Cavedale/Trinity/Napa/Spring Mountain

Winter is definitely coming! Dressed in multiple layers to protect us from the 40 degree starting weather, Paul, Leslie, and I cycled to Channel Drive via Howarth park, making our way through Oakmont and Pythian Roads. Our legs began to warm as we climbed Highway 12, Lawndale, and Schultz Road, where Paul got managed to get the day’s only flat tire (thanks to Leslie for the spare tube and CO2 cartridge). After a quick change, our peloton rode through historic Glen Ellen via the Warm Spring ascent to Arnold Drive. We stopped for scones and brownies at the corner coffee shop where we also met up with MJ (Paul’s wife) who graciously agreed to come and deliver his forgotten camelback. Special kudos to MJ for the super SAG support. Our gang continued towards Highway 12, turning left onto Cavedale Road. We shed our layered cycling clothes as we embarked on this 2,000+ foot climb. The sun came out revealing gorgeous views of Sugarloaf Ridge as we made our way past several 14% grades. The three of us stayed together for the duration of the 7 mile climb, comparing heart rates, chatting, and enjoying the now-beautiful weather (see photo). We arrived at Trinity Road for a minor uphill before enjoying the smooth descent to Dry Creek Road. We passed hoards of exhausted cyclists pedaling in the opposite uphill direction as we enjoyed the screaming descent of Oakville Grade. The Napa valley views were spectacular as we achieved speeds of nearly 40 mph towards Highway 29. We stopped at the corner restaurant (former the Ugly Cow Café), where we shared a delicious Mexican Torta and refilled our water bottles (see lovely picture of Leslie). The rich, thick Napa vineyards on Oakville Cross Road were full of deep blue ripe grapes (photo). We continued onto the flats of Silverado Trail, where we pace lined averaging 20+ mph passing countless wineries and other cyclists. We arrived in St. Helena, stopping at the local park for water. Leslie, Paul, and I rode through charming downtown St. Helena before hitting Madrona Road onto Spring Mountain. This nasty 5.5 mile ascent, climbs thousands of feet through two counties. However, we cycled with strong resolve up the winding roads, hairpin turns, and crazy 15% grades. With a great sense of accomplishment, we enjoyed the cool six mile downhill of St. Helena Road before it turned into the tricky navigation of Calistoga. We finished our ride via Sonoma Highway back home. According to my Garmin GPS computer, we climbed exactly 7,481 feet and traveled 66.94 miles. It was another incredible day cycling with great friends in Northern California. Wahoo!