Napa County Vineyard Climbing

The day started out sunny and cold as our group met at Lyman Park in beautiful St. Helena. Our Napa County riders included Adam B, Cassie F, Gayle R, Jean W, Jen J, John, John S, Linda N, Mark T, Michael B, Michael K, Phil R, Phillip B, Rene H, Sarah B, Sigrida R, Steve G, Theresa T and me. The first several miles were relatively flat as we took off onto Silverado Trail with a moderate climb up Sage Canyon Road. The gradual ascent continued on Lower Chiles Valley with scenic vineyards displaying their twisted and empty pre-season vines. The temperature began to warm as we hit our first SAG stop (perfect timing to shed some unwanted jackets). As always, Gary spoiled us with a variety of chips, powders, gels, bars, and water (along with Sarah, Emily, and Pearl). We continued our ride with a nice pace line through magnificent Pope Valley before beginning the next climb. We shifted gears to take on the gradual 3-1/2 mile ascent up Ink Grade Road. Our peloton split into several riding groups as we conscientiously cycled to an elevation of nearly 2,000 feet. I spent most of my time alongside Gayle, Michael, and Adam (who is a climbing monster). At the top, we briefly enjoyed the panoramic Napa County view before a screaming descent into the town of Angwin via White Cottage Road. The speedy downhill continued, reaching speeds of 35+ mph, as we made our way back into St. Helena over Pope Street to our starting point in Lyman Park. A few of us satisfied our appetites with a delicious lunch stop at The Red Hen Cantina in Napa (consequently replacing every calorie that we just burned). However, it was an exceptional day to cycle nearly 40 miles and climb 3,596 feet with such great riders; truly Northern California at its best! Go Team!

Check out our GARMIN GPS maps, elevation chart, and ride stats.

The Occidental Tourist

It was a chilly morning as our gang (Cassie, Steve, Jen, Mark, Renee, Eric, John, Jean, Shaun, Sarah, Phil, Gayle, Graham, and Mike) met at Santa Rosa’s Finley Center for an inaugural team ride. After a brief orientation on cycling skills, we departed by making a 14 rider pace-line towards Graton via Guerneville Road. The first two climbs of Green Valley and Harrison Grade were moderate and tolerable particularly with the crisp weather. We made our way into the town of Occidental via a speedy descent on Graton Road (reaching speeds of 35+ mph). The sun began to shine and many of us shed the warm clothing layers at our SAG car (thanks, Gary). After a brief rest, we left West Sonoma County with a straight shot up Occidental Road for about eight miles. The rolling hills were picturesque as we made our way past Sebastopol in team formation. We approached our Santa Rosa destination via Hall, Fulton, and West College Roads. It was a beautiful day to cycle 37+ miles and climb 2,800 feet with such a motivated crew - life in paradise! Check out the Garmin GPS ride details.