• 7-10 AM - Westbound lane on Lucas Valley Rd. from west of Westgate to Big Rock
• 8-11 AM - Northbound lane on Pt. Reyes Petaluma Rd. from north of Nicasio Valley Rd. to the top of Rocky Hill

RATING CHART

Terrain Difficulty
1. Flat
2. Gentle Grades
3. Rolling Hills
4. Mostly rolling hills, some steep climbs
5. Steep hills, long climbs
 
All routes (with the exception of the Mt. Tam Century) have an option to bail out so riders can shorten their ride back to the finish. We say this so you know there is a parachute. However, we encourage you to ride the furthest distance you feel you can in order to give you a sense of achievement.

All of the Marin Cyclist Century rides are among California’s most beautiful and unique bicycle tours. All 2010 courses begin and end at Vallecito School in San Rafael. The courses travel the rural roads of West Marin and Southern Sonoma Counties. The terrain varies from gentle rolling hills along the coast to a few very challenging climbs. There will be 6 courses offered in 2010.

We offer a ride to challenge everyone. You must be fit and trained to complete any of the rides. A route sheet will be provided at registration, and the route will be well marked. The rest stops are incredibly well supported by club volunteers and great food. Detailed ride descriptions of all the courses are below.


COURSE MARKINGS
The most reliable directions can be found on the reverse side of the map.  Additionally, white signs at intersections provide directions.  Finally, the course is marked with road arrows.  The color of your route map and cue sheet will match the color of the course markings for your particular route. The course colors are as follows:

NOTE: The course descriptions below are from 2009 and do not reflect the 2010 route change (reversal of the northern section).  We expect to have the final course descriptions shortly.  Maps can be found here: 2010 Maps

50K Course
PLEASE NOTE: YOU SHOULD BE EXPERIENCED AND REASONABLY FIT TO ATTEMPT THIS RIDE. THOUGH NOT AS LONG OR DIFFICULT AS THE OTHER COURSES AVAILABLE, THE 50K DOES HAVE 1 SIGNIFICANT CLIMB ON LUCAS VALLEY ROAD WITH NARROW SHOULDERS AND STEEP GRADES. IF RIDING WITH YOUNGER MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY, PLEASE EXERCISE YOUR BEST JUDGMENT REGARDING THEIR ABILITIES. WHILE WE ATTEMPT TO PROVIDE A CHALLENGING COURSE, WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ROAD CONDITION ON THE DAY OF THE RIDE. THERE CAN BE GRAVEL, ROCKS AND GLASS ON THE ROAD. YOU MAY BE RIDING WITH CARS AND OTHER BIKES THAT ARE BEING OPERATED RECKLESSLY. ANY RIDER SEEN TO BE OPERATING THEIR BIKE UNSAFELY IN ANY WAY, CAN AND WILL BE PULLED FROM THE RIDE AND DISQUALIFIED. YOU MUST HAVE SAFE CONTROL OF YOUR BIKE AT ALL TIMES.  EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN DESCENDING ON YOUR RETURN ON LUCAS VALLEY ROAD.
 
100K, 200K, 100 Mile & 200 Mile Courses
PLEASE NOTE: YOU SHOULD BE TRAINED AND FIT TO ATTEMPT ANY OF THESE RIDES. ALL 4 COURSES INCLUDE STEEP UPHILL CLIMBS AND STEEP TECHNICAL DESCENTS. WHILE YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE AN EXPERT CYCLIST, THESE COURSES ARE NOT FOR BEGINNERS. WHILE WE ATTEMPT TO PROVIDE A CHALLENGING COURSE, WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ROAD CONDITION ON THE DAY OF THE RIDE. THERE CAN BE GRAVEL, ROCKS AND GLASS ON THE ROAD. YOU MAY BE RIDING WITH CARS AND OTHER BIKES THAT ARE BEING OPERATED RECKLESSLY. ANY RIDER SEEN TO BE OPERATING THEIR BIKE UNSAFELY IN ANY WAY, CAN AND WILL BE PULLED FROM THE RIDE AND DISQUALIFIED. YOU MUST HAVE SAFE CONTROL OF YOUR BIKE AT ALL TIMES.  EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN DESCENDING ON YOUR RETURN ON LUCAS VALLEY ROAD.
 
