Most striking is the easy fusion of classic Southern and Low Country dishes such as Shrimp and Grits, Crab Cakes (with blue crab), Collard, Cajun-Spice Fish and Fried Chicken, which gently suffocate you rather than overpowering Southern cuisine. We sat at one of two semi-enclosed booths – a quieter, more intimate space than a bistro table or bar area. Tables are in short supply at the scandalous opening meeting of 5:30 p.m., an indication of the restaurant’s early popularity. Hot flashes from inside spill out onto the pavement outside. The Easy Rider is that rare bird that fits with the moment, with its approachable Southern-inspired menu, upscale flavors and good cocktails on the streets of Kentucky and Washington on the bustling corner of Petaluma City. No bakery stop on this one, but you can get your fix (and add about 10 miles) by completing a loop through Point Reyes Station or Tomales, if you like.It is incredibly rare for a restaurant to come up at the right time, in the right place, with the right food and the right talent. Plenty of climbing (3300') in 41 miles, but you can shorten it to 35 miles (and skip a big climb) by turning around at the top of the ridge rather than descending to Marshall.

Marshall Out-and-Back This ride travels along beautiful and remote Marshall-Petaluma Rd., first in the valley along Walker Creek, then over the 'Marshall Wall' to the village of Marshall.

Dips into downtown Novato for a stop at Dr. to start, and adds some (optional) meandering in the Bahia and Blackpoint areas east of Novato for good measure. Here's one that's 42 miles, throws in a nice climb over Wilson Hill Rd.

Novato via Wilson Hill We have several routes to Novato.

Note that Wild Flour Bread in Freestone is open only Friday through Monday, and usually closes for a couple of weeks in January. This ride can be made almost completely flat by just taking Bodega - Valley Ford Rd.

Nevertheless a spectacular ride, with great views of Mt. is steep in some spots, and there is some fast traffic on the short section of Bodega Hwy. Other days, you might prefer the counter-clockwise loop, and get your climbing out of the way on the way to the bakery! Recommended for more experienced cyclists: Burnside Rd. We're showing you the clockwise loop, which is preferable on a Sunday, since you'll be going in the opposite direction of the RVs returning from the coast. We do this at least once a week, in every season. There are ways to make it longer and steeper (take Wilson Hill/Marshall Wall to Hwy 1) or shorter and flatter (just take Bodega to Tomales Road both ways) consult a bike map to see all your options.įreestone Loop Another popular bakery ride, also about 45 miles. About 45 miles with a stop at the Tomales Bakery. Good in either direction – but if you start out on 'D' Street, wait till after the morning commute. A couple of good climbs in 20 miles, and a nice winding descent back to town on 'D' Street. Novato Loop A 30-mile loop to Novato, which returns to Petaluma along the bike path / frontage road system opened in 2019.Watch out for the increasingly numerous potholes on Spring Hill Rd. and head back to town, making it a ride of any distance you like. You can also opt to turn around anywhere along Chileno Valley Rd.

Preferable route is clockwise, as the bad road surface on Spring Hill is more manageable in that direction. Chileno Valley-Spring Hill Loop A classic.Best ridden on weekends or after the morning commute is over since many cars use the 'I' Street Extension in the early morning to get to the freeway. Carrie's Beginner 15-Mile Loop Great beginner route, a couple of small hills included.and 'B' Street. The links are to maps created using In addition to printing a route slip (or loading the route to your phone or GPS device), we recommend consulting a good cycling map, such as the one put out by the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition. Here are some of our favorite rides from Petaluma, all beginning near the corner of Petaluma Blvd.

Easy rider petaluma