High Five Marin FKT
Pete Stetina's monster of a mountain bike route. Don't attempt unless you're ready to suffer.
About This Route
The High Five Marin FKT is not a ride - it's a challenge. Designed by professional cyclist Pete Stetina, this route links five of the tallest peaks in Marin County in a single brutal loop: Mount Tamalpais, Pine Mountain, Big Rock Ridge, Loma Alta, and Ring Mountain. The result is 55 miles with over 11,000 feet of climbing, much of it on fire roads and singletrack.
This is a mountain bike or burly gravel bike route. The surfaces range from smooth fire roads to rocky singletrack, with some sections of pavement connecting the off-road segments. The climbing is relentless - you're either going up or going down, with very little flat terrain.
The FKT (Fastest Known Time) element adds a competitive dimension for those inclined. Pete Stetina set the original time, and local riders have been chasing it ever since. But simply completing the route is an achievement - this is one of the most demanding rides in all of the Bay Area, rivaling anything in the Santa Cruz Mountains or East Bay hills.
Don't attempt this without proper preparation. You need fitness for a full day of climbing, technical skills for the singletrack sections, and enough food and water to sustain a 6-8 hour effort.
Tips
- This route is mountain bike recommended - a gravel bike is possible but requires strong technical skills
- Carry at least 3 liters of water and plan your refill points
- Start at dawn - this will take most riders 6-8 hours
- The singletrack sections can be rutted and rocky - full finger gloves and a dropper post help
- Study the route carefully before attempting - navigation errors add miles you can't afford
- Tell someone your plan and expected return time - cell service is unreliable on the route