BIG miles in the birthplace of mountain biking

[@michaeljensen4095]

Maple Syrup Gel Recipe: I use roughly 60% maple syrup, 20-25% honey, 5-10% molasses, and some salt. The theory is the maple syrup is the easiest and purest natural sugar to digest which is pretty much all glucose; the honey is generally about 50% fructose and 50% glucose - from what I understand we can only process about 60 grams of glucose per hour but can process an extra 30g of fructose for a total of 90g of carbs (at full exertion our bodies burn more than we can take in so this extra bump from fructose can really matter) ; the molasses adds more potassium and electrolytes and I like what it adds to the flavor (this is definitely the most personal and optional ingredient); and I add salt - the amount should really be based upon how much of a salt sweater you are... I never really get the salt stains and also use sports drink (mostly OSMO) so only use about a 1/2 teaspoon. You can dilute with some water to make it easier to digest, particularly if you use a higher percentage of honey. It really is a very economical way to fuel for longer and harder rides; the flask was something like $5 and for $30 of ingredients from Costco or similar (don’t skimp on the quality or you may not be getting real maple syrup and honey) I probably get 100 gels worth. That said, I use the SIS Isotonic and Caffeine gels in races because I find it to be the easiest to digest and know they have the science dialed.

[@metalpeck]

*Thanks* for the Break down of your special gel drink!!! 🚵🏼‍♂️

[@88batmobile]

Hey Michael--looks like a sweet ride! Moved to the Bay Area from OR not too long ago and have checked out most of the trails on the peninsula and South Bay but looking to check out some riding in Marin. Would you mind sharing your route? Would love to check out that ride!

[@aaronhuie7013]

Nice! Thanks for sharing this, Michael!

[@Narutofan825]

you should consume about 50g of sugar per day

[@michaeljensen4095]

One above all Great if that works for you. I am not sure of my daily macros, but try to eat very little sugar (less than 50 grams?) on off/light riding days and need way more than 50g sugar to race or ride hard (where I’m largely working beyond my lactate thresholding and am burning sugar instead of fat), especially for 3-5 hour efforts where I would bonk after 2 hours without the gel.

[@2004RS4]

You’re human!!! Love that you actually included you’re “hike-a-bike”, and “nope, I’m not riding down that” moments... makes me feel better about myself... I’m not alone!!! Thanks!

[@nelsonman1231]

No shame riding within your limits

[@laxmilama3935]

@@nelsonman1231 @1@

[@prestond]

These are the kinds of rides I'm trying to get in shape for. Not too technical just long xc rides with beautiful scenery. Definitely my speed. Great video as usual.

[@bkxc]

It makes for a great adventure!

[@yegmtb8377]

i do that in my home city aswell the trails run along the river the other day i just went 30km or so check my couple vidz i got still working on getting proper media going

[@bayarearob]

I just got into mountain biking and would live to ride this exact trail.

[@aramgutierrez2119]

bigntallxx take a shot at Alaska ! We got many that style

[@okinoronin]

I would love to ride this trail. Just started adventuring off-road on my hardtail

[@brucesummers7448]

Marin and Tom Richey definitely started the sport of mountain biking back in the 1970's with bikes that were strong enough to survive on the fire roads and trails of the SF bay area. The UK was ahead in building heavy duty touring bikes which was appropriate for where the Brits were riding and the only touring panniers came from the UK at that time. Richey built his first bike frame in 1972 and learned from his failures and produced stronger frames and stronger forks to make for a durable bike that would not break apart on the trails. What has not changed is the need for a spare tube or a tire repair kit.

[@darkovilos]

When the dude spoke before the ride, I was like, “oh he’s a soft spoken person”, then they cross the bridge with those pedestrians lol

[@stoneybowmann]

The GG Bridge, especially on weekends, is a nightmare of tourists and weekend warriors.

[@bkxc]

Hahaha!

[@trinityemergencytraumacent9317]

"ON YOUR LEFT!"

