A Day of Mountain Biking in the San Francisco Bay Area

Early into 2013, my now fiance and I had been planning to visit San Francisco on our way back from the UK. This gave me the great idea of allowing my fiance a day to herself pampering in San Fran which meant I had to occupy myself and what better way than a day of mountain biking.  I searched the web and found Mountain Biking Marin. From the first email from Celia to the final beer from the local craft Marin Brewery at Larkspur after the riding day, I knew this was the right choice.

Mountain Biking Marin was able to offer me a complete variety of riding in all types of terrain and ability.  Arranged the hire of my bike from Sunshine Bicycles which is where we first met and started our ride. I opted for a one-on-one guided mountain bike tour 25-30kms 3-4hrs+/-.

We headed towards Tamarancho which was a circular loop and some good climbing through switchbacks etc, good way to get the blood pumping and settle into the bike, my first 29er. Along the way we stopped at various points for a clinic now and then which was great, Celia is very knowledgeable and encouraging, not only did I have a great ride but learned a few things too.

After every ascent there is always a great descent and this was no exception through a reasonably fast paced rock garden with great views over the San Fran Bay. From some more climbing and on to a flow track which descended 100mts in elevation, this was AWESOME and a great reward for the previous 20 minuets of uphill switchbacks. Once back to the top of the flow track we cruised at a reasonable pace on some fire roads, single track and back into Fairfax. The ride and guided tour was more than I expected and of great value for the money.

After handing back the bike with huge smiles, I was off to the ferry terminal but not before stopping for a well earned specialty Mt. Tam Pale Ale at Marin Brewing Co. with Celia before catching the ferry back across the bay to reality, well as much reality as you get when you are still on a great holiday!


Thank you Celia, Mountain Biking Marin and Sunshine Bicycles.

Marty, New Zealand


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Conor Donovan, Bike Skills Clinic

I had a great time at the the DH clinic on Sunday and would like to thank all of you for your instruction and valuable tips - especially for getting me to hit the gap jumps in Boyscout - your encouragement definitely helped! I'd appreciate it if you could pass on my gratitude to Johanna also. Also I'd like to thank Brian for allowing us to demo the enduros - lovely bikes.

I would love the opportunity to ride with you again or if you could point me to where there is more downhill / freeriding in the Bay Area I'd appreciate that also.

Jeff Grey, Mountain Bike Clinic with Celia and Brian

I knew that to improve my mountain biking skills and enjoyment, I needed some tips and techniques to overcome some fear and challenges I was experiencing. Immediately, Celia and Brian were able to recommend some equipment adjustments and additions that were very helpful. Our working session primarily focused on switchbacks and steep ascents/descents and with Celia’s expertise and skillful demonstrations and instruction, I was able to quickly understand what to do and then repeatedly practice the techniques. I feel much more confident now as a result of the private one-on-one instructional session. You might not initially think you need a lesson, but I would encourage you to consider taking advantage of her knowledge and expertise to improve your overall mountain biking experience.

Downhill and Cross Country Mountain Bike Clinics

Special Cross Country (XC) & Downhill (DH) Skill Clinic Event

Saturday October 17th & Sunday October 18th,2009
Presented by Mountain Biking Marin
Event Powered by Mike's Bikes   

Mountain Biking Marin  held a very succesful DownHill (DH) and CrossCountry (XC) clinic offered by an incredible team of instructors and helpers. (From left to right: Mary, Shanti, Johanna, Brian, Chad, Celia, Leigh, and Christina).

A special thanks to Reel Motion Sports and Michael Brill, who got great footage of the clinic capturing all participants doing the many drills we practiced on the trails.







And last but not least, thank you to all the participants who made this event possible.

Tim Kuenster, Bike Skills Clinic

Wanted to again extend my thanks to you and the entire team. Brian, Chad, Christina, Mike, Johanna, and yourself each brought a wonderful bit to the clinic to help us learn and progress our own skills. I greatly enjoyed spending time with you all and look forward to our next outing.

Also, hope you have a great play week this week with Johanna! Go away rain! Thanks! Tim

Mark Bernal, Bike Skills Clinic

You and the instructors are awesome!!! I had a great time and I left the clinic knowing I got my moneys worth. It was great not to be rushed and going through each skill at a steady pace will make a big impact on my mountain bike riding going forward.

David Harding, Bike Skills Clinic

Thanks again for organizing a great clinic. I learned so much it’s going to keep me busy practicing all the new skills and tips. I have to say that on the way up, I wondered what exactly I’d signed up for. But with all the patient instruction and demonstration of how to handle the gnarly bits, it was a great confidence booster and lots of fun.

In particular your team of instructors is brilliant, including Johanna and Brian who make it all look so easy, but were great at breaking things down into understandable concepts. They also took the time to focus on specific areas of my riding technique (or lack thereof!) that had an immediate impact in improving my riding. Plus Michael with his camera really helped me on the jumps.

For a group event, the level of personal instruction was way above expectations ? and it was a great group.

Finally I have to say that a big part of the enjoyment was being able to tackle the trails on a quality bike. Hats off to Mike’s Bikes for the demo Enduros.

Joy Sassoon (California, United States)

I have always considered myself a timid mountain biker until I took the mountain bike clinic that Celia teaches. This was only for women. Of all the things I learned that day, most of the tips stayed with me and I improved a lot!

We just got back from Downieville and I was so lucky (and Happy) to be with Celia on a couple of really challenging rides! I learned to let the bike just float under me as to let the bike absorb more of the punishment that my body was taking on! I also learned how to climb a rock that was like a wall and my fear of it took over until Celia showed me how to do it! I improved so much with her teaching!

Celia has a way with describing and demo-ing that makes sense! I have had folks try to teach me, and I just say " ah ha, oh yeah..." but really don't get it most of the time. I recommend Celia's clinics to everyone and anyone who wants to jump up a few notches and save time by just learning in a few lessons! Celia's approachable and humorous personality really add to the experience and fun of mountain biking...and isn't that what it's about?

Joy Sasson, Gioia Boutique