short while longer on Bridgeway, you’ll come to the entrance of US-101 North. Though bikes are allowed for a short distance on 101, it is advisable to take the bike-friendly multi-use path after the traffic light.
The entrance to the bike path is to the right of the road when you cross the intersection.
You’ll be able to identify it because Mike’s Bikes will be on the right hand side.
Sometimes, the very beginning of the bike path is flooded.

To avoid getting your ride (and butt) wet and muddy, avoid the puddles by making a right at the stop light (at Mike’s Bikes) and instead of crossing the road turn into it.
After passing the set of buildings that includes Mike’s Bikes make a left into the parking lot.
Intuitively make your way around the back of the buildings.
You’ll find another cross-over from the parking lot right onto the bike path between the trees on the left. Mind the cyclists coming from the other direction around this tight turn. Turn right onto the bike path.

The Multi-Use Path

This path is quite pleasant and a great change from riding on the road in traffic. You’ll be riding along the northern part of the bay up Bike Route 5. The only drawback is the stop-start juxtaposition of casual walkers and speed demon bikers screaming “ON YOUR LEFT!!” Just keep an eye open and an ear out and savor this truly beautiful and otherwise peaceful bit of trail.

When you want to stop and take pictures (inevitably because of the beautiful area) just pull over to the dirt shoulder. Remember: blocking the trail with your person or bike is like double parking on a highway and brings out the inner bike douche in everyone! So try to stay aware of yourself and pose for your calendar wisely.

On this multi-use path respect all your multi-wheeled friends.

The bike path will take you under US-101 and you will continue through the marshes. Another mile or so down the road you will intersect Bike Route 8 next to a skateboard park.

Bike Path 8 is the first intersection of the crossroads.

If you choose to make a right turn, this path will take you to Tiburon through the very scenic route of Strawberrry. If you make a left here, you will follow Bike Path 10 and go to Mill Valley which is the entrance to the Mt. Tamalpais climb, Stinson Beach through the Panoramic Highway, Shoreline Highway or Muir Woods.
Going further along the bike path, you will find yourself at another juncture soon as the multi-use path faces a busy intersection.
The end of the Marin Crossroads is the light at East Blithedale Avenue.
If you decide to cross the road at East Blithedale, you will be heading towards Corte Madera. This path allows you to go not only to Corte Madera, but also will be used to go to Larkspur, Ross, San Anselmo, Fairfax and beyond.
Making a right at East Blithedale will take you the shorter route to Tiburon, explained further in my next post.
Even if you wait till the last minute to make up your mind on where to go, or just turn back for the ferry at Sausalito, just enjoy the journey through the Marin Crossroads your entry into greater Marin County.
Want to know where this photo was taken in Marin? You’ll have to keep on reading and riding to find out for yourself!

Trail: THE GOLDEN GATEWAY – San Francisco to Sausalito

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San Francisco to Sausalito


Distance from the San Francisco Ferry Building  = 10.67 miles
Difficulty = An unfit tourist could do it . . . so can you.
Download your route sheet here: Directions – Golden Gateway

The GOLDEN GATEWAY RUN is just golden and the gateway to all the serene and spectacular runs in Marin. Detailed looks at all our maps can be found through gmap-pedometer.com, click on FULL GOLDEN GATEWAY ROUTE for this map or:

We resume at the end of Crissy field where you must ask yourself whether you’re the kind of person that removes a band aid by ripping it off or peeling it slowly . . . This kind of logic will help you decide which hill you climb up to the bridge.

 

The Stab Wound hill is a short, sharp, steep pain in the saddle, but if you like to get your suffering over with quickly (or like to “challenge” your inner bike douche) this is your best bet. Know your limits though, this hill is narrower and likely fraught with traffic so walking your bike is less of an option. Turn off Crissy Field Blvd at the Lincoln Blvd stop sign.

The less “deadly” option, Black Eye hill, is a punch in the face but actually looks a whole lot worse than it feels.

