DharmaWheels

04/06/2026

April 18, 2026 – Dhammadharini – Sonoma Mountain

For our April ride we’re heading to the North Bay and Sonoma County for a special community ride visiting Dhammadharini monastery a Theravada monastery dedicated to providing support for monastic aspirants, most of whom are women, both locally and worldwide.

We’ve had the pleasure of their support during previous pilgrimage events including leading our opening BBP ceremony in 2025 and we’re happy they will be leading it again this September! It’s also Songkran, Thai New Year, and there may be an optional informal ceremony for us to attend depending on our return times.

Before we roll, we’ll hear a short Dhamma teaching from a member of the monastic community and have a short sit. Then we’ll start off with an easy ride along the local SMART train bicycle trail to build community before we head up into the beautiful, scenic hills surrounding Sonoma Mountain Road for a training ride. There will also be the option of an additional climb at the end for those who would like to add more miles and more elevation!

Distance, Elevation Gain and Approximate Times:

Short Route: 18 miles, 1,042 feet, +/- 2.5 hrs
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46466444

Long Route: 30 miles, 2,344 feet, +/- 3.5 hrs
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51045883

Long Route + Bonus Climb: 39 miles, 3,871 feet, +/- 4.5 hrs
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54531901

Time depends on pace and includes stops.

Start/End: Starts and ends at Dhammadharini Monastery. 6791 Sturtevant Drive, Penngrove, CA 94951

Meet time: 9:45am for those joining the talk and sit, which starts at 10am and is held outside (bring adequate clothing); 10:30am for all others.

Roll: 10:40 am sharp

This is a friendly, no-drop, easy-pace ride. No registration — just “Show and Go.” Riders are required to sign a Waiver of Liability that will be available the day of the ride from the lead. The ride is self-supported, so please bring your own fluids and fuel. We ask that all riders wear a helmet and carry ID.

Questions? Ask here in comments.

18.6 mi, +1067 ft. Bike ride in Sonoma County, CA

03/16/2026

March Community Ride next Sunday.
March 22, 2026 - San Francisco loop and over the Bridge

We meet Chan Kaajal park in the Mission just a few blocks from BART.
Meet: 3100 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Meet time: 9:15 am. Roll at 9:30.

Shorter option: Both routes cruise up the Embarcadero, through the Marina and along Crissey Field. While the long route crosses the bridge, the short route climbs to the Presidio Gate, and heads south to Golden Gate Park.

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54220294?privacy_code=qFWfC1rrsWM70Li3t5agphX95TtKthcw

Longer option: Same as above until arriving at the bridge. We’ll cross to Marin and climb the wonderful ascent to Hawk Hill before touring Gerbode Valley in the Headlands and swooping down to Sausalito for a coffee break. From there, we return over the bridge, climb to the Presidio Gate, and head south to Golden Gate Park.

Questions? Call or text ride leaders: Fahad Ghani (805.705.2513) and Jeff Kastenbaum (914.960.3962)

02/07/2026

February Community Ride!

Redwood City - Crystal Springs - Old La Honda, February 22, 2026 - 9:15am (Optional meditation 8:30-9:10)

We're in San Mateo County for our February community ride from Redwood City to Crystal Springs Reservoir with an optional climb of Old La Honda. The day will start with an optional meditation at Insight Meditation Center.

The Buddha taught us to understand the nature of possessions, status, praise and happiness. Take these things as they come but let them be. If you understand them clearly, you know they’re all impermanent conditions. – Ajahn Chah

�Distance: 21 or 38 miles

�Elevation gains: 1700’ or 3,550'

Total Time: approximately +/- 3 to 4.5 hrs (depends on pace, stops, and option selected). �

Shorter option: From Insight Meditation Center (IMC), we’ll travel through Redwood City via Hopkins Ave, Oak Knoll Dr, and Jefferson Ave to Cañada Rd and continue to Crystal Springs Reservoir before retracing our steps back to IMC. Redwood City - Crystal Springs Res (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53896285)

Longer option: Same as above but instead of returning to IMC, we’ll continue on Cañada Rd to Woodside and eventually climb Old La Honda Rd before returning via La Honda Rd. Redwood City - Crystal Springs Res - Old La Honda (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53896319)

Meet: IMC,108 Birch St, Redwood City, CA. Optional meditation at IMC from 8:30 - 9:10.

Meet time: 9:15 am. Roll at 9:30.

