Biking advice in San Francisco

[maillotpois]

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

[jobob]

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

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.

[Trek420]

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

[annie]

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.

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

[maillotpois]

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.

[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.

[velogirl]

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

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


(I couldn't resist).

[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.

[annie]

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.

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

Annie

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

[annie]

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.

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

[Trek420]

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

Annie

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.

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

My outfit is jersey, vest, arm skins....shorts of course 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....

[Becky Neal]

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

[Trek420]

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.

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

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

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.