 

There’s no shame here in walking your bike or being overtaken by a jogger or puppy . . . OK that was admittedly humiliating. Find it at the end of Crissy Field on Long Ave which intersects with Lincoln Blvd.
 
At the top is a sweet picture opp and perhaps time for a water break? You’ll need your strength for the final climb up to the Golden Gate Bridge. (You can see bikers biking uphill behind Jon here.) This takes you directly to either side of the Golden Gate Bridge.

 For the East (pedestrian) side take a left at the striped poles, up the wooden fenced walkway . . . or just follow the tourists.

 For the West (bike only) side continue on the path under the bridge which will wind its way up to the bridge.

Eastside vs. Westside : Which side do I cross the bridge?

The cryptic symbols on the bridge’s signs indicating the hours for cycling across the different sides are practically hieroglyphic and as such make no sense to the literate.

The rules for the summer season are:
WEEKDAYS:
5:00 AM – 3:30 PM East Walkway
3:30 PM – 9:00 PM West Walkway
After hours – 5:00 AM Get buzzed in on East Walkway
WEEKENDS:
5:00 AM – 9:00 PM West Walkway
After hours – 5:00 AM Get buzzed in on East Walkway
The EAST is the side shared with PEDESTRIANS . . . which is an experience akin to driving through a heard of blind sheep. On the up side, this is the side to stop and take your pictures and your time. If you feel you may need to walk your bike use this side only. As for your frustration tolerance taking this route during the week try to remember that this is a pedestrian designated walkway and most aren’t expecting bike traffic. Deep breaths and hum the words to your favorite song inside your head.

The WEST side is reserved for BIKES ONLY . . . which the bike douches (see definition) have claimed as their own, race through at alarming speeds and treat as their training ground for whatever “Tour” they hope to race in (or just Tour de Douche for short). It is fast, exciting and highly efficient. It is also dangerous and frightening at times, with frequent passing and tight turns around the tower. While a spectacular day may merit a brief pause or perhaps a picture or two, it’s not recommended except in areas where there’s wide clearance where you will cause minimal obstruction to the through traffic. Just imagine that you’re about as convenient as someone stopping in the middle of a highway to do so – use your judgement.

**A word of caution: don’t let your enthrallment with the bridge dull your senses at the end as there is a very narrow opening at the end of the bridge that gives room to single file. The rule is generally the first person (or group) into the pass should clear first but don’t doubt the self-righteous bike douche who thinks his magic bike can go anywhere. Assume the worst, approach with caution, hope for the best.**
CHOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE!
 
                                           (EAST to WEST)
Stairs at either side are available for cyclists to cross underneath the bridge to chose which path to take into Sausilito.
 
                                                     (WEST to EAST)
West Side: The Oh So Scenic Route 

Jon & Miko at the Golden Gate Bridge

(Disclaimer: We only now realize that this photo is oddly suggestive. If your mind instantly went there then you’d probably enjoy a different kind of website and different pastime. Good luck with that. We promise to keep it PG from now on.)
 
The twisty hill below that looks like a “NO WAY” is in fact the way down. Beware of the masochists cycling upwards, bizarre pedestrians looking lost and needlessly fast drivers charging up as you cycle down at “Weeee fun!” speed.
At the bottom views of the city and rock formations will only add to your thrills and picture album.
 
  As a rule in biking what goes down must come up and the thrill of the downhill is matched by the payback of the uphill – which begins after Horseshoe Bay and the Bay Area Discovery Museum up East Road. The sheer number of scenic spots to admire the view from the other side of the bridge make the hill climbs into Sausalito worth the huffing and puffing.
 

The climb continues along the coastline until reaching the crossroads into Sausalito. And it’s all downhill from there . . . and pure thrills into the town of Sausalito.

For a detailed look at this route consult the map for the FULL OH SO SCENIC ROUTE on gmap-pedometer.com.

East Side: The Wee Fast Fun Route
 
Off the East side of the bridge or from crossing underneath head towards the hills, literally, and follow the clearly marked bike path towards the highway. Follow the road signs for Alexander Avenue.
 
The bike path lines you up directly beside the highway and the exit for Alexander Avenue.
 

