news Social Distancing Rides in Your Backyards
With the current Shelter-in-Place Order in effect until May 1, people are asked to stay at home or in their own neighborhoods. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t get outside to ride your bike. In fact, cycling for exercise is a great way to relieve stress and focus on your mental well-being. In Marin County, we are fortunate to have so many wonderful places to ride road and trail, that may be closer to your house than you think. We encourage you to use the map to check out other routes in your neighborhood! Below is a list of our Top 12 Social Distancing Rides around Marin County.
Please remember, you cannot drive to these places and should only access them by bike from your home. We also want to emphasize that these should be SOLO rides or rides with people in your household. Please maintain 6 feet distance from other trail and road users. Be courteous, be smart, and be respectful!
Novato
Road Option – Novato to Sonoma County Line
This path is part of MCBC’s North-South Greenway Project creating a bike friendly route from the Northern Marin County Line to the Golden Gate Bridge. The section between Northern Novato is void of almost all car traffic and includes multiple miles of bike path. As an out and back, you can make this ride as short or long as you want!
Dirt Option – Rush Creek Open Space
Rush Creek Open Space is a mix of flowy single track and wide open fire road. This is a beginner-friendly ride that is suitable for the whole family!
Terra Linda / Marinwood
Road Option – Lucas Valley Loop
Lucas Valley Road is a steady, gradual climb with a fun, winding descent. You can make this a ride an out and back or loop it back by taking Nicasio Valley Road to Sir Francis Drake.
Dirt Option – Loma Alta Ridge / 680 Trail
Situated between Terra Linda and Fairfax is Loma Alta Ridge. This climb gets pitchy near the top, but the views of the Bay Area and the fun descent down 680 Trail make it worth it!
San Rafael / San Anselmo / Fairfax
Road Option – Bolinas Fairfax Road to East Peak
Bolinas-Fairfax Road is currently closed to cars from the Meadow Club to Highway 1. What else do we need to say but this is a great time to ride this beautiful route! If you make this an out and back, you can ride as short or long as you want! Please ride from your home!
Dirt Option – Eldridge Grade to Rock Springs
The Lakes area on the north side of Mt. Tam has so many great fireroad options to explore on mountain bikes or gravel bikes. We choose to share with you a personal favorite. Prepare for a climb, pick a direction, and go explore.
Tiburon / Belvedere
Road Option –Paradise Loop
A quintessential Marin ride. But, hey, it’s in your backyard so you may as well enjoy it.
Dirt Option – Ring Mountain Open Space
A quick mix-terrain route suitable for the whole family! Plus the views from the top of Ring Mountain are worth it!
Mill Valley
Road – Muir Woods Loop
Why not enjoy the roads around Muir Woods without the crazy traffic. This is a climber’s route that takes you up Mt. Tam and down to the coast before climbing back over the hill to Mill Valley.
Dirt – Dias Ridge to Green Gulch Loop
There are so many good trails to choose from, that even on a normal day, you won’t see a lot of people. But descending Dias Ridge and climbing up Green Gulch is a personal favorite.
Sausalito
Road – Conzelman Road to Bunker Road
This is such a popular route that we encourage you to do it during off-hours to increase your social distancing to other cyclists. Or maybe just do an out and back on Bunker Road to Rodeo Beach. You have options, just remember to keep your space!
Dirt – Coastal Trail to Bobcat Trail
Grab your gravel bike and head into the Headlands! This quick loop gives you your bang for your buck and is perfect for the Sausalito local.