HALF Metric Century -- 30 miles / 50 K
The Marin Half Metric Century route begins on flat to rolling terrain before you are greeted with your first challenge of the day, a 1.5 mile and 430 foot climb to the Big Rock summit of Lucas Valley. This is followed by a thrilling descent through the redwoods into the ranches and grasslands of West Marin. The route then winds north through relatively flat terrain past the small town of Nicasio. Just past Nicasio Square is the 1st Rest Stop at the Nicasio School (opposite side of the road) at mile 12.
 
The route ten continues alongside Nicasio Reservoir to the junction of the Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Rd. at mile 15 where the course turns around and backtracks to the finish. Of course, you are welcome to stop again at the Nicasio School Rest Stop before you begin your climb back up Lucas Valley Rd. to Big Rock.
 
The course finishes by reversing Lucas Valley Rd (it is an easier climb this direction). BE VERY CAREFUL DESCENDING FROM BIG ROCK AT LUCAS VALLEY ROAD. THIS DESCENT HAS SEVERAL SHARP LEFT HAND TURNS WITH A DECREASING RADIUS – GO VERY SLOWLY!! It is almost all downhill from there until you arrive back at the Start/Finish at the VALLECITO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
 
Metric Century -- 60 miles / 100 K
The Marin Metric Century route begins on flat to rolling terrain before you are greeted with your first challenge of the day, a 1.5 mile and 430 foot climb to the Big Rock summit of Lucas Valley. This is followed by a thrilling descent through the redwoods into the ranches and grasslands of West Marin. The route then winds north through relatively flat terrain past the small town of Nicasio and alongside Nicasio Reservoir.
 
The 2nd climb of the day (1.4 miles and 380 foot gain) rolls up the Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Rd. over a summit and past the famous Cheese Factory before turning north onto Hicks Valley Rd. and your 1st rest stop at the Lincoln School at mile 20.
 
The ride continues out Hicks Valley Rd. This is remote west Marin at its best. Rolling hills and sparsely traveled roads bring you through ranch country and open space to where the 100K route turns east (other routes turn west) for the biggest challenge of the day- Wilson Hill. This climb is steep, 700’ high and the descent down the east side exhilarating. The route rolls out through relatively flat terrain into the outskirts of Petaluma to the 2nd Rest Stop in McNear Park at mile 32.
 
Hydrate and calorie up at this rest stop. After resting your bones on the sunny grass of the park, you will rise to the final challenges of the day. You will exit Petaluma on “I” Street, a back road with a few scenic rollers. This will land you at the foot of “Red Hill” on the Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Rd. This hill can heat up in the afternoon. Be sure to hydrate well in Petaluma and top off both your water bottles (2). You will need them.
 
PLEASE NOTE: THE ROUTE RETURNS THROUGH NICASIO AND LUCAS VALLEY INSTEAD OF THROUGH NOVATO (PRE 2005 RIDES). ALTHOUGH THIS CREATES A BACKTRACKING SITUATION FOR THE LAST 20 MILES, IT ELIMINATES MANY CONFUSING TURNS AND THE INCREASED TRAFFIC OF THE NOVATO RETURN. OUR 2005 FEEDBACK ON THIS CHANGE WAS OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORTIVE.
 
You climb up “Red Hill” followed by another slight climb past the Cheese Factory and then a very fast descent to Nicasio Reservoir and Nicasio Valley Rd. This relatively flat stretch will lead you a couple more miles to your 3rd and final rest stop in the town of Nicasio at mile 42.
 
The course finishes by reversing Lucas Valley Rd (it is an easier climb this direction). BE VERY CAREFUL DESCENDING FROM BIG ROCK AT LUCAS VALLEY ROAD. THIS DESCENT HAS SEVERAL SHARP LEFT HAND TURNS WITH A DECREASING RADIUS – GO VERY SLOWLY!! It is almost all downhill from there until you arrive back at the Start/Finish at the VALLECITO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
 
Marin Century -- 100 miles
The Marin Century route begins on flat to rolling terrain before you are greeted with your first challenge of the day, a 1.5 mile and 430 foot climb to the Big Rock summit of Lucas Valley. This is followed by a thrilling descent through the redwoods into the ranches and grasslands of West Marin. The route then winds north through relatively flat terrain past the small town of Nicasio and alongside Nicasio Reservoir.
 
