Have you ever ridden One of the Top 25 Rides in the World?

July 28, 2025

Then You have to ride the Marin Century

July 28, 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 coordinated and operated entirely by volunteers. Over its 62-year history, more than 50,000 bike riders have participated in this extraordinary event, experiencing its scenery, camaraderie, food, and challenge.

Choose from five routes: Metric Century, 100-mile Century (9,700 feet of climbing), Double Metric (10,700 feet), Mt. Tam (92 miles, 8,800 feet) or Geronimo (37 miles). Join hundreds of cyclists riding through Marin County’s beautiful countryside, starting at Stafford Lake Park, Novato, California, August 2, 2025.

On course, you’ll find mechanical support, medical personnel at rest stops, paper maps, cue sheets, GPS downloads, and live musicians at select locations.

Rest stops offer ice-cold drinks, local fruit, snacks, energy bars and drinks. You’ll find locally made treats like focaccia, pie, doughnuts, and cinnamon rolls.

The Marin Century has been held annually since 1963, demonstrating that the Marin Cyclists Club possesses over 62 years of expertise in organizing an exceptional, enjoyable, and secure 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 Marin Century event offers a unique setting. The ride commences at Stafford Lake State Park in Novato, renowned for its scenic beauty. Participants will be inspired by the picturesque journey as they navigate towards the summit or through the foothills of Mount Tamalpais, extending to 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 definitely 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, 2,300 feet

If sixty miles sounds like too much for you, 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, 3,900 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.  Roll through the pastoral farmlands of Chileno Valley and then 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, 9,700 feet

The Century is our most popular route. Completing 100 miles in one day is considered an achievement for many cyclists. The Century follows the same path as the Metric, offering views of Tomales Bay, farmlands, Chileno Valley, and the notorious Wilson Hill. Additionally, it includes two extensions: a trip through the Redwood trees and San Geronimo Valley with its own rest stop and live music.

Mt. Tam 93 miles, 8,800 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 along 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, foggy, windy 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, 10,700 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, Pacific Ocean, lakes, Bay views, and small coastal towns. Pass through the protected lands of the Marin 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 windy roads.

This ride always out, register now for the experience of a lifetime!

Jeff Sanchez
Marin Cyclists
Events & Marketing

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