epic

Mount Hamilton

No easy option on this one; only advanced or masochistic. Spectacular and challenging riding on desolated roads.

One of the best cycling roads anywhere, a climb through the redwoods with no traffic. Highway 1 is also fun for very different reasons.

This homage to masochism heads up and down 5 of the steepest streets in the Berkeley Hills (steepest grade, over 25%).

A nice tour of east and central Marin, with a picnic option at the Marin French Cheese Company.

Hard to beat this one; spectacular rural riding east of Diablo.

A dramatic climb, almost 20km straight uphill, with a descent to match.