The 2nd climb of the day (1.4 miles and 380 foot gain) rolls up the Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Rd. over a summit and past the famous Cheese Factory before turning north onto Hicks Valley Rd. and your 1st rest stop at the Lincoln School at mile 20.
 
The ride continues out Hicks Valley Rd. This is remote west Marin at its best. Rolling hills and sparsely traveled roads bring you through ranch country and open space before the route turns west and heads past the Walker Ranch to the infamous “Marshall Wall”. This climb is steep, 700’ high and has a false summit. From the ridge you will be treated to spectacular views back down into the sweeping grassland hills of Marin. Ahead to the west, the world drops away to Tomales Bay, Pt. Reyes National Seashore and the Pacific Ocean. The descent down the west side of the Marshall Wall to Hwy 1 is steep and exhilarating.
 
THERE IS A STOP SIGN AND SHARP RIGHT TURN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DESCENT – PLEASE EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION! Sections of Hwy 1 to Tomales have no shoulder and traffic can be an issue. Please ride single file!
 
The route on Hwy 1 rolls north over a series of rollers along Tomales Bay where you cross Walker Creek and the course turns inland to the small quaint town of Tomales. Here, the course turns west from Hwy. 1 and you ride the remote Franklin School – Valley Ford Rd. up and over one last ridge north to your 2nd Rest Stop at Valley Ford at mile 50 and the halfway point for the day. The Valley Ford Rest Stop is well stocked to sate your hunger and quench your thirst.
 
The course to Petaluma travels back south on Middle Rd and Fallon – Two Rocks Rd. for several miles before turning south on Chilleno Valley Rd. This road is one of the club favorites. The remote terrain is great for pace lines too. Ride on through relatively flat terrain (ok, it’s really more rollers…) into the outskirts of Petaluma to your 3rd Rest Stop in Petaluma at mile 76.
 
Hydrate and calorie up at this rest stop. After resting your bones on the sunny grass of the park, you will rise to the final challenges of the day. You will exit Petaluma on “I” Street, a back road with a few scenic rollers. This will land you at the foot of “Red Hill” on the Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Rd. This hill can heat up in the afternoon. Be sure to hydrate well in Petaluma and top off both your water bottles (2). You will need them.
 
PLEASE NOTE:  THE ROUTE RETURNS THROUGH NICASIO AND LUCAS VALLEY INSTEAD OF THROUGH NOVATO (PRE 205 RIDES). ALTHOUGH THIS CREATES A BACKTRACKING SITUATION FOR THE LAST 20 MILES, IT ELIMINATES MANY CONFUSING TURNS AND THE INCREASED TRAFFIC OF THE NOVATO RETURN. OUR 2005 FEEDBACK ON THIS CHANGE WAS OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORTIVE.
 
You climb up “Red Hill” followed by another slight climb past the Cheese Factory and then a very fast descent to Nicasio Reservoir and Nicasio Valley Rd. This relatively flat stretch will lead you a couple more miles to your 4th and final rest stop in the town of Nicasio at mile 93.
 
The course finishes by reversing Lucas Valley Rd (it is an easier climb this direction). BE VERY CAREFUL DESCENDING FROM BIG ROCK AT LUCAS VALLEY ROAD. THIS DESCENT HAS SEVERAL SHARP LEFT HAND TURNS WITH A DECREASING RADIUS – GO VERY SLOW!! It is almost all downhill from there until you arrive back at the Start/Finish at the VALLECITO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
 
