Part 1 here and Part 2 here.
Continuing on the thread of some of the best rides in the San Francisco Bay Area, I’ll move on to a ride I just completed last week. I’ve ridden most of these roads before, and they are well worth the trip. There’s a bit of variety from bumpy and somewhat goaty to beautifully smooth sweepers. For this trip, we’re heading out to “the peninsula.”
Where one starts is up to you depending on your own location. I like to head down the area via one of two routes – either 84 from Woodside heading west, or taking 35 south from 92. At the intersection of 84 and 35 you will find the famous bay area eatery, Alice’s Restaurant. Across the street is the Skywood Trading Post. Alice’s burgers and sweet potato fries are well worth the wait, and STP offers some nice deli choices and a great quick stop to stock up on the essentials for your day.
From this intersection, I enjoy taking 84 west to the intersection with Pescadero Rd where I head south (PSA, this intersection is easy to drive past, even when you know where you’re going!). From there, I turn south on Cloverdale, west on Gazo’s Creek and end up on Highway 1. Turning south on Highway 1 offers up a bit of coastal experience, until a left onto Bonny Doon Rd. This turns into Pine Flat Rd, and comes into Empire Grade, where you can take a left to head north until a right onto Jamison Creek Rd which ends at 236. A right on 236 until it ends at Highway 9 in Boulder Creek puts you near gas and food. Heading north on 9 and you will come across Burger 9 where you can get a pretty amazing burger!
Continuing north on 9 you will eventually come to the intersection of 9 and 35. From here you can head north on 35 and go back to the 35/84 intersection, or if you’re feeling adventurous, check out Page Mill Rd back to I-280. You can also take 9 all the way into Saratoga.
There are many smaller roads in this general area that are worth a ride. Some that I have enjoyed are Tunitas Creek Rd; Alpine Rd; 84 west of 280; 236; and 92.
Much like the coast north of San Francisco, a day on the peninsula often provides opportunities for some cooler weather on hot days. Additionally, look outs offer the chance to safely pull off and take in the scenery. From redwood groves to seeing across the entire bay area, the views alone are worth the trip! With a wide variety of roads and road types to choose from, there’s something for everyone in this area!
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