Point Reyes Station
An easy loop to beautiful West Marin. This is the exact route that the race-pace Roasters ride does, as well as the Wednesday Divine ride.
About This Route
This is the route that has defined Marin cycling for decades. The Point Reyes Station loop is the course used by the legendary Saturday Roasters ride and the Wednesday Divine, making it one of the most ridden roads in the county.
Starting from Fairfax, the route climbs out through the rolling hills of West Marin, passing through open grasslands dotted with dairy farms and the occasional herd of Tule elk. The terrain is constantly undulating - a series of climbs and descents that never let you fully recover. The signature climb comes about halfway through, and it's here that the Roasters group ride typically explodes.
The scenery is spectacular throughout. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean, and the pastoral beauty of West Marin is unlike anything else in the Bay Area. The town of Point Reyes Station itself is a charming stop with bakeries, cafes, and galleries.
Riding this route at your own pace is a completely different experience from doing it with the Roasters group. Take your time, enjoy the views, and stop in Point Reyes Station for a pastry at Bovine Bakery.
Tips
- This is the exact Roasters/Divine route - riding it solo first helps you learn the climbs and descents
- Carry extra water - there are no refill points between Fairfax and Point Reyes Station
- Wind from the coast can be brutal in the afternoon, especially in spring and summer
- Stop at Bovine Bakery in Point Reyes Station for a bear claw - it's a cycling tradition
- The route has some rough pavement on the descents - stay alert