04.5.07
From the issue Nice Ride
Bike an Island
April biking is brilliant on Angel Island. The ferry schedule has expanded, but the summer crowds haven't arrived yet—and the weather's usually calm, warm, and fog-free. So hop on the ferry, then ditch the Disneyland-style tram tour in favor of exploring the island on your own. Bring your two-wheeler or rent one at Ayala Cove ($10/hour or $35/day). For an easy and impressively scenic tour, pedal the mostly paved Perimeter Road (some patches are a bit gravelly). The five-mile route roams past historic old military buildings and sweet-scented eucalyptus forests. Some of the best viewpoints are on the southern end of the road by Battery Ledyard. From there you can score a double-bridge view of the Golden Gate and the Bay Bridge in full form. Pack a good lunch, stake out a bench, and indulge in some heavenly lounge time. More information.
Ferry from San Francisco: $14.50.
Ferry from Tiburon: $11.25 with the bike, $10.25 without.
Bring a windbreaker for the ferry ride over and a bike lock for the island if you anticipate exploring on foot.
