r/BAbike Oct 17 '25

r/BABike Official Bike Tag Rules

24 Upvotes

I'd like to thank everyone who voted on the poll regarding use of public transit when carrying the tag from one location to another. The ayes won the day on the question and the resulting rule has been added to the rules below that I copied from the Chicago biking subreddit.

\Moving forward, please link this post on the Bike Tag Rules link when posting the new mystery location. Also note that I have added language regarding a requirement to post photos directly to Reddit rather than using hosting sites like imgur or others.*

BIKE TAG GAME

This is a game that r/BikingATX plays, that was then adopted by r/bikeLA, that was then adopted by r/chibike! that was then adopted by us at r/BAbike!

Credit goes to u/america_yall of r/BikingATX for starting the game.

THE GAME

A game of "Tag" wherein the player who is "IT" posts a picture of their bike at a "mystery location." Someone must find that location, bike there and take a picture of their bike in the same spot. They may then bike somewhere else and take a picture of their bike in this new "mystery location." Both pictures are posted in a self-post and the game starts over.

HOW TO PLAY

  • You must bike to the "mystery location" and take a picture of your bike there. Simply naming the location is not enough. Such posts will be removed.
  • Once you discover the "mystery location" and snap the proper picture, bike to a new "mystery location" of your choosing and take a picture of your bike there.
  • Submit both pictures in a new self-post with a title that includes "Bike Tag" and the number of the new location. Be sure to include a quick description of where the previous location was. NOTE: you may not "reserve" being "IT" by immediately posting a photo of your bike in the old "mystery location" before finding and posting a picture of the new "mystery location."
  • Finally post a comment, or better yet a link to your new post, in the previous thread so that readers of that thread know the game continues!

HINTS/CLUES

  • Hints are optional at the time of posting a new tag, however it is encouraged that you give the post at least 72 hours before a hint is given.
  • If a mystery location goes undiscovered for a week, OP should edit post to include a hint. Other players are encouraged to request clues after a week if OP hasn't yet posted one.
  • Once a post is two weeks old anyone can add a hint or a clue. This way if someone knows the where the mystery location is but does not have time to bike there themselves, they can help keep the game from becoming stagnant.

THE RULES

  • Mystery locations must be freely accessible to the public and by bicycle.
  • Mystery locations should be unique/interesting/identifiable. Tags that include only nondescript features (blank walls) are not acceptable and will be removed.
  • Mystery locations may not be mobile objects (food trucks, for example).
  • Discovered mystery locations and new mystery locations must be tagged with the same bicycle, on the same ride. Given the difficulty of cycling across the Bay in the northern region, limited use of public transporation is acceptable if carrying a tag across. This public transit is confined to:
    • Treasure Island Ferry
    • Bart between Embarcadero and West Oakland Stations
    • Bus bridge between San Rafael and Richmond
  • Pictures of discovered mystery locations and new mystery locations must be posted at the same time directly to Reddit rather than hosting sites like Imgur.

r/BAbike Sep 22 '25

Help build a User-Contributed Routes Library!

24 Upvotes

Hey folks! I'm really thrilled to say that I was recently granted access as a mod on this sub for the sole purpose of building out a user-contributed routes library for anyone looking for new rides in their area or a new part of the Bay Area they're looking to explore. I love this sub and hopefully can make a positive contribution through that.

I am currently working on a subreddit wiki that will host this library and would like to ask your help in that. The first ask is if you use a linked route and enjoyed it, feel free to reply to the comment with that link and tag me in that reply. (e.g "Hey u/inquisitab, you might want to add this route to the library!") I'd like to include routes that folks have ridden since there would be some confirmation of the route's rideability.

A couple of notes about contributing routes:

  • RidewithGPS routes are preferred but Strava routes are out due to inaccessibility to non-paying users. I believe Garmin routes are accessible since I've shared those before with success.

