Sunday's route is a ride I refer to as the 'Dirt Alpine Loop'. We begin in Sausalito and get onto the dirt around Camino Alto in Mill Valley. From there we ride one of my favorite dirt sections in Marin: Southern Marin Line. After making our way through the Kent Woodlands, we will climb up to Alpine Dam via Shaver Grade and a few other dirt and paved roads. Once we connect with Bolinas Fairfax Road, we will be on pavement all the way up Seven Sisters to Pantoll Ranger Station. At Pantoll we will jump back on the dirt and descend Railroad Grade all the way to Mill Valley, exercising caution and being friendly to other trail users along the way.
I personally will likely be on 35c slicks, but I would recommend a tire around 40c with minimal tread. I would consider this an 'all-road ride', but there are definitely some technical sections in the dirt. The pace will be conversational and there will be periodic regroups. Expect hero dirt conditions and beautiful views. The hills have all turned a glorious shade of green in the last few weeks and the wildflowers are starting to pop out.
What to Bring: Your bike, some comfortable riding gear (preferably layered in case it gets cold or hot as it can vary), a helmet (obviously), spare tubes, a pump (or CO2 if that’s how you roll), water, some snacks just in case you get hungry.
Ride Files: Download the GPX here, and the TCX here.
Start Time & Meet: 7.30 AM, Sunday, February 19th, Above Category.
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