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Bill Bikes My bicycling expeditions and jaunts |
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Petaluma - Novato
26 February 2021
I'm still sticking close to home, but at least I wandered into another county today.I've done the ride from Petaluma to Novato several times. Compared to the old death traps along the route, it's much easier now that all the (relatively) new cycling infrastructure is complete. The expedition offers a good variety of riding. Part of the route is on quiet rural roads, part on paved bike paths, and part on hardpack fire roads.
Today's forecast called for sunny and warm weather with a high in the mid-60s. Also winds of 20-25 MPH out of the northwest, with stronger gusts. That provided a nice tailwind on the way to Novato, but an annoying headwind on the way back to Petaluma.
This must be my starting point.
Petaluma Boulevard dead-ends at San Antonio Creek, which marks the county line.
This shot looks up at adjacent Highway 101 and the Sonoma County sign.
After taking the paved bike path under the highway, I continued south on San Antonio Road and crossed San Antonio Creek.
That put me in Marin County, where the road is part of official Bike Route 5.
Had to pause for a reflectie on San Antonio Road.
At the end of San Antonio Road I turned onto the paved bike path parallel to Highway 101.
The bike path delivered me to Olompali State Historic Park.
From Olompali I continued south on Redwood Boulevard, the quiet frontage road along 101.
Within a couple of miles I arrived at the edge of Novato.
I crossed back over to the east side of 101 on Atherton Avenue—the only short stretch of my route with noticeable car traffic—and turned into Rush Creek Open Space Preserve from Binford Road.
This is my private lunch spot in Rush Creek. I've dined here at least three times.
That's Mount Burdell on the far side of Highway 101.
Cruising around the marshes, sloughs, and tidal pools on a nice hardpack fire road.
Fooling around with Ogre and camera while taking a break from the annoying headwind on the ride back to Petaluma.
Summary
Date: 26 February 2021
Time: 10:00 - 2:00
Weather: 55-65° F, sunny, windy, with 20-25 MPH headwind on the way back
Route: Petaluma - Olompali - Novato - Rush Creek Open Space
Distance: 28 miles
Bike: Ogre
Riders: Solo
Comments? Questions? Suggestions? I'd like to hear from you.
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