The second time can be the charm finally making good on this attempt for some Bolinas Ridge gravel.
Last year, we were planning a Send It to do this very loop, but the jurisdiction thought we were holding a big event (which wasn’t the case) and we opted to have a more pavement friendly route that avoided any problems.
I also considered going clockwise this time since we’d be covering most of the same route minus the Bolinas Ridge gravel just wanting a new vantage point although I made a proper choice sticking to my original plan.
Starting out of the cycling mecca of Fairfax, we followed Sir Francis Drake Blvd for the first third of the ride weaving in and out of the roadway for pockets of dirt which was mostly covering the previous rail alignment.
The highlight was the last off-road section not for the biking, but the dip into the Inkwells was a great summertime treat dipping into these cooling pools.
Instead of going full length of Bolinas Ridge, we took a short cut inside Samuel Taylor State Park up the Jewel Trail that was a stable single track climb fighting through some overgrowth at the end.
It was a rude awakening merging onto Bolinas Ridge as even the widening pathway didn’t provide many outs on the initial pitch.
The main climb is four miles averages 6%, but the grade is highly inconsistent meaning almost all your gears will be touched.
While I didn’t see any on this ride, you definitely recognize there are cows in the area making this summer surface hard and bumpy as reason #1 why it’s better to climb than descend on a gravel bike.
The top six miles has more rollers without the sustained effort, but the redwoods coming into play puts a cherry on top.
Exiting out there are a few paved options, though our best choice was simple taking Fairfax Bolinas Road back including two roaring descents down to Alpine Lake and into town.
At the end, there are plenty of options catering to cyclists this time enjoying the spirits and indoor bike parking of Gestalt House.
What makes a ride robust is when the memories surprise you with the distance and Bolinas Ridge gravel has plenty of substance.