I got into YC W26. There was only one possible decision: quit my job, pack a suitcase, and fly to San Francisco.
Silicon Valley resets your priorities fast. Seven days a week, constant hustle, no real off switch for your brain. It didn’t take long to realize that without some kind of escape, this pace would burn me out.
I didn’t even bring a bike with me. I came here to build and code. But it didn’t take long before California’s cycling culture pulled me in. The sun, the endless climbs, and the Pacific in the background were hard to ignore.
I went with a classic: a Cannondale CAAD9. A simple, budget setup with “heavy” gearing that made me suffer on the local climbs. I didn’t overthink it, I just bought whatever I could find on Craigslist, just to start riding again.
I also had some unfinished business here. Back in 2019, I spent five months in SF, but my bike was just a way to get to the office. The longest ride I did back then was out to Sausalito.
This time, I wanted to properly explore the cycling side of San Francisco.
Hawk Hill Loop (top route!)
For me, this is number one, just perfect for a quick reset.
You roll out of the city, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, and immediately hang left to start the climb up Hawk Hill. It’s steep right from the start, but what you get at the top is pure magic: one of the most beautiful, almost cinematic descents you’ll ever ride.
This route is best at sunset. The colors in the sky and the low sun over the Pacific turn the whole place into a movie set.
On the way back, you’ve got options: take the fast route through the tunnel (Bunker Rd), or go for another short but steep climb back up to the scenic ridge and finish with an incredible descent toward the bridge, with the city lights opening up in front of you.
Stinson Beach Loop
A classic northbound route. Cross the bridge, roll into Mill Valley, and that’s where the fun starts. Climb after climb, followed by the well-earned descent to Stinson Beach. The ride back to SF takes you along spectacular ocean cliffs. If you time it with sunset, the atmosphere is a solid 10/10.
Muir Woods Loop
Cross the bridge to Mill Valley, climb up, then descend toward Muir Beach. The ocean wind mixes with the atmosphere of massive redwood trees in Muir Woods. The return goes through Tamalpais Valley and quickly brings you back to the city.
Mt Tamalpais
An absolute classic. Same start: bridge, Mill Valley and then you just keep climbing all the way to the top of Mt Tamalpais. It’s a never-ending ascent with over 700 meters of elevation gain. With my “heavy” gearing, that meant grinding at 50 RPM and seriously testing my willpower.
You can either go back the same way or loop it through the coastal cliffs.
Ocean Beach / Golden Gate Park / Lake Merced
Perfect for a cooldown before heading back and reopening your laptop.
Point Reyes
I didn’t make it there by bike, but I saw tons of cyclists.
It’s a bit far from SF, you’ll probably want to drive there first.
