Trinity / Mount Veeder / Napa

Today’s motley cycling crew met at Depot Park in the town of Sonoma and included Cassie, Gayle, Jean, Jen, John, Jon, Linda, Mark, Michael, Phil, Phillip, Rene, Sarah, Shaun, Steve, Theresa, and Will (along with Gary, Sarah, and Emily Burke on SAG). We departed Sonoma via Highway 12 making a gradual climb as we passed through the charming towns of Boyes Hot Springs, Fetters Hot Springs, and Agua Caliente. We took turns leading the speedy pace line and practicing our group riding technique until we arrived at Glen Ellen. The weather warmed up early and our riding group shed the extra jackets, arm warmers, and winter gloves in preparation for a big old climb. A noisy flock of turkeys greeted us as we turned onto the backside of Trinity Road. This high-grade 2,000 foot climb was part of February’s Tour of California Stage 1 Route. As we climbed up Trinity, the names of last month’s racers were still visible (spray painted by fans) on the road. It was encouraging to read, “Go Levi”, “Cancellara”, Cozza, Cozza, Cozza”, “Zabriskie’, and “Hincapie” below our wheels while we navigated our way uphill. The very thought that these world-class racers had just been here made the climb that much more special. The view from atop Trinity was almost as stunning as the screaming descent that followed. At times our downhill speeds reached in excess of 40 mph (Cassie took a little spill navigating the quick, winding descents, but is doing fine now). Our peloton continued on Dry Creek Road and Oakville Grade making our way into Yountville via Highway 29. We enjoyed the relatively flat, well-paved Napa County roads and continued our pace line practice while heading back onto Dry Creek Road in pursuit of our next climb. The temperature warmed significantly as we headed up Mount Veeder Road. With our legs now more acclimated to climbing, the 1,500 foot ascent up this monster seemed almost reasonable. Gayle, Theresa, Jennifer, and I chatted the whole way up. After our final SAG stop, we enjoyed another rollercoaster descent before making our way back to Napa Road via Sonoma Highway. Our peloton of 15 riders reconnected for a final (and dramatic) pace line effort into Sonoma County. We arrived at Depot Park just in time for a delicious potluck lunch to celebrate our climbing victory of 5,959 feet covering 58.7 miles. I feel so privileged to be with such a wonderful group of strong riders in Northern California’s cycling Mecca. Someboday pinch me!! Check out today's Garmin GPS ride details.