Put down the laptop bag and unrack your mountain or road bike—these short, urban bike rides are the perfect escape from your nine-to-five.

Grizzly Peak Ascent (3.3 mi., Berkeley)

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After a long, sedentary day slogging behind a keyboard, a strenuous lower-body workout may be just as physically cathartic as it is mentally beneficial. Begin at the intersection of Claremont Avenue and Tanglewood Road, and follow Claremont northeast, through the Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, to merge onto Grizzly Peak Road. Ride until the road intersects with Lomas Cantadas, then relax and catch your breath, maybe check your Fitbit, and enjoy the downhill back. // Ride details

Pro tip: Performing simple pre-ride stretches like calf and quad bends can help mitigate strain-related injuries.

The Bay Bridge Trail (8 mi., Emeryville)

Now stretching 4.05 miles each way courtesy of the new 2.2-mile East Span leg that was added late last year, the Bay Bridge Trail offers an urban out-and-back cycling odyssey from Emeryville to Yerba Buena Island. There are three public access points in Emeryville, as well as a weekend public shuttle available to SF-based cyclists leaving from Treasure Island. However, to experience the trail in its entirety, start by the IKEA, just off Shellmound Street, and travel westward. // Ride detailsPro Tip: Park at Powell Street Shopping Plaza!

Climb Campus (1.1 mi., Berkeley)

Close out Chrome and fasten your cycling shoes—you're taking on Berkeley's lactic-acid inducing landscape. Starting at Shattuck and Hearst Avenues, pedal at a comfortable pace up Hearst before turning onto Bayard Rustin Way. (Word to the wise: It's hella easy to miss, so don't lose yourself in your playlist just yet.) About a half-mile after the turn, veer onto University Drive, and then take a sharp left onto Gayley Road. Follow Piedmont Avenue toward Cal Memorial Stadium to reach the pinnacle of your ascent, then double back. // Ride details

Pro Tip: Post-ride stretches are also important. Focus on your hamstrings, neck and shoulders to speed your recovery time.

Land's End (4 mi., San Francisco)

Mountain bikers, rejoice—this one's for you. At four miles round trip, the Land's End bike trail will have you switching gears faster than a Millennial can refresh her Instagram feed. Beginning at Land's End Eagle Point (LEEP), set off on the eponymous trail till it eventually becomes the Coastal Trail. Follow the trail—it eventually becomes Lands End Trail again via a sharp left at the parking lot. Then, it's just a matter of following your metaphorical bread crumbs back to LEEP. // Ride detailsPro Tip: This route has some rough, rocky patches and loose gravel; take sharp turns with caution.

The Great Highway Bike Path (2.7 mi., San Francisco)

Without a shadow of a doubt, the Great Highway Bike Path is, er, great. Laid with smooth, level asphalt, the linear 2.7-mile path will carry you down the Great Highway from Fulton Street almost to the San Francisco Zoo; double back at Sloat Boulevard. You'll soak in sublime ocean views along the way. Say ahh. // Ride detailsPro Tip: Be alert of your surroundings—the Great Highway Bike Path also has heavy foot traffic.

(Courtesy of Gig Car Share)

Need a car to get you to the start of the trail? Gig Car Share promises super flexible access to a ride, with affordable rates by the mile, hour, or day. Just download the app, hop in a Gig, and get going—the car is fully tricked out with a bike rack, gas, and it even comes with insurance (restrictions and limitations apply) and 24/7 support. When you've left the day in your dust, hop back in the car and park it almost anywhere in the Oakland or Berkeley HomeZone. You'll be home with your feet up before you know it. // gigcarshare.com

(Special thanks to our partners at Gig Car Share)