At the end of the bike trail there’s a messy merge onto Alexander Avenue where minding the oncoming traffic may mean the difference between eating hamburger in Sausalito and becoming hamburger on the way to Sausalito. Hug the curb as closely as you comfortably can and saddle up for some “weee!” fast fun. Continue to follow the signs to Sausalito . . . unless you want to end up somewhere else.

The Final Descent

For a detailed look at this route consult the map for the FULL WEE FAST FUN ROUTE on gmap-pedometer.com.

 

The hill into the town of Sausalito is steep and the two way traffic is constant on any given day. At the bottom there is a four way crossroads marked “SLOW” that could put your wee fast fun pace at a halt. Not to worry, you’ll have more than enough momentum to coast on to Sausalito’s main strip.

 

There’s something to be said for reaching your destination, or even the first check point along your Marin biking adventure. If the biking portion of your adventure is complete, Sausalito is a picturesque seaside town where there’s plenty of bike parking at the ferry terminal so you can explore unique boutiques and enjoy quaint (albeit sometimes pricey or touristy) restaurants. 

 
Sometimes motivation for some of those steep hills has been the promise of a superb wine tasting and in Sausalito at Bacchus and Venus located across from the ferry terminal parking lot on the main drag at 769 Bridgeway. Whether you’re in the mood for one of their carefully crafted flights before boarding the ferry or want to take a delicious but reasonably priced bottle on board, Bacchus and Venus is one of our secret spots to hit along the bike trail. They’re happy to uncork your bottle and give you plastic drinking cups if you decide to bring your bottle onboard for the ferry ride home. Cheers!
 
Having made it this far remember that you are FAR away and make sure you’re at the ferry WAY in advance. Blue and Gold Fleet have been known to turn down cyclists over regular ferry passengers and while you will eventually find a ferry that will take you, if you’re renting a bike you may not make it back for your return deadline. So get to the front of that line!
This is a photo of our first ride back from our trip across the Golden Gate Bridge. I couldn’t believe I’d made it. I felt like a rock star. I now ride over the bridge an average of three to four times a week. I guess we all start somewhere and this was the beginning of my love affair with biking. (And no, I wasn’t wearing high heals on this ride!) Hopefully you’ll go see what I mean . . .

Who are we and what do we know?

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How we started…

Who we became!

Our view of the Caribbean Sea at the Cozumel Gran Fondo

1. We were not born or raised cycling enthusiasts.

Growing up Miko never rode or owned a bicycle and wore high heeled boots (see below) on our first ride. Somewhere between Fort Mason and Crissy Field one sunny day, on rented rides, we learned: WE LIKE TO BIKE.

 

Scenic Sausalito

Miko at Fort Point, under the Golden Gate Bridge

2. We never knew you could bike around the Bay . . . or did we?

We used to make fun of people boarding their bikes on the Sausalto ferry. Why would anyone want to work that hard when you can take the ferry there and back? The first time we made it across the Golden Gate Bridge we felt like real athletes! It’s all just opened our eyes to how many athletically challenging and beautiful ways you can bike around the Bay Area.  Now with the opening of the bike lane across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, you can almost bike around the the Bay!

3. We like being tourists

(in our own city)!

Just because something is frequented by tourists doesn’t mean it’s not worth partaking in, especially considering how far people travel from all over the world to enjoy it. You can cover a lot of ground on a bike and we’ll give you some pointers on some great recreational trails and trip plans that will give you a new found appreciation for this city. It may change what you consider “local” and “authentic”.

Junction just across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin. An array of cyclists congregate there

Jon and Miko at the Marin Headlands

4. We are currently training for the Tour de Nowhere.

On our rides we savor the scenery and each other’s company at an athletic pace that gives us a good workout too. We created this blog to share our experiences and tips with people who just genuinely enjoy riding bikes. Simply that.  When you see the music videos we have created on some of our trails, these are just embodiments of why we like to bike. We encourage everyone to get out and enjoy a ride.

