Living History at Nike Missile Site SF-88 (Ride 107)

Spend Independence Day riding through national parkland and taking in some Cold War history that's provocatively relevant in our current moment.

(Pls read the full description below!)
Across the GG Bridge lies Nike Missile Site SF-88, the most fully restored Nike missile site in the country. It is one of nearly 300 such sites, operated from 1953 to 1979, designed to be the last line of defense against H-Bomb carrying Soviet bombers.

Today, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area works with a dedicated group of volunteers to preserve the site as it was during operations, to remind visitors of the physical and psychological effects of the Cold War on the American landscape.

On the first Saturday of the month, veterans of the Nike program are onsite to share their stories with visitors.

More info and cool video about the Nike site:
https://www.nps.gov/goga/nike-missile-site.htm

NOTE: This outing is for experienced riders. It includes several long hills and a ride across the busy GG Bridge. Bring tube, patch kit, pump, and tools. If you're riding an e-bike, be sure it's fully charged and you can address any issues on your own. There are no services in GGNRA and we will be on a schedule to catch the 3:10 ferry from Sausalito to SF. So, if you need support beyond what you have tools for, you'll likely need to arrange your own means of getting home.

Bring snacks! After an hour or so at the missile site, we'll head to Sausalito for food and drink and hop the ferry back to SF.

Route:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51362596
17 miles total, 1200 feet elevation gain