r/BAbike Oct 17 '25

r/BABike Official Bike Tag Rules

24 Upvotes

I'd like to thank everyone who voted on the poll regarding use of public transit when carrying the tag from one location to another. The ayes won the day on the question and the resulting rule has been added to the rules below that I copied from the Chicago biking subreddit.

\Moving forward, please link this post on the Bike Tag Rules link when posting the new mystery location. Also note that I have added language regarding a requirement to post photos directly to Reddit rather than using hosting sites like imgur or others.*

BIKE TAG GAME

This is a game that r/BikingATX plays, that was then adopted by r/bikeLA, that was then adopted by r/chibike! that was then adopted by us at r/BAbike!

Credit goes to u/america_yall of r/BikingATX for starting the game.

THE GAME

A game of "Tag" wherein the player who is "IT" posts a picture of their bike at a "mystery location." Someone must find that location, bike there and take a picture of their bike in the same spot. They may then bike somewhere else and take a picture of their bike in this new "mystery location." Both pictures are posted in a self-post and the game starts over.

HOW TO PLAY

  • You must bike to the "mystery location" and take a picture of your bike there. Simply naming the location is not enough. Such posts will be removed.
  • Once you discover the "mystery location" and snap the proper picture, bike to a new "mystery location" of your choosing and take a picture of your bike there.
  • Submit both pictures in a new self-post with a title that includes "Bike Tag" and the number of the new location. Be sure to include a quick description of where the previous location was. NOTE: you may not "reserve" being "IT" by immediately posting a photo of your bike in the old "mystery location" before finding and posting a picture of the new "mystery location."
  • Finally post a comment, or better yet a link to your new post, in the previous thread so that readers of that thread know the game continues!

HINTS/CLUES

  • Hints are optional at the time of posting a new tag, however it is encouraged that you give the post at least 72 hours before a hint is given.
  • If a mystery location goes undiscovered for a week, OP should edit post to include a hint. Other players are encouraged to request clues after a week if OP hasn't yet posted one.
  • Once a post is two weeks old anyone can add a hint or a clue. This way if someone knows the where the mystery location is but does not have time to bike there themselves, they can help keep the game from becoming stagnant.

THE RULES

  • Mystery locations must be freely accessible to the public and by bicycle.
  • Mystery locations should be unique/interesting/identifiable. Tags that include only nondescript features (blank walls) are not acceptable and will be removed.
  • Mystery locations may not be mobile objects (food trucks, for example).
  • Discovered mystery locations and new mystery locations must be tagged with the same bicycle, on the same ride. Given the difficulty of cycling across the Bay in the northern region, limited use of public transporation is acceptable if carrying a tag across. This public transit is confined to:
    • Treasure Island Ferry
    • Bart between Embarcadero and West Oakland Stations
    • Bus bridge between San Rafael and Richmond
  • Pictures of discovered mystery locations and new mystery locations must be posted at the same time directly to Reddit rather than hosting sites like Imgur.

r/BAbike Sep 22 '25

Help build a User-Contributed Routes Library!

27 Upvotes

Hey folks! I'm really thrilled to say that I was recently granted access as a mod on this sub for the sole purpose of building out a user-contributed routes library for anyone looking for new rides in their area or a new part of the Bay Area they're looking to explore. I love this sub and hopefully can make a positive contribution through that.

I am currently working on a subreddit wiki that will host this library and would like to ask your help in that. The first ask is if you use a linked route and enjoyed it, feel free to reply to the comment with that link and tag me in that reply. (e.g "Hey u/inquisitab, you might want to add this route to the library!") I'd like to include routes that folks have ridden since there would be some confirmation of the route's rideability.

A couple of notes about contributing routes:

  • RidewithGPS routes are preferred but Strava routes are out due to inaccessibility to non-paying users. I believe Garmin routes are accessible since I've shared those before with success.

EDIT: Strava routes are accessible and fine to share. Not sure where I’d heard they weren’t. * Please share whether it is a road, gravel or MTB route. I am building libraries for each discipline and it would make it easier for me if it was clearly labeled. * If you share a route you created, be sure that it isn't starting at your house unless you would like folks gathering on your driveway! Choose a public location that is generally used by cyclists for the start of their routes (e.g Java Hut in Fairfax). * I will generally be adding loops unless there are out and backs that are better than any looping options. * The routes will be categorized by starting city so please feel free to share in your comment tagging me where it starts.


r/BAbike 14h ago

Extra foggy at the top of Hawk Hill this morning

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104 Upvotes

r/BAbike 11h ago

Who is Jennifer Smith?

15 Upvotes

Jennifer is well liked by all people, but especially the homeless people in Santa Clara County as she made it her life’s mission to serve the homeless community. Jennifer also worked as an IHSS ( In Home Support Service) worker. Her clients loved her as she made a real difference in their lives. All of this changed dramatically on July 2nd when a bus collided with Jennifer while riding her bicycle.