We do recognize there are many just out to ride for speed, who will request that you watch out “On your left” and on occasion even say “Thank you” while passing. But there are those who scowl and rant to the tune of “Move or I’ll hit you!” or “You know you’re in the way don’t you?!” and feel the need to literally brush shoulders with you on the Golden Gate Bridge. . . these are who we call bike douches. The bike douche can be recognized by their multicolored “sponsored” team jersey, custom built bicycle worth as much as a car, and menacing expression that says “I hate that you share the road with me.” They sometimes travel together in a shared silent bitterness, although we’re not sure why…And at a certain point in our riding, we started to embrace the team jerseys (especially from Mike’s Bikes, no kidding, we have four or five each, most of which are matching kit), and the amazing feeling of riding a bike that cost as much as a car.  What we did not embrace was the bitterness and scowl, those will ruin even the most beautiful ride.  If we just described you, the simple cure is to just relax and enjoy the ride, no matter how many tourist cyclists try to ruin it.

The Blazing Saddles crowd, namely tourists that rent bikes from Fisherman’s Wharf and like mosquitos tend to come out when it’s hot, are considerably slower and less experienced, hence are the natural born enemy of the bike douche sharing the same trails, especially the Golden Gate Bridge. They can be recognized by their matching helmets, trail maps, heavy bikes with comfort saddles and handlebar fanny packs marked with the name of their rental company.

[If you’re interested in renting don’t be afraid to ask them if they liked who they rented from. We had mixed experiences with Bike and Roll, whose service was good (friendly and affordable) but bikes were sometimes subpar (small selection and poorly maintained).]. Find more about our rental experiences from comfort bikes to high end road bikes here.

MY POINT (and yes I really have one) is that just like the real road has bad drivers, biking is no different. There are speedy sports cars that cut you off and unpredictable student drivers that nearly crash into you. Worst of all you have pedestrians! (Which will make you ponder the question: Why don’t you know how to WALK?) But if you spend your ride concerning yourself with other people on the road you’ll fail to enjoy the exquisite connection between mind, body and bike, with the land beneath it and the air around you.

 

This is a blog built from our shared experience learning to bike around the Bay Area and where we’ll give you information, trails and tips so you can create your own special biking memories. Please feel free to comment and share your own wisdom as well. (But if you sound like a bike douche or wannabe bike douche we’ll delete you. JK.)

 

Trail: INAUGURAL RUN – Ferry Building to Fort Point and the Golden Gate (and Back)

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Whether you are just learning to bike, a tourist that want to join all those people you see riding from Fisherman’s Warf or want to experience San Francisco in a new way, the ride to Fort Point and back is a beautiful ride along the San Francisco Bay to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Distance = 11.36 miles

Difficulty = Cake! Full of easy alternatives to on-road riding for the novice or “rusty” rider.

Download the Route Sheet here: Directions – Inagural Run

You can find a detailed map of The Inaugural Run HERE.

OUR INAUGURAL RUN TO THE GOLDEN GATE

Beginning at the Ferry Building means traveling along the Embarcadero, where there is both a narrow bike lane on the street and a wide sidewalk. Drivers along the Embarcadero can be aggressive and unforgiving while pedestrians are absent minded and slow. Both ways are more congested on the weekend but it’s not unusual to alternate between the two to avoid vans or a particularly slow group of Sunday walkers.

The first fork in the road comes at the junction of Kearny and North Point where the Embarcadero ends and the straight through is the bumpy brick path of the trolly tracks.  If you feel safest on the sidewalk and have zen-like frustration tolerance for slow, absent minded tourists . . the best solution is to enter the pavement towards Pier 39 and enjoy this Scenic Route through the marina, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf.  There will be lots of opportunities to take photos, but TONS of slow pedestrians that have the right of way.

Since we original wrote this article, a bike lane and bike turn signal has been installed at the intersection of Embarcadero and North Point Street that makes taking the route along North Point Street much easier to take.  (See Run Over Route, below.)

