[jcdill]

There's a hike/bike in Mt. Tam tomorrow (Sunday) I'm somewhat interested in joining, depending on the weather. I don't know the trail they are going on, and would like some feedback on how steep this trail is. There are 3 different places they are considering for the start/end point. See Places to start a hike (or bike) to the summit of Mt. Tam, via Railroad, Gravity Car, or Temelpa.

I'm fairly new to mountain biking, and I'm not in very good shape. I recently got a new bike, one with a lighter frame, lower gears, and full suspension. This should (hopefully) help with climbing hills - OTOH I'm still getting used to the suspension and trying to not lose power by squishing the suspension instead of having that effort go into climbing.

I ride with Mere Mortals on their "easy" rides and I push up a lot of hills. I also ride on the FBG or White Sox rides out of Passion Trail Bikes - again I push up some of those hills. I'm enough of a novice that I don't need single-track for the outing to be fun - I can be quite happy on a simple fire road if I can handle the grade (up). A bit of hike-a-bike here and there on the steepest sections is OK, but doing it over and over gets old real fast.

I'd love feedback on the proposed Mt Tam trails and if they are suitable for my skill and fitness level. Thanks!

 

[sanjuro]

Probably just ride up Old Railroad Grade to West Point Inn, then return the same way.

Not exactly an adventure, but you will have to exert yourself to make to the Inn, and you will get some nice views as your payoff.

 

[jcdill]

If I go, I want to join the group. That's why I'm asking for input on their route, how appropriate it is for a beginner mountain biker.

Is West Point Inn at or near the top of Mt. Tam?

 

[Ryan G.]

Temalpa is not for biking, and if you do it is not for beginners.

Railroad grade starts in Mill valley and goes up to West Pt. Inn. Eldridge is another fireroad, but has a bit more rocks.

 

[jcdill]

Thanks, that's exactly the type of info I was looking for!

 

[sanjuro]

Eldridge can be easy to difficult on how well you brake.

I've had friends pedal up their downhill bikes so they can slam down Eldridge. I am looking forward to riding my 6 inch travel bike up there.

But I've ridden it with a hardtail, and as long as you go slowly enough, Eldridge is fine.