[@tomgraves6463]

@@bkxc Was the west side of the bridge closed for some reason? I thought bikes used the south bound side, with no pedestrians over there. ❤Mt. Tam.... 👍

[@tomgraves6463]

Well.... I commented before the end. Never mind. BTW: Great video. 😎

[@chrisjbrkr]

I just did this ride yesterday. It was easy to recreate the route based on the video. I’ve been riding in Marin for years and this was the first time I rode some of these trails. Thanks for posting this!

[@coreymclernon]

Sweet riding! I’ve been riding with a bell on my bike for a long time. People seem to respond really well to the ding of my bell better then yelling “on your left”!

[@gatoryak7332]

By far.

[@2_L8]

does your bell tend to make slight ring noises as you hit bumps?

[@gatoryak7332]

@@2_L8 My bell makes no noise until I press the ringer. It's not the cheapest on Amazon, but close to it.

[@coreymclernon]

@@2_L8 No, and it helped save my life once when I almost hit a mountain lion!

[@michaeljensen4095]

@coreymclemon The GG Bridge is too loud with the wind (research the GG Bridge wind noise - I can hear it often from my house over a mile away) and road noise to hear a bell. A company based in Marin actually designed a louder bell for the bridge but that doesn’t even work. The really aggressive riders wear a whistle to get pedestrians attention and that seems too harsh for me… so I just yell.

[@nuding4923]

Thanks for those metric numbers. I think a lot of people like it but no one tells you .

[@matthewwilliams1393]

agreed, really useful for Europeans

[@bkxc]

Yup yup!

[@nuding4923]

Robert Trageser I can do that but if it’s just there it’s comfortable. I don’t get your point

[@tbz1551]

Matthew Williams useful for everyone in the world outside US, Burma and Liberia, the only three remaining countries using the imperial system.

[@tbz1551]

Robert Trageser Being inconvenient and expensive doesn’t make it wrong. Don’t forget the rest of the world has to pay to accommodate the US. You know as well as I know that in time they will change… And it will cost even more.

[@jesus.portilla]

You guys are so lucky to be able to go out and ride the woods safely. We used to be able to do the same, but now is too dangerous. My brother just got jacked by two thieves and stole his bike, he’s ok but very angry. Anyway, keep posting videos like this, I really enjoy them.

[@darrellg7722]

Thank you for your content. I've always dealt with anxiety and due to life's circumstances, I was pushed into a deep depression the first few months of this year and thanks to a friend I was turned on to mountain biking videos and came across your channel. I did a short stint on anti depressants which didn't help matters at all but just the tranquil feeling from watching your videos was enough to inspire me to order my first mountain bike. I had always enjoyed biking as a teen, mostly bmx but nothing serious. Looking forward to a positive year getting back into biking and keeping in shape as well as focusing on self care and mental health. Again, thank you for doing what you do!

[@bkxc]

Get out there and kick some ass Darrell!

[@cortarelva]

Started watching this, eight minutes in got such an urge to go ride that one and a half hours later here I am to finish this awesome video.

[@aclent6254]

This is the video that got me into mountain biking...started a month ago today always keep coming back to remember y i love it so much ...Thanks for the awesome videos keep up the good work much love from South Africa 🇿🇦🤙

[@bkxc]

Oh hell yeah!! Thanks bru

[@ianbaguley8008]

"The edge of the world" what a beautiful view

[@davidc6032]

You keep riding with Michael and your fitness is going to jump up a notch.

[@gavinstuart4163]

Yet again another epic ride and video from the master, BKXC!! 🤘 So much so that my 4 coming on 5yr old son has started to watch your videos with me.... Keep up the great work as you've earned a new young fan 👍🤘

[@bkxc]

Love to hear it!!

[@TimTheMusicMan]

Europe / SA / Asia all need to be reminded where XC and Mtn biking came from (as well as many other X-Games), as most inventions and creations over the past 100 years all derived from the USA. The world needs to acknowledge this as they are very good at taking our ideas and inventions, but not good at acknowledging their origin.

