Ann Marie Brown - Moon Bay Area Biking: 60 of the Best Rides for Road and Mountain Biking

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

ABOUT THE MAPS

This book is divided into chapters based on regions; an overview map of these regions precedes the table of contents. Each chapter begins with a region map that shows the locations and numbers of the rides listed in that chapter. Each ride profile is also accompanied by a detailed map that shows the bike route.

Map Symbols

ABOUT THE ELEVATION PROFILES

Each profile includes an elevation scale which approximately graphs the hills and dips on the route in height and distance. Please note that the scales on each profile are dramatically different. Scales may not always begin at an elevation of zero feet and height increments and distance can vary.

ABOUT THE RIDE PROFILES

Each profile includes a narrative description of the rides setting and terrain. This description also includes mile-by-mile route directions, as well as information about the rides highlights and unique attributes.

The rides marked by the BEST symbol are highlighted in the authors Best Bike Rides list.

Options

If alternative routes are available, this section is used to provide information on side trips or note how to shorten or lengthen the ride.

Driving Directions

This section provides detailed driving directions to the start of the route from the nearest major town.

Route Directions

Each profile includes a mile-by-mile listing of what to expect along the trail or road. Every major turn is noted and nearby sights or supplies are indicated where available.

ABOUT THE DIFFICULTY RATING

Each profile includes a difficulty rating. The level of difficulty for any trail can change considerably due to weather or trail conditions. Always phone ahead to check on current trail and weather conditions. The ratings are defined as follows:

1: Suitable for families with young children, novice riders, or those wanting a casual recreational ride. They include both road rides and mountain bike rides that are nearly level and are usually less than 15 miles or have shorter options. Trail surfaces are smooth and most are on bike paths where there is no vehicular traffic.

2: These rides are suitable for families with older children and for strong beginners, i.e. novices who are physically fit. Road rides are generally less than 25 miles and have little elevation gain. Off-road rides may involve some varied surfaces but dont require technical mountain biking skills. Bikers should expect to ride on dirt or grassy trails, dirt roads, and a variety of surfaces.

3: These rides are appropriate for people with solid aerobic fitness and some cycling experience. Road rides are generally less than 30 miles and involve moderate hill climbs. Mountain bike rides will require some basic technical skills, such as the ability to ride over and around rough surfaces (rocks, roots, ruts, water obstacles), descend hills, maneuver through tight turns, follow a narrow line with good balance, etc. Bikers should have moderate experience on a variety of trails, including single-track.

4: These rides are suitable for intermediate riders with excellent aerobic fitness. Road rides are generally 20-40 miles long and involve some steep hill-climbing. Mountain bike rides require technical skills, involve some steep hill climbs and descents, and call for good bike handling skills. Bikers should have solid experience on a variety of trails, including single-track.

5: These are challenging rides for experienced cyclists with excellent aerobic fitness. Road rides have several steep or prolonged hill climbs, and some routes are more than 50 miles. Mountain bike rides are technical, on a variety of surfaces and types of trails, require advanced bike handling skills, may have cyclocross sections, and generally include steep climbs and descents.

When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race.

H. G. Wells

It used to be that bicyclists fell into two categories: road cyclists and mountain bikers. The former spent a lot of money on bikes that weighed less than a full water bottle and black Spandex tights that fit like a second skin. They joined cycling clubs and milled around with their compatriots at coffee shops on Sunday mornings, drinking lattes and studying road maps before the days ride.

The latter saw themselves as rebels, riding fat-tire bikes that were often splattered with mud. They wore baggy shorts and hiking boots, and were frequently heard yelling yahoo (or something similar) as they cleaned a boulder-lined descent or bunny-hopped over a fallen log. They coined their own phrases, like eat rocks and dual-boing suspension.

At different phases of my life, I have been a card-carrying member of one group or the other. I pedaled century rides on a 19-pound skinny-tire wondera jerryrigged, hand-me-down relic that was coveted by other riders for its all-Campy components. I searched out long and winding country roads and rode them in the good company of friends. In my best moments, I felt like I was a member of the peloton riding in the Tour de France.

Then, after moving to San Francisco and later to Marin County, I switched over to mountain bikes and cruised around the hills and dales of Northern California. I learned the difference between serpentine and granite and schist, and what it feels like to ride on, over, and around those marvelous rocks. I spotted red-tailed hawks and golden eagles, and shared the trails with deer, bears, and bobcats. In my best moments, I felt like I was using a two-wheeled machine to get closer to nature, to travel farther than I could on foot and visit places where automobiles could not go.

It never occurred to me that the twain could ever meetthat my two bicycling selves could shake hands and coexist happily. But somewhere inside, a small voice was seeking integration. Why be one thing and not the other? Why not embrace the two biking sports as one? And so this book was born. To me, the beauty of bicycling is its wind-in-the-hair, feeling-like-a-kid-again euphoria, which can be achieved on either road or trail. It is knowing that no matter what ails you in the rest of lifemonotonous job, unrequited love, too much houseworkall you need do is get on your bike and pedal and everything will feel better.

The 60 rides in this book, plus multiple options and add-ons, celebrate the all-in-one joy of both road biking and mountain biking. Whether you own both types of bikes or only one or the other, you will find a wealth of rides in these pages that suit your desires and ability level.