This is a friendly, no-drop, easy-pace ride. No registration -- just “Show and Go." Riders are required to sign a Waiver of Liability that will be available the day of the ride from the lead. The ride is self-supported, so please bring your own fluids and fuel. We ask that all riders wear a helmet and carry ID. ��

Questions? Call or text ride leaders: Grant Yolasan at (206) 247-4015 or John Ungvarsky at 510-375-2083.

20.7 mi, +1710 ft. Bike ride in Redwood City, CA

01/13/2026

Community Ride: San Francisco Loops – Three Versions
January 24, 2026

We're in San Francisco for our first community ride of 2026: A scenic loop that includes three variations depending on your mood for a bit of climbing.

"There is a simple practice we can do to cultivate forgiveness. First we acknowledge what we feel — shame, revenge, embarrassment, remorse. Then we forgive ourselves for being human. Then, in the spirit of not wallowing in the pain, we let go and make a fresh start.” - Pema Chödron

Distance: 22, 25, or 35 miles
Elevation gains: 1576’, 2071’, or 2,876'
Total Time: approximately +/- 3.5 to 4.5 hrs (depends on pace, stops, and option selected).

Shorter option: Starting at Sports Basement, through the Presidio, down Lincoln Blvd to Legion of Honor, on to Great Hwy and Sunset Dunes NP, around Lake Merced, and make our way to Twin Peaks (with shorter option to bypass TP), Arguello to Presidio, and back to starting point. Presidio - Great Hwy - Twin Peaks: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53715102
or Presidio - Great Hwy - Twin Peaks bypass (Ride with GPS maps):
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53715119

Longer option: Same as above but with add on to cross the Golden Gate Bridge and climb to Hawk Hill. Presidio - Great Hwy - Twin Peaks - Hawk Hill (Ride with GPS map): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53715034

Meet: Sports Basement Presidio - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cYYDKsEQyjVRc4cNA

Meet time: 9:45 am.
Roll at 10:00.

This is a friendly, no-drop, easy-pace ride. No registration -- just “Show and Go." Riders are required to sign a Waiver of Liability that will be available the day of the ride from the lead. The ride is self-supported, so please bring your own fluids and fuel (although both are available along the route). We ask that all riders wear a helmet and carry ID. There will be a brief 10-minute meditation break during the ride.

Questions? Call or text John Ungvarsky (lead) at 510-375-2083.

25.0 mi, +2071 ft. Bike ride in San Francisco, CA

08/22/2025

Community Ride: August 31: Woodside – Pescadero – Tunitas Creek

“Equanimity is being willing and able to accept things as they are in this moment—whether they’re challenging, boring, exciting, disappointing, painful, or exactly what we want. – Christiane Wolf
We’re in San Mateo County for meditation at IMS and rides with big trees and classic climbs!

Distance: options for 24 or 56 miles
Elevation gains: either 2,300′ or 6,000’
Total Time: for longer route, approximately 6.5 hrs (depends on pace and includes stops)
For shorter route 3.5 hrs.

Warning: These routes include strenuous climbs and steep descents. Please consider your riding abilities when deciding to participate in either ride.

Meditation at Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City 8:30 – 9:10 (optional).
https://www.insightmeditationcenter.org

Meet time: 9:45am
Roll: 10:00 sharp
Meet location: roadside parking near intersection of Edgewood Rd and Canada Rd

Shorter option (Strava map):
https://www.strava.com/routes/3385830555305355570

Woodside – Old La Honda. Starting at meeting place, we pass through Woodside and climb Old La Honda Rd, continue to La Honda Rd, which riders climb and descend to Woodside and meeting spot.

Longer option (Strava map): https://www.strava.com/routes/3385826664041576996

Woodside – Pescadero – Tunitas, After Old La Honda Rd riders head west on La Honda Rd through La Honda, then take Pescadero and Pescadero Creek Roads to Pescadero for rest/fuel break. Then Stage Rd through San Gregorio to Highway 1; then climb Tunitas Creek Rd and descent of Kings Mountain Rd to Woodside and our starting point.

Questions? Call or text John Ungvarsky (lead) at 510-375-2083.

Woodside - Pescadero - Tunitas is a 56.3 mi Cycling Route. Discover this route and more at Strava. Visit today!

08/12/2025

Our Eighth Community Ride of 2025!
Land of Medicine Buddha (Eureka Canyon, Santa Cruz)
Saturday, August 16th, 2025!