[@exploredom3690]

Love the rides, looks like we grew up a few miles apart.

[@Claysoldier456]

I rode up Mt Tam with my dad at the beginning of COVID. Hes the one who told me that the mountain was the birthplace of mountain biking! Great times, and I Iove watching a video exploring mountains I've ridden.

[@tiagoT_]

so sick! inspired me to get back riding my bike! thank you :)

[@drevil4454]

Your like a little boy who finds enjoyment in every little thing. It's refreshing bro. Your vids are cool

[@MBOA]

That ride looked SO scenic. wow, so cool. Love it!

[@St0lenGlasses]

I was born in Vallejo, and live in Texas now. It’s so cool to stumble into a video and hearing you pointing out all of these landmarks and points of interest from back home! Great video happy riding

[@bkxc]

Most definitely!!

[@ebenezercunningham9073]

Your friend did all of that riding and just acted like he had spent the day relaxing.

[@zxtenn]

Consistent serious riding and cardio training is what it's all about, both in outstanding shape, most of these guys only weigh in about 140-150

[@Bill97070]

Thanks for the showing the trails and beauty of riding in Marin headlands and Mt Tamalpais. I lived in the area for many years and it brings back great memories.

[@bkxc]

Glad you enjoyed it William!

[@kevinhunter2325]

09:08 Just waiting for Uncle Michael's brakes to fail! That was amazing to watch.

[@DJshekky]

almost the same ride i used to do pretty regularly; i live in what's officially called "mcallister terrace". what i used to do is a loop through golden gate park through the presidio and over the headlands to tam and back again. now, my range is only to miwok stables from my house and back, about 26-27 miles. looks like you did it on a weekday, which i would never do before 3:30pm when the western side opens to bikes. thanks for making this and posting it!

[@davidtonetti4450]

Excellent video BKXC! Motivates me to do big XC rides again.

[@scottbowers5019]

I enjoy your ride, the views , commentary, back story, and most of all your drive to improve yourself. It motivates me. I love to see things I will never experience. Great service you provide.. See you on the video!

[@bkxc]

Thanks so much Scott!

[@markkoziol5742]

Good going again brother Bri.!!! Great video, nice job being all in on that adventure. I’m putting money on you being ready for BC race. I’m much inspired, thank you 🙏🏼.

[@kenneth7197]

I love Marin after some good rain! So beautiful and right next door to my house in SF.

[@marmaduke_456]

You know you’ve turned into an xc goon when you descend a fire road

[@klaudechin6785]

I love the funny commentary. San Francisco trails look fun and you're right "land of a thousand vistas"

[@kai5966]

Thank you for the metric units for us Europeans, I appreciate it!

[@lukesutherland7506]

And Aussie’s

[@maddy_6968]

And Indians too😅

[@stacyjohnson2058]

Hey Brian, new old rider here. 54 overweight and got my first mountain bike over a month ago. Love your channel and content. Following you on Strava now.

[@falconmalcolm]

Another great video been wanting to get into mountain biking your video was the first one I seen bought a bike the next week and been riding every day after work ever since from 1 Bay Area guy to another thanks for the extra inspiration

[@bkxc]

Oh hell yeah!

[@bayarearob]

The bay!

[@andrewjohnston4882]

That was some trail. Perfect style and level for me, not too technical but not lazy! Fast flowing and some stunning scenery. There is such diverse and contrasting country in the States a man could never tire of riding and you look, sound and ride like you’ll never tire of riding. That was a great vid I’m a noob and I subbed dude, maybe I’ll get over there sometime see what I can do?

[@TrailPOV]

Beauty scenery! And the inverter XC fork is awesome

[@sHevnoraak]

Thanks for the metric conversions lately, being from Australia whenever you've talked about distance etc in the past I have no idea, now it makes more sense. Thanks Brian!