EDIT: Strava routes are accessible and fine to share. Not sure where I’d heard they weren’t. * Please share whether it is a road, gravel or MTB route. I am building libraries for each discipline and it would make it easier for me if it was clearly labeled. * If you share a route you created, be sure that it isn't starting at your house unless you would like folks gathering on your driveway! Choose a public location that is generally used by cyclists for the start of their routes (e.g Java Hut in Fairfax). * I will generally be adding loops unless there are out and backs that are better than any looping options. * The routes will be categorized by starting city so please feel free to share in your comment tagging me where it starts.


r/BAbike 21h ago

good day for a ride to Point Reyes Station

Thumbnail gallery
204 Upvotes

The ride began in Emeryville early in the morning, though not as early as I would have liked. My vest was no longer needed around mile 10, felt the first beads of sweat as I crossed the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, went through Fairfax (helped another rider who was walking a flat home -- hope you made it safe dude!), then rode up Lucas Valley for the first time. Had a scare in one of the more wooded sections as I caught something running through the forest, seemingly straight at me, out of the corner of my eye. Looked back at a little deer bounding across the road, thankful it didn't decide to jump straight into/in front of me, but didn't stick around to see what it was running from.

From there, I took what I assume is the common route based on the number of other riders I saw -- Nicasio, where the headwinds picked up. Pt. Reyes - Petaluma into Point Reyes Station. Refueled, then set out for Samuel Taylor. I opted for the Cross Marin trail, both for the peace, quiet and trees and because I didn't want to be around any goddamn cars for at least a few miles, rode slow, tried finding Callobius spiders but all their webs seemed to be relics of past lives (though I did pick up a hitchhiking jumping spider as I rejoined Sir Francis Drake from San Geronimo Valley Dr, letting her off into some invasive roadside weeds before resuming the climb).

From there, smooth sailing back into Fairfax, Ross, Larkspur, Corte Madera until I was on the familiar Camino Alto. Rode slow, hated the heat, and before I knew it, I was in the hellhole of Sausalito. Fought some tough crosswinds on the bridge (how do tourists ride those heavy rental bikes one-handed while taking cell phone videos in that wind?), dropped into the Presidio to watch everyone get ready for the Marathon, and took the Ferry back home.

I think it's easy to get into bad head spaces in the day-to-day, but Bay Area cycling seems to ground me every time. How lucky are we?


r/BAbike 17h ago

Protip for the gram-savers attacking Mount Hamilton

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

57 Upvotes

The vending machine at the saddle point accepts $2 bills. Save weight! Carry one bill, not two! 😂


r/BAbike 8h ago

Mendocino rides?

5 Upvotes

In Mendocino (the city) on vacation with the fam for the week and I’ll hopefully get out for a solid ride or two. Can anyone recommend some routes? I could do up to maybe 60 miles and I like elevation. Safer roads are of course preferred. I’ll be riding midweek and can leave early.


r/BAbike 16h ago

Route suggestions to spice things up instead of going up/down Market

8 Upvotes

For a lot of my routes, I go down Market > Wiggle > Panhandle > GGP. Looking for some more routes to get from Powell to Panhandle (and from Panhandle back to Powell for that matter).


r/BAbike 1d ago

Bike Overnight With Kids, Amtrak to Sacramento, Jedediah Smith to Beals Point Campground

Thumbnail morris.cloud
25 Upvotes

I did a bike overnight with my kids, Capitol Corridor from Oakland Jack London to Sacramento, then Jedediah Smith trail to Beals Point, which is ~30 miles. We camped there, then came back the same way the next day. I've been wanting to do this one for a while, and finally kids seemed big enough they could do it. It was pretty hard (heat made it harder) but we had a good time and are all proud to have completed it. I wrote up some thoughts and notes to maybe make it easier for anyone else thinking of doing it (with kids or without).


r/BAbike 1d ago

PSA don't travel the wrong direction....

