Ride Where Mountain Biking
Was Born

They were taking old, heavy bicycles, modifying them with stronger components, and riding them down steep dirt roads on Mount Tamalpais. It was the 1970s, and nobody quite knew what to call this new kind of cycling.

The bikes were nicknamed clunkers, or klunkers, and the riders were a mix of outdoor enthusiasts, tinkerers, and thrill-seekers who saw Marin's rugged hills as the perfect playground. Among the pioneers were Gary Fisher, Joe Breeze, Charlie Kelly, and other local riders whose experiments helped shape modern mountain biking.

Fairfax became a gathering place for this emerging cycling community, and the surrounding trails and fire roads became part of mountain biking history. Although off-road cycling existed long before the 1970s, Marin's riders played a defining role in turning it into the sport we recognize today.

Beginning in 1976, riders gathered on a steep dirt road on Mount Tamalpais for informal downhill time trials that would become some of the most famous races in cycling history. The road earned its nickname because riders often had to repack the grease in their coaster-brake hubs after the punishing descents.

These weren't sophisticated racing machines. They were modified cruisers with balloon tires, reinforced frames, and whatever mechanical improvements their owners could invent. The competition was fierce, the equipment was primitive, and the spirit was pure adventure.

Those early races helped inspire the development of purpose-built mountain bikes and a cycling culture that eventually spread across the world. Today, the Repack story remains one of Marin County's most important contributions to outdoor recreation.

One of the best places to experience that history is the Marin Museum of Bicycling, on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Fairfax. The museum celebrates the evolution of cycling, and its Mountain Bike Hall of Fame highlights the people, innovations, and stories that helped create the sport. Visit before you head out for a ride.

One of the area's best-known mountain biking destinations, Camp Tamarancho features a purpose-built singletrack trail network on private Boy Scouts property near Fairfax. The riding is technical in places, with wooded sections, rocky terrain, climbing, and flowing descents. It's a favorite among experienced local riders looking for a challenging outing.

Good to know: A riding permit is required, and the trails are best suited to riders comfortable with intermediate or advanced terrain.

Just outside downtown Fairfax, Deer Park provides access to scenic fire roads and the surrounding Mount Tamalpais watershed. The area is popular with hikers, runners, and cyclists, making it a great starting point for exploring the hills. Routes vary in difficulty, and riders should check current bicycle access restrictions before setting out.

The watershed surrounding Alpine Lake, Bon Tempe, and Lake Lagunitas contains some of Marin's most beautiful scenery. Cyclists can explore designated bicycle-accessible fire roads through oak forests, redwood groves, and rolling hills. Some routes offer sweeping views of reservoirs and the surrounding mountains.

Not every trail is open to bikes, so consult the Marin Municipal Water District's current trail maps when planning a ride.

For cycling history enthusiasts, the legendary Repack route is a special destination. Located on the slopes of Mount Tamalpais, the historic downhill course is associated with the early races that helped define the sport. It's a fascinating place to appreciate mountain biking's origins, but riders should verify current access, conditions, and route restrictions rather than assuming the original racecourse is open for recreational riding.

Built by mountain bikers, Splitrock pairs a full-service bike shop with pizza, sandwiches, and California craft beer on Sir Francis Drake. It works before a ride, after a ride, or just for a pint.

On Bolinas Road, Gestalt Haus is the classic post-ride stop: sausages, a long tap list, and indoor hooks where you can hang your bike and grab a beer.

• Start early. Weekend mornings are popular, and an early ride means cooler temperatures and more time to enjoy downtown afterward.
• Choose the right terrain. Some routes are beginner-friendly fire roads, while others feature steep climbs and technical singletrack.
• Check trail access. Marin has specific bicycle restrictions, and many hiking trails are not open to mountain bikes.
• Bring water and supplies. The surrounding hills can feel surprisingly remote once you leave town.
• Respect other trail users. Yield appropriately, control your speed, and stay on designated bicycle routes.
• Visit the museum. The Marin Museum of Bicycling adds historical context to the landscape you're exploring.

Mountain biking has evolved dramatically since those first modified cruisers rattled down the slopes of Mount Tamalpais. Today's bikes feature sophisticated suspension systems, lightweight materials, and technology those early riders could scarcely have imagined. But the essential experience hasn't changed.

It's still about exploring the outdoors, challenging yourself, discovering new trails, and sharing the adventure with friends. Fairfax represents the roots of that spirit. It's a place where a group of creative, adventurous locals helped change the way people experience bicycles and the natural world. And more than fifty years later, you can still come here, climb into the Marin hills, and experience a little of the magic that started it all.

In the 1970s, riders in Marin County modified heavy cruiser bikes, nicknamed clunkers or klunkers, and rode them down steep dirt roads on Mount Tamalpais. Fairfax became a gathering place for that community. Gary Fisher, Joe Breeze, Charlie Kelly, and other local riders helped turn those experiments into the sport recognized today.

Beginning in 1976, riders held informal downhill time trials on a steep Mount Tamalpais dirt road. It was nicknamed Repack because riders often had to repack the grease in their coaster-brake hubs after the descents. The races helped inspire purpose-built mountain bikes.

Yes. Camp Tamarancho is a purpose-built singletrack network on private Boy Scouts property near Fairfax, and a riding permit is required. The trails are best suited to riders comfortable with intermediate or advanced terrain.

No. Bicycle access varies by trail and land manager. Many hiking trails are closed to bikes. Check current restrictions before you ride, and use Marin Municipal Water District maps for the Mount Tamalpais watershed.

The Marin Museum of Bicycling in Fairfax includes the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. It is a useful stop before heading into the hills.

Splitrock Tap & Wheel combines a full-service bike shop with pizza and craft beer. Gestalt Haus has indoor bike parking, sausages, and taps, and is a longtime post-ride stop for riders coming off Mount Tamalpais.