Marin Gravel Ride - Short Course

## Where It All Started

Join us for a fun, social group gravel ride that blends steady miles, great scenery, and a supportive pace for riders who want a rewarding day on mixed-surface roads. The route is best suited to intermediate riders, with enough rhythm to feel engaging while still leaving room to regroup, enjoy the views, and keep the ride inclusive for newer participants. This route includes rest stops and food or water points, which makes this kind of organized route especially easy to follow.

## The Nitty-Gritty

Distance: 20.2 miles
Elevation: 3,032 feet climbing
Est Time: 1:50 min

## What You’ll Experience

For a ride like this, the best points of interest are usually the sections where the scenery opens up, the road surface changes, or the route passes through classic rural gravel country. Coffee rest stops are ideal about halfway through the ride, especially at a local café, country store, or any vista point that can handle a group quickly. Great scenic overlooks, bridges, tree-lined lanes, farm views, trail crossings, and landmarks that captures the feel of the ride without breaking the group’s momentum

## The Vibe

It’s high-energy. You aren’t just riding in the hills; you’re biking in the birthplace of mountain bikes.

## Equipment and Gear

A gravel bike with a stable fit, reliable gearing, and hydraulic discs is ideal for this ride, especially since this route includes rougher surfaces and rolling terrain. Bring a flat kit, multitool, two tubes or a plug kit, tire levers, mini pump or CO2, and enough water and snacks for the full ride plus a little extra. A helmet is essential, and it is smart to add gloves, sunglasses, a visible jersey, and front and rear lights if there is any chance of finishing near dusk. The Golden Gate Bridge can be extremely windy!

## Tire Choice

For mixed gravel conditions, tires in the 38–45 mm range are a strong all-around choice, especially with a tread pattern that rolls efficiently on hardpack but still gives grip on loose sections. This route offers smooth gravel, so a fast-rolling semi-slick can work well; if it’s wet, choose a more aggressive tread and slightly lower pressure for comfort and traction. The best tire is the one that matches your skill level and gives you confidence without slowing the group unnecessarily.

# Additional Info/Summary

Downloadable GPX file: Link