The Mt. Tam Century - 95 miles
The Mt Tam Century covers the first 84 miles of the Mt Tam Double, and the last 10 of all the courses. On the map, it is the major Yellow loop to the South.
The Mt Tam Century course starts on flat to rolling terrain before you are greeted with your first challenge of the day, a 1.5 mile and 430 foot climb to the Big Rock summit of Lucas Valley. This is followed by a thrilling descent through the redwoods into the ranches and grasslands of West Marin. The route then departs from the other courses as you head for the “sleeping beauty”, Mt Tamalpais. The route winds south and east with a couple small climbs and descents until you reach the town of Fairfax. Fairfax is one end of the famous Bolinas Fairfax Rd., which is the epitome of Marin Road rides. Within sight of town center, the road begins to wind up into the hills of the lake country on the north side of Mt. Tam. The road is narrow and twisting but relatively un-traveled. There is a brief respite at the golf course and then you climb again to the top of Pine Mountain and your 1st Rest Stop at mile 25. This is a popular mountain bike jump off point but you will have to return for that another day.
 
The descent down to the lakes is very fast in a series of tight left turns with a decreasing radius. BE CAREFUL, GO SLOW INTO THE TURNS! The entire road twists with lots of technical turns and small fun rollers for 4 miles. You will love this road. All this ends at Alpine Dam. You ride across the dam and climb, and climb and climb. You reach the ridge; turn left off the Bolinas Fairfax Rd onto Ridgecrest and climb some more, and more. Welcome to Mt Tam.
 
If the Bo Fax Rd. is beautiful (and it is), West Ridgecrest is stunning. You have seen this before. Either in half the car commercials ever made or maybe in a Lance commercial. Yep – this is the place. In the early morning light, you will have a grand sweeping view of the Pacific, the coastal mountains and inland lakes. Coastal oaks, evergreens and redwoods will contrast with the golden grass hillsides and deep blue ocean waters. All this is, of course, assuming it is clear. It can be fog, raining, blowing 50 and you might as well be in Siberia!
 
West Ridgecrest climbs in a great series of rollers turning into East Ridgecrest that climbs in another set of giant rollers for the remaining 3 miles to East Peak and the top of the mountain. At the very top is a checkpoint and the turnaround. Only the Double Century Riders need to check in at this point. Be careful on the descent. It is very easy to go too fast and other riders will still be riding up. This is an out and back scenario. The descent has almost 300 feet of climbing in it before turning south to Pan-toll and onto the Panoramic Hwy. All these roads are twisting with sharp technical turns that require extreme caution. If these roads are wet from morning fog, they will be very slippery. PLEASE EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION.
 
From Panoramic, you drop steeply to Muir Woods and on to your 2nd Rest Stop at Santos Meadows at mile 50 just before reaching Hwy 1.
 
Several good climbs wait as you turn north on Hwy 1 from Muir Beach and again as the course passes the Bolinas Lagoon toward Olema and Pt. Reyes Station. Our course turns off Hwy 1 at the north end of Pt Reyes Station. The 2007 route will bypass the main section through town on Mesa Road to the far side of town and back to Hwy 1. The route continues traveling the flat creek bed inland to Nicasio Reservoir . At the junction of Nicasio Valley Road, turn Right and proceed to the Nicasio Rest Stop. After that, continue on the road to Lucas Valley and turn Left. This is the road that you came down hours earlier. Climb Big Rock Summit and descend Lucas Valley. Use EXTREME Caution here, the turns are tighter then they look and you will be going fast. People have accidents here. When you get to Las Gallinas Turn Right and continue back to the Finish.

Marin Double Metric Century -- 133 miles / 200 K
The Marin Double Metric Century route joins the Marin Century route for the first 50 miles. The route begins on flat to rolling terrain before you are greeted with your first challenge of the day, a 1.5 mile and 430 foot climb to the Big Rock summit of Lucas Valley. This is followed by a thrilling descent through the redwoods into the ranches and grasslands of West Marin. The route then winds north through relatively flat terrain past the small town of Nicasio and alongside Nicasio Reservoir.
 
The 2nd climb of the day (1.4 miles and 380 foot gain) rolls up the Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Rd. over a summit and past the famous Cheese Factory before turning north onto Hicks Valley Rd. and your 1st rest stop at the Lincoln School at mile 20.
 