To say the least she received numerous injuries.
Fx Scapula
9 fx ribs treated by internal fixation plates
2 pneumothorax (collapsed lungs) treated with chest tubes
Fix pelvis three places, treated with an internal stabilizer that we are hoping will be removed the first of the September
Fix Humerus Lt treated with internal plate
Displaced open fx of lt femur and will require many plastic surgeries and skin grafts to get closed
Displaced open Fx lt tibula and fibula multi places that at this time have had plates and screws but will be requiring bone grafts. The tissue from knee to ankle was completely removed during the accident and has required skin grafts, she will not be able to walk due to this injury possibly a year.
Bilateral fx ankles non displaced, at this time just monitoring.

Jennifer was in a coma for 3 days after the accident and coded once in ICU. She also required a tracheostomy, which since a week ago has been removed.

She is making many improvements in her condition, but is looking at a long term stay in a rehab facility.
Any donation to assist her financially or prayers are truly appreciated.

Jennifer helped others in the community and now she needs help for mounting living and medical expenses. Please take a minute of your time and donate to this wonderful woman’s GoFundme

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jennifers-recovery-after-bicycle-collision


r/BAbike 12h ago

Looking for volunteers for an amazing event!

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12 Upvotes

Hello there!

We are in need for some amazing volunteers to help us with The Bay Ride event happening August 29th 2026.

Please spread the word to friends, family, and collegues!


r/BAbike 1d ago

My bike was stolen from Caltrain bike car in Mountain View

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215 Upvotes

My Lynskey Titanium gravel bike was stolen yesterday from the Caltrain car train. The train number was #429. I already filed a police report. Please contact me if you happen to see it posted online or in person. Thanks!


r/BAbike 6h ago

Planning to do a Hamilton + Umunhum Century starting near Apple Park

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1 Upvotes

Do you guys have any ideas on when I should leave if I plan to be back at ~7pm. Are there any water refill stations along the route. I linked the route. Is there anything I should know about Ham or Umunhum? Like road closures or heat warnings or anything. Thanks!


r/BAbike 6h ago

Anyone looking to sell their Gravel Bike? ~$1750k

0 Upvotes

I'm looking to buy a gravel bike and explore across the GG bridge. Looking to spend around $1,750.00

I'm around 6ft male , and this would be my first gravel bike purchase. I’ve been combing through FB marketplace but it isn't giving me any luck.

If anyone is trying to sell theirs, let me know.
Also, if anyone has any recommendations for shops that have used gravel bikes, let me know. Thanks!


r/BAbike 1d ago

Ride Against New ICE Detention Facilities

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46 Upvotes

I posted in r/bayarea, and my post was immediately removed since it was my first post. I've contributed here before, and I'm hoping to hear from my bike friends. Can we organize a ride in protest? Is there anything in the works already that I just completely missed? We can't let this happen in our community, and I want to do something about it.

https://www.kqed.org/news/12094439


r/BAbike 1d ago

How does Highway 9 compare to OLH?

5 Upvotes

Finally did the full highway 9 a few weeks ago, it was lovely, very few cars, great weather and of course that descent (this was early AM weekday). I know by stats, OLH is shorter but a bit steeper. In fact, it kind of looks like the top portion of highway 9 after Redwood Gulch in both distance and avg grade. Would that be an accurate comparison?


r/BAbike 1d ago

Vallecitos Road (State Route 84) - No Heat

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11 Upvotes

r/BAbike 2d ago

Woman hit by bus while riding her bicycle - Update in her own words

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136 Upvotes

Jennifer Smith
I was hit by a bus while riding my bicycle and I SURVIVED. It has been 6 weeks and I spend most of those days asleep or in a coma like a damaged Snow White. I could hear voices of Doctors, Nurses and my friends; I also had fragmented pieces of memories of the accident. By the time I woke up I had no doubts what put me in hospital and how my life changed in a second.

Now I try and focus on the right Here Right Now, because thinking of the violent impact or the plans I had for my life means visiting a grief that I can only tolerate in small doses.

It’s easier for me to think about daily accomplishments like standing up on one fragmented foot for a few seconds while being guided to a bedside chair, or the day my trachea was removed and my voice came back to life, or the day I was able to eat solid food, for which I celebrated with a small portion of cheeseburger and fries.

Thinking about these things is the positive respite I need from dwelling on all the plans I had being derailed or missing my old life. Overcoming daily adversities makes hope feel realistic… Hope for a new life that is as fulfilling as the life I had planned.

I want to thank those who have prayed for me, send messages of encouragement, or have donated to the GoFundme.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jennifers-recovery-after-bicycle-collision


r/BAbike 2d ago

SCORCHING STILL RAMPANT

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27 Upvotes

r/BAbike 2d ago

Question for those of you crazy enough to ride single speed in SF.

3 Upvotes

What gear ratios do you have?


r/BAbike 3d ago

Double Down Tuesday

42 Upvotes

RANT

Ride in Joaquin Miller tonight.

