California Diaries Day 3: December 22nd

Well I’m more than happy to say that this morning my blue jersey (AKA the sky. Don’t worry I frequently have trouble following my warped way of thinking as well) had been returned to where it should be. The grey clouds had been replaced and it was a good thing as the ride today was set to start in Mill Valley, Marin, and culminate some hundred odd miles later in Occidental, of course featuring some gems along the way.

On departing Mill Valley it was only a matter of minutes before we were cutting our way through some serious real estate, the smell of eucalyptus filling the air, en route to Old Rail Road Grade which is a six mile fire road normally home to mountain bikers (not two enthusiastic slick tyre psycho's) that climbs Mt Tam. I’ll tell you right away, this climb is incredible, views of the Marin foothills, San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate bridge end up dropping the jaw more than the gradient would otherwise require to suck as much oxygen into the lungs as possible. And before you ask. No, it doesn’t get any better than this.

The climb itself is hard packed with sections that can be ridden fast, out of the saddle, as well as razor sharp flinted areas where lines need to be carefully chosen to avoid a flat or worse. One word....amazing!

At the summit we were back on the road, picking up Bolinas Ridge, a spectacular ribbon of tarmac perfectly laid with indescribable coastal views of Stinson Beach and the Golden Gate National Reserve. Bearing right towards Fairfax another treat lay in store with a six mile descent to Alpine Lake, made even better as the road was closed for maintenance so it was completely deserted.

Mile upon mile of blissful riding, past Nicasio Reservoir to join HWY 1, a road that can be busy due to the coastal vistas, but in December with everyone having a final try on of their Santa Claus outfits and getting quietly plump on mince pies, we practically owned it! Always looking for a good section of dirt to ride we deviated from HWY 1 just after Point Reyes Station. Although initially it was rideable, after passing through a farm some four miles later the conditions were beyond that of what a road bike should be put through. Let’s just say bikes in April’s Hell of the North, Paris-Roubaix, have certainly finished cleaner even on a bad year.

Back on HWY 1 and the tranquility of the day was catching up with us as the sun began to dip. Past Tomales Bay and onto the rock strewn white water coast line of Bodega there was one final treat in store, the climb up Coleman Valley Road. It was now time for the Joystick MaXx to light up the road, adding another dimension to the ascent that has previously featured in the Tour of California. Spray painted names on the roads all the way, with a landscape not dissimilar to the remote rolling hills of Scotland, all that was left was to carefully pick our way down the descent to Occidental where no sooner had the bikes been packed the stories of the day started to unfold. A sure sign of an incredible day.

Ride stats: 3,150m elevation/100miles

For Day 3 GPS info click here