The ride continues out Hicks Valley Rd. This is remote west Marin at its best. Rolling hills and sparsely traveled roads bring you through ranch country and open space before the route turns west and heads past the Walker Ranch to the infamous “Marshall Wall”. This climb is steep, 700’ high and has a false summit. From the ridge you will be treated to spectacular views back down into the sweeping grassland hills of Marin. Ahead to the west, the world drops away to Tomales Bay, Pt. Reyes National Seashore and the Pacific Ocean. The descent down the west side of the Marshall Wall to Hwy 1 is steep and exhilarating.
 
THERE IS A STOP SIGN AND SHARP RIGHT TURN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DESCENT – PLEASE EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION! Sections of Hwy 1 to Tomales have no shoulder and traffic can be an issue. Please ride single file!
 
The route on Hwy 1 rolls north over a series of rollers along Tomales Bay where you cross Walker Creek and the course turns inland to the small quaint town of Tomales. Here, the course turns west from Hwy. 1 and you ride the remote Franklin School – Valley Ford Rd. up and over one last ridge north before your 2nd Rest Stop at Valley Ford at mile 50. The Valley Ford rest Stop is well stocked to sate your hunger and quench your thirst.
 
ALL DOUBLE METRIC RIDERS NEED TO SIGN IN AT THE VALLEY FORD REST STOP BEFORE AND AFTER THE COLEMAN VALLEY LOOP! We do not want to go looking for you on the loop if you are happily on your way to Petaluma!
 
While the century riders are starting to head back south, you are about to taste some of the best hill climbs anywhere. The climb up Bay Hill Rd. is beautiful with grand vistas of the Pacific once you have earned the crest.  It is a quick descent (rough road) to Hwy 1 for some very scenic miles of coastline before turning onto Coleman Valley Rd. Coleman Valley Rd. is the big climb of the 200 K course. With 60 miles on your legs, the climb is long and steep with false summits and huge views. Be sure to look south from the top. At the edge of the horizon you will see Mt Tam! This is one for the books. Remember to smile! This will forever be one of your favorites!
 
For 2005, we have added an extra rest stop or a “Mini Rest Stop” at the top of the Coleman Valley Loop. This 3rd Rest Stop at Coleman Valley at about mile 65 will be stocked with water, Gatorade and energy supplements (gels, bars, etc). This stop will not have the usual array of fruit and other foods you may be used to but you will find those down the road a few more miles at Valley Ford.
 
The top of the Coleman Valley Loop undulates with a 400 ft descent in the middle before climbing right back up (gotta love that!). The final descent on Joy Rd is very big and long. Wide shouldered roads take you back to your 4th Rest Stop in Valley Ford (Déjà vu) at mile 78. BE SURE TO SIGN BACK IN.
 
The course to Petaluma travels back south on Middle Rd and Fallon – Two Rocks Rd. for several miles before turning south on Chilleno Valley Rd. This road is one of the club favorites. The remote terrain is great for pace lines too. Ride on through relatively flat terrain (ok, it’s really more rollers…) into the outskirts of Petaluma to your 5th Rest Stop in Petaluma at mile 105.
 
Hydrate and calorie up at this rest stop. After resting your bones on the sunny grass of the park, you will rise to the final challenges of the day. You will exit Petaluma on “I” Street, a back road with a few scenic rollers. This will land you at the foot of “Red Hill” on the Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Rd. This hill can heat up in the afternoon. Be sure to hydrate well in Petaluma and top off both your water bottles (2). You will need them.
 
PLEASE NOTE: THE ROUTE RETURNS THROUGH NICASIO AND LUCAS VALLEY INSTEAD OF THROUGH NOVATO (PRE 2005 RIDES). ALTHOUGH THIS CREATES A BACKTRACKING SITUATION FOR THE LAST 20 MILES, IT ELIMINATES MANY CONFUSING TURNS AND THE INCREASED TRAFFIC OF THE NOVATO RETURN. OUR 2005 FEEDBACK ON THIS CHANGE WAS OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORTIVE.
 
You climb up “Red Hill” followed by another slight climb past the Cheese Factory and then a very fast descent to Nicasio Reservoir and Nicasio Valley Rd. This relatively flat stretch will lead you a couple more miles to your 6th and final rest stop in the town of Nicasio at mile 121.
 
