FFS RIDE: CARQUINEZ BRIDGES

C/2.4(3212’)/53

D/2.9(4940’)/68

This week we venture a bit farther afield to begin our ride in Martinez.  Today’s routes are borrowed from the annual Special Olympics Bike the Bridges Routes.  Starting in Martinez, we go west on the Carquinez Straits before turning on to Cummings Skyway/Franklin Canyon Road.  From there we go back to the coast, again moving west along the Alhambra Valley road before traveling thru Hercules, eventually crossing the Carquinez Straits bridge, taking a brief optional but scenic jaunt to Dillon Point Road, and returning to Martinez and the start via the Benicia/Martinez Bridge.

D’s follow the same route but bypass much of Alhambra Valley Road and instead add Bear Creek Road and the fabulous Three Bears Challenge before rejoining the route.   Online route sheets/maps/GPS

FOOD/WATER:  THIS IS A “PACK YOUR LUNCH” RIDE.  MOST OF THIS RIDE IS REMOTE.  BRING FOOD AND SNACKS FOR THE DAY, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE DOING THE LONGER D ROUTE.  Restaurants are sporadic but are available in Benecia near the end of the day.  AN IMPORTANT WATER STOP IS ON THE ROUTE AT THE NANCY BOYD PARK AT MILE 17.6.

BRIDGE CROSSINGS:  We will cross both the Carquinez Straits and Martinez Bridges on this ride.  Both bike paths are completely isolated from road traffic by concrete barriers.

INFORMATION: Contact Bill Sherwin (billsoldfarm@gmail.net or 650.888.6749) for more information.

MEETING TIME:  Meet at 9:15 am for 9:30 departure

MEETING LOCATION: Martinez Shoreline Park, 300 North Court Street, Martinez

LEADERS :   TBD

RIDE GROUPS:   Three options are offered on FFS rides: Slower C group (C-) with social pace and mandatory regroups; Faster C group (C+) with a bit faster pace and shorter regroups; D group with a bit longer and/or more challenging route.