[@bkxc]

Happy to show it!

[@greysol_jiggin]

My brother kinda walloped you on that one bro, killer video! Definitely subscribing. Thanks for the adventure.

[@slayerkhan]

Good times. Thanks for sharing. My childhood was spent on a bmx bike in Lagunitas. My friends rode the fire break rode along SFD to school in San Geronimo and back everyday. In the spring we would hit the rope swing into the Lagunitas Creek by the power station/ across from Specs Bar (RIP) . Moved to San Anselmo for Jr High and then Mtn Biking was born. I spent Jr High and High School hitting Bon Tempe and the Graveyard Fire road that runs behind the Miracle Mile. Best part of being a Marin Kid by far.

[@mtnbikon391]

3 weeks until my season starts, endurance building is in full swing, good luck BKXC. SHRED IT!!

[@GamingBeastR4W]

Nice place man Really have to appreciate you for showing us these Bestiest trails

[@jacobward7334]

I’ve been watching his old and new videos and he’s progressed so much in just one hear as a rider

[@nathanfeaster5140]

Love these videos. Thanks a bunch Brian! Great work out there.

[@MTBTexasBikeRider]

Awesome trail wow you both have BMC bikes cool 😎

[@fromxctoletssee]

thats super cool man. Thats pretty much my weekend right there. sat and sunday and intervals during the week. thanks for the adventure!!

[@50mtb44]

Nice. You need to ride more with Michael ... to build up those distance/speed XC chops. Beautifully green scenes. Thx.

[@masonwedin4855]

Hey man great videos. I just want to say thank you for your content. Idk if you remember but I want to say it was a year ago I commented on one of your videos but it was because of your channel and Seth’s bike hacks channel that I have been cross country racing in Southern California for my high school. I love it and I hope to meet you one day. Thank you for the inspiration and keep up the great videos man. Keep shredding.

[@bkxc]

Fantastic, love hearing that! Keep it going.

[@RockerrrDon]

I need trails like these in India

[@poojapatil1357]

Yes, our country need 'em

[@RockerrrDon]

@Siddhant Mishra that's good to hear!

[@ladakhtravelogue8798]

Come to ladakh.. U get natural all kick ass trails.. Unfortunately we don't have these bikes though😔😉😅

[@UltimateMrGaming]

Siddhant Mishra h

[@UltimateMrGaming]

Siddhant Mishra z. Him

[@brcc8208]

Sometimes you just need a break and wish for those unfortunate things to happen. Spectacular trails and awesome picturesque views. Thanks for sharing!

[@boxieracorn8445]

Coastal trail is one of my favorites

[@christopherrobert8897]

My grandfather worked on The Golden Gate Bridge too, on the Marin side, he had lots of pictures of the building process, I believe my aunt still has them.

[@James-yy4vl]

That’s some serious mileage, well in Brian

[@iwabuchikun1]

Wow! Super cool video. What a stunning place. Thanks for the metric conversions, too.

[@PhiloM]

Wow that was epic I'm from Southern California where the scene is also pretty damn good I remember leaving my garage and being on insane single track within minutes so much fun and great exercise it's an addiction for sure. Thanks for posting this it was a lot of fun to watch.

[@qnoorani]

great video. was fun to follow the ride. that was view starting at 8:47 was amazing. will get out there one of these days!

[@scottaw]

Great vid! Could you post that homemade energy concoction with the maple syrup? (What’s in it, roughly how much of everything, etc.). Thanks!

[@AreaCode865]

I’d like to see this also, what a great idea. Gels are a necessary evil, not tasting so good but definitely hit the spot. I’ve searched foldable water bottles on Amazon and there are one or two small 150 / 170ml bottles which would be appropriate. They do tend to have lots of easily available such bottles on the shelf in the US (Nalgene make some handy little containers), but here in the UK we have to count on the internet

[@michaeljensen4095]

Posted a comment with my recipe, et al.

