Biking advice in San Francisco

I'll be in SF for the first time ever this September. DH has a conference there and I'm going along. He'll be busy at least half of most days and I'll be looking to keep myself busy. I want to ride a bike! Not going to take mine along. I'd like to find somewhere I could rent a bike, that would also give me advice for routes. I know SF is hilly. I am not afraid of hills, on the right bike. I want to be safe. I don't want to get lost. I would greatly appreciate any advice anyone can share. I'll probably only have a couple of mornings to myself, so I'd like to make the most of them on a bike. Other than my biking, we're planning on going to Alcatraz, and doing a Winery/ Redwood tour. And of course, seeing the Golden Gate Bridge. Such tourists we'll be! LOL! :D Oh- sorry to be off topic, but if you've got any great recomendations for dining, I'm open for suggestions. Thanks!!!!!

Annie

This is what I got from Google: http://www.google.com/search?q=bicyc...ient=firefox-a

I would think the rental place would have maps of the city so you could get around without getting lost (hopefully!).

Also, it's good to hear that you're not afraid of hills. That's an important quality to have there. Some of those hills are hard for even my car to get up on.

Have a great trip!

It might be cool to take a bike tour when you first get there. There is a lot to see and SF is extremely urban. A tour of the town will give an idea of how SF is laid out and get a bit acclimated to the city. I love that town. Have a great time.

Ooohh, I did this a couple of years ago when I was in the Bay area for a cousin's wedding. I arrived a day ahead of most of my family, so I rented from these guys: http://www.blazingsaddles.com/

I rented the "comfort hybrid" and they provided helmet, lock, rear rack, and handlebar bag. You can take a look at the maps they have on their page. Most people only do the "Bike the Bridge" ride, but I went a bit further on their "Presido and Golden Gate Park" route. It was fun biking close to Ocean Beach, and yes, the hills are tough. I ended up walking up one of them since I wasn't used to hills being so long. I got lost in Golden Gate Park (The City needs to mark their streets better!) and had lunch in the Haight, then back up to the Presido where I got lost again. Then I went over the Golden Gate (watch out for pedestrians on the bridge, especially when it's nice out) and down to Sausalito. When I got down to the docks, I found out my family was still in rental car hell, so I went on to Tiburon. Took the ferry back.

Even with the getting lost, I had a blast. It was neat going down residential streets to just to look at all the houses. San Francisco is a great city. I cut it close time-wise when I was catching the flight back, because I didn't want to leave.

I would change one thing if I did it over again and put in the same mileage as last time: I would pay the extra money and get the road bike instead of the hybrid. I was essentially on the bike for most of the day, and since the hybrid had a more upright riding position than I was used to, my butt hurt. And that was with wearing bike shorts. But if you're not planning on riding quite as much, the hybrid will be fine.

Hope that helps, and have fun!

I have not rented bikes there, but I know that my mom and her boyfriend shipped their bikes out with them(they just spent a month out in san fran). They did a lot of riding down by the marina.
I also just spent a week with my older sister and her boyfriend(they live in the north panhandle) and I did tons of running through the panhandle, presidio, and golden gate park. You could definitely ride through golden gate park if you wanted to avoid all of the traffic of the city, and then ride out to the beach and ride along there.
I know I am not much help, but some of the fine ladies of the bay area on here should definitely be able to steer you to a good lbs to rent a bike from.

and beware of the death monsters!!(ahh i loved seeing this on the MUTs)

We see a lot of the Blazing Saddles people over our way. :cool: They cross the Golden Gate bridge, and come to Mill Valley and decide they're going to ride to Muir Woods. :D I always find them about a half mile up what's probably a 2 - 3 mile climb (with some double digit percentage grades), stopped at the side of the road, looking at maps and scratching their helmets. I always stop and give some direction (like don't take Wildomar north of Molino, the street with the 25% grade because I don't even like to drive up it). My daughter often gives them advice on her way home from school - we were just talking about this today.

If you do want to come north of the city, there are some nice loops in Marin and a great bike path in Sausalito. Just know that Muir Woods is a pretty technical climb/descent. :D

Let us know when you're coming to SF. Maybe we can arrange a guided tour!
Some of us have the fortune of working part time or are on flexible schedules.

IF I were you, I'd call Blazing Saddles before you come and find out if you can reserve a bike. Also, find out what kind of pedals they have in the event that you need to bring your own.

Don't forget to bring your cycling shoes AND bring layers of clothes as it can get quite chilly in the AM and PM what with the fog and all.