The course finishes by reversing Lucas Valley Rd (it is an easier climb this direction). BE VERY CAREFUL DESCENDING FROM BIG ROCK AT LUCAS VALLEY ROAD. THIS DESCENT HAS SEVERAL SHARP LEFT HAND TURNS WITH A DECREASING RADIUS – GO VERY SLOWLY!! It is almost all downhill from there until you arrive back at the Start/Finish at the VALLECITO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
 
The Mt. Tam Double Century - 200 miles

There is a HARD Cut Off time for the DC riders of 10:30PM.  Anyone on course at that time will receive a DNF and be asked to be SAGed in.

Please note that in 2009, due to State of Cal issues, we used an alternative route for the Double Century Course.  Unless there are issues which close Mt Tam, the traditional course described below will be used.

The Maiden voyage of the Mt. Tam Double Century was August 7, 2004 and received rave reviews. This is part of the prestigious California Triple Crown Series of Double Centuries. Not sure if you can ride it? There are those of you that know you can ride 200 miles with 15,000 feet of climbing and then there are most of you that question such a challenge. While the Mt. Tam Double is not an easy double century and will challenge even the experienced veteran riders, do not be too intimidated.
 
The course has 1 cutoff point and 2 “bailout” options where you can decide to shorten your ride distance. Of course this will come at the price of not being credited for completing the Double Century course, but it does give you an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself to your maximum and yet still ride into the finish line under your own power. You may just find that you can dig deep enough to find that “extra reserve” and complete the course. Everyone that sets out to ride a double for the first time questions himself or herself, yet many people finish all the time. You may just find out it is not as difficult as you think. The California Triple Crown series of double centuries are all remarkable achievements. The Mt. Tam Double will qualify as one of the three doubles you need to complete in one calendar year to qualify for your California Triple Crown. (Link to website) http://www.caltriplecrown.com/index.htm
 
This difficult double has become a Northern California Classic. Climb beautiful canyons and challenging ridges up Mt Tam (birthplace of mountain biking) with stunning views of the Pacific Coast, the San Francisco Bay and all the mountains in between. This ride has lots of fast technical riding and descents to challenge the most experienced riders yet offers bailout options for those that want to give it a try but are not quite sure. Most of the steep climbing is over by mile 130 but there are plenty of rollers to challenge you on your way back to the Finish!
 
OPTIONS: This course is very challenging but certainly a step below the “most” challenging doubles such as the Devil Mountain Double and the Terrible Two. In fact, it might be the ideal test piece if you are not sure you are ready for the most difficult doubles out there. The Mt Tam Double has 15,000 ft. of climbing but the grades are not consistently that steep. The steepest grades are found at mile 130 on the Coleman Valley climb where grades will be as high as 16%.
 
Because we run the Mt Tam Double in conjunction with our Marin Century, there are 2 bailout options available if the course just proves too much or you are just having a bad day. Both options allow a rider to finish under your own power and the bailout routes are fully supported.
Option #1
At mile 87 you can turn towards Petaluma and finish the ride on the Metric Century course. Total distance would be 127 Miles.
Option #2
At mile 114 you can turn towards Petaluma and finish the ride on the Century course. Total distance would be 169 Miles.
If you bail out, or are Sagged in, even though you DNF, you must check in at the finish so we know you are no longer on the course.
 
The Mt Tam Double Century course starts on flat to rolling terrain before you are greeted with your first challenge of the day, a 1.5 mile and 430 foot climb to the Big Rock summit of Lucas Valley. This is followed by a thrilling descent through the redwoods into the ranches and grasslands of West Marin. The route then departs from the other courses as you head for the “sleeping beauty”, Mt Tamalpais. The route winds south and east with a couple small climbs and descents until you reach the town of Fairfax. Fairfax is one end of the famous Bolinas Fairfax Rd., which is the epitome of Marin Road rides. Within sight of town center, the road begins to wind up into the hills of the lake country on the north side of Mt. Tam. The road is narrow and twisting but relatively un-traveled. There is a brief respite at the golf course and then you climb again to the top of Pine Mountain and your 1st Rest Stop at mile 25. This is a popular mountain bike jump off point but you will have to return for that another day. There is NO CHECKPOINT at Pine Mountain Rest Stop. This is the only rest stop on the course without a checkpoint.
 