[@r1pp3d0u7]

It's always nice to have someone show you the sweet spots. Thumbs up for metric.

[@TylerDavie]

Fell off the golden gate bridge from that height into water and survived? What a god

[@infidel900rr]

Yikes! that's a burner. After a ride like that I'd be feeling very carnivorous!! 🐺 New to the channel and back on a bike after decade of not riding- great stuff.

[@superscottyftw]

14:16 if the old man 'get off my lawn' type went mountain biking

[@vccaro90]

So dope !! I had no idea you were from the Bay Area and specifically Vallejo🤘🏻🤘🏻. Love your videos, I recently got into Mountain Biking because of these videos and im hooked.

[@jrenai37]

finally a marin video!!!! i live over in fairfax. that title did you well! you got more views than subscribers for it!!! check out camp tamarancho (awesome singletrack with a flow trail at the top) which is maintained for bikes specifically. its funny because i always drink the bottle coke after my rides also! i crave it

[@fundabidozi4016]

Cool 'little' loop there man! I've always wanted to visit San Fran, so it's good to see there's some cool places to ride too. Loved the views and regardless of the puncture, it was a really nice ride :)

[@AltarenGalil]

Michael seems like a really cool dude!

[@amadoalayo4533]

O

[@McBurnside6380]

Great commentary. Excellent video. Went to some of those spots back in 2018, nice to revisit.

[@moandhannahtravel]

Definitely looks like a great ride for a gravel bike as well! I can’t speak for Mo but I’ve been dying to get one to do some exploring!! -Hannah

[@bkxc]

Yeah, I want me a gravel bike so bad!

[@stonewp]

Gravel bike is definitely the ideal Bay Area bike.

[@hazardous-]

I am glad to see that a fairly large mountain bike channel is checking out Marin and the bay area because thats where I live and the mountain biking here is great! I hardly ever see youtube videos in Marin so this is a nice surprise. You should check out China Camp which has some pretty good trails and for more experienced riders there is tons of crazy unofficial trails. Also up in Petaluma and Santa Rosa area there is another awesome place to bike called Trione-Annadale state park and that has some pretty easy to difficult trails too. Though you do seem to know a lot about the Bay Area so maybe you have ridden there before.

[@Goodman-4525]

Nothing like a good shout to dispense of the hoard lol

[@bkxc]

Hahahah so good

[@Sparky-uz5db]

First video only half way through and I’m already subbed

[@fatmanbc2252]

Nice to see you pushing yourself man, next time gotta make it up that hill.

[@SevenThunderful]

Whoa this brings back memories. I grew up in Marin county and was partially responsible for the rise of the mountain bike. I and my friends used to modify old 10 speed bikes and take them up into the trails behind Mt. Tamalpais in the 1970s. Coming down Eldridge grade all the way into Phoenix Lake was always a treat. I guess the idea caught on. I recognize most of the trails you were on, though of course some are new and sadly there are a lot more restrictions. You used to be able to ride bikes the entire length of the Palomarin trails all the way to Samuel P. Taylor Park. Now, of course, just about everything is illegal in the Peoples Republic of Marin County. One trail that looked interesting to me was that one you took out of the Pan Toll that headed into the Marin headlands. That looked sweet. I'm going to have to figure out where that is. Last time I was out there, there was literally no parking even at the Pan Toll and everything cost a lot of money. Way to go Marin County.

[@bkxc]

That's awesome, thanks for sharing the stories!

[@martinroberts6402]

(Мой любимый - желтая лодка) My favorite one is the yellow boat one👍👍👍

[@energ8t]

This was part of my regular road bike rides when I lived in SF. We went from the Mission/Presidio/Bridge/Sausalito/Alpine Dam up top and then back down Mt. Tam to SF. Fun 70 mile ride.

[@bkxc]

Dayyyyum!

