Kick off from coffee in Berkeley, race across town and over the Richmond Bridge. Next, slip through Ross, head up to Phoenix Lake, and begin your dirt ascent of Mt. Tam via Eldridge Grade Fire Road. It’s a long, hard climb to the top. When you get to the summit, stock up on water And then descend on Ridgecrest Boulevard until you reach the dirt turnoff for Rock Springs Lagunitas Road. 

Slide down steep descents and a few sharp climbs and then pop out back onto Ridgecrest Boulevard. Take the road all the way down to Alpine Dam. A left turn at the lake brings you on to Kent Pump Road, one of the rare flat dirt roads out here. Appreciate it while you can, because soon you turn onto Old Vee Road, which abruptly brings you up to Pine Mountain. Then, you’ll be enjoying panoramic views all the way down to Woodacre, which is the resupply point of the ride. 

After some paved pedaling, you’ll climb Sunrise Fire Road which is the steepest climb of the ride at ~20%! Once you top out there’s a fun descent waiting for you toward Big Rock, but be careful of mini-crevices in the trail - they’re deadly! 

Next you’ll summit an even larger rock - toward Big Rock Ridge. It’s generally pretty exposed to the sun, so take it easy and stay cool! At the top you’ll start to descend a quick fire road with a few punchy ascents. Eventually you’ll reach some excellent downhill singletrack. Enjoy it!

Once at the bottom of the descent, then head toward Hamilton and the Bay. Snake around the bay trails and then you’ll reach the entrance to China Camp State Park. Ride up a paved road and then slide down some singletrack. Hit the pavement and then pedal back toward the East Bay across the Richmond Bridge for your post ride food + beverage. After all that, you’ve certainly earned it.