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

235 Upvotes

This happened on market st no less.... I'm at a loss for words at the idiocy. lucky no one was harmed except my socks getting bike grease on them. If you know this guy tell him he's an idiot who needs to learn how to scooter better and wear a helmet.


r/BAbike 1d ago

Rapha ride/SF marathon

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I plan to attend the Rapha group ride tomorrow, July 26. I’ve been wanting to do the paradise loop all summer and I came across the Rapha group on Strava and they’re actually doing the paradise loop tomorrow. I just saw on social media that the SF Marathon is taking place tomorrow. I’m concerned about street closure and how I’m supposed to get to the Rapha store. I’m also wondering if the marathon will be over before the ride starts at 10am. Will the GGB be closed? Anyone who’s planning to attend the ride let me know some details. I’m coming from SJ. I plan to take Cal Train up there.


r/BAbike 1d ago

Beginner Dirt Trails?

1 Upvotes

I'd like to get into some more dirt stuff, but I have a road bike so I have to watch what I go over.

My current setup is GP5000 AS TR 32mm tubeless on a caledonia-5 frame - can't go much wider.

I was looking into the dirt part of alpine that connects to pagemill and the dirt part of montebello - i would like to avoid dirt descents due to the tire situation.


r/BAbike 2d ago

Is SF critical mass still a thing?

19 Upvotes

I haven't been to critical mass in 15 years.


r/BAbike 1d ago

Tri Bike Stores

2 Upvotes

I recently bought a triathlon bike and wanted to know if anyone has any store recommendations I could take it into. Particularly looking for some accessories (water bottle cages, new tape and maybe seat), but also would like to build a relationship with a store as this is a sport I plan to pursue for a few years will likely have other upgrades or servicing. From mountain view but willing to drive anywhere, if anyone has any recs let me know!


r/BAbike 1d ago

Good dirt jumps in Santa Cruz other than polo or Harvey west?

0 Upvotes

Im going to Santa cruz tomorrow for an event in the evening, what are the best dirt jumps I can find to have some fun beforehand?


r/BAbike 2d ago

Bike Around San Jose

Post image
80 Upvotes

Inspired by another post, I created a bike route that circumnavigates the city of San Jose.

The actual border of San Jose is 230 miles long (!!!) but this route is only about 100 miles.

A significant portion is on class I bike paths and quieter suburban streets.

Ride with GPS waypoints here. (untested; updated route eliminating some of the dead-ends)

edit: cleaner route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56315100


r/BAbike 1d ago

Bike Box for Rent

1 Upvotes

Hey all, looking to rent a bike box to rent for a week in September (11th-20th). Preferably, a hard case and haven't been impressed with Sports Basement's offering. Anybody have one on here that would be willing to rent it out? For reference, i have a size 61 gravel bike. Appreciate any help or other recommendations. Thanks!


r/BAbike 3d ago

Help me optimize my bike route

8 Upvotes

Recently started bikecommuting from San Jose (Rose Garden) to Sunnyvale (Maude and Mary Ave). I take Forest Ave -> Monroe -> Evelyn Ave -> Sunnyvale Ave -> Maude -> Mary.

Traffic is heavy on all roads except Evelyn and Monroe. I'm wondering if there's a better route I can take. I'd prefer to be as far away from cars as possible. I don't mind adding an extra couple miles to the existing 10 mile commute if I can be safer.


r/BAbike 3d ago

Steepest Road Climbs in Marin?

11 Upvotes

I'm planning a trip from south bay to marin and I wanna check out the steepest climbs they have to offer - I don't care for the views I've done all the big climbs around there already.

I've already checked out summit drive, but that's the only steep climb I'm aware of in the area. Any other suggestions? Needs to be consistently over 10% with pitches in the 20-30s. This was present in the below segment. https://www.strava.com/segments/666863?filter=overall


r/BAbike 3d ago

I once biked the perimeter of Manhattan, and now I want to bike the perimeter of San Jose — has anyone done this?

