Distance: ~18 miles
Difficulty: 3 out of 10
Terrain: Paved road with a few small rolling hills
Type: Road and Mountain bike
La Cañada Road is a popular and easy road ride in the Peninsula. On Sunday mornings, parts of the La Cañada will be closed off to motor-vehicle traffic so cyclists and joggers can enjoy the beautiful Crystal Springs Reservoirs car-free. The road is relatively flat – with only minor rolling hills along the way. The ride provides the opportunity to stop at a couple of attractions that may not be familiar to those who aren't local to this area (Water Temple and Filoli Garden).
The ride starts right from the southern tip of Cañada Road at the main intersection of the Woodside town center at Robert’s Market. Note that the businesses near this intersection have some parking lots, but they all feature signs limiting parking to shoppers. It's not guaranteed that you'll get in trouble the very first time you'd park at one of these lots for your bike ride here, but it's probably a safer bet to do the more civilized thing by obeying the restrictions and opting to park on the roadside along Woodside Road as pointed out at the parking link on your left.
The group will stop for lunch at the amazingly beautiful Filoli Garden followed by an optional tour. Opened to the public in 1976 as a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Filoli features a 54,000 sq. ft. home and a 16–acre English Renaissance Garden. In addition, Filoli’s property includes a 6.8 acre Gentlemen’s Heritage Orchard and a trail system that transverses five different ecosystems for docent–guided nature hikes and visits to the Sally MacBride Nature Center. Filoli is recognized as one of the finest remaining country estates of the early 20th century and is a cherished resource for the community valuing education, volunteerism and diversity.
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Meet in front of Robert’s Market in Woodside
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Ride north on La Cañada until Half Moon Bay Road (~9 miles)
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Regroup, rest, and snack at parking lot
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Ride south on La Cañada until Filoli Garden (~3.3 miles)
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Group lunch (either bring your-own or buy sandwiches from Café)
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Optional tour of Filoli Garden
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Ride back to Robert’s Market (~5.4 miles)
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Helmet
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Bike lock
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Water
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Snack for the ride
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Sunblock
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Lunch or cash for lunch
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Cash for optional Filoli Garden admissions ($25/adult, $20/student, $5/children age 5-17)
Event Disclaimer:
Because this event is in person, you acknowledge the below by coming to this event.
I acknowledge and understand that: (i) I am not required to participate in this event; (ii) my participation is voluntary and at my sole risk; and (iii) I am responsible for my own protection against Covid-19, including, without limitation, following all health and safety protocols communicated to me or posted at the event venue.
MIT Alums:
Please make sure you are a current member of our club before registering. If you are unsure please ask email clubadmin@mitcnc.org or if you would like to join MIT Club of Northern California, click here.
Date and Time
Sunday, July 31, 2022
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT
Primary Contact
Edward Tau
edward_tau@alum.mit.edu