A challenging climb just outside the city and over the famous Golden Gate Bridge. With grandiose views of San Francisco and the Pacific ocean, Hawk Hill is one of the most beautiful — and popular — cycling routes in the area.
If you’re looking for a beautiful weekend ride, look no further than the Paradise Loop route, a 50 mile jaunt with reasonable climbs and scenic views of the bay from winding Paradise Drive.
A popular stop for cyclists passing through Marin or riding Paradise Loop, the small town of Tiburon sits across the bay directly north of San Francisco. Tiburon makes a great place to stop and refuel with ice cream, lunch, or coffee, and also offers a ferry service to and from San Francisco, as well as Angel Island.
For those looking for a difficult climb without travelling far from San Francisco, Mount ‘Tam’ offers 2,000 feet of climbing just 15 miles north of the city. The majority of the climb puts in work at a seven per cent grade with moments ranging from three per cent to 12 per cent. With the precipice offering the highest point in the region, riders are rewarded with spectacular views.
Offering their noted line of cycling gear, Rapha Cycle Club serves as a great starting and finishing point for many group rides. Rapha offers local coffee from Four Barrel and some solid pastries for your pre- and post-ride enjoyment.
This 25 mile loop offers a cumulative 3,000 feet of climb through the ridges and ocean front through Mount Tamalpais State Park. A pair of smoothly paved descents offering panoramic ocean views will reward your efforts without forcing you to take the punishing full climb of Mount Tam itself.
A beautifully scenic route between central San Francisco and Ocean Beach, anyone can enjoy cycling in Golden Gate Park. At three-and-a-half miles long, bicycles are a great way to see all the park has to offer, including the Academy of Science Center and De Young Art Museum. During summer, a large stretch of JFK Drive becomes a no-car zone — a great way to casually ride about.
Halfway to the Old La Honda climb, Crystal Springs Reservoir is a beautiful park on the peninsula. You’ll find it hard to believe you’re surrounded by city while riding on the long cycle-path through the woods.
Famous for being the best benchmark climb in the region, the 1,800 foot climb of Old La Honda is noted for is steady eight per cent grade and well-paved roadway. A wonderful climb for competitive cyclists who yearn for a way to compare their abilities to famous professionals.
Highway 1 is one of the most famous highways in the nation, tucked directly into the Western coastline and stretching all the way from Northern to Southern California, with gorgeous ocean views. Many large cycling events take place here, including rides from San Francisco to Los Angeles, but the best independent option is a century ride from San Francisco to the beaches of Santa Cruz.
This story was originally published in Lagom #3, which you can buy from the Lagom shop.
