Cycling in San Francisco
- Thread starter Riverman
- Start date
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robgul
Legendary Member
Blazing Saddles - several branches around Fisherman's Wharf. Take the route they have a leaflet for : Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito (coffee stop), Tiburon (lunch stop) - back on the ferry (with bike) to the Wharf. A fantastic day out - even my wife who is a non-cyclist enjoyed it.
Rob
Rob
The city itself is lumpy, very lumpy. It wasn't chosen as the backdrop for a thousand car chases (and adverts with bouncing balls) because it resembles an ironing board. One block of Lombard Street, for example, is close to 1:3, and the town is marked by the Pacific Heights, Nob Hill etc. But, it is fantastic walking round there and Chinatown isn't too far from there. Ashbury Heights and the Twin Peaks are also pretty steep, but great places to visit.
Obviously, though, the waterfront (Fisherman's Wharf, Embarcadero, Presidio etc) are flat and good cycling, mostly tourist friendly and safe, unlike some of the "Projects" areas further south in the city.
I haven't cycled there but the Golden Gate Bridge would be a magnet for me, as would, having driven it a few times, the Bay Bridge to Oakland, with the sight of the cranes in Oakland Harbour, allegedly the inspiration behind the design of the AT-AT walkers in the Empire Strikes Back.
Obviously, though, the waterfront (Fisherman's Wharf, Embarcadero, Presidio etc) are flat and good cycling, mostly tourist friendly and safe, unlike some of the "Projects" areas further south in the city.
I haven't cycled there but the Golden Gate Bridge would be a magnet for me, as would, having driven it a few times, the Bay Bridge to Oakland, with the sight of the cranes in Oakland Harbour, allegedly the inspiration behind the design of the AT-AT walkers in the Empire Strikes Back.
robgul
Legendary Member
Norm said:
Pretty sure you can't ride on the Bay Bridge - although there's a bus shuttle for bikes.
GG Bridge has a pedestrian/cycle way on both sides - they usually segregate them at weekends (bikes (both ways) on one side and pedestrians only on the other)
The other good thing about SF (there's lots it's a great place) is that you can take bikes on the BART (underground/subway) system.
Rob
Argh! I think you're right. Sorry for the bum steer there, you have to use the bus shuttle although it looks like things may be changing.robgul said:
Actually, searching for that, it lead me to this site which might be of interest to the OP.
Cathryn
Squire
- Location
- Marlborough, Wiltshire
We got back from San Francisco yesterday and it's AWESOME for cycling. I couldn't cycle due to the company of a small, 3 month old pre-cyclist and it utterly broke my heart to miss this opportunity. But he'll be big enough for the trailer very soon.
SF is indeed incredibly hilly but if you like a challenge, that's a pleasure. However there are always ways round the hills either by flat routes or by less hilly hills and the place is swarming with cyclists and there are some brilliant bike shops as well. All the buses carry bikes free of charge with bike racks at the front of each bus. They carry two bikes per bus, so you can always take the bus up a hill and fly down. SUCH a great invention. The Embarcadero is perfect for a gentle cycle and you can hire bikes at Blazin' Saddles as mentioned above and cycle across the Golden Gate bridge to Sausalito for lunch, either taking the ferry back or cycling back.
If you go across the bridge to Marin County, turn left (at some point) up Hawk Hill for a brilliant Alpine like climb and some great descents.
If you need hotel/restaurant recommendations, let me know whilst it's fresh in my head. It's a brilliant city.
SF is indeed incredibly hilly but if you like a challenge, that's a pleasure. However there are always ways round the hills either by flat routes or by less hilly hills and the place is swarming with cyclists and there are some brilliant bike shops as well. All the buses carry bikes free of charge with bike racks at the front of each bus. They carry two bikes per bus, so you can always take the bus up a hill and fly down. SUCH a great invention. The Embarcadero is perfect for a gentle cycle and you can hire bikes at Blazin' Saddles as mentioned above and cycle across the Golden Gate bridge to Sausalito for lunch, either taking the ferry back or cycling back.
If you go across the bridge to Marin County, turn left (at some point) up Hawk Hill for a brilliant Alpine like climb and some great descents.
If you need hotel/restaurant recommendations, let me know whilst it's fresh in my head. It's a brilliant city.
OP
OP
Riverman
Guru
Fantastic advice, this is looking more likely now as I may have managed to wangle some free accommodation.
