Birthdays, Bakeries, and Beauty!

Leslie, Rich, Marc, Len, and I met early this morning at Aroma Roasters to cycle through the West County and Marin. We began the day with a birthday song, candles, and cake for Rich (Happy Birthday, buddy). We navigated around the downtown construction, hopping on the Joe Rodota Trail out towards Sebastopol. It was a crisp morning and the path was crowded with weekend cyclists. Les and Rich peeled off from the group to pursue some birthday festivities. The rest of us cycled to Coffee Catz for a bathroom break and continued on the trail until downtown Graton. After refreshing at the Willow Wood Café, we were ready for our first climb of the day. We did the SRCC “speed-trap” beginning at Ross Road and ending at Tanuda/Facendini Junction up Graton Road. After a cool descent, we arrived in downtown Occidental only to find the Union Hotel Bakery closed, so we zoomed down the Bohemian Highway into Freestone, where we stopped for monster sticky buns and refreshments. These huge pastries must have weighed 3 pounds each. However, Len and I diligently completed the task of devouring a complete pastry between the two of us. Marc modestly sucked down a huge double chocolate scone (see photo). With our bellies full, we continued on, crossing the Marin County line admiring the beautiful landscapes, rolling hills, and an abundance of cows. I unsuccessfully tried to seduce the cows with loud “moos”. Finally, the weather started to warm up and we conquered the hills of Franklin School and Whittaker Bluff Roads. We made our way to Highway 1 and climbed into Sebastopol via Bloomfield Road. We passed several SRCC cyclists also doing a West County ride, chatting with their Peloton members as we parted company at Pleasant Hill Road. We continued through downtown Sebastopol merging via Highway 116 making our way back east to the Joe Rodota Trail. As we arrived back into Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square, we wished Marc the best as this was one of his last Sonoma County rides (boo-hoo). We’re going to miss you and we’ll remember today’s exuberant ride cycling nearly 60 miles in beautiful Northern California.

Lucas, Nicasio, Marin County Climbing

Today Marc, Rich, Len, Kirsten, and I departed from Marinwood for a climbing adventure. We started by taking a bunch of neighborhood back roads as we made our way into Lucas Valley. Our first climb up Lucas Valley Road was brutal; however the seven mile screaming descent that followed was quite rewarding. Len and Rich were “descending demons” reaching downhill speeds over 40 MPH. You guys are NUTS! We regrouped at Nicasio Valley Road as we made our way towards to the Reservoir. Nicasio Valley Road had some more substantial climbs and windy descents. Our peloton took a bakery break arriving in the quaint little town of Point Reyes. Several groups of cyclists converged downtown and colorful jerseys lined the streets. We were joined by one of Len’s friends, Bill, from the Santa Rosa Cycling Club (SRCC). After eating our pastries (I had a sticky bun- yummy), we hit the local Fire Station “facilities” and took Platform Bridge Road. We hiked up Olima, another monster hill, and briskly descended into Samuel P Taylor Park. We were met with an unexpected road diversion placing our peloton on a two mile gravel path through the park. We had a rendezvous with Steve, another SRCC member, who joined our growing group. With our tires full of trail dirt, the seven of us finally exited the park together onto Sir Frances Drake Blvd. This winding road was narrow, dark, and full of weekend traffic. We carefully navigated single file for another three miles before reaching the open roads of Nicasio. We embarked on several more climbs including a big ascent up Nicasio Valley Road. As we were climbing, a packed group of speeding cyclists passed us. Marc latched on to this swift professional peloton drafting tightly. I clocked their speed at about 37 MPH before their speed exceeded my ability to keep up. Way to go, Marc! Our group finally caught up at Lucas Valley Road for our final climb. The gradual seven mile hike uphill was worth the effort resulting in an abrupt three mile plunge until Las Gallinas. We navigated our way back to Kirsten’s house for delicious turkey sandwiches, hummus, chips, and chatter. Special thanks to our gracious host for a spectacular day in Marin County. We traveled over 51 miles and climbed our quads raw! Wahoo!

Sonoma Mountain Sebastopol Loop

It was a picture perfect summer day as Odessa, Marc, Len, Kirsten and I departed Santa Rosa for a new route adventure. Our cheerful peloton cycled to Bennett Valley towards our first climb up Sonoma Mountain. At the second plateau, our route directed us to Pressley Road for an unexpected sharp ascent followed by an exhilarating 3 mile plunge screaming downhill until reaching Petaluma Hill Road. We made our way into downtown Cotati, briefly stopping for restrooms, Gu, and water (see photo). Our group explored some new cycling territory including Petersen, Blank, and Canfield Roads, encountering moderate rolling climbs with scenic “traffic-free” descents. However, galloping deer and stubborn turkeys crossed our path several times. We furthered our journey west towards Sebastopol via Bloomfield and Pleasant Hill Roads. Kirsten kept asking, “are we getting close to the food, yet?” The route took us through some beautiful, back road, west county neighborhoods, with gingerbread homes on freshly paved streets. We navigated our way onto a maze of streets including Lynch, McFarlane, Hayden, and Litchtield Avenues, temporarily losing Kirsten and Marc. After a brief stint on Highway 116, we turned onto the Joe Rodota Trail as we coasted into Coffee Catz for some badly needed goodies. To our surprise, Kirsten and Marc had already arrived at the coffee shop, taking their own off-route detour; those cheaters! We enjoyed some sweets, sun, and repartee, and then our rejuvenated peloton headed back home via Eddie, High School, Occidental, Sanford, and Hall Roads. We laughed after observing an elevated “air-mail” box positioned high above a local farmhouse. We continued onto Fulton Road connecting with the Santa Rosa Creek Trail. As we approached historic Railroad Square, we noticed balloon covered streets marking the Heritage Day Celebration, which was in full swing. Before officially concluding our trek, we stopped at East/West Restaurant for lunch and then onto Yogurt Farms for their famous $1 ice cream cones. It was another beautiful day to be cycling with friends in Sonoma County. Our journey took us 44 miles and 1,200 feet of climbing (and 1,200 calories, too). Wahoo!

Check out the elevation profile for Sonoma Mountain