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05-21-2008
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#1
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mtbr member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,534
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VISITORS READ HERE FIRST PAGE: Local riding advice
The unique thing about the Bay area and mountain biking for visitors is public transportation in SF city, and trail heads that can be reached outside of the city without a car via public transportation such as BART or Caltrain.
I have quoted a few rules from the Arizona forum that I heard about. Immediate info such as where to rent a bike in the City and where to ride without a car if staying in the city will be a good start.
To our visitors: We've created this thread to hopefully answer the most obvious questions you have about riding in our state. This has become necessary because every year, usually from spring to fall, the tourist traffic in our forum becomes so great that we spend all our time answering "I'm coming to Bay Area/ North CA where should I ride?" type questions.
If it still doesn't answer your questions, then maybe we need to add more stuff to our sticky! Go ahead and post to the board if you still have questions.
Thread rules:
* Locals, please post your personal recommendations for your personal favorite rides. Include enough detail that the reader can determine the ride's difficulty, trailhead directions, ride directions, and seasonal considerations. Any post that fails to do these things will get deleted.
* Do not comment on someone else's recommendations unless it is to clarify or expand on what someone else is recommending. Any post dissing someone else's recommendations will get deleted.
* This is not the thread to recommend or criticize local bike shops. If you include information about a bike shop, please make sure it's related to the ride(s) you're recommending.
* If you have a thread in mind where we've already discussed riding in certain areas, send me a PM with a link and I'll review it.
With that said, start posting up your recommendations!
Last edited by Loll : 05-22-2008 at 09:19 AM.
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05-21-2008
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#2
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Cabron
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 7,240
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Yes!
People can chime in with the areas they ride the most. Trail info, loops, etc.
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05-21-2008
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#5
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just another bleepin SSer
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,100
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I think this may be better as a FAQ, which is permanently placed some place (like the right hand bar), rather than a sticky thread. The singlespeed board has something like this - http://forums.mtbr.com/forumdisplay.php?f=46.
I mentioned this to Francois, and he said I should try to put something together, which I haven't found the time to do. I am more than happy to hand this off (whether a FAQ or thread).
No matter what, we need something like this. |
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05-21-2008
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#6
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Surly OG
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 950
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add another machine to mechanized living... what happened to the community aspect?
Blade Runner in living color.... my 2c.
__________________
Earn your turns. )'(
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05-21-2008
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#8
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mtbr member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,377
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Perfect!
While we aren't Moab or Les Gets we are one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world. I have had more people, friends and family and "friends" crash at my place than you could believe and then have to do the tourist loop around GGB, Cable cars.........It is like being travel agent, hotelier, and tour guide all in one.
This would be a great solution as I weary of the questions and have chosen to ignore them.
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05-21-2008
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#9
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Devil Mtn
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 590
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I think this would be better as a wiki or a FAQ as mentioned above. I've read some of the other local forums' threads on this topic and they seem to become a bit outdated and hard to follow. It would be nice if a few people were organizing it and updating so that the end result would be more coherent.
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05-21-2008
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#10
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mtbr member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,437
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whatever
Last edited by nachomc : 05-21-2008 at 05:00 PM.
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05-21-2008
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#12
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Zero Gee Are Eee
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,744
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Web Resources
General Resources - MTBR reviews Bay Area Everywhere else Norcal
- Mtb.Live555 - Sort of a directory of web resources plenty of Norcal Stuff there
- P E T E's Site - Pics and videos, Norcal content plus other stuff (Am I allowed to post that link?)
- Steve Wolf's Web Site - Trail Maps, Pictures, ride reviews and other stuff
- Last but not least Ogrehut... Maps, trail reviews, pictures, a few videos, lots of whining. (That's why this is self serving propaganda)
Regional
Out of time but there are tons more... I'll edit this and add them in. |
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05-21-2008
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#13
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Its all sketch
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 41
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China Camp is fun, its a quick run but its easy to get too the only hard thing there is the swich backs.
Mt. Tame has a lot of good trails most unmanaged trails u only hear about from other people, the best is tenderfoot reallly technical roots and rocks with a bout a 3 wide trail  |
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05-21-2008
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#14
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Crazed Country Rebel
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,954
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Thread will get big and unweildy.
Subdivide. North/South/Eastbay - separate threads.
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05-21-2008
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#15
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mtbr member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,487
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This thread will be somewhat of a repeat of trail reviews me thinks.
