Bike & Brew

Day 5 -- The Golden State

This long day takes us out of wine country into farm country -- the "golden hills of California," from which California got its nickname, Holly tells us. The day's trip as mapped is 76 miles; however, myself and seven others decide to hop in the Backroads van for 24 of those miles.

The ride takes us across flat and hilly farmland, through small towns, past a pumpkin patch and an enchanted rock, then into a maze of streets in lower Marin County. Road construction makes the last few miles taxing and confusing, and some riders wind up on the U.S. 101 bridge, but Marin Brewing Co. awaits at the end. Marin has an ale on handpump and several award-winning fruit beers among the beers on tap; Mt. Tam Pale Ale is a group favorite. The brewpub sits in an upscale mall near the ferry to San Francisco. The high-ceilinged interior is done in shiny light wood and brass, and it features a hodgepodge of styles - part sports bar (athlete's pictures and autographs), part English pub (pub towels, darts), part Deadhead bar (tie-dyed shirts). There's a beautiful large mural on one wall. Paralleling the long bar is a seating area lined with coasters decorated by amateur cartoonists. The overall effect is casual and welcoming.

We cheer each of the five hardy riders who completed the entire 76 miles as they arrive -- Dennis, Brett, Leslie, Tom and his wife, Christa. The van takes us to the Mill Valley Inn, a European-style inn with handcrafted, Northern California furnishings.

Day 1: The adventure begins
Day 2: On to Boonville
Day 3: Bed down in Calistoga
Day 4: Touring Sterling Vineyards
Day 6: The payoff, Golden Gate Bridge