If you’re visiting San Francisco, and want to create a great memory, try cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge is 1.7 miles long, and spans the Golden Gate strait; the magnificent gateway between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Route Possibilities
You don’t have to be super-fit to enjoy this great activity. You can cross the bridge one way, and catch the ferry back from the delightful coastal town of Sausalito. That’s about eight miles of cycling, or 16 if you ride both ways.
Another possibility is to cycle to the Golden Gate Bridge View Point (Mill Valley) and back, which is around 12 miles from downtown San Francisco. That’s an hour or so of leisurely cycling, not including stopping time.
Facts and Figures
To whet your appetite, consider what you’ll experience when crossing the Golden Gate Bridge by bike. You’ll be 220 feet above the water at its mid-span. The bridge’s two towers rise 526 feet above the road, and the main span, (unsupported), between the two towers, is 4,200 feet long.
When it opened in 1937, this was the tallest, and longest, suspension bridge in the world. It’s still the most famous and photogenic.
Bike Hire and Children
You can hire bikes for $30-40 within easy riding distance of the bridge, though a little city riding may be involved before you get there. Children that are used to riding a bike, and can ride in a straight line, can make the trip; bear in mind, you’ll meet other cyclists along the way.
Depending on your route, there may also be some hilly roads to negotiate. Don’t be afraid of these; you can always stop, or walk, for a while.
Other Things to Consider
On any bike ride, it’s a good idea to take water, and food usually becomes a necessity after an hour or two. The weather in San Francisco can be very changeable too, so an extra layer or two of clothing is advisable.
