When Cortney and I lived in Marin, we didn’t do much cycling. We focused on work, raising a family, and the activities that revolve around that. This return visit changes all that because it’s all about bikes. And on a bike, you see things differently.
Coming back after seven years also gives us a fresh perspective. All of the bikeways are connected making it really easy to cycle about. And that makes it easy to reconnect with friends and loved ones.
Friends J & M made our time in Petaluma special. We met for beers at HenHouse and enjoyed a beautiful dinner and conversation that went well into the evening.
The bikeway down to Novato along 101 didn’t exist before we moved to Idaho, and we were excited to check it out the following day. Riding into our old hometown Novato—especially on a bike—was surreal.
We rolled into town and stopped at Dr Insomniac’s for an afternoon coffee. Several people were curious about our loaded bikes, so we had some fun conversations. Then we headed over to Indian Valley Brewing for a quick one. This brewery wasn’t around when we lived there so we had to try it out. (It’s “research” for our upcoming “Craft Beers Across America” guide.)
Friends B & C hosted us that evening. We hadn’t seen them since we left and were excited to catch up in person. They were always helping us out when we lived in Novato—really good people. This visit wasn’t any different. B gave me a case for the fishing pole and gave me some tips for tying a fly. Appreciated their kindness and generosity, opening their home.
Our destination the next day was China Camp State Park, along the shore of San Pablo Bay. We’d picnicked out there when the kids were little, but never camped. And we’d never been out there by bike. Cortney and I couldn’t get over how easy and how well-connected the paths are for bike travel. It takes you right past the Marin Civic Center before heading out to camp.
China Camp is a beautiful oak habitat with bay trees, rolling hills and grasses. There’s also a lot of history. Coastal Miwoks lived out there for thousands of years. A Chinese shrimp-fishing village thrived on this site in the 1880s. And then came the ranches and cattle grazing before it became the state park it is today.
Along with some wild turkeys and deer, we had the campground to ourselves.
Our next visit on the Tour de Marin was with friends C & J. Prepared a beautiful dinner and had great conversation. Friends S & B were able to come over for a bit as well and catch up. So lucky to be able to spend time with good, caring people.
Friends C & J are ready to sell the house and ramble on!
From Marinwood, we were off for a quick night of camping in the redwoods at Samuel P. Taylor SP. But first we met our friend T for lunch in Fairfax at The Lodge. It’s a cool historic spot with bikes, beers, and good food on the menu.
While we weren’t able to see everyone we wanted to, we’re super glad we were able to squeeze in a lunch with soccer buddy. T even surprised us with the special appearance of his better half S.
The ride to camp took us past the Marin Museum of Bicyling. While it looks amazing, we were afraid if we went in, we’d lose track of time. And with the time change and our Before Sunset philosophy, it just wasn’t in the cards.
Our camp at Samuel P. Taylor was nestled among giant redwoods making it something special. That said, the resident raccoons made our stay special too. Once the sun went down, they were not shy and came out in full force. Thankfully, there are lock boxes to discourage those aggressive f@>kers. Glad they didn’t try to climb into the tent with us like the Hells Roaring chipmunks did to G & T’s tent last summer.
The next day, we said goodbye to our crazy raccoon neighbors and pedaled through Marin and into the city to catch the Bart. The ride was one of the highlights of the trip so far. Many, many car-free bike trails. Pathways with healthy shoulders. Quiet streets. Stunning scenery. It was lovely.
It was cool to be able to go over the Golden Gate Bridge. Trips like this give you fresh eyes and a fresh perspective. We like that.
Before catching the Embarcadero Bart, we realized we hadn’t much to eat that day. So we stopped at the Ferry Building for quick bite and some hydration at Fort Point.
Bart made getting out to the East Bay a cinch where we were able to have a fantastic visit with aunt and uncle.
It’s been close to two months since Cort and I left home. Without a doubt, one of our favorite things about this trip is finding yourself sitting in a room, connecting with friends and loved ones. People you haven’t seen for way too long. People you wouldn’t normally see if you didn’t have the opportunity to hop on your bike and ride across the states like a crazy person.
It’s beyond words.
-Erik
