Bay Area: Briones Regional Park (Martinez, CA)

[rdprdp01]

Briones Regional Park has a rich history, with twists and turns as magnificent as the views. In 1829, Felipe Briones built a home on land he did not own. The Indians he displaced did not attempt to reclaim it. Native Americans understood they could not win a war because the Mexicans were better armed. Instead, they waged guerrilla warfare, allowing Briones to raise cattle and horses, which they often stole with great enthusiasm. They knew the rugged terrain and staged raids with great success. In a fit of desperation, Felipe pursued a group of raiders into the hills to retrieve his stolen animals. The natives seized the moment and killed him. What no one imagined was how formidable his grieving widow, Maria, could be. Within two years of his death, she secured a deed from the Mexican government for the ranch, had that deed validated by the United States Supreme Court in 1860, when California became a state, and found an unspoken détente with the Native Americans that enabled her family to prosper while the Native Americans navigated the complexities of the Mission System, riding "her" horses and eating "her" cattle.

Briones Regional Park is a great motorcycle destination, offering what I consider the best views of the East Bay. You can see incredible 360-degree panoramic views deep into the Sacramento Delta and out to the North Bay. On an exceptionally clear day, the vistas can even extend all the way across the Central Valley to the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains. In the spring, the grasslands are adorned with yellow, purple, and orange wildflowers. Sadly, I am plant-challenged and can’t tell you their names, but I can tell you they are breathtakingly beautiful. Hawks and eagles also make appearances in the early morning and early evening. The land is pristine every day of the year.

There are no pubs or coffee shops or places to eat. If you want to eat, bring snacks. But Briones Regional Park offers walkable trails and fantastic facilities for hikers. The various summits rise 1,000 ft above where you park your motorcycle. Most grades are under 8%, though a few are steeper for brief stretches. The paths twist and turn like the road that leads you there. Essential facilities are clean and functional. In my long history in the East Bay, I have never seen bad behavior from the ranchers, cyclists, hikers, motorcyclists, researchers, and nature lovers who visit regularly. While many people have lost faith in government agencies, the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) commands the respect of the citizens it truly serves. It manages over 126,809 acres of parklands across 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and 1,330 miles of trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The district holds a pristine historical legacy as a pioneer in urban land preservation and maintains an exceptional public and financial reputation.

For those who just want a nice ride, there are two ways to reach Briones Regional Park: small country roads with little traffic, or I-680, a major thoroughfare with free express lanes for motorcyclists. Even at 65 MPH, the views are stunning. Your CB1100 will handle either route well. For those inclined to take the rural ride, I recommend resting your hand on the brake lever and keeping a slightly higher RPM than usual. You may need to stop or swerve quickly on narrow roads to accommodate cyclists, animals, and drivers entering the road. For those who prefer the Interstate, I strongly discourage lane splitting on I-680. The Interstate is well maintained, but heavy winds, big trucks, and distracted drivers are common.

I took the rural route to Briones Regional Park to get into the right mindset to experience nature. I returned via I-680 to share with you the Interstate experience and the ease of accessing the Park. As with all things in the East Bay, check your route before you leave. Accidents, crosswinds, heavy trucks, and maintenance can wreak havoc with the best-laid plan. I use 511 Traffic Alert to check current conditions and adjust as necessary.

For those who also want to hike, I have found motorcycle boots adequate because the paths are so well maintained. There are some climbs, but the ascents are less than 1,000 ft. After all, cattle still graze on the Briones Pasture, and true cowboys care for them now just like back in the day. Thankfully, the gunfights have given way to a sense of grandeur. Hope you enjoy the pictures. Ride safe and enjoy your weekend. David


Route




Rural Route









Briones Regional Park



















Park Facilities







I-680 Commute

[pdedse]

Awesome! That is a happy looking rider in the video. Lovely photos as well.

[peterbaron]

I think I know this rider and his bike 

[Cooldrum305]

Great pics of Briones Park! I lived in Oakland and would ride Through Berkeley to Tilden park and out to San Pablo Dam road and hook on to Bear Creek road to Briones park. I enjoyed the rural peacefulness there. I was a public safety dispatcher for EBRP district and there are many parks to explore and enjoy nature. Thanks for sharing!

[rdprdp01]

Thank you for your service, Colldrum305, and for the fine work you did to protect and serve a national treasure. It is a great legacy. David

[Gone in 60]

I really need to get up there!