Where to Ride
If you’ve just arrived, you could do worse than take a ride out to Tiburon. Close to the tip of the Tiburon Peninsula, the eponymous town was home to late comedian Robin Williams – an avid cyclist and regular sight on the roads around Marin. From here, Paradise Drive will take you right around the bay, offering uninterrupted views of the water, and a good glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.
For those looking for a little solitude from the rider-friendly roads around Marin, Chris recommends heading out to Point Reyes Station. “You can use it as a base for rides in Point Reyes National Seashore – 71,000 acres of protected lands, with stunning coastline and amazing vistas. But check the weather ahead of time, as it can be cool and foggy out there on an otherwise sunny day further inland.”
Many famous routes are ‘out-and-backs’ from the quaint towns that abound in Marin, but perhaps the most famous of all is a ride out to the iconic Point Bonita lighthouse on the Marin Headlands, which, in Chris’ words, is “pretty fantastic.”

If you’re looking for gravel inspiration, try Studio Velo in Mill Valley. Not only do they offer organised rides, their website is a treasure trove of routes that they claim are some of the world’s finest. Our pick would be their 128km UCC Loop; taking in Bolinas Ridge along with redwood groves and cow pastures, it’s allegedly one of Marin County’s best-kept secrets.