Another breakfast ride - going north into Marin County

[PongoUSA]

It has become almost a tradition, our breakfast runs, taking place once or twice a month. Sometimes they are only 2 or 3 hours, sometimes almost the whole day. It doesn't matter, it's always fun. The last two weeks nothing worked out, neither with Dan nor me, so it was more than time. On Monday we went north, into Marin County, along Hwy. 1 up to Marshall, than weaving backwards along backroads. Good breakfast, nice roads, not much traffic ( mostly ), about 4 hours and 160 miles. A fun breakfast run in the best tradition.

Our route



We met at the brand new rest stop Crystal Springs at 7:30, conveniently located for both of us, on 280 right after Hwy. 92.







Dan flying in



From there it was slab to San Francisco, ca. 15 miles, kinda boring, but we were hungry and wanted to get reasonably fast to our breakfast spot, DipSea in Mill Valley.

Interstate 280. Boring, though much nicer than 101 and, at least,not to much traffic this morning, going against the commute.



That would change in San Francisco. 19th Ave. was packed, as usual



Can you feel the vibration, the unending fun we had ?



The Golden Gate, obscured by fog, as it is almost always in summer



The DipSea Cafe. A little history to the name Dipsea Cafe :

The Dipsea Café was named for the seven mile Dipsea trail which begins in downtown Mill Valley, goes up 672 wooden steps, winds up and over Mt. Tam, and ends at Stinson beach. Held every year since 1905, the Dipsea Race is one of the oldest foot races in the US, second only to the Boston Marathon. Calling themselves the “Dipsea Indians,” the Dipsea Race was started by a group of hikers from the Olympic Club. At the end of the race these hikers would congregate at the Dipsea Inn, where all would partake of lunch and grog.

The breakfast was good and plenty, but somewhat expensive. But what do you expect in Mill Valley ?



warm and welcoming inside





corned beef hash with home fries, eggs and biscuit. Very nice.

[PongoUSA]

Going west on Hwy. 1, here at the intersection to Muir Woods. If you are happen to be in the area, Muir Woods is a ' must see ' ( mental note to me : Make a RR about Muir Woods )



Whooaaa, which way did Dan go ?



getting closer to the coast, still fogged in. The fog would burn off later.



The only traffic stop we encountered, Hwy. 1 between Muir Woods and Muir Beach. We had to wait for only a couple minutes.







Hwy. 1 where it hits the coast. Weather is getting gradually better.



short stop at Bolinas Bay and this time no stop in Bolinas





approaching Pt. Reyes Station



Hwy. 1 along Tamales Bay

[PongoUSA]

wonderful Hwy. 1, even when it's a bit foggy again. It's just a blast to ride.







The little town of Marshall, home of Hog Island Oyster Farm. But no stop there today, either.



In Marshall we went east, turning onto the Marshall Petaluma Rd. I have never ridden that one, and I absolutely loved it. Twisty, a bit bumpy, almost non existent traffic. Not very long, but a very fun road.







After a couple miles, I had to stop at this little farm with the old, broken truck outside. It's totally in ruins, but somehow still looks a bit dignified, I think. Funny !







Corner of Marshall-Petaluma and Hicks Valley Rd.

[PongoUSA]

After turning onto Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Rd. we stopped at the Rouge et Noir Cheese factory.









After sampling ( and buying ! ) some cheese and using the restrooms we continued on our way back via Nicasio Valley Rd. to Fairfax, where we turned onto the small, goaty and fun Fairfax-Bolinas Rd.



After a short stop at Alpine Lake,





and riding the wonderful Ridgecrest Rd. with meanwhile gorgeous blue sky and clear views.









A last glance towards Bolinas



and finally we headed to Mill Valley and the 101 and back home.

It was Winston Churchill who once said : No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle. I think, he was talking about horses, but, at least in my book, he could have been talking about motorcycles instead. No minute of our time yesterday was wasted while riding the famous coastal Highway Number One.

That's it.

[CRASH]

It was a great day indeed. A few of my shots to add to the mix.

RALPH


The Lagoon, fond memories of doing really stupid things here on motorcycles when I was younger.


All the makings of a fun time.


The day was finally clearing up well.

[rideonXX]

Thanks for the ride report and pictures guys. Looks like a great day. Much different views than down here in So. Californina---so a pleasure to see.

Happy trails, kel

[fourhour]

You guys are killing me. Four more weeks! ennis

[demenshea]

Even though the ride began with some trials by fog and traffic, it doesn't look like it could have ended up better. What a gorgeous day!!

Your photos are awesome especially this wonderful road shot!


Fantastic stuff guys!! BRAVO!

[Locopez]

I 2nd Donna on the Road Shots....great pics...and looked to be a great ride....thanks for sharing!

[Girl O' Flight]

Now that looked like entirely too much fun!!!!




Beautiful roads and scenery too!