Tomales
A long and steady ride to Tomales, through the quietest roads in Marin.
About This Route
The Tomales route is where you go when you want to disappear for a day. At 72 miles through some of the quietest roads in the county, this ride takes you deep into rural West Marin, where the rolling dairy farms and open grasslands stretch to the horizon.
The town of Tomales sits at the northern end of Tomales Bay, a tiny community that feels a world away from the bustle of the Bay Area. Getting there involves a sustained push through constantly rolling terrain - no single climb is particularly brutal, but the accumulated elevation and distance make this a proper endurance ride.
The roads on this route are some of the least trafficked in the county. Long stretches pass with nothing but you, the sound of your tires, and the occasional cow. It's meditative riding at its finest. The landscape shifts from oak woodlands to open grasslands as you head north, with the green hills of the coastal range always in view.
On the way back, stop in Point Reyes Station for food and water. The return leg rolls through familiar terrain if you've done the Roasters route, but your legs will feel very different at mile 50 than they do at mile 10.
Tips
- This is a full-day ride - pack like you mean it with food, water, and a repair kit
- The town of Tomales has a general store for mid-ride resupply
- Start early and aim to be heading south by early afternoon to avoid headwinds
- These are some of Marin's quietest roads - enjoy the solitude
- Cell service is spotty in northern West Marin - let someone know your route