Day 197: Riding Around in the Marin Headlands with a Friend

Today I made plans to ride with my friend “C” who doesn’t ride often, but when she does, she put’s in a real effort. We’ve ridden a few times before, and what’s nice for me is that the rides have been what I’ve called “civilized.” Each time our rides have included stops for coffee or tea in various places that I’d usually just ride right by. It’s been a nice reminder that a ride can include stops for socialization and caffeinated fuel. Today was no exception.

We left for the Marin Headlands today and had hoped to use the bike path that leads to Tennessee Valley, but unfortunately there was a high tide that had completely covered the path from Richardson Bay to Tam Junction. This sort of tide happens occasionally during the winter months. So we made a little detour in order to get around the water.

We rode up Tennessee Valley Road to Miwok Stables where we shed some layers of clothing. The sun had finally decided to pop out and it had warmed the air up quickly. From the stables we rode up the newly redone Old Springs Trail. They did a nice job of reconfiguring the trail at the bottom where it intersects with the stables.

Once at the top we rode down Miwok Trail to the Gerbode Valley floor. I was watching for Bobcats the whole time that I was descending. I really enjoy seeing them running around while stalking rabbits and Quail. We rode back up the other side of the valley via the Coastal Trail which dead ends at Conzelman Road. Our plan was to ride down Conzelman Road to Alexander Avenue, and from there to head into Sausalito for a coffee at the former Café Trieste (I can’t remember the new name).

We rested at the café while enjoying coffees. We left with renewed energy and decided to weave in and out of the harbors, and old buildings, that dot the Sausalito waterfront. There are some real characters running about in this area.

We returned on the bike path that runs between Sausalito and Mill Valley. By the time that we had returned a couple of hours later, the tides had receded and we had smooth sailing on the way back through Richardson Bay.

I had a great time cruising around today. Thanks “C!”

Distance: 19.25 miles
Calories burned: 1,190
Time: 2:15:06 hours
Elevation gain: 1,336 ft
Garmin Connect ride details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/21537805