Another newbie from the Bay Area

[NadiaMac]

try bicycle sunday on canada road near woodside-- the road is closed to traffic for most of the day on sundays, between the canada rd exit and 92 exits from 280. It's only a 4 mile stretch, but the road is nicely rolling and it would be a car-free opportunity to build some confidence on the road. You can easily extend your ride in either direction-- see maps on velogirls site.

sawyer camp trail is nearby-- paved trail by the crystal springs reservoir, relatively flat. It can be kind of crowded on weekends especially within one mile or so of the parking at either end. Try in the late afternoon for less congestion

Living in San Bruno , you are near san bruno mountain-- the radio tower road part of the climb has almost no traffic, though it is a bit steep at 8-9%. The guadalupe canyon part of the climb (less steep) has a nice shoulder, but there is some traffic on the road as a heads up. It's a nice little climb, good views at the top. You can go up and down guadalupe on either side for extra climbing.

Also, there is a nice loop in the office park area just south of guadalupe -- go clockwise on: North hill rd (start at intersection with Valley) to south hill road to west hill road to valley, repeat. There is almost no traffic on this after about 6pm on weekdays and on weekends. It's a nice little loop with some gentle climbing on the up, gentle descending on the down. see map here http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&rl...e&ved=0CAQQtgM


good luck with the riding! The bike coalition class is a great introduction to safe street cycling.

[Savra]

Welcome!! I loved biking in the Bay Area when I lived there. Just remember to have fun!!!

[sunsfan]

AAAH!! Thank you so much for the Bicycle Sunday tip! I went today and really enjoyed it
We went a little too late that the road reopened while we were still riding. It's not bad, even with cars. I'll definitely be back, and I'll try those other routes, too.