The descent down to the lakes is very fast in a series of tight left turns with a decreasing radius. BE CAREFUL, GO SLOW INTO THE TURNS! The entire road twists with lots of technical turns and small fun rollers for 4 miles. You will love this road. All this ends at Alpine Dam. You ride across the dam and climb, and climb and climb. You reach the ridge; turn left off the Bolinas Fairfax Rd onto Ridgecrest and climb some more, and more. Welcome to Mt Tam.
 
If the Bo Fax Rd. is beautiful (and it is), West Ridgecrest is stunning. You have seen this before. Either in half the car commercials ever made or maybe in a Lance commercial. Yep – this is the place. In the early morning light, you will have a grand sweeping view of the Pacific, the coastal mountains and inland lakes. Coastal oaks, evergreens and redwoods will contrast with the golden grass hillsides and deep blue ocean waters. All this is, of course, assuming it is clear. It can be fog, raining, blowing 50 and you might as well be in Siberia!
 
West Ridgecrest climbs in a great series of rollers turning into East Ridgecrest that climbs in another set of giant rollers for the remaining 3 miles to East Peak and the top of the mountain. At the very top is a checkpoint and the turnaround. FAILURE TO CHECK IN HERE RESULTS IN A DNF!!!
 
Be careful on the descent. It is very easy to go too fast and other riders will still be riding up. This is an out and back scenario. The descent has almost 300 feet of climbing in it before turning south to Pan-toll and onto the Panoramic Hwy. All these roads are twisting with sharp technical turns that require extreme caution. If these roads are wet from morning fog, they will be very slippery. PLEASE EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION.
 
From Panoramic, you drop steeply to Muir Woods and on to your 2nd Rest Stop at Santos Meadows at mile 50 just before reaching Hwy 1.
 
Several good climbs wait as you turn north on Hwy 1 from Muir Beach and again as the course passes the Bolinas Lagoon toward Olema and Pt. Reyes Station. Our course turns off Hwy 1 at the north end of Pt Reyes Station. The 2007 route will bypass the main section through town on Mesa Road to the far side of town and back to Hwy 1. The route continues traveling the flat creek bed inland to Nicasio Reservoir where you are greeted by a short climb (1.4 miles and 380 foot gain). Over a summit and past the Nicasio Cheese Factory before reaching your 3rd Rest Stop at the Lincoln Valley School at mile 84. From this point on, the Mt. Tam Double joins the same route as the Marin Metric Double.
 
The ride continues out Hicks Valley Rd. This is remote west Marin at its best. Rolling hills and sparsely traveled roads bring you through ranch country and open space before the route turns west and heads past the Walker Ranch to the infamous “Marshall Wall”. This climb is steep, 700’ high and has a false summit. From the ridge you will be treated to spectacular views back down into the sweeping grassland hills of Marin. Ahead to the west, the world drops away to Tomales Bay, Pt. Reyes National Seashore and the Pacific Ocean. The descent down the west side of the Marshall Wall to Hwy 1 is steep and exhilarating.
 
THERE IS A STOP SIGN AND SHARP RIGHT TURN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DESCENT – PLEASE EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION! Sections of Hwy 1 to Tomales have no shoulder and traffic can be an issue. Please ride single file!
 
The route on Hwy 1 rolls north over a series of rollers along Tomales Bay where you cross Walker Creek and the course turns inland to the small quaint town of Tomales. Here, the course turns west from Hwy. 1 and you ride the remote Franklin School – Valley Ford Rd. up and over one last ridge north to your 4th Rest Stop at Valley Ford at mile 114 and just past the halfway point for the day. The Valley Ford Rest Stop is well stocked to sate your hunger and quench your thirst.
 
While the century riders are starting to head back south, you are about to taste some of the best hill climbs anywhere. The climb up Bay Hill Rd. is beautiful with grand vistas of the Pacific once you have earned the crest.  It is a quick descent (rough road) to Hwy 1 for some very scenic miles of coastline before turning onto Coleman Valley Rd. Coleman Valley Rd. is the last big climb of the double century course. With 130 miles on your legs, the climb is long and steep with false summits and huge views. Be sure to look south from the top. At the edge of the horizon you will see Mt Tam! This is one for the books. Remember to smile! This will forever be one of your favorites!
 
