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Communion With Nature:
Route 2 boasts several protected wildlife areas, and it was the only place I saw wildlife other than seagulls:
This crane was high stepping through the grass a few feet off the path. You also get the majestic ocean views. It's pretty.
Golden Gate Park apparently has a coyote problem, as there are warnings posted around the park. I didn't have any trouble with coyotes -- there are some impressive waterfalls though:
There are also cool trees, ponds, lakes, and plenty of birds (like seagulls). While Golden Gate Park isn't exactly "natural" it does offer a pretty secluded, people free environment, to commune in.
The Great Highway is a much different biome than GGP or the other side of the city by the Marina. The sandy beach and the dunes are a nice backdrop for a ride. I wouldn't try to ride into the sand though lest your bearings get a little bit too much communion with nature and your wheels stop turning.
Winner: This is pretty much a toss up. Beach, ocean views, or wooded glens. We suggest an ocean ride on Saturday and a woodland ride on Sunday.
Safety and Hazards:
The major hazards on Route 2 are probably the gangs of Segway tourists, and the bike renters. See the rental bikes with the maps mounted on the handlebars and keep your distance and be prepared to stop suddenly in order to take pictures. Also, watch out for dog walkers with way too many dogs. And don't fall into the ocean. This path is well- policed and always populated, so it feels safe enough.
Golden Gate Park might be the best place to get mugged out of the three. With its dark secluded wooded corners, it feels like there's a good chance that an errant Robin Hood might forcibly redistribute your wealth if you go down the wrong path. Apparently, it's the best place to get attacked by coyotes, too. Keep an eye out for unemployed "writers" who think it's fine to take pictures while riding down steep dirt paths. Also, watch out for frolfers:
The Outer Sunset is a pretty sleepy hood. If anything, the biggest hazard here is the sometimes uneven and poorly maintained path as well as the traffic. Watch out for sand that has drifted over the path. If you hit a patch of deep sand the wrong way, you'll likely find the shortest distance between your bike and the ground.
Winner: The Great Highway wins for safety. The relative quietness of the Outer Sunset is its biggest asset.
Intangibles:
Route 2, along with the Golden Gate Bridge, is something that most people will want to do at some point. It's easy to forget how really remarkably beautiful the Golden Gate -- the land / water formation, not the bridge -- really is.
Golden Gate Park has miles of secluded single track, so if shredding the gnar , as the kids call it these days, is your thing, then make sure you explore the park.
Ocean Beach is really nice. If the weather is good, it's a great place to spend a day, and maybe even have a refreshing swim in the ice cold Pacific.
Winner: Golden Gate Park, because you can chill on paved paths or hit some sweet jumps:
Overall Winner
Golden Gate Park takes the prize, because really, it's the one ride that doesn't have the risk of getting smashed by a car or getting treaded on by a Segway. The Great Highway is just too far away from everything if you don't live in the Sunset, and it's not that exciting.
Also, Golden Gate Park is a great place to ride if you're a novice, a serious cyclist, or you just need to pretend that you've escaped the oppressive urban bustle for a second.
Whatever route you take, be safe, and watch for coyotes.
Leif Haven is a writer and cyclist living in the Bay Area. He can be spotted dragging himself up a hill -- literally and metaphorically.
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