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Sonoma and Napa Counties,
CA
Located
30 miles north of San Francisco, California
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Sonoma
and Napa Counties are world renowned for their spectacular
vineyards, food, and scenery. When you throw some
excellent riding into the picture you cannot go wrong
if you travel to this region for a bicycle getaway.
Between cruising through some of the best vineyards
in the world and hugging the Pacific Ocean on Highway
One this area makes for some unmatched road riding.
If
you would like to ride through the prestigious Napa
Valley, you can complete a simple 30 mile loop that
will take through vineyard after vineyard. For a nice
30 mile tour through Napa Valley, you can leave the
city of Napa and travel North on Highway 29. This
will take you right down the middle of Napa Valley.
After 15 miles of beauty turn right (East) on Highway
128. Go 2.8 miles to the Silverado Trail and head
South 15 miles back to Napa. This loop will take you
by some of the most respected wineries in the World.
Don't forget to stop and wine taste AFTER you ride.
Almost all wineries offer tasting and great deals
on wine and champagne. Total Ride: approx. 32 miles.
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If
the Pacific Ocean is on your mind, you can complete
a really beautiful ride in Sonoma County that will take
you on Highway One right along the ocean. There are
two short but challenging rides that are recommended
if you would like to see some redwoods and ocean.
Occidental,
CA is a good place to start the ride and it will take
you right to the ocean. You will witness this incredible
view (left) on your descent to the water. Coleman
Valley Road connects the quaint little town of Occidental
to the Pacific Ocean and descends straight down the
Coastal Mountains right onto Highway 1. This 9 mile
section is very challenging due to it's steep climbs
but the view atop of Coleman Valley Road is well worth
it. Once you get down to Highway One you can either
loop around South through Bodega Bay or you can turn
North and head towards the Russian River. Both of
these sections are relatively short so you won't have
to deal with too much of Highway One's pathetic shoulder
and traffic. Do this ride on a weekday. The two different
rides are as follows: Leave Occidental Westward on
Coleman Valley Road until you hit the Pacific Ocean.
This gives you two options.
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#1: If you go South you will travel about two miles
and pass through Bodega Bay. This beautiful place is
recognized best from Alfred Hitchcock's movie "The
Birds." Bodega Bay originated as a fishing community
and has developed into a vacation destination for many.
It's quiet and relaxing characteristic is what makes
it such an appealing place. This beautiful picture was
shot during a full moon in springtime. After passing
through Bodega Bay you will travel inland 5 miles (west)
to Bodega Highway make a left and ride through the very
small town of Bodega (different from Bodega Bay). Follow
Bodega Highway for 5 more miles and turn North on the
Bohemian Highway and ride 3.7 miles back to Occidental.
Total Ride: approx. 24 miles. |
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Option
#2: If you turn North at the bottom of Coleman Valley
Road you will travel up the coast towards the Russian
River which is about 7 miles away. The shoreline is
unreal along this stretch of Highway One. Huge cliffs
and tidepools make up most of the shoreline. However,
there are many small beaches and coves that always make
you think of stopping and having a bonfire on the beach. |
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you hit the Russian River you turn inland (East) and
travel 8.5 miles on Highway 116 to the town of Monte
Rio. Traveling up the Russian River is yet another wonderful
luxury. One second you are riding along the ocean and
the next you are engulfed by redwoods. After you hit
Monte Rio you turn South and head 6.2 miles back to
Occidental. Total Ride: approx. 30.2 miles. Any ride
in this region is very nice but remember to ride with
a partner and try to get as much riding done during
the week if you are going to ride on Highway One. |
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