Curious how the Bay Area Ridge Trail is coming along? So was Napa Valley chef Don Nolan. Don took off one day to find out, and thirteen days later he had his answer. On Thursday, July 12, Don will be at The Marin Museum of Bicycling to share his unique Bay Area nature-and-landscape experience, with an illustrated talk and Q&A.

The Ridge Trail is a grand vision, a cycling and hiking route along the ridges that circle San Francisco Bay—with all of the complex access challenges that vision implies, in a fantastic variety of natural settings with ever-changing, stunning views and priceless moments away from it all. So far, 330 miles of the loop is complete. Many connecting sections of trail, 180 miles’ worth, still need to be created. Don is the first to ride the full circle, 550 miles with a total altitude gain of 68,000 feet. Along the way he met up with Ridge Trail advocates and did live updates, to raise awareness of the route and the abundance of “nearby nature” in the Bay Area. His ride shows a world-class cycle-touring loop of the future, and plenty that’s ready to ride now, right out the door. Don will follow his show with a Q&A. Also on hand will be Maureen Gaffney of the nonprofit Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, and Phil Watkins of REI, which supplied and equipped Don’s bike.

Tickets can be purchased in advance here or at the Marin Museum of Bicycling (11:00 am – 5:00 pm Thursdays-Sundays) or at the door the evening of the event. Advance purchase is recommended. All proceeds benefit the Marin Museum of Bicycling. Not a member yet? Joining or renewing is easy – click here.

Doors open at 6:15 pm; show starts at 7:00 pm. Seating is limited, and advance tickets do not reserve seats, so please arrive early to get your seat and to enjoy museum displays. Bring your tickets (paper or e-confirmation) for faster check-in. Refreshments will be available starting at 6:15 pm.

***Tickets will be available at the door until showtime unless/until the show is sold out. Please arrive before 6:30 pm, to have the best chance to get a seat. Online ticket sales end at 5:00 pm the day of the show. ***