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05-22-2008
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#16
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Surly OG
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 950
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If I was a prospective visitor to Norcal, I would completely by pass this sticky,...I'd say "I read the FAQ" but I need "current info" and ask on the open forum for current and direct interpersonal communication and advice, Just what the web DOESN'T need is ANOTHER faq..... what happened to human interaction? SAD that folks can't be bothered to offer up a little soul and interaction.
__________________
Earn your turns. )'(
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05-22-2008
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#17
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Ariolimax columbianus
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 550
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by iheartbicycles
Thread will get big and unweildy.
Subdivide. North/South/Eastbay - separate threads.
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agreed, subdivide the trail reviews North/South/Eastbay, have a map. keep the forum open for prospective riders. |
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05-22-2008
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#18
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Devil Mtn
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 590
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by MtnBikerDan
If I was a prospective visitor to Norcal, I would completely by pass this sticky,...I'd say "I read the FAQ" but I need "current info" and ask on the open forum for current and direct interpersonal communication and advice, Just what the web DOESN'T need is ANOTHER faq..... what happened to human interaction? SAD that folks can't be bothered to offer up a little soul and interaction.
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Threads like this seem to stagnate though. I have visited a couple places and looked at the similar sticky thread beforehand but the info I was after was too scattered or outdated. A more organized, regularly maintained wiki or FAQ would be much better.
Sure, you can still post a new message if you are looking for something specific like setting up a ride at a specific place, but to repeat info like "china camp is good for beginners" seems like a waste to me. Put it in the FAQ/wiki. My $.02 ... |
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05-22-2008
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#19
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mtbr member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,534
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by MtnBikerDan
If I was a prospective visitor to Norcal, I would completely by pass this sticky,...I'd say "I read the FAQ" but I need "current info" and ask on the open forum for current and direct interpersonal communication and advice, Just what the web DOESN'T need is ANOTHER faq..... what happened to human interaction? SAD that folks can't be bothered to offer up a little soul and interaction.
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I kindly respect your opinion. Here is an observations I noticed.
After responding to about 5 of these visitor inquiry questions for where to rent, where to ride close to the city, public transportation...I have noticed that the same people that usually response has lost their interested. Me including.
So there have been threads where no one responded for at least a day or two. That is kind of unusual for Norcal forum considering how active we are.
How about we keep this thread going for a month or so. Base on how much new visitor inquiry thread we see, we will be able to gauge how useful this thread really is vs. just answering individual threads.
What do you all think? |
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05-22-2008
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#20
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mtbr member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,534
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GPS Info
[Quoted from Biking Brazilian]
http://www.mtbguru.com/
Uncheck all except the MOUNTAIN BIKE icon to view mountain bike routes. Looks like there are plenty on most of your planned route.
Last edited by Loll : 05-23-2008 at 06:04 PM.
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05-22-2008
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#22
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mtbr member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,466
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I think that this a good idea, but the thread will have to be edited at some point. The forum has plenty of great information (even on the real estate market...) but it gets lost quickly.
In terms of recommendations, we need to point out visitors to Tahoe and Downieville. For Tahoe, there's plenty of info on Ogre's and Wherewolf sites. Others with better knowledge should point out the must do in both places.
Downieville is a classic. Both places are in the mountains and approximately 4 hours from San Francisco (way more coming back on Sunday afternoon on a busy week-end).
__________________
Faster is not always better, but it's always more fun
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05-22-2008
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#23
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mtbr member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,377
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Well, Dan, how many times can you answer the same question?
How do I adjust my brakes? How high should my seat be? There are a zillions questions like that which have been answered a zillion times. These questions about "where to ride in Norcal" are scattershot questions and far too general and we've heard these a zillion times, too. Compounding the information and directing people to it makes sense. Once they visit the site then they can ask some more focused questions. For example, once they know where they will be then they could ask something like" I would like to ride Annadel on Sunday. Can I hook up with someone?" That is where the community comes in, and beers afterwards to boot.  |
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05-25-2008
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#24
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mtbr member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,797
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Ok, guess the pro-wrench should throw this part in...
Wherever you ride out here, try to stick to the most used portion of the trails, and avoid the outer edges in the late Spring and Summertime.
In other words, bring tire levers, a patch kit, and tweezers. Know thy enemy, it's name be goathead.
Also, bring all the hydration you'l need, a good multi-tool, a small basic emergency kit (including a loud whistle), and trail knowledge (at the very least some sort of map).
