Peder's First Time

This morning Peder, Odessa, and I ventured out on the classic Vineyard Tour (covering Windsor, Healdsburg, and Geyserville). This was Peder's first time on Chalk Hill Road and he climbed it like a rocket! Odessa is getting so good at these hills that once we reached Alexander Valley Road, she agreed to "take on" Pine Flat (one of Sonoma County's toughest climbs; http://www.srcc.com/profiles_html/pine_flat_rd.HTM ). Without knowing what was ahead, the three of us ventured up Pine Flat Road. The higher we climbed, the more beautiful the view. The scenery was spectacular and we were able to ride 5.1 miles uphill before "maxing out" (nearly 1,400 feet). However, we will return to finish climbing this monster! After a super-speedy downhill ride, we rode into Healdsburg and stopped for enormous focaccia sandwiches at the Oakville Grocery - we were starving! It was a great day, with no flat tires, and we rode 72.56 miles (that's a metric Century + 10 miles)! Nice work, kids!

Congratulations, Peder, for accomplishing such a tough ride and welcome to the Peloton!

Crane Canyon At 42 MPH

Rich Gregori and I embarked on an afternoon hill climbing ride today. We starting with a seven mile, non-stop ascent beginning at Bennett Valley, going on into a very steep grade at Grange that peaked (finally) at Crane Canyon. It was a clear day and we could see Sugar Loaf Ridge, Hood Mountain, and Bennett Mountain - truly beautiful. At an elevation of over 780 ft, Rich decided to speed down Crane Canyon Road at 42 MPH (the speed limit for cars is only 30 MPH). Odessa, you would have freaked out if you saw his "xtreme speed" decent. Finally, I caught up to Rich at Petaluma Hill Road (at the outskirts of Rohnert Park). We then traveled back into the Santa Rosa City limits, through the fairgrounds, and back home - 22 miles!

On Petaluma Hill Road, Rich did take a spill (into a boulder wall) after attempting to "sweep his tire" with his glove, while riding his bike! Luckily, just a little road rash and a bruised ego! The moral of that story; "clean your tires when the bike is not moving".

Awesome Ride! Welcome to the Peloton, Dude!

Extended Vineyard Tour

This morning Odessa, Marc, and I departed Santa Rosa at 6:30am for the "Extended Vineyard Tour" covering Windsor, Healdsburg, Jimtown, and Geyserville. This cycling trip took us through some nice climbs (Chalk Hill, Canyon, and Westside Roads). The weather was perfect and the views spectacular. We passed tons of vineyards and kept traveling north (reaching just 9 miles shy of Cloverdale) before heading back home for a total of 68 miles - Wahoo! I'm attaching some photos of Odessa from today's ride (in Geyserville and on Westside Road). Get ready, Marie- you're next!

Leslie, we missed your nagging hydration reminders, but can't wait for you to join us again! Get well soon!

Marie Goes To Sebastopol

This morning, Odessa, Marie, and I went for an inaugural ride to Sebastopol. We embarked on the Joe Rodota Trail from Santa Rosa. It was a chilly AM ride, but Marie was up, cycling, and comfortable on her Trek 5000 (formerly Erin's) in no time! We arrived in Sebastopol and headed right to Coffee Catz for Almond Lattés and Biscotti. You'll find a photo attached of today's "happy campers" at our final destination.

Marie, we are SO PROUD that you joined us today on our ride to the West County!

Welcome to the Peloton, girl . . .

Odessa Doubles Chalk Hill

I just finished a double Chalk Hill/Windsor ride with Odessa and she rocked! We started out at Esposti Park (Shiloh/Old Redwood) and proceeded to Faught, Chalk Hill, Alexander Valley Road and looped back over Chalk Hill - 26 miles! Lots of elevation! Wahoo!

Odessa was a real trouper going up Chalk Hill Road and practically kicked my butt on the 'difficult' side never stopping once (or complaining). Odessa is now ready for clips and the Sebastopol ride to Occidental/Valley Ford (via Graton Road - Yikes!).

Any takers for the Sebastopol/Valley Ford ride this Saturday? Welcome to the Peloton, Odessa!

GuBoy