I love the photos on the Blazing Saddles site, with all the extraneous car and pedestrian traffic airbrushed out. :D

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Originally Posted by annie

Other than my biking, we're planning on going to Alcatraz, and doing a Winery/ Redwood tour. And of course, seeing the Golden Gate Bridge. Such tourists we'll be! LOL! :D Oh- sorry to be off topic, but if you've got any great recomendations for dining, I'm open for suggestions. Thanks!!!!!

Annie

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Alcatraz is cool and I like the history but check out Angel Island. It's a biiiiiiig island in the middle of the bay with lots of hiking (and some bike) trails, beaches, incredible 360 degree view of the bay.

You must go to Point Reyes National Seashore :)

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Originally Posted by jobob

I love the photos on the Blazing Saddles site, with all the extraneous car and pedestrian traffic airbrushed out. :D

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Funny how that works ;-)

For a preview of the Sonoma Napa Wine country go to the Ferry Building in SF. It's been turned into an indoor/outdoor market featuring local products of the North coast. Then skip the tour and go to the areas.

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Originally Posted by Trek420

check out Angel Island. It's a biiiiiiig island in the middle of the bay with lots of hiking (and some bike) trails, beaches, incredible 360 degree view of the bay.

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+1 Angel Island is a treat indeed and you can rent bikes there. Also, the Grove in the Marina (on Chestnut) is nice for a mid-morning/afternoon coffee and a cool place to check out the locals :)

Have fun !

All this marvelous advice, my head is spinning! LOL! I think I'm going to need more time there than I'll have. Or else have to go back again. (I like that idea.)

I will find out exactly where we are staying. I was thinking maybe I could contact the concierge at the hotel to ask about places to rent bikes. Now I can ask if Blazing Saddles is nearby. I think I'd go for the road bike, as I've never really ridden a hybrid. That's great advice, to ask about the pedals! I don't know if I'd have thought of that.

I'm getting really excited about going now, with all these ideas you've shared, ladies. Thanks!

Annie

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Originally Posted by Trek420

Alcatraz is cool and I like the history but check out Angel Island. It's a biiiiiiig island in the middle of the bay with lots of hiking (and some bike) trails, beaches, incredible 360 degree view of the bay.

You must go to Point Reyes National Seashore :)

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So is there a bridge to Angel Island? Are the biking trails there for road or mtb bikes?

I will check out the location of Point Reyes National Seashore.

Annie

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Originally Posted by maillotpois

We see a lot of the Blazing Saddles people over our way. :cool: They cross the Golden Gate bridge, and come to Mill Valley and decide they're going to ride to Muir Woods. :D I always find them about a half mile up what's probably a 2 - 3 mile climb (with some double digit percentage grades), stopped at the side of the road, looking at maps and scratching their helmets. I always stop and give some direction (like don't take Wildomar north of Molino, the street with the 25% grade because I don't even like to drive up it). My daughter often gives them advice on her way home from school - we were just talking about this today.

If you do want to come north of the city, there are some nice loops in Marin and a great bike path in Sausalito. Just know that Muir Woods is a pretty technical climb/descent. :D

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I gather that Muir Woods is more for mountain biking? When you say it's technical, sounds off-road to me. I probably would pass on that. I am def more of a roadie.

I'm sure I'd love to come north and do some Marin loops, but I have to keep in mind that my biking time will be limited to when DH is in conference. He is not a biker, so when he's free, we'll be doing other, more touristy stuff.

Annie

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Originally Posted by Bike Goddess

Let us know when you're coming to SF. Maybe we can arrange a guided tour!
Some of us have the fortune of working part time or are on flexible schedules.

IF I were you, I'd call Blazing Saddles before you come and find out if you can reserve a bike. Also, find out what kind of pedals they have in the event that you need to bring your own.

Don't forget to bring your cycling shoes AND bring layers of clothes as it can get quite chilly in the AM and PM what with the fog and all.

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Thanks!! That would be very amazing to ride with someone who knows their way around. We will arrive in SF sometime late afternoon on Saturday, September 15. We'll leave the morning of Thursday, September 20. I don't know what hubby's conference schedule is yet. I keep asking him to bring it home!

I will check out Blazing Saddles. Hopefully, if I reserve ahead of time, I can get a bike I'll be comfortable on. I wonder if I should bring my own saddle, too? Would arm warmers and a jacket be enough for chilly time riding?

Annie

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Originally Posted by annie

So is there a bridge to Angel Island? Are the biking trails there for road or mtb bikes?

