California peeps?

[kenyonchris]

This will be my first trip to California, my husband lived there for several years, in the SF area. We are riding the Sea Otter ride and the Breakaway from Cancer ride, in the week in between staying in SF at the uh...Mark Hopkins? Anyway, one of the things he has wanted to do is ride to...and through....Muir Woods. It is close, I understand, to SF. I would like to plan out a ride (without him knowing about it) starting either in SF or maybe Sausalito (?) that would take us there, and, if possible, through the park, and wind up back at the car or the hotel, and afterwards a nice dinner and beer (not so fancy that I have to wear heels). 50 miles or so is probably max, since we are already doing two big, long, hilly rides....less would be fine. We will have our road bikes, so only paved roads. Can anyone suggest a good starting point (if the hotel isn't a good one), general route, or other helpful suggestions...including dinner after bike?

[maillotpois]

I can do you up a quick route on Ride with GPS. What day of the week would you be going? I ask because traffic will factor in to which way I take you.

[kenyonchris]

I can do you up a quick route on Ride with GPS. What day of the week would you be going? I ask because traffic will factor in to which way I take you.

I think the best day would be April 22 (a Thursday)...THANK YOU!

[maillotpois]

Ok -

Here's the route to Muir Woods from Sports Basement Presidio (610 Old Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94129 (415) 437-0100 (they have good parking and who knows, you may want to shop.)

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/52764

NOTE: The (stupid) program would NOT Take me on the (very clearly marked) bike paths in two locations and instead routes you on the highway. DO NOT take the highway! ! These locations are:

1. The Golden Gate Bridge. There is a clearly marked bike/ped path - once you get to the base of the bridge you should be able to find it.
2. Between Sausalito and Mill Valley. There is a ped/bike path right to the left of the onramp to Hwy 101. Take that just for the length of the highway's run to the next off ramp which is Hwy 1, the road you want to go on.

Here is the return route, which takes you a slightly different way for a spot with a great view:

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/52766

Again, note the two areas where you do NOT follow the route onto the highway.

Note the return through the Presidio to Sports Basement is different - pay attention to this because there are road closures in there and you cannot go back the way you came (unless you go wrong way down a short 1 way street).

I suggest you go here for GREAT Beer and casual food - it is between your hotel and the sports Basement:

Rogue Ales Public House
North Beach
673 Union Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 362-7880

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=673%2BUnion%2BStreet,%2BSan%2BFrancisco,%2BCA%2B94133&sll=45.525818,-122.684669&sspn=0.009802,0.014892&ie=UTF8&ll=37.80029,-122.410462&spn=0.011055,0.014892&z=16&iwloc=addr

[kenyonchris]

That is great!! Thank you!

[ny biker]

Totally unrelated, but every time I read the subject of this thread I think of this:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2010/03/29/GA2010032903934.html

[kenyonchris]

Totally unrelated, but every time I read the subject of this thread I think of this:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2010/03/29/GA2010032903934.html

Now THAT is funny!

[ny biker]

Now THAT is funny!

It's an annual contest.

Have fun in California.

[Aquila]

Gosh, I'm totally jealous of that ride.

Muir Woods is one of the best places in the world. I hope you can take a couple sandwiches and sit with the trees for a bit. It will be worth the time, i promise.

I'm wishing you a wonderful visit.