Want to ride one of the top 25 rides in the world? Then you’ve got to ride the Marin Century

January 22, 2025

/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – From challenging climbs to scenic coastal roads, participants can choose from five route options. The event is not only a celebration of cycling but also an opportunity to promote healthy living and showcase the beauty of Marin County. It is recognized by Outside Magazine as one of the Top 25 Rides in the world.

The Marin Century is organized, managed and run entirely by volunteers. In its 62 year history, over 50,000 bike riders have enjoyed the scenery, camaraderie, food and challenge of the Marin Century.

Choose one of five routes: Metric Century, 100 mile Century (with 6,200 feet of climbing), Double Metric (with 11,000 feet of climbing), The Mt Tam (93 miles, with 9,000 feet) or Geronimo (37 miles).  Ride with hundreds of cycling buddies through the beautiful countryside starting from Stafford Lake Park, Novato, Marin County, California.

On course support includes Mechanical support, Medical personnel stationed at rest stops and available on course, Paper Maps, cue sheets and GPS downloads. There’s even live musicians at select rest stops and on course too!

Enjoy fully stocked rest stops with ice cold beverages, fresh local fruit, sweet and salty snacks, energy bars and drinks. There’s locally made goodies – focaccia, PIE, doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, and more.

The Marin Century has been staged every year since 1963, which means that the Marin Cyclists Club has over 61 years of first-hand experience in hosting an unforgettable, fun and safe event.

In the morning, enjoy a fresh hot morning coffee bar, before setting off in a mass start for your chosen route with pacing ambassadors riding with you.

The setting of the Marin Century is like no other. The ride starts in the beautiful State Park setting of Stafford Lake in Novato. The backdrop continues to inspire as riders navigate to the summit or through the foothills of Mount Tamalpais and the nearby coast of Tomales Bay.

Post ride, enjoy a complementary 15 minute sports massage and delicious small batch, gelato or dairy free sorbet from Fiorello’s.

Tuck into a BBQ feast that includes gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options, your first cold craft beer from Pond Farm Brewing is free. Sit back and relax with LIVE music at the Finish expo and party!

To date, Marin Cyclists have donated over $585,000 back to the community. They strive to be inclusive, sustainable and supportive of local communities and small businesses.

Year after year in the post ride survey, 98% of our past riders responded that they “Would recommend the Marin Century to a friend”. Voted Best Cycling Event in Marin by Pacific Sun readers year after year!

Five Routes for All Abilities

Geronimo, 37 miles, 2,269 feet

If sixty miles sounds like too much for you this year, but you want to participate and you want to earn the after-ride Party extravaganza, then we have just the right course for you, the 37 mile, (60 Km) Geronimo.  Complete the clockwise loop under the towering Redwood Trees of Samuel P. Taylor State Park then return over the punchy hill, “Col de Fromage,” to the finish line.

Metric Century, 62 miles, 3,869 feet

This course travels through lovely West Marin in a clockwise direction.  Climb up out of Stafford Lake Park, to reach the ever pretty Nicasio Valley Reservoir. Stop for a break before Pt. Reyes Station, then head north on Highway 1, marveling at the scenic water views of Tomales Bay and on to the country town park of Tomales.  Flow through the pastoral farmlands of Chileno Valley.  Recover and fuel up at the Laguna School before you spin those hard-working legs up challenging Wilson Hill and descend back to the finish line.

Century, 100 miles, 6,176 feet

The Century is the most popular route, and for good reason. Whether it’s your first Century or your 50th, 100 miles in one day is always a memorable, iconic day. The Century follows the same path as the Metric, so it includes Tomales Bay views, farmland, cows, more cows, rolling Chileno Valley Road, and challenging Wilson Hill, but also has two add-ons. The first addition is early in the course; it is a trip through the Redwood trees and San Geronimo Valley, replete with its own rest stop and live music.

Mt. Tam 93 miles, 8,985 feet

The Mt. Tam route trades miles for elevation. You will “only” ride 93 miles but you will climb, climb, and climb. The Double Metric and the Mt. Tam follow the same tough challenging route for the first 78 miles. You will ride through rolling farmland to the town of Fairfax. Then, continue UP the remote Bolinas-Fairfax Road, pass Alpine Dam, UP to the exposed, panoramic, Ridgecrest spine, followed by more UP to the summit of Mt. Tamalpais. Phew, you have completed more than half of the climbing! Next, it’s time for jaw dropping scenery on a descent down steep and twisty, possibly wet and slippery roads, all the way back to sea level. But that’s only mile 50. Head north, passing beautiful beaches and Pacific Ocean rocky outcroppings, on undulating Highway 1, almost to Pt. Reyes Station.

Double Metric, 124 miles, 10,679 feet

If you are a strong, super fit, endurance bike rider who loves to climb, then you might have what it takes to ride the Double Metric Century, with 124 miles and almost 11,000 feet of elevation gain. It combines all of the Mt Tam course AND the Metric course into one big ride! You’ll see it all – farmland, redwoods, Mt. Tam (of course), ocean, lake, and Bay views, and small coastal towns. Pass through the protected lands of a water district, two state parks and a National Recreation Area. You’ll have extended climbs on isolated roads and views from atop Mt. Tamalpais that will draw your attention away from the task at hand.

The Double Metric Century is for experienced cyclists accustomed to huge climbs and steep, technical descents, on sometimes rough and slippery roads.

Jeff Sanchez
Marin Cyclists
Events & Marketing

PO Box 2611 San Rafael, CA 94912
Jeff@marincyclists.com
415.823.5047