The roads of Marin...

[ian408]

Burnzilla IM'ed a suggestion that we meet at the crack of dawn to deliver a package
to a certain someone in Marin. I told him a little south of dawn and I'd be in. We
agreed and met the following morning for the local park and ride.

Stephen and Sharon arrived at the appointed hour and we set off.

Our route took us up Interstate 280, Hwy 35 and the Great Highway before we
arrived at the Golde Gate Bridge. Normally, you'd expect fog to grace the structure.

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/142186908-M-1.jpg

Across the bridge, we headed for Mt Tamalpais. Mt. Tam dominates the Northern
skyline as one of the highest peaks in the area. Some would say that Mt. Tam was
the birthplace of mountain biking. It's easy to see as the park occupies 6300 acres.
You can hike, mountain bike, see a play in the beautiful natural amphitheater, star
gaze or as we did, ride over the top and down the Bolinas Fairfax Road.

The view from the top is spectacular. This is looking into the sun and back at San
Francisco.

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/142187569-M.jpg

We spent some time enjoying the view...

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/142188249-M.jpg

The roads qualify as goat paths in some places. I'll readily admit I was glad I made
use of the facilities before heading down the road :D

Here's where we were headed...Marshall. Don't worry. It's down there some place.

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/142189733-M.jpg

We arrived in Marshall just in time for lunch at Tony's. Been in business since 1948.
That's like older than me :D

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/142190243-M.jpg

After a few plates of these...

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/142192216-M.jpg

and more of these...

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/142192643-M.jpg

and it was back onto the bikes for a super secret route to the target destination.

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/142190906-M-1.jpg

But first, a little about our lunch destination. Marshall and Tamales Bay.
Tamales Bay sits on both the Pacific plate and the American tectonic plate with
the San Andreas Fault separating them. You can see evidence of the seismic
activity at the Point Reyes National Seashore (we didn't visit on this trip).
Tomales Bay sports kayaking, hiking or just sitting around eating oysters :D

Lined with small homes and resturants, the bay is also home to many oyster
farms.

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/142193008-M.jpg

Over hill and dale, our path takes us through the most remote parts of West
Marin.

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/142193426-M-1.jpg

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As we neared our destination, we found an antique truck. Don't see many of these.

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Finally, after a great distance travelled, we arrived at our destination.

We used the yard as a driveway. Sorry about the lawn Dave...

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/142196908-M.jpg

Check out the artwork!

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/142195898-M.jpg

After a short visit with kbasa, we were on our way back home. Back across the
GGB and down the highway and home.

I truely wonderful day of riding.

Thanks for the invite burnzilla!

[SNC1923]

We spent some time enjoying the view...

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/142188249-M.jpg



This is a nice picture, a rose among the thorns. . . .

Looks like a great trip, especially Tony's. I'm relieved to know that you managed to deliver the "package." This RR has everything: intrigue, suspense, world-class dining, new GSs and GTs. . . . Thanks for having us along.

[RebeccaV]

I can't decide what looks tastier - the oysters or the great roads.

[SIBUD]

Darn, that late frost really played havoc with KBasa's plants and grass.:laugh

[ian408]

I can't decide what looks tastier - the oysters or the great roads.

Both!

[kbasa]

Both!


Yes, indeed.

I got up yesterday morning at 4am to ride to the top of Mt. Tam. Every easter, motorcycles ride up there to watch the sun come up. The State Parks folks open up at 5am or so and the place fills up. I'd estimate that there were at least a couple hundred bikes in the parking lot when I got there.

I spotted this pair at the Arco station where everyone meets prior to leaving.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/142049326-L.jpg

It was foggy at the top of the mountain, which provided an excellent photographic opportunity.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/142056503-M.jpg

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/142058392-M.jpg

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/142061880-M.jpg

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We were rewarded with this, though.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/142071980-M.jpg



It was really great to see you guys! Thanks for stopping by. You should have stuck around, though. The ham came out awesome and the scalloped spuds were amazing. I know what I'm going to be eating for lunch this week. :eat

[SheRidesABeemer]

Great ride report...I'd forgotten what it's like to ride with green stuff around. Trade you for brown and white stuff?

[dancogan]

Neat pictures, guys. Those are great ride reports. But Kbasa, you left us all wondering where the pics are of the ham and potatoes!

[ian408]

Hey Dave! Number 4 looks like it could have been album art at one time :thumb

[Burnszilla]

My turn!

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[BradfordBenn]

Way Cool!

[tessler]

Amazing. For the first time since my prolonged autumnal stay, makes me miss the Bay Area.... :)

Amazing pix, Dave. I heard Yes's "Heart of the Sunrise" while viewing.