Depending on work, I may be able to stretch it out to two weeks. If, so maybe it's a good idea to venture further afield and take a tent?
In regards to hotels, if I stay longer I may just use SFhostels, which is slumming it abit. $21 for a room in a 21 bed dorm but right near Golden Gate Bridge.
Depending on work, I may be able to stretch it out to two weeks. If, so maybe it's a good idea to venture further afield and take a tent?
In regards to hotels, if I stay longer I may just use SFhostels, which is slumming it abit. $21 for a room in a 21 bed dorm but right near Golden Gate Bridge.
Cathryn
Squire
- Location
- Marlborough, Wiltshire
Having just been there, it's slightly nippy. We had three blisteringly hot days but generally it was chilly and very wet. That would put me off camping but maybe you're tougher.
Personally, I'd put the bike on a bus and head to Wine Country!! Sonoma and Napa are just beautiful and the wine is stonking, and the terrain is a great mix of flat and hills, so pretty much perfect.
Alternatively, head down route 1, the 'big sur'. We drove it (darn baby) and there were lots of cyclists. It's a beautiful route but the road is busy, you need to be confident in traffic. But if you are, it would be great.
Personally, I'd put the bike on a bus and head to Wine Country!! Sonoma and Napa are just beautiful and the wine is stonking, and the terrain is a great mix of flat and hills, so pretty much perfect.
Alternatively, head down route 1, the 'big sur'. We drove it (darn baby) and there were lots of cyclists. It's a beautiful route but the road is busy, you need to be confident in traffic. But if you are, it would be great.
OP
OP
Riverman
Guru
Lol rather than rent a bike, maybe I should just buy a BSO for the duration of the stay?
http://www.walmart.com/ip/26-Men-s-Roadmaster-Mountain-Sport-All-Terrain-Bike/13398147
This looks interesting.
http://www.teamkarim.com/bikes/used/index.html
http://www.walmart.com/ip/26-Men-s-Roadmaster-Mountain-Sport-All-Terrain-Bike/13398147
This looks interesting.
http://www.teamkarim.com/bikes/used/index.html
This page contains 15 links to information about bike riding in San Francisco. Not all of them will be of interest to you but some will.
If you are planning to rent a bike, be sure to allow time to check them out as not all the bikes are of high quality. There are lots of bike rental places, so do a bit of shopping around.
While San Francisco is hilly, the SF biking map provides lots of (signed) routes that take the least hilly streets.
To get out of SF, you can ride over the GG Bridge, take ferries across the bay, or take the BART under the bay. Don't hold your breath on getting a bike path over the Bay Bridge (though they are putting one on the half of the bridge being replaced).
Since I live and bike here, I'd be happy to provide more details and even take you on a bike ride. PM if you are interested.
One ride worth taking is the Paradise Loop (google it).
Ray
If you are planning to rent a bike, be sure to allow time to check them out as not all the bikes are of high quality. There are lots of bike rental places, so do a bit of shopping around.
While San Francisco is hilly, the SF biking map provides lots of (signed) routes that take the least hilly streets.
To get out of SF, you can ride over the GG Bridge, take ferries across the bay, or take the BART under the bay. Don't hold your breath on getting a bike path over the Bay Bridge (though they are putting one on the half of the bridge being replaced).
Since I live and bike here, I'd be happy to provide more details and even take you on a bike ride. PM if you are interested.
One ride worth taking is the Paradise Loop (google it).
Ray
Cathryn
Squire
- Location
- Marlborough, Wiltshire
Riverman said:
Let me know where you're thinking and I'll let you know if we know anywhere.
Wocce Racer
Active Member
- Location
- In a house
Ride across the bridge to Mill Valley (all sign posted), about 40-45 mins, and then ride up the Mount Tamalpais old rail road grade. It is a 2000 foot plus climb with fantastic views. It is not too hard and has nothing really steep but it does go up. At West Point inn, about 3/4 of the way up there is a shop that does the most fantastic lemonade. It is a great ride down too!
I used Bike and Roll in Columbus Avenue, about 2 mins from Fisherman's Wharf. If you go in a few days in advance you can select the bike (one that fits) that you want to ride on the day and they will fit your own pedals if you are fussy like me!
I used Bike and Roll in Columbus Avenue, about 2 mins from Fisherman's Wharf. If you go in a few days in advance you can select the bike (one that fits) that you want to ride on the day and they will fit your own pedals if you are fussy like me!
