Just got back from doing an epic ride through the Marin Headlands, Muir Woods and to the top of Mt. Tam and back. Close to 60 miles, over 8,000' of total climbing, four and a half hours later I'm feeling wiped out to say the least. It's been a while since I've punished myself on my local trails. I just came off of my marathon nationals high last week, and it felt good to ride at my own pace.
Sometimes it's hard to gauge what to bring along on a ride through the North Bay. One minute it's cold and foggy, the next it's broiling hot and dry. It just depends on what side of the hill you're on. The temperature variance can be as much as 20º.
The view from the top of Mt. Tam is always amazing. That tall sliver of a spike near the center of the photo above, just past the incoming fog is where I started my ride. It's halfway point, and I dial my suspension for the crazy descent back into the fog below. I flew down the trail, passing a few other riders on the upper fire road section, but had a wide open shot on Coastal View, setting a few personal records on Strava.