Whether you’re skilled and able or clumsy and chubby you can ride a bike, you, yes you. And, believe it or not, off-road mountain biking is safer and softer than riding on pavement. No cars or traffic lights, just you tooling around on some dirt underneath the trees.
Justin Pyatt rides down a slope adjacent to the Nike missile silo at the peak of China Camp. Photo by Dan Sankey
China Camp State Park
By Dan Sankey
Published: June, 2007
With blue skies and warmer air upon us, it’s time to get out of your urban landscape and into some good old-fashioned nature. Fortunately the Bay Area provides some wonderful options, for scenic rides that take you in and out of trees, on shaded trails to wide open vistas with views of the water. One such place is China Camp State Park in San Rafael.
China Camp boasts beautiful views of San Pablo Bay, plentiful wildlife and a historical fishing village from which the park gains its name. There are 15 miles of trails in the 1512-acre park and most are bike legal. To get there takes an easy 30 minute drive north from San Francisco or over the Richmond Bridge from the East Bay.
The riding trails here are well-balanced for a range of skill levels - from beginner to expert, including great trails where riders at different skill levels will enjoy riding together. China Camp provides some the best trail conditions that can keep everyone happy. The trails have no roots or rocks larger than six inches high, yet, it does have fast sweeping corners and rolling bumps that keep it fun for riders who want a challenge. The hills are gradual and require just a consistent spin of the pedals to conquer them.
As for scenery, riders can climb to a highpoint of 900 feet and stand on the concrete circular covers of the retired Nike missile silos for expansive views of Mt. Tamalpais to the west and Mt. Diablo to the east.
My favorite loop starts at a short wooden bridge in the dirt parking lot of Miwok Meadows day-use area. This is the trailhead of Shoreline Trail. Follow it northwest for a flat to rolling twisty trail that is ideal for first time riders. Stay on Shoreline past the campground until it intersects with Bay View Trail, which climbs up and across the hills ridge. You will pass Echo Trail that connects to Bay Hills Drive, a paved road that leads up to the missile silos for stellar views.
Once Bay View crests at about 700 feet it descends at a subtle grade, letting you maintain an easy downhill speed for over a mile. Experienced riders can use the steep hillside banks to flow through the many corners. However, do be very cautious and respectful of hikers in the park. Riding with a bell or whistle is a great way to make sure these trails remain biking friendly.
Continue on Bay View, keeping left at any intersections onto McNear fire road until you reach Oak Ridge Trail on the right which will reconnect with Shoreline back to Miwok. Don’t forget to stop at the many good viewpoints and look for hawks, turkeys and deer that are very plentiful in the park. Remembering to take in your surroundings makes the pedal pushing more doable and enjoyable.
Tips for beginning mountain trail riders
The key for new riders is to take it easy, enjoying the environment and views. Don’t push yourself so hard that you’re suffering.
It’s also a good idea to try riding your bike around your neighborhood a day or so before you ride off-road to familiarize yourself with it, even if only for a half hour or so. Try going up and down curbs and stairs, learning to shift your weight to keep your momentum as you roll over the obstacle. A little practice beforehand will make your time mountain biking so much more enjoyable.
Bay Area Nike sites