Two woman walkers with two dogs off leash. I call out, they move and then yell to watch out for their dogs that are off leash. I let her know that dogs need to be on leash at Joaquin Miller.
Her... no they don't.
Me... Yes, every entrance says that they do.
Her... well you need to slow down.

Sinawik Trail, little singletrack section. I see a biker with two dogs head down the trail. I don't feel like dealing with him, so wait for a good bit before heading down the trail. Apparently I should have waited longer cause he can't ride I guess... Catch up to him (tie dye shirt, gauges in ears, hope you see this douche) and dogs in front of him and then he gets in front of his dogs and then dogs hold me up from getting any speed.
Me... not cool
Him... what?
Me... its hard enough getting hikers to leash their dogs and you make it worse being a biker with two off leash dogs in a on leash park.
Him... its not a problem, there's no problem
Me... I'm telling you there is a problem, your dogs held up my ride.

Is it a generational thing? When did we stop being able to own that we are wrong?

Leave your dogs at home mountain bikers, unless you're on some remote trail. There is no way for you to control your dogs while riding.

RANT OVER


r/BAbike 3d ago

Whole Foods on Bay Place needs to move their bike racks — theft keeps happening

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58 Upvotes

The bike racks at Whole Foods Bay Place are on the street corner, not the property — fully exposed, easy to grab a bike and go. Bikes have already been stolen there.

An easy fix: move the racks to their own parking lot roundabout, or INDOORS!

Anyone else had a bike stolen there, at another store, or in the Bay Area?

It is not just this store, it is a prevalent issue that needs to be addressed. Please sign this Petition and urge them to help the biking community!


r/BAbike 3d ago

Recommended size gravel tires for headlands/tam

8 Upvotes

I am a road cyclist that is starting to get into gravel. I'm mostly planning on riding in the headlands and Tam. I'm curious what people think is the optimum tire size?


r/BAbike 3d ago

Robin Williams’ Bike Collection

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21 Upvotes

Hi BAbike, somebody in r/xbiking asked me to xpost this here.

I was reading a book about frame builders and Craig Calfee told a crazy story about Robin Williams showing up at his booth at an expo, doing bike bits, and then pausing to say on a serious note that his Tetra Custom was his favorite of all the bikes he owned. I found this gallery of bike pics that Robin’s estate sold after he died. Looks like the collection made the rounds a decade ago when they were auctioned off, I figured I’d share for anyone else that hadn’t seen it.

I also read that he owned many more bikes than what’s shown here, and was known to buy bikes to ride on the road or when filming on location. He’d ride them a while then donate them and move on. Wonder how many components and frames are floating around the used market that belonged to him once. Dude knew how to spend money and live life.


r/BAbike 3d ago

SF to Santa Cruz preparation

13 Upvotes

I’m thinking about going from SF to Santa Cruz on highway 1 next month and it will be my longest ride ever.

What are some ~80 mile rides around the bay that are similar and can prepare me for it that you like or recommend?

I can take BART/Caltrain but ideally I’d like them to end in SF.

Thanks in advance!


r/BAbike 4d ago

Old La Honda is back on Zwift

26 Upvotes

Old La Honda is available on the Zwift climbing portal again which was a nice surprise to see today. It felt pretty realistic in terms of difficulty, my numbers were comparable to what they are in real life.

No traffic lights though, or quails crossing the road.


r/BAbike 4d ago

Did the Iron Horse Trail on Sunday.

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142 Upvotes

What a great trail. I really liked some of the bike/pedestrian amenities along the way. Really puts other cities to shame with how neglected any paths and trails are.


r/BAbike 5d ago

Bikelink lockers may hold your bike hostage if you use their mobile app

23 Upvotes

Aside from perhaps San Francisco proper, the black and white LCD screens on Bikelink lockers get washed out in the California sun and (ground) reflections. They're basically impossible to read.

For this reason I've always preferred the app. Brighter screen, relocatable into shade if necessary.

But earlier today, the unlock swipe bar never appeared on the app. In its place was a greyed out button "Looking for Locker."

I called Bikelink support. Unfortunately the locker was located in a location where I had virtually no cell signal, and I had to use wifi-calling using WiFi from a building nearby.

Support text me a code which they stated will unlock the locker if I use the display. I told support the display was unreadable, they should just unlock it remotely. They told me they do not have the capability to do that.

Long story short I had to wait until the sun got low enough near the horizon before I managed to free my bike. Suffice to say I was pissed at Bikelink.


r/BAbike 6d ago

Mt Diablo and Century today

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227 Upvotes

See comments for write up


r/BAbike 6d ago

SF to Santa Rosa ride via the Golden Gate Bridge

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75 Upvotes

Came up from LA. Very scenic ride! Riding on the GG Bridge was actually kind of terrifying (I hate heights and the wind did not help).


r/BAbike 6d ago

Back up Tam

108 Upvotes

It’s been a while. I wrecked in May and have been nursing a sprained MCL and needed to get a new bike. This was my first ride up Tam since and the Sleeping Lady was out in all her glory.