Possibly the best ride in the entire Bay Area including a mellow-to-moderate climb through redwood forests and a fantastic descent on a serpentine, manicured thoroughfare. We’ll stop at the Land of Medicine Buddha Tibetan retreat center and spin the amazing prayer wheel.

Meet time: 9:00am
Roll time: 9:20 sharp
Meet location: Anne Jean Cummings Park,
461 Soquel San Jose Rd, Soquel, CA 95073
Parking: unlimited free parking at the park
Restrooms available and an excellent lunch stop at the Summit Market.

Distance: 45 miles
Elevation gain: 3,700′ (gradual ascent and mostly shaded)
Total Time: approximately 4 hrs depending on pace (includes stops). Likely finish between 2-3 pm.
Skill level: Moderate to challenging depending upon skill level

Route link (does not have the correct start/finish location).

This is a friendly, no-drop ride. There is no registration — just “Show and Go.” Riders must sign a Waiver of Liability (available at the ride). The ride is self-supported, so please bring your own fluids and fuel. Wear a helmet and carry ID. Check the weather forecast and monitor announcements on the WhatsApp channel.

Questions? Call or text Michael Nellany (lead) at 831.566.0399

06/30/2025

July 13, 2025: Three Bay Area Bridges: East Bay to San Francisco

“Equanimity is a spacious stillness of the mind, a radiant calm that allows us to be present fully with all the different changing experiences that constitute our world and our lives.” Sharon Salzberg

Three Bay Area bridges and lots of beautiful views! We’ll start in West Oakland, head north to Pt. Richmond, and end our ride in San Francisco. Panoramic views with many miles bike lanes and bike paths.

Distance: 29 or 52 miles
Elevation gains: 550′ or 2000’
Total Time: approximately +/- 3.5 hrs (shorter option) and +/- 5.5 hrs (longer option). Time depends on pace and includes stops.

Shorter ride: Bay Bridge and East Bay to Pt Richmond https://www.strava.com/routes/3372313246997074618. Starting at West Oakland BART, the route takes us to Yerba Buena Island via the Bay Bridge and then north along the East Bay waterfront to Point Richmond for a fuel/lunch break. The short ride ends at Richmond BART.

Longer ride: Three Bridges: https://www.strava.com/routes/3371146092999263192. After Point Richmond stop, the route crosses the Richmond Bridge, continues through Sausalito, across the Golden Gate Bridge, through the Presidio and Golden Gate Park, and ends at the 16th & Mission BART in San Francisco (or at Arizmendi on Valencia St.).

Meet at West Oakland BART Station
Meet time: 8:45
Roll: 9:00 sharp
Parking: free at West Oakland BART Station

This is a friendly, no-drop ride. There is no registration — just “Show and Go.” Riders must sign a Waiver of Liability (available at the ride). The ride is self-supported, so please bring your own fluids and fuel. Wear a helmet and carry ID. Check the weather forecast and monitor announcements on the WhatsApp channel.

Questions? Call or text John Ungvarsky (lead) at 510-375-2083.

Bay Bridge and East Bay Shoreline is a 28.7 mi Cycling Route. Discover this route and more at Strava. Visit today!

06/02/2025

June 15, 2025: Penngrove – Dhammadharini – Sonoma Mountain Road loop

We’re visiting Dhammadharini monastery https://www.dhammadharini.net for a ride on the beautiful and bucolic roads of Sonoma county! We’ll start off with an easy ride to build community before we head up into the hills surrounding Sonoma Mountain Road for a training ride with the option of an additional climb at the end.

Before we roll, we’ll join the regular Sunday Morning Guided Meditation and Q&A with Ayya Sobhana, long-time senior teacher and co-abbess at Dhammadharini. This is a special time to sit with her as this is the last Sunday morning meditation she will be leading at Dhammadharini because she will be retiring from her position and embarking on a period of self-study.

Distance: 18, 30 or 39 miles
Elevation gains: 1,042′ or 2,344’ or 3,871′
Total Time: approximately +/- 2.5 hrs (shorter option) and +/- 3.5 hrs (longer
option) or +/- 4 hrs (with extra limb) Time depends on pace and includes stops.

