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.
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.
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.
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.
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 one: https://www.strava.com/routes/3093274570539603374 we are enjoying (as bonus) JNT and 35 to Page Mill.
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