I will check out the location of Point Reyes National Seashore.

Annie

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No - there is a ferry to Angel Island. I believe there are then dirt roads there.

Pt. Reyes is about 45 minutes north of SF on Highway 1 - in itself worth the drive if you have a car.

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Originally Posted by annie

I gather that Muir Woods is more for mountain biking? When you say it's technical, sounds off-road to me. I probably would pass on that. I am def more of a roadie.

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By technical, I meant twisty steep road riding. So if you're up for that, it's a good ride. It's just not a good ride for tourists with platform pedals, etc. I really do worry about them.

If you are up for something like that, then a great ride (during the week, when the traffic is less) is to ride through Nuir Woods and then take Hwy 1. to Stinson Beach. This will be longer and hillier. You can do a great loop. PM me if you want any maps or anything.

On the bike rental, I would definitely bring my own saddle, shoes and pedals.

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Originally Posted by maillotpois

No - there is a ferry to Angel Island. I believe there are then dirt roads there.

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IIRC, the road encircling the island is paved for the most part, with some dirt road as well.

Angel Island is a *really* nice excursion, but it could eat up a lot of your time with the ferry crossings- since you're going to be there after the summer season is over, the ferry schedule might be scaled back.

Given your time constraints, perhaps a ride across the GG bridge into Sausalito and maybe on to Tiburon and a ferry ride back into San Francisco might be nice.

I know there are probably other Bay Area shops that rent bikes but here's one I found. When DuckonWheels was here I rented one for her so she could do a TE ride with us.

You'd need a bike rack or means to get the bike back to S.F. but it's nearby, and they have some pretty decent hardtails and mountain bikes, they will even fit, swap out pedals and saddles etc.

www.summitbicycles.com

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Originally Posted by jobob

IIRC, the road encircling the island is paved for the most part, with some dirt road as well.

Angel Island is a *really* nice excursion, but it could eat up a lot of your time with the ferry crossings- since you're going to be there after the summer season is over, the ferry schedule might be scaled back.

Given your time constraints, perhaps a ride across the GG bridge into Sausalito and maybe on to Tiburon and a ferry ride back into San Francisco might be nice.

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Probably not gonna do Angel Island, as I would rather stay with paved roads and a road bike, if possible. '

What's it like, riding across the GG bridge? Is there a bike lane or do you ride with the traffic? I have a little bit of bridge phobia, but might be able to do it if I need to. I figure I'll have approx. 6 hours worth of riding time so I should be able to get in a decent number of miles. I'll bring my own shoes, pedals, water bottles, etc. OH- and a camera!

Annie

For the bridge, you ride on the pedestrian sidewalk. not my favorite, and definitely to be avoided on summer weekends. just take it slowly at the towers and you'll be fine.

The BF and I were just out in SF with a friend of ours, and we rented from Blazing Saddles on a whim. I"m a newbie to riding for the most part, and I thought it would be super cool to bike across the GG Bridge. :)

The bikes we got really weren't all that great (we got a tandem for the BF and our non-cycling friend, and a mountain/hybrid for me). But, this was more a spur of the moment thing, so you might have better luck if you plan/call ahead.

The ride across the bridge is on a separate path (there is NO way I would have done it if I had to ride with the cars!), and there a few sharp turns (although, it could have been exaggerated by the fact that I rode on a tandem - the friend backed out a mile or so into the ride - for the first time).

Oh, and if you want to do the Alcatraz tour, make sure you book in advance. We were doing a "drive up the coast" vacation, so we didn't make reservations and they were sold out for 4 days (we were only in SF for 2).

On the plus side, we made an unplanned detour to Yosemite Natl Park and got to see the giant sequoias. :) Pictures from our vacation are here if you're interested.

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Originally Posted by twinkie

Pictures from our vacation are here if you're interested.

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Twinkie, you sure took a lot of photos of the naked ladies!!!


(I couldn't resist).

Hi Annie,

I found this sight by trying to find out info on riding in SF. I got a lot of needed info from the many people replying to your Question. My husband and I took our bikes and rode over the golden gate bridge and around SF. It was really cool. But I just wanted to add to the advice.

WATCH OUT FOR THOSE TRAM TRACKS!!!!!!