Description: Starts and ends at Dhammadharini monastery. 6791 Sturtevant Drive, Penngrove, CA 94951

Meet at Dhammadharini monastery
Meet time: 8:50 for those joining the meditation and question and answer, which is held outside (bring adequate clothing); 10:30 for all others.
Roll: 10:40 am sharp

Parking: There is limited parking at Dhammdharini. If there is not parking off Sturtevant Dr., you can also park at one of the following nearby sites:
Magnolia Park (cross Bodway Pkwy to access Weiss Ln)
1400 Valley House Dr parking lot (near Sally Tomatoes)
Sonoma State Univ parking lot F ($5 charge)

Shorter ride: Dhammadharini – Penngrove – Crane Canyon Rd – Pressley Rd
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46466444
(Ride with GPS map). Starting at Dhammadharini (Dd), we’ll ride (mostly bike paths) through Rohnert Park, climb Crane Canyon Rd, and descend Pressley Rd, and return to DD.

Longer ride: Dhammadharini – Penngrove – Sonoma Mountain
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51045883
(Ride with GPS map). Starting in Dd, we’ll ride through Rohnert Park, climb Crane Canyon Rd, continue on Grange Rd, Bennett Valley Rd, Warm Springs Rd, Sonoma Mtn Rd, Pressley Rd, and return to Dd.

Bonus Climb: Dhammadharini – Penngrove – Lichau Road
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46466427
(Ride with GPS map). nIf you’d like to add a higher level of climbing training to the ride, at the end there is a very beautiful, challenging climb on Lichau Road that you can add on as a bonus of 9 miles and 1,450 ft.

Dhammadharini Monastery is a monastic community upholding the Dhamma in the female form. It is a community inspired by the Theravada Forest and Insight traditions.

Note: While at the monastery, please respect the traditions of the monastics
and cover your knees and shoulders (wear modesty clothing).

This is a friendly, no-drop ride. There is no registration — just “Show and Go.” Riders must sign a Waiver of Liability (available at the ride). The ride is self-supported, so please bring your own fluids and fuel. Wear a helmet and carry ID. Check the weather forecast and monitor announcements on the WhatsApp channel.

Questions? Text Roger Burns, 415.497.4881, the ride leader.

18.6 mi, +1067 ft. Bike ride in Sonoma County, CA

05/06/2025

Our Fifth Community Ride of 2025!
Saturday May 17th, 2025
Marin County -- Mt Tam clockwise

For our 5th Community Ride of 2025, we use a climb of Mt. Tamalpais to hone our embrace of equanimity.

Distance: 39.3 miles
Elevation gain: 3,714 ft
Total Time: 5 hours more or less

Description:
Starting and ending at Mike's Bikes in Sausalito (along the bike path), the route circles around Mt Tam in a clockwise direction. It's all paved. The route starts climbing on the twisty residential streets of Mill Valley up to Panoramic Highway (mile 7.0). Then it's up Panoramic Highway, past Mountain Home Inn, and along to the Pantoll Ranger Station (mile 11.5) where there's water and a bathroom. Then the last bit of climbing to the Rock Springs trailhead/parking area (mile 13.0).

It’s not included in the route as mapped, but we have the option — and it’s only an option! — to continue up to the top of Mt Tam (and back) for some bonus miles.

And then the reward: a long swoopy downhill on Ridgecrest Drive, along through the Seven Sisters to the intersection with the Bolinas-Fairfax Road (mile 16.8). From there, it's more swoopy, twisty downhill under the tall redwoods, over Alpine Dam (mile 19.2) and up and down to Azalea Hill (mile 23.4). This is the last lump of elevation. From there, it's down to the town of Fairfax (mile 27.3) where we’ll take a little break for calories and caffeine. Options abound.

From Fairfax, it's back to Sausalito along multi-use paths and (mostly) low-traffic streets. Very flat.

Meet time: 9:45 am at Mike's Bikes
Roll time: 10:00 am
Route on ridewithgps: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50531640

This is a friendly, no-drop ride. No registration -- just “Show and Go." Riders are required to sign a Waiver of Liability that will be available the day of the ride from the lead. The ride is self-supported, so please bring your own fluids and fuel. We ask that all riders wear a helmet and carry ID. Lights front and back are strongly recommended.

Questions? Call or text Pete Gang, 707-338-7111

39.3 mi, +3714 ft. Bike ride in Marin County, CA

04/23/2025

Registration is Now Open for the 2025 Buddhist Bicycle Pilgrimage!

September 13-14

The BBP is a 2-day, 136 mile tour of spiritual sites north of San Francisco. It’s a unique adventure through some of the most beautiful bicycling country in America across the Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino counties.