..and of course, ALWAYS INSPECT YOUR BIKE BEFORE HEADING OUT, AND BEFORE PUTTING IT AWAY!!
(Bring it to me when you can't fix it. )
 Obi.. |
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05-31-2008
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#25
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mtbr member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 41
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Bay area rides
Here's a link to my set of SF Bay Area (mostly East Bay) rides. Descriptions, maps, and photos:
http://zdap-mb.blogspot.com
Dave
Last edited by zDAP : 06-02-2008 at 05:23 PM.
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06-02-2008
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#26
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Nomad makes me happy.
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,260
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by zDAP
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Nice data, Dave! |
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06-11-2008
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#27
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mtbr member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,377
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Wow, Dave
Nice contribution.
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06-12-2008
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#28
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Fireball in the Night
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,589
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$gallons of fuel equalized with $pints of beer
If you're driving in the Bay Area, you can get Traffic Conditions and Road Info by dialing 511 on a cellular. It is voice activated, so spit out your gum and tell everyone in yer car, including the order taker at the drive-thru to stfu while you're talking to a male digital voice named " Cal North" on 511 to get info on slowdowns/accidents, detours, drive times, etc.
On the net at www.511.org
Rexxx
__________________
Gear I Found Recommended Online "El cheapo armwarmers, snipped off thrift shop crashmere"
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06-28-2008
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#29
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mtbr member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,534
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Another Public Transportation ride guide
Another post by baycat for rides via public transportation:
www.511.org is a great resource for public transportation. Google maps even has a built in public transportation module when mapping driving directions out.
For access into Marin, Golden Gate Transit operates the 70/80 line which goes all the way up into Santa Rosa. That will give you access to many trails along the corridor. Tamarancho in Fairfax, China Camp in San Rafael and maybe even Annadel. You might have to take another bus or pedal in.
Also for the south bay you could take Caltrain? to Belmont and ride at Waterdog park. Or just right across the GG bridge into the headlands and beyond. I (we) do that often. |
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06-28-2008
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#30
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mtbr member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 3
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Riding at Ft. Ord
I'm moving to the Monterey area soon from Whistler and planning on riding a lot at Ft. Ord; I'm also thinking of buying a new bike. Up here there's a ton of rocks and roots so a full-suspension xc setup is best. Are there many trails at Ft. Ord that would be good for a full-suspension setup or would I be better off buying a hardtail? Thanks.
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06-28-2008
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#31
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mtbr member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,534
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by AJK509
I'm moving to the Monterey area soon from Whistler and planning on riding a lot at Ft. Ord; I'm also thinking of buying a new bike. Up here there's a ton of rocks and roots so a full-suspension xc setup is best. Are there many trails at Ft. Ord that would be good for a full-suspension setup or would I be better off buying a hardtail? Thanks.
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Fort Ord, at least the parts that are in Sea Otter Classic are mostly smoother riding that can be done on a hardtail. There are alot of of sand area, esp. on some of the downhill where I found myself sliding down the whole way.
May be others with more Fort Ord experience can give better info. I just know that it is sand, and when it is the rain season, majority of the trails there are very ridable. |
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07-08-2008
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#32
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mtbr member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,534
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Rides via public transportation. ie. BART, Ferry
This is quoting from Singlespeed.org's message. Some are repeats of other posts:
"Some of the ride options using BART are:
- Shell Ridge and Mount Diablo from Walnut Creek BART. From the BART
station, take Ygnacio Valley Road east to Homestead Ave. Turn right and then at
the first stop sign, left onto Marshall Drive. Go to the end of Marshall Drive to the
trailhead. The trails for Shell Ridge connect with Diablo’s trails.
- Briones Regional Park is a short ride north on Happy Valley Road and Bear Creek
Road from Lafayette BART
- Joaquin Miller Park above Oakland can be reached from Fruitvale BART station.
Ride east on 34th to Foothill. Make a left, then an immediate right on to Coolidge.
Take this past 580 and to Carmel Street. Left on Carmel, and go 2 blocks to
Laguna Avenue. Right on to Laguna and then left on Potomac (2 blocks). Right
on to Lincoln then continue west up the hill. This turns into Joachim Miler Road
after you pass Highway 13, and takes you right to the park. You can connect to
the trails of Redwood Regional Park from Joachim Miller Park.
- Anthony Chabot Regional Park can be reached from the San Leandro BART
station. Take Parrot Street east until it becomes Delores Ave. Continue on until
Morgan, on to which you will make a left. Then a right on to Estudillo Ave.