Intersection of Embarcadero and North Point, courtesy of Google Maps

 Scenic Route

Expect this area to be extremely tiresome because pedestrians and cyclists coexist about as well as toddlers and teenagers. It’s all about me and nobody’s happy. Take a deep breath because it’s only a short span that will make you reevaluate your own habits of jay walking and walking while talking on the cell.  Just follow the road through Fisherman’s Wharf through Aquatic Park where it meets Van Ness Avenue which is where this route meets back up with the Run Over Route.

Miko with Mt. Tamalpias in the background

Miko at the Entrance to the Aquatic Park Trail

ALTERNATE: The Run Over Route

With the addition of the bike turn signal at the intersection and bike lane along North Point Street, and the thought of commingling with throngs of pedestrians makes your skin crawl, you’d best admire Fisherman’s Wharf from a distance and instead turn left at the bike signal and head up North Point Street. This is called the Run Over Route (click here) for a reason: buses, vans, taxis, even big rigs are out to run you over – for the sheer joy of crushing cyclists!

(UPDATE: Thanks to the San Francisco Bike Coalition, part of North Point is now a dedicated Bike Lane in July 2010)

Patience my friends between stop lights and aggressive drivers, make a right at Columbus (right before the uphill) then head left on Beach. You will pass over most of the detour and come out at the top before heading down towards the hill at Fort Mason (a.k.a. the Celebrity Fit Club).

Looking up Celebrity Fit Club

After passing through the short bike path at the end of Beach Street, near the Maritime Museum, keep mind of your surroundings.  It’s not because we think you’re stupid but because when you hit the downward slope at this part you want to get some speed (barring annoying, loitering tourists and cars parking) before heading up the hill (or as I like to call it the Celebrity Fit Club) towards Fort Mason.

The Celebrity Fit Club hill is the only challenging part of this ride. Some heavier bikes (and loftier fitness levels . . . ahem) may not be UP for it. Getting into a good gear setting and finding the right pace can make all the difference. In the meantime you can “like totally pause” or alternately walk your bike.

Jon taking a pause at the top of Celebrity Fit Club.

For what it’s worth, it’s genuinely joyful to reach the top and enjoy the views of Fort Mason, the Marina district, Crissy Field and the Golden Gate from this vantage point beneath the trees (and perhaps a perfect time for a water break and picture op me thinks).

The path gets more intuitive here with slews of other bikers around to follow. Coming out of the park here we suggest biking through the parking lot at Fort Mason, which runs along the waterfront – for all the reasons we like parking lots and because it’s more scenic.

After rejoining the bike path on Marina Boulevard, at the beginning of Crissy Field there’s the option to continue on the paved bike path or brave it along the dirt path along the waterfront. The views along the water are magnificent and we recommend taking this path at least once towards the bridge.

Crissy Field Bike Path

Alternately the bike path along Crissy Field is clearly marked and sufficiently wide for both joggers and bikers, for a swifter pass through the area. We recommend taking this route back.

 Where you decide to end your ride and turn back is up to you. Miko wanted as close to the Golden Gate Bridge’s underbelly as possible, while Jon wanted confirmation that Fort Point is actually one of the key buildings in Grand Theft Auto San Andreas (and now Watchdogs 2).

There are rest spots with bathrooms at the end of the road to take the weight off your saddle sore bottom, along with plenty of great places to pose for your Christmas card photo.

Jon and Miko take a quick “pause” at the sea wall near the Warming Hut

Riding back is just backtracking with two small pieces of advice: (1.) the hill through the park at Fort Mason is less steep if you take the path on the right that winds it’s way back to the hill (which is “WEEE!” fast fun on the way down compared to “HELP!” dying up).

And (2.) when returning on the Embarcadero make a choice between pavement or street based on your first encounter. On the street pay more attention to lights and traffic in this direction as there is a lot more stopping and starting and the bad drivers that will make a right hand turn from the left hand lane, as seen in the video below:

This first ride is a  satisfying run for those learning to get their bearings on a bike and to see and photograph the city’s many tourist destinations in a short amount of time. The route to the bridge will be the springboard to many of our other routes including the delectable ones into Marin . . . good thing is it never gets old.