We visit several Buddhist Centers along the way:

• Spirit Rock Mediation Center - Woodacre, CA
• Stone Creek Zen Center - Graton, CA
• City of 10,000 Buddhas - Ukiah, CA
• Abhayagiri Monastery - Redwood Valley, CA

We recently celebrated a year of joy, and this year's theme is Equanimity.

Participants offer food, supplies, service, monetary donations, and spiritual friendship for our journeys. There are no additional fees. You can divide time riding and volunteering. We welcome all religions and non-religions.

We are a community of novice, intermediate, and experienced cyclists. Some are advanced spiritual practitioners, and others are dipping their toes for the first time. We travel to spiritual destinations, supporting ourselves without fees. After fixed costs, 100% of your gifts go to the communities we visit.

Registration is limited to 100 volunteers and riders!

Register Here: www.bikereg.com/dharmawheels2025

Learn More Here: https://dharmawheels.org

03/28/2025

Our Fourth Community Ride of 2025!
Saturday April 26th, 2025
Sonoma County -- Kings Ridge loop

For our 4th Community Ride of 2025, we're in Sonoma County for a truly world-class ride: King Ridge to/from Duncans Mills! This ride digs deep into the wild, untamed reaches of Sonoma County -- from stately redwoods to the vastness of a big blue ocean. And, yes, there's a bit of climbing involved, but this is not a race!

Distance: 49.2 miles
Elevation gain: 5,100’
Total Time: Let's say 6 to 6-1/4 hours total time. (That's based on our experience doing this ride in August 2023. Total time depends on temperature, number and length of breaks, mechanical issues, phase of the moon, etc.)

Description: Starting in Duncans Mills, just a few miles inland from the mouth of the Russian River, we cruise flatly to the little town of Cazadero. There is water and a little general store in Cazadero. Then we follow King Ridge Road as it wends and climbs and descends through an amazing variety of landscapes. It's remote and beautiful.

At mile 23.6, we take a left on Hauser Bridge Road (with views of the gold domes of Odiyan Retreat Center), down the hill, across the bridge over the not-yet-mighty Gualala River, then back up to a water stop opposite Ratna Ling Retreat Center. We follow Seaview Road past Salt Point State Park, past tall trees and open fields.

At mile 34.5, we continue on Meyers Grade with its jaw-dropping views of the big ocean. We plunge down to Route One and continue down all the way to sea level, and thence through the little town of Jenner (mile 44.4 -- Cafe Aquatica: water, snacks, bathrooms). From Jenner, it's a few mostly flat miles back to Duncans Mills.

Meet outside the Gold Coast Bakery and Cafe in the tiny town of Duncans Mills.

Meet time: 9:45 am
Roll time: 10:00 am

Route on ridewithgps: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50490355

This is a friendly, no-drop ride. It's not an easy ride, but it's oh-so-worth-it! No registration -- just “Show and Go." Riders are required to sign a Waiver of Liability that will be available the day of the ride from the lead. The ride is self-supported, so please bring your own fluids and fuel. We ask that all riders wear a helmet and carry ID. Lights front and back are recommended. Weather forecast: we'll take what we get

Questions? Call or text Ride Leaders Pete Gang, 707-338-7111 or Roger Burns, 415-497-4881‬

49.4 mi, +5115 ft. Bike ride in Sonoma County, CA

03/07/2025

Our monthly Community Ride is headed inland this month! DharmaWheels is teaming up with Sacramento Dharma Center to offer a half day of riding in the central valley. The SDC has several distinct sanghas, all of which are invited to participate. DharmaWheels pilgrims will enjoy a nice break from winter conditions in the bay area.

The theme of the ride is offering service. We request that participants bring a new item of clothing or food to donate at an encampment of unhoused people where the ride will pause for 20 minutes. Small items like socks, beanies, and underwear. Food items such as soft gels and bars, or home-made PBJ sandwiches.

We'll begin with a standing meditation before rolling off, make use of a riding mantra during the ride, and enjoy a short meditation before the short and long routes split apart.

Date: March 22, 2025
Meet at 10:00am sharp, rolling at 10:15
Location: 3111 Wissemann Dr, Sacramento, CA 95826

Short route: 22 miles, about 2 hours with no access to the SDC building until 1:00pm.
Long route: 46 miles, about 4.5 hours.

Both routes start at Sacramento Dharma and go to old Sacramento. The short route returns to SDC, and the long route heads up to Old Fair Oaks Bridge.

Questions? Call or text the ride leaders:
Dave Mott 916.224.3444
Peter Crimmin 617.308.4974

https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/8420542030