Bicycles may change, but cycling is timeless.
Cycling is an excellent way to exercise that offers numerous health benefits. It provides a low-impact cardiovascular workout that helps improve heart health, strengthens muscles, and enhances overall fitness. It is a great way to stay active and improve physical well-being. However, the real gem is the smile it will put on your face.
What’s even better?
To ride your bike off-road.
Over the last few years, gravel bikes have become increasingly popular. This trend lets riders experience the best of both worlds – on-road and off-road cycling. It enables riders to explore a wider variety of terrains and locations.
Here are some of my favorites routes around the Bay Area:
Montebello Loop: This scenic ride offers stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Silicon Valley.
It’s a challenging 20-mile loop with about 2,700 feet of climbing, including some dirt road sections.
Portola Via Dirt Alpine: This loop pass in Portola Valley and takes you through some of the most beautiful gravel road in the area. The route includes some dirt roads (west alpine and windy hill), offering stunning views of the surrounding hills. If you catch a sunny day with a good visibility you can see the ocean from Russian Ridge.
Sanborn County Park offers over 15 miles of trails suitable for gravel bikes. The courses are mostly flat and easy, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills.
One excellent option is to climb JNT (John Nicolas Trail) to Skyline Road (HWY 35). Btw, there is no phone reception in the park, so if you wish to meet your friends, do it at Saratoga.
Stevens Canyon: This scenic road runs through the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The route includes some dirt sections and is a popular spot for gravel riders.
Pacifica – Half moon bay – Purisima (or Tunitas)
A beautiful ride along route 1 from Pacifica to Half moon bay. Some great coffee spots in both places. On the way back, you can choose to climb Purisima or go with the road (lots of shade and gorgeous trees) and climb up Tunitas.
—
Los Gatos Creek Trail: This flat, easy trail runs for 10 miles along Los Gatos Creek, from downtown San Jose to the town of Los Gatos. The path is paved, but some gravel sections suit gravel bikes.
Long Ridge – It is another great place to ride a gravel bike. The trails are well-maintained and offer rolling hills. As a bonus you will get some stunning scenery. There are few options to get there… The recommended ones are from Steven Canyon.
Almaden Quicksilver County Park: This park offers over 37 miles of trails, many suitable for gravel bikes.
The courses offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
The Bay Trail – An excellent option for gravel bike riding because it offers a variety of terrain and scenery. The trail winds along the San Francisco Bay, providing stunning views of the water and the surrounding cities and towns. There are also plenty of opportunities to explore different side trails and paths, which can lead to hidden gems like parks, beaches, and historical sites.
In addition, the Bay Trail is relatively flat, making it a good choice for riders of all levels.
El Sereno Park – near Los Gatos, is a great place to ride a gravel bike because it offers a variety of terrain and scenery. The park has a mix of paved and unpaved roads and some singletrack trails, making it a great place to explore different riding styles and challenge yourself.
The park also has various wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and birds. If you lucky you will see another wildlife that is riding Lauf… But that will be a bonus.
Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve: This preserve offers over 17 miles of trails suitable for gravel bikes. The courses offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, ranging from easy to challenging.
In this route we are enjoying (as bonus) JNT and 35 to Page Mill.
Ido Green 