The February Monthly metric covered one of the best bike rides in the Bay Area. Starting in Nicasio, the route heads north along the Nicasio reservior and then turns northeast toward Petaluma on Pt. Reyes-Petaluma road where one encounters the first climb. Once over the top, a nice downhill took us to the Nicasio Valley Cheese Factory for a pit stop. A half mile later we took a left on Hicks Valley Road and enjoyed to rolling hills of Marin. Hicks Valley Road ends at a T intersection with Marshall-Petaluma at the western base of Wilson hill – the second climb! This one is no joke, an even 10% grade that seems to never end. Dale and Steve are glad to be on e-bikes!
The descent down Wilson hill is fast and exhilirating! After a couple miles we turned left on Chileno Valley road which is just a great road to bike. It is just one pastoral scene after another for 14 miles and is mostly devoid of cars. We did see a few well behaved ag trucks
Chileno Valley road ends in another T at Tomales-Petaluma Rd and here we took a left turn toward Tomales.
Tomales is known among cyclists as the bakery there makes a great rest-stop. Unfortunately and unbeknownst to the ride leader, the bakery and deli both close on Tuesday and Wednesday during the winter months. But, there was a food truck and between that and the grocery store we made due. Here we are, repleat and ready to head out for Tomales Bay.
The weather during the ride to Tomales was overcast and cool, but the clouds started to dissipate when we reached Tomales Bay where the tide was OUT.
We had a fabulous ride down Route 1 and into Pt. Reyes Station for coffee and pastry at Toby’s, before pedaling back to the start in Nicasio.