Touring * Slalom *

From Interstate 880 in the city of Fremont, take the Highway 84 West/Dumbarton Bridge exit. Leave Highway 84 at the Thornton Boulevard exit before reaching the toll plaza. Go left (south) about a quarter of a mile to Marshlands Road. This is the entrance to the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge. Turn right and park at the visitors center. From eastbound Highway 84, exit at Thornton Boulevard after crossing the Dumbarton Bridge. Turn right and proceed to Marshlands Road and the wildlife refuge, as described above.

The Dumbarton Bridge is the only bridge crossing the San Francisco Bay that can be skated, and on a clear day, the view from the top is great. You can see from one end of the bay to the other, including San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco, and even Marin.

To cross the bridge, start at the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center, where there are exhibits about local flora and fauna, along with historical information about the original Native American residents and early settlers. Follow the bicycle lane on lightly traveled Marshlands Road toward the San Francisco Bay. The pavement is rough but skatable. Starting on a moderate downslope, the road becomes flat as it approaches the bridge. Since 1993, from April to September, Marshlands Road has been closed to vehicular traffic to protect nesting shore birds. During nesting time, the entire road can be used for skating.

After 2.5 miles, the path veers right and climbs to the bridge across the bay waters. If you continue on Marshlands Road an additional third of a mile, you'll reach the fishing pier, which is actually part of the old bridge. The center section of the old bridge was once a drawbridge, and today the warning bell for that drawbridge is mounted on a monument near the foot of the pier. Unfortunately, the pier itself has a gravel surface and is unsuitable for skating.

Back at the bridge crossing access, be prepared for a fairly steep, 0.9-mile climb up and across on a path separated from traffic by a low barrier. Traffic here is close, fast, and loud. Return the way you came, being careful to control your speed on the descent. You can also continue on down the west side of the bridge toward Menlo Park (see the Related Tour below).

Note: There is often a strong wind blowing off the bay, especially on spring and summer afternoons. This invariably means that one direction of the tour is likely to be against the wind. Confidence next to six lanes of fast-moving cars and a firm grip on the heel brake are also necessary to enjoy the bridge part of this route.

• Bayfront Trail/ Dumbarton Bridge