Relax and hydrate up at the top of the Coleman Valley Loop. This 5th Rest Stop at Coleman Valley is at about mile 130 and is a checkpoint. The stop will be stocked with water, Gatorade and energy supplements (gels, bars, etc). This stop will not have the usual array of fruit and other foods you may be used to but you will find those down the road a few more miles at Valley Ford.
 
The top of the Coleman Valley Loop undulates with a 400 ft descent in the middle before climbing right back up (gotta love that!). The final descent on Joy Rd is very big and long. Wide shouldered roads take you back to your 6th Rest Stop in Valley Ford (Déjà vu) at mile 143.
 
The course to Petaluma travels back south on Middle Rd and Fallon – Two Rocks Rd. for several miles before turning south on Chilleno Valley Rd. This road is one of the club favorites. The remote terrain is great for pace lines too. Ride on through relatively flat terrain (ok, it’s really more rollers…) into the outskirts of Petaluma to your 7th Rest Stop in Petaluma at mile 170.
 
Hydrate and calorie up at this rest stop. After resting your bones on the sunny grass of the park, you will rise to the final challenges of the day. You will exit Petaluma on “I” Street, a back road with a few scenic rollers. This will land you at the foot of “Red Hill” on the Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Rd. This hill can heat up in the afternoon. Be sure to hydrate well in Petaluma and top off both your water bottles (2). You will need them.
 
You climb up “Red Hill” followed by another slight climb past the Cheese Factory and then a very fast descent to Nicasio Reservoir and Nicasio Valley Rd. This relatively flat stretch will lead you a couple more miles to your 8th and final rest stop in the town of Nicasio at mile 186.
 
The course finishes by reversing Lucas Valley Rd (it is an easier climb this direction). BE VERY CAREFUL DESCENDING FROM BIG ROCK AT LUCAS VALLEY ROAD. THIS DESCENT HAS SEVERAL SHARP LEFT HAND TURNS WITH A DECREASING RADIUS – GO VERY SLOWLY!! It is almost all downhill from there until you arrive back at the Start/Finish at the VALLECITO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

Safety / Rules of the Road

 
 
• This is not a race and there is no winner.
• ANSI/Snell-approved helmets must be worn at all times during the ride.
• All riders must carry a driver's license or other form of ID.
• All riders are responsible for the safety and condition of your bicycle and its equipment
• Riders must carry a
• Spare tube
• Patch kit
• Pump
• Tire irons
• Tools
• water bottles
• Telephone money
• Medical identification
• Personal clothing
• All riders must check-in at start.
• Double Century riders must check-in at start, at checkpoints along the course and at the finish for CTC credit.
• All riders must sign the release form before starting the ride.
• All riders under 18 years of age must have the form signed by a parent or guardian and carry the medical release authorizing any needed treatment.
• Please be courteous to local drivers and respectful of traffic.
• Bicyclists must obey all California Vehicle code laws, including all stop signs and signals. Local authorities may cite violators.
• Ride single file and stay right.
• Pace lines
• All pace line leaders should announce “on your left” to all riders being passed.
• Riding in a pace line is inherently dangerous. You assume all liabilities for riding in a pace line.
• Exercise extreme caution near all pace lines.
• Riders impeding other riders shall safely stay as far right as possible or pull off the road if necessary allowing faster riders to pass.
• You must wear your assigned rider bib number on your back so it can be seen from cars behind you. You may not be allowed into Rest Stops without your bib number visible.
• Your bib number is the same color as your course arrows.
• Private sag vehicles are prohibited. Riders with private sags will be disqualified.
 
Disclaimer
The Marin Cyclist Bike Club and the Marin Century Ride Director(s) reserve the right to refuse entry, disqualify or remove anyone from the course for reasons of the their own safety, for the safety of others, for violation of any rules above or of the California vehicle code or for any other reason including the well being of the rider, other riders, the ride or the Marin Cyclist Club. The ride director decision is final!