Bayway: 42 miles

Bayway is the "standard" commute for most rides, most of the time. It's a fairly scenic, low-ish traffic, flat-ish route that attempts to use bike trails whenever possible. Some sections are rich in traffic signals, if you like that kind of thing. Some parts, such as the Foster City circumnavigation, offer beautiful views of the SF bay. Several points along the way are informal sprint stages. There are restrooms at about mile 19.5 in San Mateo, and this is a standard stop-and-wait spot to regroup if the ride has become splintered.

distance: 42.5 miles (to Google)
travel time: ~2 1/2 hours
elevation gain: ~1,000 feet
difficulty rating (1-10): 4
turn-by-turn directions | full-size map | pocket turn guide (PDF)
meetup point: ritual roasters
scott's photos
inventor: brett lider

Variations: Bayway lends itself to modification to suit your distance and/or scenery needs. The most common change is to take BART to Millbrae or SFO and join the route from there, leaving about 30 miles of the original 42. Simply take Millbrae Ave. east toward the bay to Bayshore and join the group there. Other popular attractions:

Lagoon variation (Lider): Less traffic, more bike path, good water views, somewhat bumpy. When Bayshore hits Airport Blvd., go left as usual, but then turn right immediately after the baseball diamond and follow the bike path to the lagoon. Ride along the water for a mile or so and the path becomes Beach Rd., and then merges into Airport Rd. again, whereupon it's business as usual.
Coyote Point circumnavigation (Lider): More bike path, some off-road/cyclocross, more scenic, longer by a few hundred meters. Just after the lagoon bit is a very cool option if you feel adventurous. Just before Airport Rd. takes a 90-degree left about 100 meters past Beach Rd., take a left onto the bike path and hug the water until past the golf course. Super cool, and nice views of the marina.
Bride-to-Nowhere Bypass (Murph): No dirt, more distance. BTN got you down? If it's too muddy, closed for random work, or you just don't like it, you can easily bypass it with this handy diversion. Adds about 2/3 of a mile to the commute. Exercise caution on Whipple, it's a bit hectic. Here's the map of the bypass. Note: it is shorter to take Veterans vs. Winslow, but it's a pretty busy road.

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