Vineyard Touring, Climbs & 4 Flats!

It was a cool morning when my co-worker, Jarrad, and I departed on a wine country journey covering dozens of vineyards and several cities. The freshly planted grapes on Faught Road were beginning to sprout as we ascended our way towards Chalk Hill Road. This was Jarrad’s first time road climbing and he scrambled up the 565 foot hill without any problem (particularly good considering he had neither clipless pedals nor cycling gear). The Alexander Valley was beautiful with hardly any traffic. We made our way to Jimtown, stopping at the country store for spiced nuts and water refills. We continued through Geyserville and I experienced two flat tires on Healdsburg Avenue. After using both our spare tubes, we concluded that my actual tire was slashed and needed replacing. Using Jarrad’s patch kit, we temporarily mended my bulging tire and cautiously rode to the Spoke Folk Cyclery in downtown Healdsburg for a replacement. After a lunch break of focaccia sandwiches and cookies at the Oakville Grocery, we continued our journey towards Windsor. Just as the sun began to heat up, Jarrad’s back tire exploded and we pulled to the side of the road (once again) to patch his tube.

As we headed back onto Healdsburg Avenue, my brand new tire popped and, for the fourth time today, we fixed a flat. With our fingers crossed, we turned onto Arata and made the distressing slow climb up Hembree Lane. We finally proceeded home via Old Redwood Highway, observing many cyclists who were also enjoying picturesque Sonoma County. It as a beautiful day to be cycling, despite four flat tires! We rode 50 miles, climbing nearly 1,000 feet. Great job, Jarrad, and welcome to the peloton!!

Check out the Chalk Hill Road elevation chart