• Difficulty: 1 out of 10
• Terrain: Paved road
• Type: Road, Mountain, e-bike
• Elevation: 0 ft climbing (flat)

Meeting Location:

Lunch at Gott’s Roadside Cafe (in the Town and Country shopping center)
855 El Camino Real #65
Palo Alto, CA

Before the tour, we will meet at Gott’s Roadside Cafe for lunch. At 12:30pm, we begin the ride to see the sculptures and gardens on the Stanford campus. Herb Fong, who was the Head of Horticulture at Stanford for 30 years, has agreed to ride with us and give his insights into the unique trees and gardens on the campus. We will visit many of the world class sculptures on public display. This bike tour promises a blend of art and nature as we explore captivating sculptures that dot the landscape.

Highlights of the Tour:

1. The Stanford Mausoleum: Our first stop is shrouded in mystery and history. The Mausoleum whispers secrets of the past, and its elegant architecture will leave you spellbound.

2. Arizona Cactus Garden: Pedal through this desert oasis, where spiky cacti stand tall against the California sun. Feel the arid breeze as you admire these resilient plants.

3. Rodin’s Masterpieces: The Gates of Hell and Burghers of Calais: Channel your inner artist as we gaze upon these iconic sculptures. Rodin’s expressive figures seem to leap out of bronze, telling tales of passion, struggle, and triumph.

4. Pars pro Toto by Alicia Kwade: Prepare to be puzzled! This mind-bending installation challenges your perception of space and reality. Is it a sculpture or a portal to another dimension? You decide!

5. The Lost Birds Project by Todd McGrain: Listen closely—can you hear the wings flutter? These bronze birds commemorate extinct species, urging us to protect our feathered friends.

6. Hello by Xu Zhen: Say “ni hao” to this whimsical creation! Xu Zhen’s giant waving hand invites you to engage, connect, and perhaps even strike up a conversation with fellow cyclists.

7. Stone River by Andy Goldsworthy: Nature meets art in this flowing masterpiece. Marvel at the balance of rugged stones, water, and time. It’s a reminder that beauty emerges from the simplest elements.

8. Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden: Immerse yourself in tribal traditions. These wooden sculptures tell stories of ancient rituals, ancestors, and the interconnectedness of all life.

9. The Stanford Columns by Beverly Pepper: These towering steel columns defy gravity. As you pedal past, feel their energy—bold, resilient, and reaching for the sky.

10. The White Memorial Fountain by Aristids Demetrios: Our grand finale! Cool off by this majestic fountain. Its cascading water symbolizes renewal, unity, and the joy of shared experiences.

Remember, this isn’t just a bike ride—it’s a rolling gallery where every pedal stroke unveils a new masterpiece. So grab your helmet, pack your curiosity, and let’s pedal into a world where art and nature collide!

Stanford Campus Map: https://campus-map.stanford.edu/

The MIT Club of Northern California and organizers do not assume any responsibility for any personal injuries or property damage suffered during this event. Cycling is a sport that has inherent risks. Each participant is entirely responsible for being aware of these risks and taking necessary precautions. Every cyclist must wear a helmet. We require that all cyclists submit a signed liability waiver, which we will provide to those who RSVP.