Marin Mountain Mayhem

Saturday, May 30th, 9:30 - 1:00 (???)

RSVP

Event Details:

This is is a new kind of event—equal parts mountain bike ride or trail run, scavenger hunt, and community gathering. If you’ve participated in my past adventures like the Snowshoe Thompson Memorial Traverse or the Marin MicroFondo, you’ll recognize the spirit.

At its core, MMM is about pushing yourself in one way or another, not taking things too seriously, and having a great time with a good crew in a stunning location. This is also about winning (see below). Expect a few surprises along the way, and a format loosely inspired by The Game of GNAR.

The Start:

9:30 AM at the Java Hut in downtown Fairfax. Expect a prompt start.

The Route:

See below. ~20 miles for mountain bikers, ~8 miles for runners (very roughly)

The Finish:

At Seth and Liv’s house: 8 Fairview Ct, San Anselmo. Beers and brats provided.

The Winning: Participants will be issued a score card immediately before the race that details ~20 actions they can take throughout the event to earn points. They will then be responsible for keeping their score throughout the event (it’s an honor system). During the aprés party, results will be tallied and winners declared. The score cards will not be available in advance; however, here’s a peek at a few of the things you can earn points for:

  • Dress like it’s 1976 +2 pts. Best dress of the day +4 pts. ‍ ‍

  • Successfully sell food to someone on the trail +3 pts.

  • Catch a fish +5 pts. (legal water bodies only)

  • Ask a stranger for directions (-3pts).

The Routes:

Biking:

  • Java Hut to Deer Park, then up Deer Park Fire Road to Five Corners.

  • Take Shaver Grade until it hits Sky Oaks Rd. Take a right on Sky Oaks, followed by immediate left on Bon Tempe Road.

  • At bottom of hill, take a right on Bullfrog Rd, then a left over bridge to Azalea Hill Trail. Stay left on to Liberty Gulch.

  • Hug the lake and then climb Liberty Gulch up to Fairfax-Bolinas Road. Take a right and climb pavement to ridge.

  • Left on Pine Mountain Fire Rd, and follow the ridge until White Hill.

  • Right on White Hill and descend until you get to the turn off for Tamarancho.

  • Enter Tamarancho and complete the loop going clockwise until you get to Iron Springs.

  • Take Iron Springs to Hobo entrance and take a left down Hobo.

  • Turn right on Olema Rd. and follow streets back to finish at 8 Fairview Ct, San Anselmo.

Running:

  • Java Hut to Deer Park, then head left in the big open field and start ascending Deer Park Trail.

  • Once you hit Worn Springs Rd, take a right and keep climbing.

  • Hang a right on Yolanda Trail. When you get to the intersection at the top, take a left to continue on Yolanda Trail towards Phoenix Lake.

  • At Phoenix Lake, take a right on Phoenix Lake Fire Road, then head up Shaver Grade hugging Phoenix Creek.

  • Once Shaver grade starts to climb, look for a right turn onto Hidden Meadow Trail. Take that all the way up the hill.

  • At the intersection at the top, hop onto Six Points Trail back towards Deer Park. At the bottom of the valley, take a right on Deep Park Fire Rd. and retrace your steps back into town. Follow streets to the finish at 8 Fairview Ct, San Anselmo.

FAQs:

Will the trail be marked? No. You are responsible for your own navigation.

Will there be prizes? Yes, but don’t get too excited.

Will there be SWAG? Yes.

Can minors participate? No, this is an adults-only event, but if you want to bring a baby I guess that’s cool.

Can I arrive late or leave early? Your loss. We ain’t waiting.

Can I bring a dog on a leash? Yes, if you’re running.

Can I bring a cat on a leash? Yes, if you’re running.

What if I cheat? Straight to jail. A committee will decide if you will receive a lifetime ban from future events.

What sort of bike should I bring if I’m planning to ride? Not a road bike.

Can I share the invite with friends? Yes, provided they are cool.