[@alexanderfrazier8840]

When he was going up hill and drifted into the grass. That shit always happens to me

[@alvinthomas552]

Same lol. I have no sense of direction and I just end up in some stinging nettles lol

[@olevia4942]

Man! How do you go down steps at such speeds! Watching your videos gives me a glimpse of a fantasy world of which I dare not dream!!!

[@stoneybowmann]

My backyard. The hills are endless and the scenery is outstanding. I had to laugh that you got caught up on that narrow rock channel on the steep downhill at 13:30 ... that one took me 5 or 6 tries to master. Next time try out that ride on a gravel bike... it makes the long fire roads more interesting.

[@michaelmuldoon5301]

That section of trail in the Marin Headlands is off limits to bikes

[@mountaintime4276]

Huge miles Brian! Solid route route Mike put together.

[@montemaguire4596]

Put a ramp at that look out and JUST SEND IT !!!!! SSSSSEEEEEEYAAA

[@johncast9565]

You'll be fish food.

[@smits7142]

GOING FOR IT!!

[@bkxc]

Hahaha!

[@vmessi_pro]

i think its the best mtb video i have ever seen!great place fantastic ride!keep cycling friends!!!

[@balkanRod37]

Bro I’m from sf too nice to see some mountain bikers around there

[@Aheitchoo]

Man where is that at 7:10, looks so beautifull and were going riding soon.

[@drimpillo]

Nice run!!! Edge of the world is amazing! Good view also! Keep it up!

[@vttallm.phil91]

Génial Brian 👍🤘

[@Ro3Go]

What a great and wild ride. I enjoyed watching your video from beginning to end.

[@mike569112]

What's this trail called? I've done a lot of the boy scouts trail but don't know of many others.

[@coloradocamera]

We always say it started here, Crested Butte last of the rockies and this little communtity, awesome stuff I want to get there one day

[@ScottBartley1138]

Love that you put the metric conversions up...miles, feet and Fahrenheit mean nothing to me! Thanks :-)

[@wildmetro6143]

That is a beaudacious ride, wow. Beautiful scenery.

[@gerwanderfolgadogerwanderf2867]

🇧🇷👏nooo q demais curto muito vídeos ótimo,as bicicletas são máquina ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🚲

[@doug7547]

Very beautiful ride, I'm in Pittsburg and usually stick to riding the Mt Diablo/Contra Loma area, I need to get out to that sode of the bay during the hot summer days!

[@mdr6294]

Doug S. Try Deer Valley Road in Antioch all the way to Marsh Creek Road and hit the cherries farms in Brentwood. Take Sand Creek Road or Walnut Blvd in Brentwood.

[@kxngdavid]

I want a mountain bike and I want to move to San Francisco.

[@thereisnopandemic]

San Francisco would be nice, if it were not for the people living there.

[@mohamedramal8678]

That was amazing man!! I have enjoyed watching the video.

[@8rochefort]

What pack is that dude sporting? Anyone?

[@michaeljensen4095]

David Heck It is a USWE pack. They have a great design of the straps which keeps the pack very stable - easily the best pack I have every used in this regard. Jonathan Lee of TrainerRoad and the MTB Podcast touts these and he’s how I learned about them. I have that smaller XC one and an Airborne 9L and they both are so stable that you forget the pack is there when descending.

[@8rochefort]

Michael Jensen Thanks man! I was looking at the Ranger 9 or the Airborne 9. Still trying to figure out which one to get.

[@thomasdaniel5308]

Your videos just keep getting better and better! Epic ride

[@TRG916]

That trail looks like the perfect perfect rude for a 100% novice. I'm not a novice but it looks super easy.

[@chaseadventure]

Duude with all those views I feel like I just watched a commercial for California! Great Job as always!!

[@siggitpambudi2345]

mountainbiking+smoke pot=would be nice

[@sqeakgeek]

Very impressive I have done small parts of that & that was more than enough for me big ride round trip!😎👍

[@benderomamalin3288]

Sam Pilgrim see this

[@seagulls4life12]

Great work Brian, it’s great to see you training for races