Things were going great for us until I hit one of the tracks and my wheel just fell in the groove of the track while flinging me to the hard ground. I wasn't seriously hurt and could still ride back to the car, but my ribs and shoulder keep screaming, so watch out for those. Have fun. SF is a great city.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by twinkie

The BF and I were just out in SF with a friend of ours, and we rented from Blazing Saddles on a whim. I"m a newbie to riding for the most part, and I thought it would be super cool to bike across the GG Bridge. :)

The bikes we got really weren't all that great (we got a tandem for the BF and our non-cycling friend, and a mountain/hybrid for me). But, this was more a spur of the moment thing, so you might have better luck if you plan/call ahead.

The ride across the bridge is on a separate path (there is NO way I would have done it if I had to ride with the cars!), and there a few sharp turns (although, it could have been exaggerated by the fact that I rode on a tandem - the friend backed out a mile or so into the ride - for the first time).

Oh, and if you want to do the Alcatraz tour, make sure you book in advance. We were doing a "drive up the coast" vacation, so we didn't make reservations and they were sold out for 4 days (we were only in SF for 2).

On the plus side, we made an unplanned detour to Yosemite Natl Park and got to see the giant sequoias. :) Pictures from our vacation are here if you're interested.

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WOW!! Beautiful pics! Thanks for sharing. I'm not much at remembering to take photos, but I promise to try. :rolleyes:

Annie

p.s. We have already booked our Alcatraz tour. Plus a Muir Woods/Wineries tour. I can't wait!

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Originally Posted by Becky Neal

Hi Annie,

I found this sight by trying to find out info on riding in SF. I got a lot of needed info from the many people replying to your Question. My husband and I took our bikes and rode over the golden gate bridge and around SF. It was really cool. But I just wanted to add to the advice.

WATCH OUT FOR THOSE TRAM TRACKS!!!!!!

Things were going great for us until I hit one of the tracks and my wheel just fell in the groove of the track while flinging me to the hard ground. I wasn't seriously hurt and could still ride back to the car, but my ribs and shoulder keep screaming, so watch out for those. Have fun. SF is a great city.

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I appreciate the advice. I will watch out for the tracks. I'm going to rent a bike from Blazing Saddles. They've got self-guided routes, too, so I hope I don't get lost.

Should I bring arm warmers? A jacket, too, for riding?

Annie

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Originally Posted by annie

Should I bring arm warmers? A jacket, too, for riding?

Annie

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Dress in layers. If you don't like the weather here wait 5 minutes. We go from fog to sun to fog rain sun wind sun fog .... and back again. Then our wonderful micro climates. :) and go from sunny meadows to shady redwood grove to along an orchard back to mean city street and back to redwoods on a short ride. And wherever you are it's the opposite weather when you go to Marin. :cool:

It's one of many reasons I love it here.

My outfit is jersey, vest, arm skins....shorts of course :cool: Skins go up and down, vest up down or off ... that way I go from rain jacket to short sleeves as needed. Many here like the jackets where the sleeves are removable....

original q from Annie.
Should I bring arm warmers? A jacket, too, for riding?

SF weather, as already stated, is very unpredictable. We wore our street clothes and shoes. I decided to wear pants instead of shorts, and was glad I did. I wore a regular short sleeve shirt and brought a small long sleeve jersey that I ended up wearing later in the day. (My husband had a back pack with our stuff in it).

Remember the ride to the bridge is quite a climb. If you are a dog lover like us you will meet many people walking their pooches along crissy field.

For dinner or lunch I recommend our favorite place. Tommy's Joint on Van Ness at the corner of Geary street (probably want to drive there - you can park in the big hotel next to it). It is NOT fancy, very rustic, and very SF. I kid you not, they have the BEST FOOD IN THE WORLD, and all dishes are cheap. I always get a meat ball sandwich. You have to try it.

When is your trip? Have fun, and enjoy my favorite city.
Becky

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Originally Posted by Becky Neal

For dinner or lunch I recommend our favorite place. Tommy's Joint on Van Ness at the corner of Geary street (probably want to drive there - you can park in the big hotel next to it). It is NOT fancy, very rustic, and very SF. I kid you not, they have the BEST FOOD IN THE WORLD, and all dishes are cheap. I always get a meat ball sandwich. You have to try it.

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Becky, welcome to TE :) I don't know if you're surfed on over to the getting to know you thread :D

We need a new thread title "Eating in San Francisco" :cool:

Tommy's Joint's ok. We used to go there when I was a kid for good ol' fashion Hoff Brau style fare. I'm glad to hear it's still good. :)

Too the visitors; what kind of food you like? We'll have suggestions. Tons of fantastic places featuring fresh produce, local fare and ethnic foods. There's the other thing I love here...the diversity. Everyone comes here, and brings their food. It all grows here. :D