Take this east until you see the Y for Lake Chabot Road, which you will take
uphill in to the park.
Rides using Ferries:
Bicycles are allowed on all ferries, space permitting. On some ferries, bikes are carried
outside on the stern (back) of the boat. If the ferry you take does this, it may be good to
rinse any salt spray off of the bike as soon as possible to prevent corrosion.
- Marin Headlands can be reached from the Sausalito Ferry, or by biking across the
Golden Gate Bridge. From the ferry, head down Bridgeway towards the Golden
Gate Bridge. After you pass under 101 at the bridge, make a right onto
Conzelman Road and continue up the hill. There is a trailhead at the intersection
of Conzelman and McCullough Road.
- From Larkspur Ferry, you can access China Camp State Park. Head west on Sir
Francis Drake under the freeway to Eliseo, which you will make a right on. Then
a quick right on to Via La Cumbre. Take this to Tiburon Boulevard and then
Irwin Street. Make a right on 2nd, which connects you to Point San Pedro Road,
which you will take around the point to any of the trailheads in the park.
- Also from the Larkspur Ferry, you can get to Mount Tamalpais area. Take the
bike path west to South Eliseo. Continue until the bike path starts again, and take
that until the town of Ross. Follow the bike route signs to Fairfax along Shady
Lane and San Anselmo Ave. Then take Bolinas Road east. A short while past the
golf course, you will see a trailhead on the right that connects you to the Pine
Mountain Loop.
- You could also access Tamarancho (the boy scout camp - which requires that you
buy an annual permit or a day pass) from Larkspur Ferry. I am not that familiar
with Tamarancho, so can’t provide any specific details.
Other Rides:
For those after a bit more of a stretch from the Bay Area, you can reach Wilder Ranch
and other Santa Cruz destinations by taking the Amtrak bus from San Jose Diridon
Station to Santa Cruz. Or many parks like Rockville and the Auburn area can be reached
by the Amtrak Capitol Corridor train line. "
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07-08-2008
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#33
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Nomad makes me happy.
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,260
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More mass-transit options in the East Bay
Carquinez Shoreline Regional Park is a short ride from the Capitol Corridor station in Martinez.
Wildcat Canyon Alvarado Staging Area is a 2+ mile ride from the El Cerrito Del Norte BART station.
Black Diamond Mines is a 9 mile ride from the Pittsburg/Bay Point BART station.
Pleasanton Ridge and Bernal Park are a 6 mile ride from the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station or a 2 mile ride from the Pleasanton ACE station. |
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07-08-2008
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#34
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Alien Surf Team
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 1,177
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Short review on Lake Chabot (for kids):
Negative on that. Shoreline, lake-level trail doesn't go all the way around the lake. Me and my kids (9, 14) followed the signs that indicate the main bike path and ended up going up a steep hill that dead-ended. Not dead-end but all the paths at the top of the hill were marked "no bikes" so we had to go back the way we came.
Too many people.
Might be good for experienced riders if you go into the hills but I was very disappointed with my kids on a recreation level.
__________________
I put the sexy in dyslexia. There will be tpyos.
Me Foxy Drums, Bikes
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07-08-2008
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#35
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mtbr member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,466
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Razorfish
Short review on Lake Chabot (for kids):
Negative on that. Shoreline, lake-level trail doesn't go all the way around the lake. Me and my kids (9, 14) followed the signs that indicate the main bike path and ended up going up a steep hill that dead-ended. Not dead-end but all the paths at the top of the hill were marked "no bikes" so we had to go back the way we came.
Too many people.
Might be good for experienced riders if you go into the hills but I was very disappointed with my kids on a recreation level.
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In San Leandro, there is a very small park (Oyster Point) where you can take your kids. It's right by the bay, and I sometimes take my 9yo riding there for 2-3 miles. Further south in Fremont, there is Coyote Hills (a bit nicer, and also by the bay) where you can easily put together an easy ride on fireroads of 2 to 6 miles with not too much climbing.
__________________
Faster is not always better, but it's always more fun
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04-22-2009
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#36
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mtbr member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 11
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this site shares gps tracks. There are a bunch in the bay area.
http://www.mtbguru.com/ |
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04-22-2009
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#37
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Ride Responsibly
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,373
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Why not a permanent index of NorCal bike club websites?
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04-22-2009
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#38
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mtbr member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,534
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Please feel free to compile a list and post it here.
Thank you.
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