We had 9 bikes in our group this morning when we pulled out of the parking lot at McGuire's. We rode up 680, took Hwy 4 to the Cummings Skyway, I-80 to Vallejo then Hwy 37 to 101 south in Novato where we made a comfort and food stop.
We jumped back on 101 south to Lucas Valley Rd and headed for the coast. We rode through Nicasio, around Nicasio Reservoir and over to Point Reyes Station where we turned south on Hwy 1. From there it was a few short miles to the Bolinas Lagoon Preserve.
But wait ... there's no sign for the Bolinas Lagoon Preserve! The group slows to give us a better opportunity to see the entrance to the preserve as we approach, but still no luck. There is NO sign. We find ourselves arriving in Stinson Beach, about 3 miles past where the preserve entrance is supposed to be. Some discussion ensues, followed by some fiddling with the GPS, a discussion with a lady walking her dogs, a lead change and it's off we go. We made our obligatory 'U' turn and headed north again in search of the elusive sign. We then turned down the road on the opposite side of the lagoon, which took us to Bolinas. We rode through the small town and eventually made our way to the beach on the west side of the Bolinas Lagoon. Not the preserve mind you, but it was the Bolinas Lagoon.
We found a place to park near the beach and ate our lunches there. The temperature was in the 60s, as it had been for the entire ride which was under overcast skies and through some light fog. We chatted with several of the locals as they strolled past going to and from the beach. While eating lunch we discovered that there is no 'park', but a private ranch that opens its gates to the public for the egret nesting season. We did see that sign, twice. Oh well, it was a great ride.
Then it was time to head for home, but being overcast and cool we decided that we should stop in Olima for some coffee first. After our coffee we headed east on Sir Frances Drake Blvd with the group splintering off as we went, taking other routes home.
Another fantastic day spent with friends doing what we love, riding and eating.