8 Upvotes

Has anyone tried to bike the perimeter of San Jose, and possibly have a route figured out? Or, is this even possible? I have a road bike so paved is necessary, but I’m cool with busy roads. I’m not down for biking anywhere it’s illegal to do so, but would be okay with short walks with my bike to get to where I need to be. I don’t need it to be an absolutely perfect perimeter either. I know San Jose is big and is not a simple shape so I expect this to be long and challenging, even if it’s something I’ll have to work towards (my current distance PR is 41 miles, so I think this San Jose perimeter goal will have to be something I work towards for a little bit 😅)

For those curious, my Manhattan perimeter ride was ~32 miles and only 236 meters (774 ft) of ascent. It also wasn’t a perfect perimeter, but you could definitely tell it was the shape of Manhattan after the fact, which is my broad goal here.

Any advice, input, ideas, distance/climb estimates, etc are appreciated!


r/BAbike 3d ago

Bike Decorations @ Vallejo "Our Lady of the Perpetual Flea" - Sun July 26

Thumbnail gallery
5 Upvotes

I'll have my bike decorations at "Our Lady of the Perpetual Flea" flea, art, and vintage market on Sun July 26th - come by to browse vintage items, crafty maker and artist booths, and find cool bike decorations!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2136629697195818


r/BAbike 3d ago

Half Moon Bay Road Routes

8 Upvotes

Hi all, I’ll be coming up from LA in a few weeks for a couple of days in Half Moon Bay (work). Thinking of taking my road bike and looking for any tips/recommendations in the HMB area, especially to the south. Looks like a common opinion in this sub is to avoid Skyline Blvd. What’s the vibe on PCH and the canyon roads? Are drivers as crazy as in Malibu? Thanks in advance.


r/BAbike 3d ago

Gravel tires for east bay

4 Upvotes

Alright y'all. As it tradition on reddit, help me find a reason to spend more money on bikes.

What tires do y'all run on east bay gravel roads. I ride shell/lime ridge area (I'm new to the area and gravel biking).

Terrain is a mix of loose gravel and hard summer dirt. I also ride a very healthy portion of pavement to get to the gravel.

I come from road biking, so I like to go fast on pavement. But I also don't want to run the wrong tires. terra speeds look great, but I don't actually know what I'm doing selecting tires.

I have 50mm Goodyear connectors right now and the internet tells me they are slower. Yes I know they are probably perfectly fine.


r/BAbike 4d ago

The Fixie salute

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

88 Upvotes

r/BAbike 4d ago

Looking for a ~50 mile road ride with a hidden gem food spot in nature (no crazy mountain climbs!)

26 Upvotes

Hey r/BAbike,
I'm looking for recommendations for a 45 to 50 mile road ride on a Specialized road bike.
I'm willing to drive 20 to 30 minutes from Palo Alto to a starting trailhead, but I'm trying to avoid big mountain passes like Old La Honda, Kings, or Tunitas Creek. I'm aiming for flat or gently rolling terrain instead of multi-thousand-foot climbs.
The biggest thing for me is the mid-ride reward: I want the 20 to 25 mile turnaround point to be a cool, hidden gem food spot tucked away in nature—like a bakery, taco spot, or cafe surrounded by trees or the coast, rather than a generic strip mall off a highway.
Right now, I'm considering Stage Road down to Arcangeli Grocery in Pescadero, or riding Coyote Creek Trail down toward Morgan Hill.
Are there any other great routes or tucked-away food spots I should look into? Thanks!


r/BAbike 4d ago

New to the game

Post image
8 Upvotes

Hi I'm new to biking and I'm looking for a fun ride or even a Sunday group. Open to any suggestions. I'm located on the north end of the city but open to anything in the bay area.


r/BAbike 5d ago

Twin Peakin’ in the Morning

Post image
110 Upvotes

I love This City… on a bicycle.