Marshall

A great, steady course with one big climb in the middle.

About This Route

The Marshall route is a classic Marin century-lite that takes you along the eastern shore of Tomales Bay to the small waterfront community of Marshall. At 59 miles, it's long enough to feel like a proper adventure but manageable enough for a strong intermediate rider.

The route heads north from Fairfax through the rolling terrain of West Marin, then drops down to the shores of Tomales Bay. The stretch along the bay is one of the most scenic rides in Marin: calm water on one side, green hillsides on the other, and almost zero traffic. Marshall itself is little more than a handful of buildings and an oyster shack, but that's the charm.

The big climb comes on the return trip, when you hit the main ridge route back toward Fairfax. It's a sustained effort that tests your legs after 35+ miles of riding, but the gradient is steady and never unreasonable. The descent back into Fairfax is fast and well-earned.

This route is a local favorite for riders looking for something longer than the Roasters loop without venturing into truly epic territory.

Tips

• The oyster farms along Tomales Bay are worth a stop - Marshall's oysters are world-famous
• The bay-side section is exposed to wind - mornings tend to be calmer
• Bring an extra bottle - there's limited water between Fairfax and Marshall
• The return climb is easier if you pace yourself along the bay
• This route combines well with the Tomales route for riders wanting to extend